Timbuk2 really brought it home with the Timbuk2 Stork Messenger Bag diaper bag.  Finally a diaper bag that isn’t lame.  Let’s face it, at some point most of us will have kids and we no longer have to succumb to bags that suck.

Timbuk2 Stork Messenger Bag Features

    
• Durable ballistic nylon exterior
• Machine washable (Hallelujah!). Remove the changing pad, wash on a gentle cycle with mild soap and hang dry
• Waterproof TPU liner with tough guy tricycle print
• True Fit cam buckle eliminates daily fit adjustments, gifting you precious seconds back into your life
• Grab strap for easy lifting
• Internal water bottle and bottle bottle pockets. A cold one for you, a hot one for mini-me
• Padded removable changing pad with an external, stretchy pacifier pocket, two internal mesh diaper pockets and one clear zippy pocket for dirty dogs
• Slightly padded internal slash pocket against the back wall for the stashing the changing pad, magazines, laptops or ipads (in a sleeve)
• Clear three-zip front organizer help the sleep deprived find what they need like now
• Napoleon side entry zipper pocket for grabbing keys or small magical toys without opening the messenger flap
• Internal zip organizer for storing adult and baby accessories
• Red key tether clips your keys or pacifier in place
• Vista loop for blinky lights (or baby monitors)
• Cross Strap for stabilization included
• Coordinating Strap Pad included
• Price:  $139

Timbuk2 Stork Messenger BagReview

The first thing you’ll notice is the Timbuk2 Stork Messenger Bag looks like a regular messenger bag on the outside.  Not to sound like the person says “its what on the inside that counts” but the inside of the Stork is awesome.  Timbuk2 put a lot of time, effort, research, and planning to knock it out of the park with the Stork.

Holy pockets galore!  Timbuk2 put in pockets, the added more pockets, then added a few more just for fun.  There is literally a place for everything.  My favorite pockets (my wife’s too) are the clear zipper pockets.  The “bottle bottle” pocket is lightly insulated to help keep the bottles warm. Then more pockets to help keep you organized. Now if only you could remember where you put the pacifier…

I had mixed feelings on the changing pad.  It’s large and very cushy which makes changing diapers a nicer job.  Where I found the pad fell short was when it was packed with diapers or wipes.  I could fit two size 1 diapers and a thin plastic wipe container.  With just those few things the Velcro barely closed.  I like to carry more than 2 diapers in a changing pad.  The changing pad does have a couple of nice features:  a carry handle to take it solo, a stretchy pocket for keys or pacifier, and a long, clear zippered pocket.  The pocket does face the same space issue.  If you put much into it the Velcro won’t close.

The Stork is also a great size.  You can fit a ton in it, but when it’s empty it doesn’t look bulky.  Our latest addition is twin girls and we can fit everything we need for a day about with the twins plus some items for the big sisters in the Stork plus have some room to spare.

When fully loaded the wide strap and matching shoulder pad keep the Stork riding comfortably.  Of course, being a Timbuk2 bag it rides exceptionally well when carried via bike.

My wife commented on wishing it came in different colors…I like that it doesn’t look like a typical diaper bag.  I love the inside fabric. The tricycles help round out the looks and add a little fun to the design.

The Good

• Pockets galore
• Well thought out features
• Great design and looks

The Bad

• Changing pad falls short on carrying diaper and wipes
• Only in black

Bottom Line:

Best diaper bag, EVER!  Timbuk2 really knocked it out of the park.

Buy Now: Pick up the Timbuk2 Stork Messenger Bag

The Timbuk2 Shotwell Backpack can haul more than you think. What seems like a smaller pack can mysteriously pack everything you need for a day at work, school, or errands. The Shotwell is lightweight, voluminous, waterproof, and made with the usual Timbuk2 high standard of quality.

Timbuk2 Shotwell Backpack Features

• Material: Lightweight Mission6 nylon, TPU
• Volume: 20 L
• Pack Dimensions: 11.8 x 20 x 5 in
• Laptop Pocket Size: 12.4 x 17.5 in (Fits most 15″ laptops)
• Ergnomic Shoulder Straps
• 3 external zippered pockets
• Internal organizer pockets
• External water bottle/u-lock pocket
• Bottle opener
• Super secret stash pocket
• Price: $79.95

Timbuk2 Shotwell Backpack Review

When the Timbuk2 Shotwell Backpack first arrived I thought there was no way that I’d be able to use it for my daily commute to work. Once I started loading it up I felt like the guy in the movies packing the bottomless bag.

Starting with the outside: the Shotwell features three zippered pockets. The bottom pocket is meant for your laptop power supply, I found it perfect for my repair kit, pump, and bungees. The two upper pockets are perfect for lights, sunglasses, or small items of the like. The one water bottle pocket remains empty for me but it would fit a standard bike bottle or a small u-lock. I have a larger u-lock and no amount of cramming could get it in (nor would I have had the confidence in it staying there if I could have gotten it in). They also have a strap for you to slide on a rear light for the extra nighttime visibility. The backpanel gives just enough padding so your laptop isn’t uncomfortable against your back. The big downfall is sweaty back. There’s very little breathing with this one.

The shoulder straps strike the right balance between padding and comfort. They are just thick enough without creating mirco sweat-forests underneath. They also feature the signature bottle opener and straps for accessory pockets.

Inside is where the money is. The stretch laptop sleeve will hold your 15″ laptop securely but it isn’t fully padded so careful how you load everything else. The big open pocket just keeps eating up your gear. So far I’ve managed to cram in my laptop, running shoes, running clothes, lunch and snacks, my u-lock and cable, and a couple of books.

The inner organizer features the usual pen/pencil slots, a couple of open pockets, and a big zippered pocket.

Timbuk2 nailed the style of the Shotwell. It’s a mellow design without looking like it came from home ec class. It still keeps the Timbuk2 style but it’s nice enough that you could wear it into the office without your boss nagging you about not looking “professional”.

Overall the Timbuk2 Shotwell is a solid choice for an all-around pack for your daily rides whether that’s to work, school, or around town.

The Good

• Compact looking design that can fit a lot
• Lots of pockets to keep you organized
• Great Style

The Bad

• Sweaty Back

Bottom Line:

It’d be hard to go wrong with the Timbuk2 Shotwell. Great pack for daily use.

Buy Now: Pick up the Timbuk2 Shotwell Backpack

Spring has officially sprung, although in some parts of the country old man winter is still  hanging around.  When the seasons change typically you’ll find me lusting over the latest gear. A good rule of thumb is to go through what you have and donate a few things to make room for a few new pieces.  Trying to pare down a Top 3 list for Spring wasn’t an easy task, there’s a ton of new gear to be had out there. You’ll find my picks are everyday life staples for Spring and beyond.

3.  Scrunchie Tote from Timbuk2 MSRP: $80

• Because one can never have too many bags.  Ladies you can relate, each bag has a different purpose in life and the Scrunchie Tote is one of those GREAT everyday bags. Since it’s from Timbuk2 I can guarantee you’ll get miles out of this bag. Although, I’m not too keen on the name as it reminds me of  the 80′s hair scrunchie, it’s still a perfect fit for ladies on the go. So what would I use it for you ask? Everything!  Work, gym, farmer’s market, carry-on and so much more. It’s too new for fun funky colors, but I’m digging on potrero as it’s sure to match any outfit.

Details:

• A roomy all-around gear bag that cradles your yoga mat and looks good doing it.
• Refined weave ballistic nylon exterior with a stylish printed graphic liner.
• Exterior slash pockets for quick access and hidden zipper pocket for safe keeping.
• Waterproof TPU base so your gear stays dry, even on a damp gym floor.
• Key tether to keep you locked in.
• Zip top closure gives you the option to be super secure or casually closed.

2.  Aura Sunglasses from Smith Optics/ MSRP: $129

• Living in Tahoe you can’t leave the house without your trusty sunglasses.  It’s also handy to have sunglasses for specific occasions. The Smith Aura is more of  the fun weekend warrior type. They’re  also not only  functional but fashionable. Remember I usually opt for functional fashion. Wear them on a boat or cruising down the boardwalk with your pals. I’m digging  the stone frame with a brown gradient lens for Spring.

Details:

• Anti-Reflective and Hydrophobic Lens Coating
• Medium Fit/Medium Coverage
• Techlite Polarized Glass TLT Lenses
• Stainless Steel Spring Hinges

1. Rain Shadow Jacket from Patagonia / MSRP: $179

• An oldie but a goodie, the Women’s Rain Shadow Jacket is a lightweight jacket every woman should have in their closet.  It packets down to a small ball making it easy to throw in your Timbuk2 Scrunchie Tote when weather calls for rain showers. Roomy enough to layer over a sweatshirt on colder days without it being bulky. I purchased this jacket for my trip to Central America with the idea of trekking through rain forests and hanging at beach for three weeks. It kept me dry and warm. Today, I wear my Rain Shadow Jacket around town and while hiking.  This is the jacket for you if you’re looking for something lightweight, waterproof, and breathable.  Make a statement with color, I’m digging on the prickly pear for 2011.

Details:

• Lightweight – 10.9 oz
• waterproof/breathable H2No barrier and Deluge DWR
• Roll-down, 2-way-adjustable hood with a laminated visor improves hood structure and visibility
• Microfleece-lined neck and chin for comfort
• All exterior zippers and pit zips are watertight, coated and treated with a Deluge DWR

When I need a big bag to haul all my schoolwork, clinical paperwork, water bottle and my rock climbing shoes around SLC in, I grab my TimBuk2 Messenger Bag. Inspired by bike commuters, this bag is also great for anyone needing a versatile messenger bag for day to day travels as well.

TimBuk2 Messenger Bag

• Classic messenger bag comes in 2 basic fabrics: Ballistic nylon and then a polyester blend option (which you can get as 100% recycled polyester, a hemp/poly blend or as plain polyester).
• 5 sizes- XS, S, M, L and XL. To give you a good reference for sizing, I have the Large bag, and it comfortably fits a 17 inch laptop (without the laptop case option), 2 2″ 3 ring binders, a coffee mug, Sigg Water Bottle and my running shoes. If I need to, I can cram my running clothes on the top of the bag. I have a friend with the XS bag and it makes a great purse.
• Removable reflector tails really make this bag a bike commuter friendly bag. For those of you who won’t be needing reflection on your commutes, the tails clip off easily.
• One disadvantage- the shoulder strap is rather uncomfortable unless you get the optional shoulder strap pad.

Bottom line- choose your size, and it can function from a purse all the way to a portable wardrobe and office!

Added bonus that TimBuk2 points out: Material is waterproof, so you can empty out your laptop and work supplies, toss some ice in, and you’ve got yourself a sweet cooler! If only I could figure out a way to haul both my laptop and a 6 pack at the same time in the bag!

Buy Now! TimBuk2 Classic Messenger Bag