Timbuk2 Authority Laptop Backpack Deluxe, Eco Nightfall

WidebandidUnited States

GREAT backpack! Everything I need for business and personal travel.

UPDATE: 2 years later, lots of travel for work and personal and this thing still looks and feels new. Super sturdy and it holds everything I need. The side pocket for the water bottle hasn’t stretched out at all. This is a great backpack. ORIGINAL: I don't do 5 star ratings because really "... love it?" I love this backpack. It's light, strong, snug and thinner than I thought it would be loaded. I carry a Surface 3 laptop, a 12.9 iPad Pro, Bose headphones, a Plantronics headset, the laptop charger and all the other various cords in an Amazon Basics zip case and a tilt stand for my laptop. The bag doesn't have a suspension pocket for the laptop, but everything fits snugly and feels well-padded and secure. I've dropped it a couple of times with no issue. The straps are comfortable even with this load and it feels balanced. The extra pockets for phone, keys, meds whatever are thoughtfully designed and don't bulge out when loaded. I've got all my stuff in it right now and it's maybe 8 inches thick so it goes under an airline seat and I can shove my toes underneath it and stretch a little. The water bottle pocket fits your standard water bottle no issue, and holds it securely. The shell is water resistant to even a drenching rain storm. The shell fabric wears well - I've had it a year now and it looks basically new. The strap to go around your luggage handle is almost too snug - you have to stretch it to get it on, but it holds tight and doesn't make my carry on fall over, so props there. I have one quibble and it's a small one. The fabric is sufficiently flexible that you have to use two hands to close the top zippers. If you try to pull with one hand the zipper folds. Given everything else they got right I'm sticking with 5 stars.

C. ConnerUnited States

Excellent thin-profile bag with plenty - but not too many - pockets

- Perfect size for my personal needs - I don't like a backpack that sticks out a long way from my back. It hits other people on airplanes, makes it difficult to squeeze through tight spaces, etc. This backpack sticks close to your back, but is tall enough to hold plenty of stuff. Drawback? It doesn't stand on its own (which is something I genuinely do not care about, but if you do....) - Well-done organization - It's a Goldilocks backpack for me....not too much organization, not too little...it's juuuust right - On durability, I'm counting on Timbuk2. I have a small messenger bag that is literally 8 or 9 years old and looks new (which I still use for quick trips to the coffee shop or whatever). If this backpack doesn't last, I will come back and update this review. - Looks? Matter of taste. To me, it's very professional-looking, and I'd take it on a business trip, including to a board meeting. If you're looking to impress someone with a $500 Tumi, this isn't that. If you're looking for a great-looking, slick, professional bag from a well-respected brand that costs <1/3 of a Tumi, this fits the bill. For what it's worth, I looked at forums, reviews and YouTube videos about probably 30 bags. I almost bought 2 or 3 others, but I kept coming back to this one. Then a colleague of mine raved about his - which he's had for about 5 years of heavy travel, and still looks amazing (he got the dark blue one, and it's a great color, too) - and that closed the deal for me.

Aaron WassermanUnited States

Exactly The Backpack I Was Looking For

This Timbuk2 Authority Laptop Backpack Deluxe in Eco Black Deluxe checked every box. The build quality feels fantastic with sturdy fabric, smooth zippers, and a solid structure that does not collapse into a floppy mess the second it is empty. The color is a deep black that looks professional enough for work but still modern and the recycled material angle is a nice bonus.​ Functionally it checks all of the boxes for me. There are pockets and compartments everywhere but they are laid out in a way that actually makes sense so small items do not vanish into a black hole at the bottom of the bag (maybe a little). The dedicated laptop compartment in the back easily holds my 17 inch gaming laptop with room to spare and the main compartment still has space for a charger, mouse, books, headphones, and a few extras without feeling overstuffed.​ What really sold me is that this bag replaced a couple of big name packs that went straight back to Amazon after ordering. Those others claimed to fit larger laptops but barely did it. Quality was good on some others too, but the pocket design on this one was best for the price point. There was another that cost twice as much that I had my eye on, but I wanted to stay within my budget. This one feels durable, rides comfortably on my shoulders, and keeps everything organized the way a tech heavy everyday carry actually needs. Again, after trying and returning other brands this finally feels like the keeper!

Wil CaseUnited States

Perfectly designed everyday backpack. Comphy. Soooo comphy.

I went through dozens of bag reviews, bought four of them and returned (sorry Amazon), when I just should have started with the GOAT of pack manufacturers, Timbuk2. For everyday carry this is the best. Great padding, all the little details like thumb hooks for the straps, adjustable and removable chest clasps, high grade zippers and premium material; it's all here. I don't like a dozen pockets for items that will change size over time and limit what I can carry. Compartments are roomy at the bottom but keep the bag snug. Straps are padded and perfectly designed. When Ipick it up it feels a little weighty until it gets on my shoulder and then feels like a feather. You could pack this thing out and walk around all day with no problem. YKK zips of course. I ordered a $420 that could not hold a candle to this thing. Love the tight laptop compartment which feels like it has enough padding to stop a truck. Plush top handle which is a must. Only one con is the bottom strap clasps. They feel very fragile as they are light plastic. Would have gone with metal, even magnetic, because I think these things are going to get beat up hard since they are in the bottom of the pack. However, I haven't had it that long so we will see. All told, this is a $500 everyday carry stylish and top grade everyday backpack for $150. I've had my Timbuk2 messenger bag for more years than I can remember, so I guess I'll write a followup review in 2035. 😃