I received the Timbuk2 Hidden Messenger as a door prize at a local Timbuk2 event here in SF. I was happy to receive the bag, but to be honest I wasn’t sure what I received, as I had never heard of the hidden messenger before. Timbuk2 is known for their traditional messenger bags, and their lifetime warranty.
When I got home and pulled the bag out, I was pleasantly surprised. The hidden messenger is an extremely lightweight ( 0.39 lb.) bag, not too big and not too small. It’s key design feature is that it can fold away into it’s own built-in pocket to be hidden away. It’s made out of a nylon ripstop fabric. Though, due to it’s lightweight construction it’s not going to be the best bag to weigh down and stuff full.
What fits in a Timbuk2 Hidden Messenger Bag:
In short time, it has become my daily carry bag. I throw it in my bike basket for my commute in to work, 80% empty. I can fill it up with library books or items from the drugstore on my way home, and still have room to spare.
I’ve spilled coffee on the inside of the bag, and was able to wash this bag in the sink with Dr. Bronner’s, and it was completely dry within a few hours.
I’ve even been caught in the rain with this bag, with important files inside. Though this bag is certainly not considered waterproof, and the gap between the messenger flap and the main body of the bag is an easy spot for water to get it – my files stayed dry.
The small inner pocket (the same one that the bag folds up in to) is perfect for protecting smaller items, such as my house keys.
Though I don’t usually use the feature, I like knowing that the bag can collapse into itself and be stored or carried as a small zipped up pocket.
Ultimately, the Timbuk2 Hidden Messenger is a bag whose beauty is in its simplicity.
Specs:
- Dimensions: 12.4 by 6.49 by 4.92 inches (W x H x D)
- Weight: .39 pounds
- Fabric blend of 90% Recycled PET and 10% Nylon.
I like to be prepared.
But I also like to keep things simple.
If your going to have a problem while out on your bike, I’m the guy you want along for the ride.
Here’s what I carry on every bike ride to ensure I’m never stuck far from home:
A repurposed microphone bag stores my stash. I believe in using what you have before buying something new.
It all fits inside:
And it’s all organized for quick access:
Spread out for better viewing:
The contents:
Inside the first baggie (From lower left, moving counter clockwise.):
- 2 safety pins
- super glue
- 4 zip ties
Moving counterclockwise in the above photo:
- Cutco folding serrated knife
- Lezyne mini pump
- Crank Bros Multi Tool
- Blue Sharpie
- 2 different sizes of master links + a half link
- Tegaderm patch
- large bike patch kit
- 2 medical grade gloves
- band aids (kit including alcohol wipe pads, insect bite wipes, neosproin)
- trauma pad
- gauze wrap
- folded up paper towel + ibuprofen + vicodin
- Spare tube appropriate for the bike I’m riding:
All this in a package that weighs only 1lb., and measures 12″x4″.
For a long while I’ve been looking for a bag that would meet my needs.
I wanted a bag to take mountain biking. It would need to carry my helmet while I’m hoofing it uphill. It would need to be bladder compatible so that I wouldn’t need to carry a water bottle. It also needed room to carry my tools.
I needed a bag for traveling: to carry my laptop, my toiletries, a spare change of clothes and some entertainment equipment.
I needed a bag for hiking: to carry an extra outer layer, some water, a snack and the essentials.
Could these all be the same bag?
I was checking out Camelbak’s military offering when I came across the Transformer: hydration compatible, big enough to fit my laptop, removable pouches allow for adaptable size. This was it!
*|YOUTUBE:jL1zRuRmLBA|*
The Transformer has become my go-to bag for any day-long adventure.
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