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A comment on the question "FLAP Bag - Would You Use it?" in Timbuk2:

Actually, send that form to flap@timbuk2.com. Even better :) – Labda, on November 04, 2009 21:27

Labda replied on November 04, 2009 21:08 to the question "FLAP Bag - Would You Use it?" in Timbuk2:

Don't feel silly! Even if you just want one unit, that's totally cool. We just need 200 TOTAL units to be able to place an order, so every little bit counts. Please submit your completed FLAP inquiry form to customerservice@timbuk2.com. I'll receive it faster that way and then I'll put your name on our growing users for the future order.

Labda replied on November 02, 2009 18:27 to the question "FLAP Bag - Would You Use it?" in Timbuk2:

Bob. Thank you for your thoughts! I love the idea of school kids using the FLAP bag on their daily bike commutes and perhaps during homework sessions at night. I would be interested to learn what price point you think would work for this product in Cambodia. It seems there is a real need for this product in developing countries, so we are exploring costing options to try and see if we can meet that need at a realistic price point.

Labda replied on November 02, 2009 17:40 to the question "Boob mashing?" in Timbuk2:

Before I tried wearing a messenger, I too was worried about boob smashing. But alas you can work it out. You just tighten the strap up under your arm and above your boobs so they don't get smashed and it's really comfy. Definitely get/use a strap pad because that will keep things comfy when your bag is overloaded. Here's a video that shows you how it works: http://vimeo.com/6109538

The video is a bit cheesy (ugh!) but it will show you how to wear the bag across your chest. Hope that helps!

Labda replied on October 29, 2009 21:15 to the question "FLAP Bag - Would You Use it?" in Timbuk2:

Kenny. I consulted our solar expert Charles and he said the following:

"Yes, there is a minimal charge. The threshold is at about 2V, a fully charged battery reads about 4V. At this point, you should place the solar panels in direct sunlight (outside is preferred to through a window, although it will still charge in that scenario, albeit slower). We are still working on a battery user profile that will show the ‘sweet spot’ of recommended use time to charging; this beta testing is part of that.

As a recap— all users should light soak the panels for up to 6 hours to fully recharge the LED light battery. Also note that simultaneously plugging in a USB device will divert incoming converted solar power away from the built-in Li-ion battery and towards the peripheral device."

So, looks like your solar panels need to soak up some rays for up to 6 hours and keep your USB gadgets out of the picture while it's charging if you want to fully charge the battery. Let me know if that works!

Labda replied on October 28, 2009 00:23 to the question "What does a hemp bag feel like?" in Timbuk2:

Just kidding on the smoking of course. Hemp is so easy to make fun of.

Back to your question. Hemp is quite a stiff fabric at first, so it won't flop over if you stand it up (good for loading). But it does soften over time so it won't stand very rigid throughout it's life. And the hand (feel) is quite fiberous but not as rough as a potato sack. Hope that helps (a little bit).

Labda replied on October 27, 2009 23:56 to the question "What does a hemp bag feel like?" in Timbuk2:

It feels grooooovy. Like a soft woven cloth (than you can smoke).

Labda replied on October 27, 2009 23:15 to the question "Compression Straps pics?" in Timbuk2:

Cool. Happy you got what you needed. That bag is in the cards for the future. It's super shiny and feels like a booth in a diner. Not for everyone, but I think it's hot-right-now.

Labda replied on October 27, 2009 22:49 to the question "Compression Straps pics?" in Timbuk2:

I just updated the Flickr set with 3 new photos that show the bottom of a bag with compression straps. Hope that helps!

http://www.flickr.com/photos/timbuk2/...

Labda replied on October 27, 2009 17:21 to the question "Compression Straps pics?" in Timbuk2:

Check this out: http://www.flickr.com/photos/timbuk2/...

Labda replied on October 27, 2009 17:09 to the question "FLAP Bag - Would You Use it?" in Timbuk2:

You do not need to turn on the light to activate the direct charge. It should just work. The light and the charge are separate things . . . enjoy and definitely let me know if it doesn't kick in.

Labda replied on October 26, 2009 16:58 to the question "FLAP Bag - Would You Use it?" in Timbuk2:

Houseofcha - the USB port acts as a direct charge so you're bag has to be in the sunlight for it to charge whatever is connected to the USB port. It won't charge off the battery. Try that and please let me know if it doesn't work. We will get this sorted for you!

I agree with you regarding the light - it's not relevant for those with access to light. Since you're in Mumbai, perhaps you can ask a few folks who may not have access to portable light? We have a lot to learn about this product so your feedback is incredibly helpful.

Thanks for your support and let me know if the direct charge works for your iPhone.

Labda replied on October 23, 2009 15:37 to the question "FLAP Bag - Would You Use it?" in Timbuk2:

We're getting a lot of feedback that people would prefer a backpack style to a messenger . . . super helpful to know.

Labda replied on October 21, 2009 21:55 to the question "FLAP Bag - Would You Use it?" in Timbuk2:

Conrad - great thoughts. Thank you. The electronics and battery pack weigh far less than a pound and the bag is a lightweight nylon that weighs About a pound, so you're looking at less than 2 pounds total. I can/will find out the exact measurements; apologies for not knowing that now! I like your note on the bag's strap system too. A backpackay be more practical for a lot of folks

Labda asked a question in Timbuk2 on October 21, 2009 14:52:

FLAP Bag - Would You Use it?

Do you think Timbuk2's FLAP Bag is a useful product? Do you have ideas on where it would be most effective (sub-Saharan Africa, New York City?) or how it could be improved (waterproof, lower profile)?

Labda replied on September 25, 2009 17:29 to the question "Does the Swig have the same waterproof liner as the Lex Pack?" in Timbuk2:

Very happy to report that this will be your dream backpack! It's a waterproof Swig and will be live early Jan.

Labda replied on September 24, 2009 15:48 to the question "Does the Swig have the same waterproof liner as the Lex Pack?" in Timbuk2:

Unfortunately the Swig doesn't have a waterproof TPU liner like the Swig. It has a nylon fabric liner. In January, we're launching a waterproof pack . . . so if you can wait you'll be stoked in January!

Labda replied on August 26, 2009 19:11 to the question "Lex Pack wth a commute style laptop compartment and bottle holder" in Timbuk2:

True. Unfortunately we don't plan to change the design of the Lex. It's a basic design meant to be a basic bag that gets the job done w/out any tricks. Instead we launched the custom Swig with SwingAround laptop access like the rest of our packs. I'm sorry we aren't delivering what you want right now. As we innovate our custom packs over the next year, we'll bring your comments to our design meetings.

Labda replied on August 26, 2009 17:53 to the question "Lex Pack—the king of commuter bags. But it's not on the site anymore." in Timbuk2:

Good news. The L and XXL Lex packs are back in stock!

Labda replied on August 26, 2009 17:53 to the question "Lex Pack wth a commute style laptop compartment and bottle holder" in Timbuk2:

FYI, the L and XXL Lex packs are back in stock!