Timbuk2 Travel: Want to help us design our new travel line?

How would you augment the Commute to make it travel ready? Size? More pockets? How much room do you need for clothes?

Do you wheel or not? Is your ideal travel bag a backpack? A built in clear plastic bag is a good idea- some companies are starting to offer that.

Right now I use a datadump day pack and a chrome small messenger bag as my main travel bags, and can fit most anything in both of them and they work really well for security. I am looking for a slightly larger, hard shell wheeled case that I could put one or both of those bags in but haven't found anything.

I love the laptop section on the daypack - only thing that would make it better would be if the two front pockets didn't eat up inside storage room.

For quick business travel, I would love to have a simple modular piece that can hold a folded up blazer and dress shirt. Flight 001 has some modular items designed to fit in suitcases that could be a good source of inspiration.

I dont need alot of room the compartment size of the laptop messanger is about the right size. The problem I have with the laptop messenger is that my laptop is not fully protected, the top of the laptop is even with the top of the sleeve that it rests in, and that there are no external pockets. Take the medium laptop messenger give the laptop compartment a full top flap ( cover the laptop like the sleeves do ), and add the external pockets of the commute ( plus a small back pocket that is some what hidden ) and you have the perfect traveling laptop bag / bag.

I wheel when I can, and recently bought a carryon with backpack straps. That's a lifesaver when shlepping another wheeled bag (often I check bags then ninja thru TSA with laptop and camera bag).
Ditto comment above about reinforced laptop compartment. I would like the same for my lunch! Something to keep my sandwich from getting squashed would be nice.

So you would pack a small messenger inside your dream bag for utility once you're at your destination? I hear you on internal storage...

Yes, exactly. The small messenger bag is for daily walking around stuff and so on occasion when I've taken a larger bag I just pack the messenger bag inside it.

extra straps are a good idea. I just bought some Ziploc Containers with Snap 'n Seal Lids which keep my sandwich smush-free in my messenger bag. http://www.epinions.com/content_17882...

i typically travel for work for 5 days at a time and have to bring dress shirts and trousers with me in addition to all the gear i need for my job (laptop, digital camera + flash, video camera, batteries, cables, memory cards. currently this requires a two bag solution, and i'm not sure i'm against that.

1 bag is the track daypack which is the exact perfect size for all my gear. my number one love as a security line ninja is the fact that the laptop compartment is separate and has its own zipper. i can keep the rest of the bag packed up and still grab my laptop out. i am not one for lots of compartments and bags inside of bags,which is also why i love the track. it minimizes packets. (i do, however pack a small bag with a media player and noise canceling headphones so i don't have to keep the track under my seat on the plane.) i tried to replace it with another bag. i couldn't, and wound up buying a new one. all that gear gets heavy when i'm lugging it around all day, so only backpack style bags work for me - no single shoulder solutions. have i mentioned i love the track?

i would agree with other poster here however that your laptop compartments could use more protection than they currently offer. and to sean bonner's idea. i might even like it if the compartment actually separated into something like you laptop sleeve that i could just carry with me if i wanted to take my laptop down the street for a coffee without unpacking all my gear

the other bag is a roll aboard with two equal sized compartments. one is just a big space for tees, shoes, skivvies, etc and the other is the space for nice clothes. it has hanger hooks and this fold out compartment the magically origamis your shirts, jacket and trousers to fit inside this seemingly impossibly small space. Despite the fact that it's small enough to carry on, i've been forced to check it many times and it has not stood up to the abuse well.

why have i told you all of this? because it will explain what i'm looking for: a rolling bag that has two compartments and is bomb proof. like old gorilla + samsonite commercial durable. one (or both) of the compartments should be configurable for things like dressy clothes, a foam insert to protect gear or similar things. it should have wheels. two wheels is plenty. they shouldn't come off. ever. or maybe they should be so easy to take off that you can do it in a few seconds and save yourself the pain of them being ripped off by baggage handlers.i don't need a high tech collapsible handle that (a) takes up space in the main compartment and (b) eventually breaks. it should be shorter than 22" long so it fits in overhead bins the *right way*.

if you could design a gear bag that integrated into it for when i'm shlepping all my crap all over who knows where, that would be icing on the cake.

Especially since the Timbuk2 retail space is right by Flight 001 in Hayes valley. They could do some serious competitive research.

I often travel for 5-7 days at a time, usually for work, usually across a border. Currently I use two bags:

1. Tumi expandable small laptop bag. It has loads of pockets, good padding on the laptop compartment, and just enough room for the gear I usually take with me.

2. Briggs and Riley 20" expandable roll-aboard. The handle's on the outside, and it expands out when I need to check it. Inside this bag are a set of Eagle Creek packing bags and folders, which takes care of most of my clothing.

3. If I'm going to have time to run around the city I'm in, I'll pack my little Freitag messenger bag inside my roll-aboard.

I can zip through security and the airport, and don't kill my shoulders. There are some drawbacks with these:

- I would love a separate laptop compartment, a better (more accessible, more shape-holding) ticket/passport pocket, and a water bottle/travel coffee mug pocket on the laptop bag. Also, the Tumi bag doesn't work for biking (my old Dee Dog handles that when needed), and ideally it would be a backpack instead of a shoulder bag. I'm considering the B&R laptop backpack as a replacement.

- The roll-aboard works really well, but a garment pocket in a 20" bag would be welcome. Also, while B&R's hardware expanding system is more stable, it takes up too much room. Zippers are the way to go for this. The extra room taken up makes it harder to fit the travel packs together nicely.

So, if you jump into bags and do the travel packs, make sure they're all sized to fit nicely together. Having some small pockets that are easily accessible (for tickets, liquids, magazines) are super useful. And make sure it's all airline-proof.

i tend to use both a wheeled bag and a backpack

Suggestions:
1. Outside zippered pockets would be ideal/most crucial to ad. You do not have a messenger bag with this yet. It is a hassle to have to open your existing bags to get at something you need. There are many other competitors that you can model this after. You would need a large enough outside pocket(s) to fit magazines, airplane tickets, etc.
2. Padded laptop section.
3. Outside water bottle holder, etc.
4. Messenger style only. Large and extra large sizes with customizable colors. Need more than 1 size for those who would consider this their main duffle bag when traveling.

Ever try the Commute? It has most of the features you are after...

Interesting. Would you want a separate laptop compartment in the Tumi bag or the B&R rollie? Or both? How is your 5-7 day trip different than a 2-3 day trip as far as your bag needs?

Also, when you use your expansion, does that put you over the limit for carry-on in size or weight?

A separate laptop compartment in the Tumi bag. B&R has a backpack (http://tinyurl.com/2nt4w7) that seems pretty close to what I want.

A short trip doesn't change my bag needs as much as whether or not I need to bring the laptop with me (which I almost always do). I usually pack light, maybe 4-5 days' worth of clothing, and do laundry wherever I am traveling to. If I'm going for a day or two, I'll take the Dee Dog with a couple of travel packs and be done with it.

Using the B&R's expansion puts me over the carry-on size, but it's super useful for bringing back souvenirs or whatever.

The B&R bag: http://tinyurl.com/2h4mxk
The Tumi bag: http://tinyurl.com/2y4nu5
The Freitag bag: http://tinyurl.com/3ax488

I travel a lot for school (study abroad) or just family vacations.
1. A bag with a separate zipper for my laptop would be awesome.
2. A little "hidden" zipper pocket on the outside (not so noticeable, but easy to get my passport/plane tickets out of)
3. A side pocket for a water bottle/ipod/phone
4. multiple styles (ie: messenger, backpack, duffle, rolling) for different travelers.
5. LOTS of different colors.
6. Wanna make suitcases too? It'd be great to have a timbuk2 suitcase amidst all those black ones!

You seem to be going for two of the more premium brands in travel in term of classic styling and quality.
What would you be willing to pay for your ultimate computer backpack or rollie with Timbuk2 durability?

Are different features alone enough to make a travel line? What about sizing? Should we focus on maximum legal carry-on sizes in the assortment you named in #4, or a wide range of sizes that overlap with our existing successful products like the messenger and the commute?

$150ish for the backpack, $300ish for the roll-aboard. I think that T2 can do something that looks high-end enough to match the prices they'd have to be, while still keeping them as noticeably T2 bags. And yes, the classic styling and the brands' reps for quality make me more willing to pay more.

Maybe instead of big stripes, have one thin colored panel on the bags for contrast. Tumi's Ducati bags look really crass, and take the racing stripe thing way too far, so please don't do that.

Oh, I just remembered that Jasper Morrison designed some gorgeous bags, really simple shapes but with a huge wide elastic strap inside to hold things in place.

No. Not my #1 factor above about outside zippers. You need to make the outside flap a cavity for storage, plain and simple. Right now it is useless and annoying to get at things inside (especially for big city commuters). I would recommend 1 zipper running across the whole outside length of the flap. In this way you could still do your 3-color striping. For 1 color flaps, you could add on 1-2 small pockets with zippers on top of the main large pocket. I sure there are thousands of customers out there who would agree with this idea.

Yeah, I hear you on the Tumi Ducati series. I've been playing with the messenger/briefcase for a while and totally agree. It was an interesting (and much needed) fashion sort of direction for them, but ultimately came off flat design-wise. The only one I've seen in "the wild" is the black/gray colorway.

Have you seen the Puma Urban Mobility bags? I think this is a cool direction for them. It's fashion over robust durability, but worth a look. Their travel wallet is sweet.

http://www.puma.com/bike/pindex.jsp

I hear you on the zippered flap idea. It would be useful for some, but stuffing out the flap pocket leads to a very different look for the CMB- it ends up looking like a hamburger. While we like the CMB deconstructed the way it is, your comments about zippered, secure closures are well noted. Check out our new Commute due out early next year- there are some big improvements you may dig.

I think the reason Johnnymac was suggesting the Commute is because there is an external pocket, it's just on the back panel of the bag, not the front flap. I hear you load and clear on the front flap pocket, I used to carry one like that before I found Timbuk2, but one thing that did annoy me about that was that if I overfilled it...which I nearly always did, it pulled the flap down below the bag and looked really shabby. Dunno if this has anything to do with why we haven't gone that route (I'm no designer!), but I sorta dig that I can't stuff my bag in places that make it hang or close funk-ily!

Yes on the backpack straps for a medium to large size carry-on type bag! I have this large duffle size bag (meets the largest possible size standard for carry-on luggage) from Matix that I use all the time for weekend trips. It's great because it has stow-away back pack straps at the bottom/underside of the bag.

and on another idea, (i'm not sure if it's been done yet, and if not and it's used, hire me to design it hahah - seriously) if you make a soft-shell wheelie luggage a good idea would be to add retracting/collapsing legs on the underside like on golf club bags. It's a luxury, but i hate when my soft-shell luggage won't stand on one end or, when i have to push back in the pull-out handle and lay my luggage down to let's say use both hands to access a compartment. so like with a golf bag with the stand/legs, as soon as you place it down and lean it the legs pop out to hold the bag up at a 45degree angle.

Hadn't seen those Puma bags; the wood accents are interesting, but those are not going to wear/age very nicely. Those are definitely not bags to check.

The bag I used to use all the time, and still use as an extra bag for long trips (i.e. more than a month), is an old Agnes b. duffle bag. Blue canvas, black pvc lining, super simple (four pockets total), but not quite as durable as one would hope.

I'm a female baby boomer who travels 7-10 days every month (usually in one trip). In addition to fashionable attire and makeup, I need to bring a variety of tech supplies, which can make a suitcase pretty heavy. I have a problem pulling a typical suitcase, even on wheels.

I typically travel with one Tumi 22" wheeled expandable, one Tumi wheeled compact computer brief, and a Timbuk2 Medium Tote that holds my laptop (in a Tumi sleeve), handbag, and all of the other stuff that I need on the flight. The large Tumi gets checked, and I take the wheeled brief and tote through security and onto the flight.

On shorter trips (1-2 days), I use a Tumi 20" wheeled expandable and the Timbuk2 Medium Tote with handbag.

This works really well, except the Timbuk2 Tote often does not stay on top of the suitcase, sliding around and needing to be reset.

So my suggestions --
1. Include a padded sleeve for a laptop. (The Tumi sleeve works very well.)
2. Put a pocket on one side of the Tote that opens at the top and bottom to slide over the roller-bag handle.
3. A quart ziploc equivalent would be really nice. (I use a zipper-top plastic case that was a promotion from a cosmetics company.)

Thanks.

PS -
If the Maria came in basic black, without the pinky lavender, I'd buy it in a second. I love all the compartments....

I think multiple sizes would be nice, because while I know many travelers carry bags that fit *just* under the limit, I like to travel light (when you're flying internationally, bags get heavy quick). One thing that would be nice would be standard padded shoulder straps for all bags. Besides, a smaller bag can count as your "personal item" and a bigger one is your carry on. I think that additions to the popular bags to make them more travel friendly would be great. Although I use the inside pocket of my zippered pocket in my messenger for my passport. It's the perfect size, and that's a hard place to steal my passport from! :)

From the perspective of an airline pilot:

1. The Commute would be the ideal size, most pilots bring their laptop in the cockpit and space is limited.

2. A sleeve that would allow the bag to go over the rollerbag handle is a must. (as E.V. Vance pointed out)

3. A watter bottle holder on the side

4. Maybe an extra layer of that ballistic nylon on the bottom of the bag to preserve the bag from the daily trips in the cockpit.

5. Must offer whatever design, in all black to match pilot required rollerbags.

Love your bags looking forward to seeing the travel edition.

This is interesting. We've talked about travel professionals that have insider knowledge and specialized needs and how to design for them.

Check out the new Commute that is launching early next year. It's got the same features as the current model, but we've slicked it up with a luggage pass through handle and other features. Hope you like it.

Hey, what sort of standard issue gear to pilots and flight crews get? Is it adequate, or do you use a different bag on personal trips?

The bags we fly with consist of: a metal framed rollerbag providing a lot of protection for our clothes because on regional jets the crew bags are left in the cargo bins for the entire day. The flight bags we have, are made of the ballistic nylon that your bags are made of and widely used because they work so well. The pilots I know use the rollerbag for personal travel we fly with because they are practical, but the carry-on like a Commute is I believe is the best chance Timbuk2 has of breaking into this group of fliers. We always travel whether personal or for the airline with computers, water, Ipods, newspapers, and books. And the rollerbags and flight bags have proven to be very practical.

It would be awesome if maybe we could have our company logo stiched on the bag as well but that may be another department.

Love the bags and have used a Timbuk2 commute bag for years. You weren’t specific about the types of bags you’re looking to create, so I give you my ideas and you can weed through the details to find what fits best.

I travel 2-3 times internationally and probably 3-4 times within the US on an annual basis - some business, mostly pleasure. In almost every trip I bring along 2 bags. My aging Timbuk2 commute bag and a roller bag w/ internal frame. About 90% of the time I carry-on both bags so I'm confident that I have everything at my destination (too many times with lost/missing luggage). This seems to generally be ok, but there are several missing features out of my current setup that would be great to fix:
1. Where to put my boarding pass, passport, car rental paperwork and misc other related travel docs? Most of the pockets are too big, too small, hard to get at, or insecure while clowning around in security lines or quickly looking for that piece of travel info (aside from the business docs or other paperwork you’re carrying).
2. I carry travel books and maps. Usually 2-3. Rick Steve's, Lonely Planet, Fodor’s, Frommer’s, etc. Again, no real great place to put these and my commute bag is full.
3. Need to pull out my laptop and liquids several times in getting through security. If you've ever been through the 3 security checkpoints while getting to the boarding gates in Frankfurt, you understand the drill.
4. There are not enough dividers in the commuter bag. I carry a laptop, power adapter, international power converters, cell phone, camera, ipod + bose headphones, usb cables & battery chargers, latest reading book, moleskine, pens, snacks for the plane and train rides, business cards, coins (so I don’t set off the metal detector), and misc paperwork. All of this tends to make the bag a bit full and you end up blindly hunting for an item while your face is pressed against the back of the airline seat in front of you.
5. I sometimes forget my dirty laundry bag. It’d be nice to have this as part of the bag or to have a separator built-in.
6. Most of the roller bags that I’ve owned contain an internal shoe sleeve. But, these just end up crushing the back heals of the shoes. It’d be nice to have a better way to preserve a pair of dress shoes than just sticking them in the bottom of your suitcase in a ziplock bag.
7. I like the roll-on design because you can lay it flat and get to more of your clothes at a hotel or location. I dislike them because most are not designed/weighted well enough and they still tip over when fully loaded and they don’t dock well with a laptop case (and will really tip over if you can work out a way).

Hope this helps. If you get to the point you’d like someone to battle test a creation, let me know. I’m in S. SF and could easily stop by.

- Corey

Dang Corey. You are our prototypical user. It's great to see confirmation that you want the same things we are designing for.

I appreciate your comments on the books, maps, and shoe dilemma too.

We are thinking about how to design the inside of a few of the bags in the line to accommodate fragile footwear, dress, or evening wear without making you lug around a separate garment bag. What sort of assortment of clothes and shoes do you usually take on your trips?

I would have to agree here - I have historically used my large messenger with a separate laptop sleeve, and I can get a whole week's worth of clothes and a small toiletry kit + other stuff in there (I travel light for a girl ;) ) I just got my commute (medium) and it is a *lot* smaller than I thought it would be on the inside - I didn't realize how much space "disappeared" from that Outer Depth measurement of 6".
To turn it into an overnight bag, I would need about the space of another laptop sleeve in there.

I did post a separate comment regarding the design of the commute - but to pull the ideas here so you don't have to go hunting, I'd also consider:
-Changing the strap so it's not using jhooks (they seem a week point in the design), though I suppose those who like the remove-able ness of the strap would lament.
-Make the outside water pocket holders bigger/deeper - I always tote a 1 L water bottle with me - I can't store it securely in outside pockets and it eats up valuable space on the inside of the bag.

Woodland-
Yeah, we hear you on the Commute. We've finished the redesign of that bag- look for it next spring. The Commute has always come in medium and large, maybe the large would be best for you.

Do you know if they had those at last summer OR (outdoor retailer)? I stopped by the booth, and I don't recall talking to them about a larger version of the commute (then again, I was distracted with the waxed canvas and a bunch of the recycled material lines)

Regarding the Large commute - I checked the specs and the depth dimension is no different than the medium. Granted, the extra width of the bag may provide additional storage space, but I actually use my commute as a purse/carryall (meaning a file folder or 2, a book or magazine, knitting, along with water bottle, small personal kit (as all women seem to have) wallet, molskeine) when I'm not using it to tote a laptop...

I do fully realize that I may be having these thoughts because the Commute is a new bag style for me - like I said, I've been schlepping around my large messenger around when I've needed to travel - but that is one big bag, and it can be less manoeverable than wanted when stuffed full.

I had thought about simply getting a small or medium messenger bag, but I really liked the pockets on the commute - I also like the zippered pocket that runs along the back panel of the bag - I put files/documents I want quick access to in there. And the padding that keeps the bag stiff on the back panel is also welcomed to prevent my files/papers getting mashed when the bag is less than full.

Incidentally I do product testing/feedback in the outdoor industry, I'd love to work with T2 if you guys are looking for testers.

hi. i'm a pilot for an airline. but, i'm also fully immersed in bicycle culture. it'd be really nice to have a bag that was practical enough to take on my trips with me, yet cool enough to use when i wasn't at work. i'm gonna be honest, timbuk2's cool factor (at least in the fixed gear/messenger community) has dropped. i think the reason for this is multi-faceted. one being that the timbuk2 bag has come to be so ubiquitous, obviously with success you see more and more bags, and they become much less of an individualists item. secondly, as someone who has ridden bikes for years, there were/are some designs that have proved to be more comfortable. i know we aren't designing bags for bike messengers here, but i just hope to say that i hope these aren't based on the tri-panel design, there are enough of those out there, i think.

firstly, here are the things i would look for in a bag. (not in order)

a comfortable strap. i always felt like the straps on timbuk2 bike bags were so uncomfortable. so much so that i thought it was a marketing strategy to sell the strap pads. so a wide, padded strap.

many times i bring by roll aboard bag on a trip and carry my "extra" bag sitting on top. it would be cool to have a strap which would allow for the attachment of the timbuk2 bag to the collapsing handle of a roll aboard bag.

beefy zippers. i travel 3 or four days a week. these zippers get opened and closed a great deal. if you design a bag that can stand up to the rigors of an airline employees life, these other people will be 100 percent satisfied.

a very padded, yet easily accessible laptop compartment. i travel with 2500 dollar macbook pro. yet, i have to pull it out every time i go through security. having the laptop securely stowed is paramount. but not having to dig for it for 5 minutes would be nice as well.

i saw the guy above mention a water bottle holder, i have zero interest in that. I would however, be interested in a few padded side pockets. i travel with a small leica camera, i need to have it easily accessible, yet would like a little protection in its easily accessible locale. the same for my ipod. i'm sure 90 percent of the people who would buy this bag bring an ipod with them (as do i), being able to get to it quickly, yet having a measure of protection is crucial.

compression. sometimes i do day trips. come to the airport. fly. take the train home. this bag would be all i carried on those days. i'd like to be able to throw an emergency change of clothes and a tooth brush in there. maybe my lunch too (the airlines don't have a great selection of vegan food for me)... other days, i just want to go bare bones. but i hate looking like i'm carrying an empty bag.

i guess these responses are assuming that you guys are designing a day pack type thing. if you guys are also gonna do full sized luggage... well i have a lot of thoughts on that as well.

edit:

i also have no interest in the company logo think. but, we get a break on travelpro brand luggage. i can get a travelpro 22 inch roll aboard for 80 some bucks. (there are many flaws in it's design) if you want to increase the profile of your bags, you might wanna consider a crew discount (i know this is a marketing issue and not design). the common black roll aboard was at first an airline employee thing... then it caught on with everyone else. i work for american airlines, we have around 12000 pilots and 50000 flight attendants. i think when people see crew members using something, they assume that it is a well made, pro level item.

EightD-
Thanks for your incites here. Yes, it's exciting to be getting to talk to a few airlines pilots as a real insider travel group. We have talked about airline sponsorship in marketing, and I'm sure it's an idea that other companies are exploring too.

In our travel line, we are considering a wide range of bags, both traditional and very nontraditional, so keep the ideas coming. We are definitely doing a rolling bag, so let's hear your thoughts there.

I liked your thoughts on the Timbuk2 brand as well from the bike pov.

I've had a huge range of bags in the last 10 years or more and got a laptop messenger recently. I love it.

I travel 5/6 times a year for work, usually to the USA, plus 4/5 trips for holidays. The laptop messenger is now my standard bag, it does get heavy though.

When travelling I usually fly with a Tamrac Adventure 9 though. http://www.tamrac.com/5549.htm It gives better protection for a camera and a few lenses. The T2 bag goes inside my hold bag and then I exchange once I'm there.

What I'm looking for would be a bag which can hold
ipod, macbook pro, canon SLR eg 5d or 20/30D (not 1D range), 2-3 lenses, travel documents, cables, a couple of books and pens etc.

Ideally vertical in orientation, with the camera supported highup, so that I can walk around conferences and take pictures of friends, but stow the camera easily.

I've mainly bought LowePro bags before, the SLR and camera combination is key, but allowing easy access to both. The tamrac A9 is a nice comfortable rucksack, but I take fewer pictures.

I'd be really interested in a timbuk2 travel range

Gavin

Please also bear in mind the UK revised travel restrictions and the one bag only rule see the UK Govt statement http://urltea.com/1o7y

Currently it is as follows "Make sure everything you need for the plane can fit into a single bag that is no more than 56cm x 45cm x 25cm (including wheels, handles and external pockets)."

This is smaller that USA allowances, but given the amount of travel between the USA and the UK, it might make sense to design for the smaller size.

- gavin

I have tried the Hacker and the Blogger, and own the Commute. All the bags have their good points but all are missing the option of a slide-thru strap or back pocket for use with rollaboard-type cases.

The Hacker could use a better (i.e., beefier) carry handle such as is on the Commute.

As someone with bad shoulders, I rarely use a backpack-type bag as a backpack but either carry it as a vertical messenger with a bandelero-type strap or use the carry handle. There are times however, it would be nice to be able to slip the case over a handle for a rollaboard-type case. (It can be done through handle of the Commute but it's not an optimal solution.)

An outside easily accessible pocket for tickets, ID, etc would be a nice addition as well.

Rabergnc-
One of the key features for our travel line is the "luggage pass-through" that you're talking about. We like the feature so much that we're putting it on some other bags for early next year like the new Commute and the Blogger.
We also like the beefier handle like you've described- It's something we want in our future travel line.

Excellent - I'll be first in line to get the new bag when it comes out!!

Usually 2 configurations:
1. For business i'll take 2-4 dress shirts, 1-2 pair of dress pants, 1 pair of shoes and the usual socks, t-shirts, etc. Then I'll also load up with a pair of jeans and 1-2 casual shirts and a pair of x-trainer shoes to go to/from the airport and for afternoon or out of office trips. That's normally enough to get me through about 4-5 days of business travel.
2. For vacation or exploration trips I'll drop down to 1-2 dress shirts and 1 pair of dress pants, then add additional jeans and casual shirts with maybe a switch out of the more formal dress shoes for something like a pair of Rockports (aka "dress sneaker"). This allows me to switch out the shoes and hopefully prevent the dreaded athletes foot.

A couple of other things to consider that may/may not have been brought up by others:
* Add some type of water proofing to the bottom of the roll-on when having to deal with puddles or rain soaked streets. You could also consider a stretch over 'tarp' similar to backpacking bags.
* Good handle and/or bar design that is protected from damage. I've (or the airlines) have bent a a few in my days.
* Strong zippers. Even the more beafy zippers today seem to get teeth crossed and damaged. This has been the biggest downfall of my past few bags and initiated the purchase a new one.
* Smooth, sealed wheel bearings. I've had a few squeaky wheels in the past as well. Maybe borrow some from rollerblades or similar.
* Make it in black so it doesn't show the dirt, but add some accents so you can tell your bag from the others when you check it. And so you don't need to tie a big fluorescent string to it.
* Have a built-in luggage id sleeve that allows you to change your address easily and prevent it from getting wet or damaged (e.g. a flap over a business card holder would be perfect).

Yes, we did show the new Commute at Summer OR.

For sure. I'll keep you in mind for our testing group!

I just got my medium Commute and I love it. It's just the right size for all my stuff including the laptop. I have a medium timbuk2 laptop messenger and purchased the Commute for the external pockets and rear compartment. One of the features I especially like is the removable strap. I normally use a Eagle Creek strap for comfort and will be testing the TB2 strap the next time I have to travel to see if it stays with the bag. I tend NOT to buy messengers and laptop bags if they have fixed straps (I have somewhat of a laptop bag fetish). If there was one thing I'd like to see on the Commute is a separate inside pocket along the side for my AC adapter.

"...but one thing that did annoy me about that was that if I overfilled it...which I nearly always did, it pulled the flap down below the bag and looked really shabby."

I have to agree with this. I had a Jansport Interface laptop bag and once you loaded up the flap it stuck out like it had grown flaps and wanted to fly away. Ugly.

I'll second a lot of what Corey said re: recommendations. Having an external, rectangular, zippered pocket for boarding pass, passport, and cash/change is a high priority need.

I take my messenger bag as a carry on and prefer it over my Samsonite carryon. In contrast to Corey's issue, I find the latter has too many pockets and I end up hunting for hidden stuff ("which pocket did that put that thing in again?") . Too many pockets become a curse rather than a blessing. I keep my clean clothes (in case I get stuck in ORD or DEN) in the divider and my other stuff in waterproof makeup bags. My Samsonite has a clear, waterproof, zipped bag attached inside and I've learned the hard way that I am better off to pack just a couple things at a time in ZipLoc or small washable makeup bags, as whatever leaks will leak all over the other contents. The attached waterproof bag is not detachable and is quite difficult to clean.

I, personally, prefer a shoulder bag over a wheeled bag. Wheeled bags are difficult to get through heavy office building doors, up the stairs, and into the bathroom stall. Plus, with snow, potholes in streets, and uneven sidewalks everywhere, I end up picking up a wheeled case more than I wheel it.

Definitely the strongest zippers you can get your hands on. (Although I have not had any problems with my messenger zippers)

And for water bottle storage. I know you are going to get diffirent pocket size requests (ie, guys want 1L bottles and women want 12oz). I've seen expandable holders in some hiking backpacks: they have a drawcord at the top so you can expand the top out further to accomodate a larger water bottle or your unvelcroed umbrella.

PLEASE let us customize the panel colors. That is a huge benefit.
And I actually like having the reflector tabs when walking though dark parking/rental care lots. (People get kind of stupid and blind when they are out of their comfort zone and not driving their own car, so I like having the extra insurance.) .

THANK YOU TB2 for asking us what we want! I have two of your bags and I LOVE THEM! I am a 5ft tall woman who has to carry A LOT of stuff everyday for work and grad school. (Ever notice that the shorter the woman the bigger the bag she carries?) I put bags to the test and yours are by far the most rugged, useful, and adaptable bags I've ever had (and I've been through a lot of bags). Kudos!

Mel
Seattle, WA

I use an Apple Mac, and they've strange shaped power adapters, I'd like a pocket into which the adapter can go without placing any pressure on the laptop (at one end of the bag for instance rather than on the front...). At the moment I am using a Techair bag, but if you brought out a better design I'd consider swapping.

Hi T2--
Thrilled to hear you are getting into this market. I have travelled a few hundred thousand airmiles in coach for work in the last 5 years, much of it in Africa, and some in Europe/US/Asia. I spend a lot of time in the developing world, but also some in Geneva/NY etc. So here are my requirements:
--I NEVER check luggage. Everything has to be carry-on-able, including through the UK airports where you get to take ONE bag.
--I need to be able to carry dress clothes and field clothes, enough for 2-3 weeks at a stretch.
--I also carry a headlamp, small solar charger, minispeakers, semi-fragile stuff like that, plus peanut butter/water purification tabs/powerbars that would ideally have their own rubber/plastic compartment.
--Everything has to be waterproof/cleanable.
--Maneuverability/comfort are key--for sprinting through an airport, hiking from an airstrip to a pickup point, getting through a crowded market intact.
--Presentability is also key--gotta blend in with the suits on trips to Manhattan.
--Pockets/internal organization are essential but need to be flexible/configurable and can't compromise total internal capacity.
--Durability: bag has to be extremely tough and/or backed by an excellent guarantee (ideally both).
--The wheels: have to be big. have to be incredibly durable. Ball bearings would be nice--nothing worse than whipping around a tight corner and having the bag tip/be unstable.
--The extendable handle: key. Can't be flimsy, or prone to getting stuck. Ideally would have a few height levels to adjust for height of user and application at hand.
I currently use an expandable 20" Tumi wheeled carryon as my main bag, and, depending on the trip, a T2 messenger bag, a Patagonia messenger, a small tumi laptop case/attache, a larger Swiss army laptop/attache, a small Jack Spade messenger, or a leather purse/laptop bag/overnight bag, any of which I can compress into the Tumi to get through Heathrow if I need to.
I bought the Tumi rollaboard about 3 years ago. I have sent it in for repair 3 times; each time they have given me a loaner to use, and fixed it completely, no charge. This makes me pretty loyal, but the bag could be better for my needs: it could have an easy-access laptop pocket for security, better/more strap options (elastic/velcro) for internal organization, a hidden pocket somewhere to stash things in, a rubber/plastic compartment for food/smelly things/wet things. And it would be made in SF, and would look cooler than the Tumi, but could be stealth enough for business travel.

The impending arrival of twins has me home in SF for a few months (and looking for the perfect diaper bag! Got some ideas there...)

Hope that's helpful! Looking forward to seeing the new line.

Check out this thread for the 411 on creating your dream diaper bag: http://getsatisfaction.com/timbuk2/to...

How about (and I just thought of this) a small detachable pouch that the traveller can put all their change, keys, pens and other metallic items in before going through security - it would sure beat having to empty everything into one of those plastic trays and then having to scoop it all up on the other side. Once you go through you just pick it up and stick it back in your bag. and it could have a name tag on it too. Brilliant hey!

In contrast to one opinion, (sorry can't find the name of the person who suggested this), please do not change the strap to a permanently attached one. Nothing drives me more crazy than having to spend time untwisting a strap. I've used the Commute for a couple of years, carrying some fairly heavy loads and never had a hook or clip failure. Also, please do not make your travel bag for laptops (whether the Commute or something else) too large - then it becomes a suitcase with a laptop sleeve. I realize you probably have more bag testers than you need, but I'd be happy to be a part of that list - like many others, I have been engaged in the search for the perfect bag (aka laptop bag fetish!).

I bought one of your bags that had lots of promise and potential, but once it came in the mail it was terrible, unusable and really should have been "street tested" to make sure it worked. It's such a good quality design too, which make me even more frustrated. (It was the data dump daypack)

Here is what I don't like, hopefully it can shape your future designs?

1. The laptop compartment was perfect! Don't change that.
2. The actual bag compartment is useless because:
--- it's one huge container... so you can't put paper in there or books/folders without having to remove everything else
--- the outside pockets actually cause bulges on the inside of the bag, so everything catches on it and you can't just slide stuff in and out
--- needs compartments. seperate 'chuck it in' stuff like sweaters, cords, etc. from 'keep flat' stuff like books, papers, notebooks, etc.
--- the opening is way too small. The bigger opening is way to much of a hassle to unclip, unzip and close again. Pain...
3. The pockets on the outside.
---- not enough
---- you can't actually put anything in these pockets as they don't shape to anything except flat items such as paper or flat wallets, Ipods, etc. Otherwise they are impossible to close.
---- the sideways angle of the pockets means you open the pockets and everything falls out. I would fix that.
---- ipod holder and cord hole? Make it a zip or something so I don't have to surgically thread my headphones in and out of the cordhole everytime I want to set that up.

That's all.

Sucks to have such a quality, made extremely comfy backpack that can essentially only hold my laptop. Useless and extremely frustrating.

Hope to see some 'user testing' in the next series.

I second the comment above about more external pockets for passport, wallet, keys, ipod, etc. What I would love to see is external pockets but that are next to the body rather than exposed. I find myself riding subways and walking around sightseeing with my bag slung to the front to avoid pick-pocketers. A design that would allow me easy access without allowing everyone else easy access is the key. Hidden pockets? Some kind of clasp/closure that can't be easy or quickly opened?

I recently switched to the pro series backpack to see if it would help my bad back. What's driving me nuts about it is that I have to fully take it off to get at anything inside it. Unclear whether it even helped my back so I'm back to the my circa 1999 medium messenger, that has been on every daily bike commute and every out of town trip with me for 8 years. It is the ultimate airplane carry on and if it weren't for the aforementioned bad back that necessitates a suitcase on wheels, I would use my large messenger bag for pretty much every trip up to a week long (I do still use my large bag for weekend trips). The only thing that would make it better is the extra pockets for small and valuable stuff.

I had the same problem with every other bag ever made for business use. They don't have the DEPTH I need.
I finally got what I really needed in the custom messenger. You can add a divider to keep things partitioned and the large and xtra large will accomodate a 15-17" laptop in a sleeve. And, yes, you can have a laptop sleeve sewn in.

I am a fulltime grad student and I work downtown in the rain capital of the PacNW on multiple health care related projects. I have to carry a lot of paper, binders, and my laptop with me. And because I am a woman, I also have to carry all those personal things you guys don't have to worry about. But it all fits in the messenger. It's got depth plus it is virtually rugged enough to stop a bullet. It has become my security blanket.

You can walk through the "build your own messenger" wizard and see if that gives you what you need. It will cost you nothing but a minute or two to plan it out and see if it will work. Go for the large at least -- you sound like a bag poweruser.

And don't give up.

I like that idea. How many times have you heard them page a passenger to return to security to pick up an item that was left behind? The name on the bag is a key feature.

And if it is detachable, it can be cleaned with soap and water.

I love all of my Timbuk2 gear! As some who travels often and takes their golf clubs with them, I would love to see Timbuk2 come out with a nice travel case for golf clubs. The things I would suggest it have are: strong, sturdy wheels; a hard (plastic or otherwise) bottom when standing vertically; solid padding throughout; slightly oversized to that shoes and other items can easily fit too; and water-proof is a must. Hard-cases are too hard to store, but if Timbuk2 could develop one that was sturdy but also collapsed to a decent size, I would buy one easy!

Real simple, I am that woman who travels for short conferences all over the country and likes bags that are compact enough (I'm only 5 feet tall!) to carry my laptop in a sleeve, a book, snacks (not crazy big bags of stuff, although we can debate that if I'm going overseas), mp3 player and camera. Oh and throw in space for a power cable and a bottle of water.

I would love for a bag to hold all of these things and fit snugly under the chair in front of me on an airplane. Not that serious. But I'd also like for it to not get floppy and spill out if I'm trying to root through for stuff (which I apparently do a lot). I'd like for stuff to be findable, and I think that's an issue for my Commute bag. It got me through my doctorate and all, but it's a black hole for iPod earphones, if you catch my drift. I'd love a pocket on the outside big enough to store a itinerary (6x8) that I don't have to velcro or snap open. Just reach in and grab what i need.

Here's where I throw down my gauntlet! Could you possibly design one that's adaptable to going from the airport to the board room? It can do rough and tumble, I like that, but one that's not going to look a little off kilter when in a suit. I'm one to support the notion that I'll need that clever little strap for the suitcase so it sits prettily on top when I'm trying to wave down a cab, but I'm okay with making it detachable so it doesn't look wonky when I'm toolin' around town on the metro.

Oh, another challenge? Pink. ;-)

I would say take the Duffel to XL...put some ribs in the bottom and wheels on one end....good wheels.

I largely use the square/rectangular pouches to compartmentalize the bag... I like pockets, but not too many. I would say maybe add one external zipper pouch. Just don't over complicate the bag, a lot of the beauty in the timbuk2 bags comes from the simplicity. Most are simple enough to be able to be used for anything....save maybe the commute (or other laptop specific bags).

AHHHHH! I don't see the duffel of the square-thingies on the www site anymore...you guys are killing me!

I like the pocket idea...what about a slit on the back of the bag? Lined, and just a slit with enough room for a couple papers. You wouldn't want to put anything like your passport in there, but that's ok (no one wants their passport stolen)

HI! i'd love to help with ideas for a bag. I'm a flight attendant and our bags our very durable but that's it. We need a bag with lots of compartments and pockets. STURDY WHEELS is a big plus and also one the most important things.. a hook that attaches to hang another bag on- Only travelpro does it but their bags are too heavy... I'd love to share more ideaS if needed!!!

Do you have a line of bags to look at?

I hear ya! I do too. I do merchandising for the website and a lot of times our best sellers are discontinued before they are even launched on the website, or shortly thereafter, because the wholesale selling cycle is a season ahead and if the buyers for the store don't buy it, the stuff gets axed before I can show that they really are strong products at the consumer level.

Some suggestions for a duffel bag if you bring them back:
1. Add an external zip closure pocket, or maybe even on on each side. Something big enough for a wallet, check book, 1 qt clear plastic bag w/3 oz containers..., and maybe even a pocket in that pocket for a cell phone and/or iPod.
2. Add internal shoe pockets or maybe make one end of the bag a vented shoe compartment (sort of like the Arnold bag, but both shoes go on the same end). On the opposite end, you could have a handle similar to the one on the discontinued duffel.
3. Include a padded shoulder strap.
4. Expandable handles. The handles on the discontinued duffel were almost too small. Handles that could be cinched down for carrying the bag like a suitcase and expanded for carrying over your shoulder would be pretty trick. Also, the handles on the discontinued duffel may have been almost too small, but they are very comfortable.
5. Internal pockets. Repeat what you did before, maybe add a small organizer in one of the pockets. Definitely keep the zip closures.
6. Waxed canvas in colors like the 2001-2002 color palette.
7. Maybe even a "build your own" option...
8. Good color combos and an all black version.

Thanks for the consideration!

what about keeping the timbuk2 color style, but using a more subtle style? Like a thin stripe with mostly the other two/one color(s)?

Yes, we're focusing intently on the security checkpoint experience. Thanks for your comments.

Ahh, yes, Ninja Pockets close to the body for security.

Thanks for your comment. We get a lot of requests for sporting goods bags, but unless it's an urban sport, you probably won't see one from us any time soon. Although, there are some cool golf bag features you could work into a rolling bag...

I would love a clear plastic bag included, and a less is more approach. I have a hard time keeping track of where I constantly put my ticket, ID, passport, cell phone, wallet, and etc... Easily accessible outer pockets for these items with a streamlined no-hassle interior (I guess I'm thinking carry-on here), either a body hugging back-pack type that easily opens from a side zip as well for a messenger-style access? I would love that. My shoulders usually get weighed down in travel with packs, but constantly opening a traditional back pack when all you need is quick access is a hassle.

Cool. So how much would you pay for a Commute with some better organization and airport friendly features?

Hi Johnnymac...for a good commute/airport bag, I'd gladly fork out at least $100 no more than $150.

I like the "slit" idea for the back of the bag, one that's close to the body and has info i'd need at hand right away...and I'd probably put my passport/tickets in it, despite lilmiss' thoughts. Could you put a lanyard/key fob thingy hook so I can lock something down if I needed to?

In 1989 I bought a simple carry-on size bag from Brookstone. It has traveled with me all over North and South America as well as Europe and the Carribbean. I travel an average of 100 days per year as a pilot, and unfortunately my old friend is starting to get really, really tired. The problem is that I can't find a suitable replacement!

I want a simple square bag, with durable handles that lash together so you don't have to fiddle around when trying to pick it up, some outside pockets, a laptop pocket, with an area for my travel mouse and power supply, and a generous area for clothes. Strong zippers and closures are an absolute must. Don't overdo the bells and whistles, simple, sturdy, and light are the best.

I prefer to leave the clack clack clack of the wheels to those not strong or dedicated enough to hoist their own baggage!

I can even donate my Brookstone bag for research!

Excellent suggestions. I would only add offer it in waxed canvas.

Build a wheel-less bag to be checked. New weight limits (50lbs/bag) really hurt you with a heavy wheeled bag. You can buy a high quality luggage carrier (ie. kart-a-bag) if you need wheels. I don't carry-on. It takes me a few more minutes at the airport but I don't spend late nights washing out clothes or wishing I could have packed but didn't have room...

Make the bags simple like on old clam-shell Samsonite. They don't need a million pockets with zippers and pulls to get caught and ripped off in luggage handling conveyors.

Make at least one bag to be checked that can carry 50 lbs. That will be around 3500 cu in. Make it out of Ballistic or Cordura. Simple Smooth design. Don't waste weight or backpack straps.

When I walk up to the checkpoint I always toss my keys, wallet, cellphone, ID, in the bag so they all go through the machine together, BUT you have to pull the laptop out of the back of the bag. Maybe there could be another way to get the laptop out.

A change of clothes is always useful and easy cinch down under the lid, but you always have to move the bundle to get at the stuff you're using underneath it. Maybe it could be strapped to the outside or under the flap, but travel with the flap as you lift it.

Provisions for in bag charging?

"old clam-shell Samsonite"

take a look at International Traveler bags. (www.luggageonline.com) last spring I purchased one of their hardshell bags. It's expandable (59", i think. which is right under international limits.) It is wheeled, but it only weighs 7 lbs or so. It gets scuffed, but I like it. And, it's pretty bottomless.

I agree with Voodoo about the key fob thingy and price. As long as it was a commute with a laptop messenger strap, because the commute swings too much when I'm dashing through the airport to catch a flight

This is a good discussion.
Lilmiss- What about when you need to remove the shoulder strap? Maybe you never do with the Commute, but some users swear they need a removable strap, especially in larger bags or duffel bags. Some users like the fact that they can stow the shoulder strap in the event that they need to check their bag.

Lanyard and hidden pockets are on the radar.

Even though I have never removed a shoulder strap when it was a possibility, I like having the option. I think some of it involves the strap being able to rotate to the right orientation. Fixed straps always seem to get twisted for me. I cannot envision a situation where I would check a bag the size of the Commute. Something larger.. sure... but then I hope it would have wheels - I am one of those wimps who you see in airports trailing their luggage.

i have a solution to the "misc crap" problem in messenger bags. i usually carry 2 laptops when i travel (personal & work-- work has extreme limits on things i can install so i use my personal computer for pictures, personal email, programs etc... i digress). i recently picked up a small timbuk2 laptop case for $10 (score!). i throw in my laptop chargers, digital camera charger, usb cord for digi cam, mouse, work cell phone, cell phone chargers etc. yes it creates a mini cluster within the laptop case but it keeps it all CONTAINED, which is a must for me. I have no problem rooting through a smaller bag for that cord i am looking for. what i can't stand is rooting through a larger bag be it a messenger, backpack or tote looking for that dang usb cord to upload my pics.

as for the "research" side of this thread... i like to work in a modular fashion. i need seperate cases for my laptops (form fitting cases that zip halfway around made by incase) my snacks my cords, chargers etc. if i want to work on my laptop for work i want to grab the red case i know its in and the small black case i keep all the cords in. i grab what i need and throw the cases back in the bag. obviously everything can't be in its own container within the bag but the more i can group things the happier i can work and find what i need in my bag (and the less frustrated i get)

does anyone else work this way or am i just super crazy organized to the point of ocd?? ....

Hey, I know this may be a bit off topic but I'm going to be using my bolo messenger for a trip to California. I'm curious do you check your bag or do you carry it on with you and store it overhead? I'm really excited to find this post.

I travel internationally, primarily.Currently mostly to China, and other non-western countries. Thus a wheelie is necessity, it's got to be thin enough to fit on an escalator, waterproof, and durable enough to handle constant battering. Most of my trips are 1-3wks, or longer.

I'm currently traveling with a 22-24" Samsonite & XL canvas messenger, but have been looking at other options. I've just ordered a new 13" laptop(down from my original 15.4" when I originally got the messenger; also 4lbs vs. 7.5lbs
(laptop only).

I need durable, waterproof, and space for charger, power converter, mouse, HDs, cables, camera, ipod, and noise canceling headphones, & minimal paperwork. I tend to carry my passport in hidden pockets in some travel trousers.(passport and some money are my most important items)

I tend to pack for greater then 1/2 of my total travel time. As I'm not in that remote of location, I can pack for laundry service. It would be a great relief to be able to put my laptop/messenger bag on top of my carry-on/check-in and wheel about with it.

I do tend to check as I'm flying known International airlines, domestic I carry-on, and if I were in the wilds of ... I'd carry on as well. (sad fact, I trust commercial intl airlines more then domestic ones)

most imporant...
I need to be able to easily recognize my bag in the airport or on the belt. I used to travel with camouflage bags, but those are more common (and mine were'nt wheelie). And best...make it cool, or allow me to choose color/material.

I love my canvas messenger bag and would be hard pressed to give it up.

would the new commute (due out early next year) be coming with the limited wool edition?

This thread is probably closed since it is past the deadline, but it is worth a shot to weigh in...I travel about 6-10 times a year for work and a few more for personal trips per year. Work trips are usually a couple of days at a time. I carry a Swiss Army Trevi for my work briefcase and have a basic Timbuk2 Messenger for weekends of carry stuff for the kids. What I'd love to see:

1. I need any bag to be designed around holding reasonable business attire without wrinkling. I do not wear a tie but wear nice pants, a dress shirt and usually wear or bring a blazer. I like to be able to take off my blazer but most bags seem to get the insert wrong so if I put the blazer in the bag, I end up with a wrinkled mess. I have an insert from 4 or 5 bags ago which worked pretty well but it doesn't fit as well in newer bags.

2. A nice carry-on duffle bag (or cabin bag some luggage makers call them) that can hold pants, shirt, blazer, etc. For a quick overnight trip a roll-aboard carry-on seems like a big waste and I like the duffle bag, but it is really hard to find a good one. They are either too small to be a good carry-on or too big to meet airline carry-on regulations. A little shorter and a little wider than most duffles seems to be what makes a good "cabin bag".

3. Next step up would be a small roll aboard good for a 2-3 day trip.

4. Must have separate compartments to hold liquids for easy removal. Otherwise you look like a dufus pulling all the stuff out of your bag for a security check. It also provides protection if the plastic bag and a bottle break--they seem to both happen at the same time to me.

5. Good selection of styles and colors. Ideally there would be some that were interesting but professional. Too many makers have choices of just black or really bright solid colors like red. Since a lot of time I end up in meetings with my bags in the room (such as when you take a cab to the hotel, walk across to the meeting, then a cab back to the airport), I need a color scheme that looks ok in a business meeting and bright red or orange or whatever don't work. But on the occaisions where I have to check a bag--or get forced to gate check on a small commuter plane--I want to be able to find my bags.

6. I'd also like a separate compartment to put a book or things for the plane in. It seems like my briefcase (a Swiss Army Trevi) often ends up filled with work materials so I'd love to be able to have an easy place to put a book, my iPod, etc. for a plane. It would need to be very accessible for just a small number of things.

7. Good quality without the ridiculous price tags of Tumi and the like. I pay for good stuff (Victorinox Swiss Army seems to be about my price point luggage wise) but would like to find something a little more distinctive.

I own 4 Timbuk2 bags and I love them to travel in, however each of them are just not perfect! I travel a lot due to my work and mostly internationally, I took my messenger to Kabul with me in 2003, it was perfect. I love to have one carry on bag under 22" that I can use for everything, from carrying my laptop, to a book, my travel docs, ipod, and where I can roll up a change of clothes. But once I get to my destination I would love to use it as a regular backpack ( I know too much to ask for!). Lately I have been using the older women's version of the laptop backpack, I can't remember the name of it. The only downsides for me are:

1. The bag is not waterproof (I've loved TB2 for this reason alone, and hate seeing backpacks w/o this option)- since you are carrying high priced electronic gear this is an important feature.

2. Since you are carrying a laptop, which does make things heavy it would be nice if it had some type of hip pad belt (not a skinny belt, I mean a nice padded one that will take some weight off your shoulders while going from terminal to terminal).

3. Please for the love of god, stop putting the water bottle hold INSIDE of the backpack. This takes up precious room!

4. I would be happy to try out whatever demo's you have cooked up! But please WATERPROOF!

And since I don't read directions- this posting is really really late!

My comments here aren't so much about travel as they are about getting around with a laptop and other stuff. I've used my Commute bag for a few years getting around New York City by foot, subway, and car. Overall, I'm very pleased with my bag and I recommend it to others. My comments for future designs are based on that experience.

1. I have developed a bad back and would love a cool laptop bag that easily converts to rolling mode for longer walks. Weight, ease of conversion between carry and rolling modes, and laptop protection are key design aspects for a roller. If it's too cumbersome to convert between modes quickly, or subjects the laptop to potential damage while rolling, it'll never get used. I guess general durability would be pretty important too.

2. The external pockets on the front of the Commute are a great idea, but almost useless. Because the opening to those pockets are not elasticized and they're tight, it's very difficult to get things in and out of them. Also, when there's something in there, it generally intrudes on the interior of the bag. If those pockets were better designed, I would probably stow my power supply or other stuff in there.

3. Speaking of the power supply, because there's no good place to put that within the bag, I use one of the external beverage pockets for that. Any laptop bag really needs a good spot for a power supply. I'm thinking a large, elasticized or velcro-secured internal pocket on the side wall of the bag. In the Commute, that would be back-to-back with one of the beverage pockets.

4. The Commute beverage pockets are great, but could either be taller, or include some sort of strap to support carrying a tall travel mug or a taller water bottle securely. I've had to pick up my mug and my umbrella enough times that I've given up putting larger objects in the beverage pockets.

5. Umbrella storage! We all need umbrellas, they all get wet, and when you live in an area where mass transit is king, you can go from outdoors to indoors several times in one trip. Some place to stow or secure an umbrella where that umbrella won't soak the interior of the bag. Of course, this is critical so you have some hands free to drink your beverage out of the beverage pocket and read that magazine you've stored in the back zipper pocket while holding onto the pole, instead of holding your umbrella the whole way. Now I put the wet umbrella in the beverage pocket where it won't get the rest of the bag wet. That's not a secure place for it, though, and if I move around or get bumped, the umbrella will fall out.

6. Semi-rigid laptop protection. The padded laptop protection in the Commute is fine for a bag that gets carried, like a messenger or a backpack. I'm not that concerned about putting this bag in the overhead compartments or under the seat on a plane, because I understand that there's a laptop and other potentially fragile stuff in there. Therefore, I try not to subject it to a beating. However, in a rolling version of the bag, the laptop protection should be more rigid to provide better protection against impacts.

All this in a backback that converts to a roller would be awesome.

Oh yeah, and please, please bring back something like the Arnold gym bag. I know it was limited edition, I know the retailers didn't like it, I know it's discontinued, but I still want one.

Bleep...I would say go with a morphable bag. Today I am in a Jungle, tomorrow on a bike, and the next day given consultation to a social media CEO...

So something that will wrap every which way I want it to! Colors? Cameleon, if you get my point!

I'm really bummed that I didn't see this forum earlier. I travel a LOT (>150k miles/yr) and have a large collection of bags (bit of a bagophile). I have a large collection of Timbuk2 (a laptop briefcase, messenger bags in all sizes (some doubles), accessories, and I just got a Wool Commute bag that I haven't used yet!). I also have a large collection of Tumi (20", 22", 22" expandable, 24", trifold suit bag, bifold suit bag, rolling large suit bag).

I know the design phase is over, but I'd be thrilled to give my $0.02 worth on whatever design has been arrived at.

I do the same thing - use my large messenger bag and toss my (15" PowerBook) into a sleeve, and there's usually plenty of room leftover for clothes/toiletries. (I too pack light for a girl.)

I think a combination of the two would be helpful, I like the rigidity that the back of the commute offers, as well as the external zippered pouch, but I do NOT like the two slanted pockets that are covered by the flap when latched. Having the water bottle holders on the side is also helpful, I tend to use those for storing my laptop lock, maybe adding external pockets to the sides would offer more accessability. Give it a closure (Velcro? a clip?) and I'd use it for my digital camera/iPod/etc. Having the internal space of the messenger, and some of the external details of the commute would be a great combination in my opinion.

Also, what about some kind of modular bag that detaches into two bags? Now that liquids have to be checked I've lost my status as "security checkpoint ninja" but I still like to travel light. It would be helpful to have a smaller bag (I'm thinking similar to the Eula?)that would unzip or unclip from a larger (possibly wheeled, duffel style?) I'd be able to take that with me as a carry on (big enough for iPod, camera, book, current knitting project, wallet, etc) and once I reached my destination I could re-unite the two.

I travel on business, and have been working to reduce the number of things I carry. I do not want a ton of little compartments. I do not want something that is clever for the sake of clever; little discrete compartments sound great on paper but then you get held up in security by the little complimentary pen knife that got stuck in some little crevice.

Model Name: Johnny Go Lightly

1. Must be carry on.
2. No WHEELS please. Wheels mean a frame, and this is definitely a soft-side bag.
3. Courier style, convertible to Backpack, with carry handles on long and short edge of bag.
4. Outside zippered pocket for passport and airline tickets. Must be long enough to hold standard tickets.
5. Compression straps to reduce size inside and out (clothes mysteriously get bigger on return trip.
6. No metal.
7. Zippered inner compartments to segregate dirty clothes from clean.
8. Double, water PROOF bottom
9. In both subtle and glaringly bright colors (easy to spot on luggage carousel)
10. Place for iPod and headphones, including iPhone.
11. Inner pocket with removable, sealable leakproof liner for toothpaste, cosmetics, etc.
12. Straps that allow an slimline laptop case to be added externally, not internally. That allows you to check in your bag and have your laptop with a case if need be, or leave it behind if you don't need the extra bulk.

wheee~! great~! i want in~! please.~!

suggestion for the timbuk2 travel line series

re: Inflight Case

Please include a side loop for hanging on the latch for the tray table of the seat in front of you

I know I've missed the Oct 31 cutoff but looking at the new Checkpoint I would love to see the same bag but without the wheels, handle etc. Just hidden shoulder straps and side carry handle.