Timbuk2 Especial Scope Expandable Backpack, Jet Black

Bought this for my husband. It was the perfect size and great quality. Hope it lasts for years to come.

A mixed bag of pros and more cons than expected . . . Pros: Great carrying capacity, good looks, generally good materials and build quality, weather-proof, plenty of pockets, weather-proof zippers (which are surprisingly smooth gliding). Cons: The pack is very heavy (even when unloaded), shoulder straps have minimal padding so carrying a heavy load is uncomfortable, oddly thick back padding (ventilation and sweat buildup is still a problem in hot weather), top handle is in an awkward off-center position, magnetic buckles are awkward to use and require two hands to unbuckle (would've much rather had traditional clip buckles for quick one-handed use), expansion material is a thin rip-stop material which is not weather-proof unlike the rest of the shell (which negates one of the main advantages of the backpack), laptop pocket is way too small and difficult to use (my 14” MacBook Pro does not fit in there inside a thin sleeve and the sticky rubberized interior makes it very difficult to slide a “naked” laptop in or out - huge disappointment there).

Replacing my several year old timbuk2. I love the especial line because it has taped zippers and higher water resistance

I liked the fact that its water proof

I returned the backpack. Nice backpack but not compatible with what I was looking for. 15.6 inch monitor laptops do not fit in laptop compartment. Shoulder straps are not padded and uncomfortable.

This is a fantastic backpack for people who commute on bicycle or foot and get caught in the rain on occasion. It's somewhat weather resistant while also being a great backpack to hold your computer (up to 15") and other essentials. There is a nice thick pack support and everything on this pack is high quality. Straps are nice and feel good even when wearing them for a long time and the front buckle keeps the pack on tight for bike rides. This backpack is fairly large, but not too big. It can expand to hold books, a jacket, or change of clothes and I've used it for an overnight trip. It's professional looking pack that work would just as well for a student as a professional. The material used on the outside of the pack is a shiny synthetic material that repels water and looked a bit cheap to me at first but it's really grown on me as I've used it. The normal smaller zippered pockets are on this pack, nothing too noteworthy here. You are mainly paying for the high quality of this bag, and I expect it to last a long time, certainly longer than most low cost laptop backpacks. I have another pack I've been using since last year that's falling apart already and it cost almost as much as this one. Timbuk2 is a quality brand and if anything wears out or breaks, they will take care of you.

The Especial Scope is a commuting or overnight travel backpack that's clearly designed for comfort and protection from the elements. Build quality is outstanding, with a shiny rubberized exterior and waterproof zippers. The back is very generously padded, with wide, sturdy straps that, while not padded, have a layer of mesh for durability, as well as a removable chest strap. This is a very comfortable bag. Organization is minimalist, but efficient. There's a front document pocket, and admin compartment behind that with some organization, but room for your own organizer, and a massive main compartment that can be expanded significantly by unzipping a zipper. The main compartment is long and narrow, and the bag doesn't open up fully, so it's less than ideal for use as a carry-on in my opinion. The laptop compartment is slightly suspended over a padded bottom, keeping it well-protected. There is no zipper or strap to hold the laptop in place. All of the little details with the bag are quite nice. There's the standard light clip strap, with a web row above that is perfect for carabiners, and another web strap at the top. There are compression straps on either side with magnetic closures that took me a moment to figure out (you twist them). The water bottle pockets were a disappointment, leaving only enough room for a .5 L bottle on either side at most. The high-contrast interior makes it easy to find things. I'm not a fan of the long, skinny form factor of the bag, especially without a clamshell opening, but that is my only real complaint about an otherwise excellent bag. In terms of comfort, quality, durability, and functionality, the Especial Scope is well ahead of other bags at this price point.

I love well designed backpacks. I appreciate all the thought that goes into them. Overall, this is a very fine bag with a generously sized main compartment that provides good padding for a laptop. The padding level is not bulletproof, I’d put more on the medium level of padding. The form factor is perfect for a motorcycle or bicycle commute, very sleek. The internal organization is good, albeit a bit on the spartan, simple side, which is not a negative per se. The material is weather resistant, but by no means fully storm proof, but they did do the weather resistant part to a high level. Given the discount price on this bag, and particularly if you are a motorcyclist or cyclist, this is an excellent option.

TIMBUK2製の「パーカーパックライト バックパック リュックサック」からこちらに乗り換えました。 本体自体が細いデザインのため、収納に関しては少し容量的に劣りますが、その他デザイン、色合い、機能性などおおよそ気に入っています。本音はもう少し容量があってもいいですけどね（苦笑）。 ほぼ同じデザインである、同社製「クードスクリップポーチ Jet Black」も右肩ベルトに固定して、一緒に使用しています。さらに使いやすくなりました。