Timbuk2 Bag-in-a-Box
MSRP: $100

Messenger bags are a big-city phenomenon that haven’t hit the rest of the country quite as hard although they are catching on. Essentially a messenger bag is a backpack worn over your shoulder and carried low across your back and side. Instead of two shoulder straps there’s one large shoulder strap and one smaller waist strap to restrain the bag from sliding side to side.

The advantage of a messenger bag is it’s easy to access thanks to the full-length flap and prodigious opening which can swallow a variety of surprisingly large payloads. Most messenger bags are also waterproof and built very tough with heavy-grade straps and hardware as well as heavier stitching for long-term use and abuse. Messenger bags (unsurprisingly) were designed by bike messengers looking for a more practical way to carry their merchandise from stop to stop. The first Timbuk2 bags were handmade by a San Francisco bike messenger back in 1989. After a few of his co-workers started using these utilitarian bags and singing their praises, Timbuk2 was born.

----- So what’s a Bag-in-a-Box? ----

After deciding I wanted and needed a messenger bag for my longer distance commutes and just for lugging junk around, I settled on Timbuk2 as the manufacturer for me. There’s several other manufacturers of quality messenger bags out there, but what I really liked about Timbuk2 was their online Build-A-Bag system which allows you to choose the size, colors, material, and accessories of your bag. Once your sure about the bag you want you simply click order and your bag is built just for you.

One of the products Timbuk2 sells on their website is the Bag-in-a-Box gift card which gives you $100 credit towards the bag of your choice. After receiving your Bag-in-a-Box you simply open your box and scratch off the gift card. Next you pop over to www.timbuk2.com/baginabox and enter the 9-digit code from your gift card and start building the bag of your dreams.

Bags are available in 5 sizes starting at XS (12.75"W x 8.5"H x 5.5"D) and go all the way up to the elephantine XL (27"W x 14.5H "x 9"D) You can get a basic Large bag for between $80 and $100 which makes the $100 gift card quite useful. Extra features such as dividers, shoulder strap gel pads, cell phone or iPod holders, and laptop sleeves will drive the price higher.

----- Bottom Line -----

As a purchase for yourself the Bag-in-a-Box doesn’t make much sense since you could just spend the $100 on your bag right away. However, if you are looking for a creative and useful gift for that trendy friend or biker addict the Timbuk2 Bag-in-a-Box is a perfect idea. Not only can you use your $100 card on a custom bag you can also buy any other standard pre-built bags or accessories on the site. This includes messenger, laptop, backpack, lifestyle, and cargo tote bags. Accessories available include cell phone holders and iPod cases, laptop sleeves (for use in bags or on their own), wallets, bike seat bags, and other trendy and colorful cargo solutions.

It's a no-brainer for those interested in tough construction and user-designed features, Timbuk2 is one smart company. They don't just listen to their customers, they are directed by their customers. The Bag-in-a-Box is a clever way to sell gift cards and shopping instructions in one cleverly marketed package. Hey, it worked for me and I'm very happy with my bag.

Timbuk2 was very expedient with my custom bag order as it shipped 5 business days after I placed my order. I received it 3 days later and it was exactly as I had requested. The simplicity of the gift card entry and easy online store navigation made the whole experience an easy one I'd be happy to do over again. I highly recommend both the company and its products, I'll be sure to write a review of my bag once I've put it through a few torture tests.

P.S. After looking around on Ebay I have noticed a couple of unwanted Bag-in-a-Box gift cards show up for around $80. If you want a bag yourself and want to save $15 or so you could win the auction and use the card yourself. Remember all cards are worth $100.00.

Related backpack links:

•Timbuk2 Cell Phone Holder

•Camelbak H.A.W.G.
•Camelbak HydroBak
•Camelbak Rim Runner
•Camelbak Classic
•Camelbak Reservoir Dryer


Thanks for reading and feel free to comment!

© Openroad 2006


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