Never Check Expandable Backpack

I wanted to wait a while before reviewing, and I can now say this backpack is the real deal. After using it every single day for work and travel for almost a year, I'm blown away by how well it has held up. It genuinely looks almost identical to the day I bought it. The quality is top-notch, from the rugged main material to the weatherproof zippers. It’s my go-to for my commute, with smart pockets that keep everything organized, and it's been my only bag for several trips. Even when fully packed, the padded straps and back panel make it comfortable to carry. Timbuk2's reputation for quality is well-deserved. A fantastic investment.

I have a couple other Timbuk2 bags (a backpack and a messenger bag) which I’m very happy with. I bought this one because my current backpack (a Timbuk2 Division) was great for business use, but was a little small for overnight trips or even visits to the grocery store. Yet, I didn’t want a “Prepper’s” go-bag, and I definitely didn’t want to look like a backpack with legs when wearing it. This Never Check backpack is just the right size - large enough to haul what I need and still have space for a day’s worth of groceries. And, the expandable bag is perfect for packing in those last minute impulse buys at the grocery store! Comfortable, too, even when loaded up for a weekend trip. And, if it’s anything like my other Timbuk2 bags, solidly built. There are only three things that I wish would change. First, I wish this bag had a key lanyard built in. It’s so convenient in my other bags to just be able to pull on the strap to retrieve my keys without having to dig around through the bag’s contents. Second, I wish the zippered opening to the laptop storage slot was just a little longer - the compartment has plenty of space for my 15.6” laptop, but the zipper is just a little too short for easy access. My laptop does fit if I angle it through the zipper in just the right way, but it’s a fiddly procedure that could have been avoided by just using a slightly longer zipper. Third, I wish that there was something on the outside of the bag for an ID Tag. Either a simple D-ring, or one of those more elaborate built-in ID pockets would have been great, especially since the rest of this bag seems to have been designed for travel…

I've traveled all over the world in Timbuk2 and in the US it makes a perfect day bag to hold my gym clothes, lunch tupperwares, coffee/water mug, laptop and charger cables and all of the stuff you would normally put into a purse - but I hate purses. These bags are delightfully indestructible because I'm hard on my stuff and if you spill stuff in it, it's easy to clean. Intuitive pockets for everything to keep your life organized and easy access so you don't have to take off your pack - even the chest strap is removable so you don't have to be annoyed by dangling things when you don't need them. I consolidated a purse, laptop bag and grocery bag for clothes/food into this one pack. I can't recommend it enough - worth every penny!!

I got this backpack for a trip abroad recently. It's proven to be a great bag for carrying on a plane and while traveling. It has so many compartments for your passport, wallet, clothes, etc. You can stuff it with a lot of things The zippers and materials are all quality as well. The straps are also really comfortable and do not dig into your body. I hope this bag lasts ten years because it is amazing. If you travel a lot or need to move around with a lot of stuff this is a great bag!

At first, this bag seems small but I realized over time it can hold a lot without losing comfort. My only complaint is that I wish it had better compartments. Just remember it is not a replacement for luggage. You can carry electronics, a change of clothes, but not enough space for an extra pair of shoes. If you carry nothing but clothes you can maybe carry a pair of shoes (size 12)..Overall, a great bag I recommend buying.