Timbuk2  Ace Laptop Backpack Messenger Bag

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Built for a cooler-than-average IT guy, the Timbuk2 Ace Laptop backpack messenger bag answers the "messenger or backpack?" question. It's a TSA-friendly backpack that transforms into a messenger.

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Features

  • Backpack straps easily untuck for days with the laptop plus extra batteries; but on iPad only days, it carries naturally as a messenger
  • TSA-friendly design allows easy access to your machines through airport security, and its front zip pockets help you always find your phone
  • Ventilated back panel keeps you cool so you can do your tech thing
  • Laptop pocket fits a 17 in. laptop or a 15 in. MacBook and iPad; padded front pocket offers protection for iPad mini
  • Front zip pocket fits cellphone, passport and wallet
  • Internal organizer for pens, phones, and other small stuff
  • Large main compartment for books, jacket and other carry-on essentials
  • Exterior webbing offers attachment for carabiners or bike U-lock
  • Luggage pass-through lets you attach your Ace to your wheelie companion
  • On-strap bottle opener for party tricks and quick refreshment
  • Reinforced grab handles on all sides for easy heave-ho

Imported.

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Technical Specs

Best Use

Travel

Bag Style

Backpack

Messenger Bag

Gear Capacity (L)

20

Gear Capacity (cu. in.)

1,220

Number of Exterior Pockets

3+ main compartment

Laptop Compartment

Yes

Fits Laptop Size (in.)

17 inches

iPad / Tablet Compartment

Yes

Carry-On

Yes

Checkpoint-Friendly

Yes

Material(s)

630-denier nylon

Dimensions

17 x 11 x 5 inches

Weight

3 lbs. 0.3 oz.

Gender

Unisex

Reviews
52 reviews with an average rating of 4.2 out of 5 stars

Ratings Snapshot

Product Rating

45 out of 49 (92%) reviewers recommend this product

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Customer Images

Russell
Tokyo
Rated 1.0 out of 5 stars

Same quality issue as other reviewer

8 years ago

Like another reviewer, my bag almost immediately began self-destructing. The blue version has a vinyl like coating that begins to crack, wear, and flake almost immediately. Contrary to Timbuk2's comment, it is not "merely" cosmetic (as if appearance issues on a bag this expensive can be dismissed with "merely"). The broken points also allow water to enter the bag. I have only used this bag for commuting on the train. Most of the time it spends in my lap like a baby. I bought another cheap convertible backpack at the same time that has had no issues. If Timbuk2 is not going to stand behind their bags, you should find a company who will.

No, I do not recommend this product
Originally posted on timbuk2.com
Fork
Northern California
Rated 4.0 out of 5 stars

Excellent overall laptop bag

6 years ago

The shoulder strap is top notch. It feels very comfortable, like I could have my bag hanging on my shoulder for a very long time. I haven't tried the back pack mode, but will mostly use the shoulder strap. The back pack mode will be used when I travel on flights without my spinner carry on. Could use some specific pockets for business cards, small things, water bottle holder, but have figured out ways to still hold those things. This bag is an overall very good bag as a messenger bag. It feels solidly built, and is versatile to carry all my tech equipment (headset, power adapter, phone cables, headphones). So far, it's working really well for me.

Yes , I recommend this product
Originally posted on timbuk2.com
Scott
Ohio
Rated 3.0 out of 5 stars

It's an ok bag

9 years ago

I bought this bag to travel on overnight and day trips. I liked that it has both the traditional briefcase and backpack straps and can be used either way quickly and easily. That being said the bag is decent, I have a 15" Dell and it is a tight fit but it works. Main compartment is good size but not enough segregation for me. Would like separate compartments for charging cables, power supplies and misc cords and another for paper (books, notebooks, presentations, etc.). As it is I separate my computer and put everything else in the main compartment. If you do not have to carry paper it would be a great bag.

Yes , I recommend this product
Originally posted on timbuk2.com
Monk
Houston
Rated 5.0 out of 5 stars

Solid Messenger Bag!

8 years ago

Great computer bag all around.On my second one finally after 2 years of abuse and travel. Slim even holding my 15" MacBook Pro, an iPad, and a few other gadgets. The hidden backpack feature is awesome to have when I need to even things out on my shoulders. Literally the only small thing that bothers me about this bag, is the front D ring that the shoulder strap hooks to. It has enough play that it keeps spinning around causing the round part to go upside down. Wears the fabric a bit faster that way it seems. Other than that, looking forward to buying another one of these when this thing finally wears out!

Yes , I recommend this product
Originally posted on timbuk2.com
Jori
Everywhere
Rated 5.0 out of 5 stars

Yes a bag that can adapt to any situation

8 years ago

so I use this bag on an everyday basis and I mean an everyday basis. I travel at least once a month for a week or two depending on if work calls for it. I use this bag for traveling, when I get to my location I commute with it, bring it everywhere I go as I constantly need to take my laptop out for anything work related (or gaming hehe) and finally use it as my office bag. I use both the messenger strap for meetings, conferences and backpack straps for commuting. Btw I don't carry a MacBook which is what timbuk2 recommends. Instead I carry an Alienware laptop a computer that can work fast, email, video edit and since I have a great deal of free time during my trips gaming. The Alienware is thicker, heavier than the MacBook and this timbuk2 handles it with ease. Can't ask for anything more, in my opinion the perfect bag that can adapt to any situation. Highly recommended!

Yes , I recommend this product
Originally posted on timbuk2.com
Ca in Nj
Woodbridge, NJ
Rated 5.0 out of 5 stars

Fit Everything

9 years ago

I'm a graduate student taking classes and working at an internship. While at "work" i use the messenger strap to look more professional but while commuting and walking through the city it's so convenient to switch to the back pack straps for easy maneuvering through crowds. Ive actually stopped on the street and changed straps without having to place the bag on the ground. This bag fits Everything i need: laptop, notebooks, textbooks, etc. It gets heavy but I think that's more a function of what I'm hauling not the bag itself. This bag is going to come with me from school to profession, easily.

Yes , I recommend this product
Originally posted on timbuk2.com
pmolin
Oslo, Norway
Rated 5.0 out of 5 stars

One bag to rule them all

10 years ago

I searched a lot - trying to find a backpack/messenger bag-combo that would be useful for commuting but also look good in business scenarios. Finally, I found the best alternative! I use it as a backpack when I need to carry my work laptop or my chromebook (11"6), or back/forth from the kindergarten trying to handle two kids at the same time. At the office, I switch easily to the bag/messenger bag option. The blue voodoo color is really nice! I do (as others have mentioned) sometimes miss a dedicated place for a water bottle, but so far that is the only con I have found. Before I used to switch back and forth between boring, big, backpacks and more stylish office bags, now I only need one bag!

Yes , I recommend this product
Originally posted on timbuk2.com
AudioComm
Toronto, Ont
Rated 4.0 out of 5 stars

I love it, but...

10 years ago

I am definitely one of those types that take all their gear with them everywhere they go. Up until now it has usually been in backpack form. When I came across this hybrid I knew I wanted to try it. With all the different compartments it does keeps my stuff well organized. I am able to carry my books, laptop, hard drive, and files, etc. all together in one bag. As I said before, though, the hybrid factor is the first thing that attracted me to the bag itself and I have to say, overall it works pretty well. However, I wish they could have disguised the fronts zips more. I find it a little on the bulky side. And tucking away the backpack straps is a little bit cumbersome, but definitely not a deal breaker.

Yes , I recommend this product
Originally posted on timbuk2.com
Calvin
Singapore
Rated 5.0 out of 5 stars

If you like the RAM you will love ACE

10 years ago

I bought the RAM 2 years back and while i like the concept of a versatile bag it just didn't look good for corporate and if you didn't have too much stuff in it it kinda look lumpy. I have been waiting for Timbuk2 to come out with an updated model and when i saw ACE i just had to give it a try. It fixes many complaints i had with RAM works well in briefcase, messenger or backpack mode. Roomy when you need to pack a lot of stuff but when empty it flattens out nicely. Multiple compartments for people who carry many stuff like me. I have in it 1. Macbook Pro 15" 2. iPad Mini 3. iPhone 4. Umbrella 5. Notebook 6. Pen 7. Pillcase 8. Business cards 9. Cables, chargers Just kept everything well organised and easily accessible.

Yes , I recommend this product
Originally posted on timbuk2.com
Jaime
Pittsburgh, PA
Rated 4.0 out of 5 stars

Great all around work and commute travel bag

8 years ago

I saw the Ace Bag on the Timbuk2 store alongside the Copilot Roller on display and wanted a bag I could strap to the roller when I travel. They both matched nicely. So I decided to purchase both and I was so impressed with the flexibility of the bag that I am using it as my regular work bag now. It looks like a sporty briefcase with plenty of pockets and compartments for my accessories and such. The shoulder strap is confortable, however the backpack straps are a little awkward and not as confortable as I would expect when putting in 20 lbs. of weight.

Yes , I recommend this product
Originally posted on timbuk2.com
1 - 10 of 52 Reviews

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