As 2019 marks Timbuk2’s 30th anniversary, the company decided to revisit and update one of their original cargo bag collections. Aimed at serious commuters, the new Especial 2.0 collection includes three packs that take inspiration from the original Especial line, but offer revamped structures and shapes.
The Especial 2.0 bags feature waterproof tarpaulin TPU fabric for dependable all-weather protection. Timbuk2 is clearly confident these bags will keep your cargo dry; not only does the landing page for this new series contain the phrase “no wet laptops”, the site is wallpapered with images of rain and wet (but happy) riders.
Stash Messenger:
The Stash Messenger is a water-resistant 20L bag that will keep your daily essentials dry inside. In addition to its tarp lined interior, the Stash features a seam-taped 15” laptop pocket with a water repellent zipper and a protective lip to keep moisture away from your computer or tablet.
The Stash offers a large main pouch, plus a few smaller pockets on and behind the main flap. One end of the bag includes an exterior mesh water bottle pocket. Daisy chain loops across the main flap and on the cross body strap allow you to clip on blinker lights or other accessories.
Timbuk2’s ambidextrous strap uses a quick-release buckle, so it can be easily switched from side to side. The Stash is finished with reflective fabrics and details, beefy metal hardware and magnetic buckle closures. The Stash Messenger bag measures 17.5” wide, 12.2” tall, and 4.7” deep. It retails for $179, and comes in Jet Black only.
Scope Expandable Pack:
The Scope Expandable pack is an updated version of Timbuk2’s Especial Medio pack. Its structural frame is now square-shaped to better distribute weight on the rider’s back. With its expandable zippered gusset, the Scope’s capacity ranges from 24L to 36L.
The Scope doesn’t grow taller in its larger mode; instead, the bag’s front panel flares out at the top to make the pack deeper. The Scope has two side compression straps, but I find one thing odd about them… they’re not attached to the front face of the pack, so they can’t compress the expanded portion of the bag. Wouldn’t it make more sense to sew them onto the expandable area so riders can cinch down larger loads?
Cargo can be divided between the Scope’s main internal pouch, an external front pocket and a few organizational pockets inside the flap. The pack’s dual side stretch pockets can carry water bottles or U-locks, and daisy-chain loops are included on the front panel and the shoulder straps.
The Scope is water resistant all around, but also features an internal seam-taped laptop pocket. The pocket uses a water repellent zipper and protective lip to ensure moisture stays out, and fits up to a 15” laptop.
The Scope also features raised back padding and a chest stabilizer strap to keep your load secure. Other details include reflective fabric and accents, metal buckles, and a top carry handle. The Scope Expandable pack measures 20.5” tall, 12.6” wide, and 4.7” deep (when not expanded). MSRP is $189, and it is available in Jet Black.
Shelter Roll-Top pack:
The Shelter Roll-Top pack is a heavy duty bucket-style backpack that’s meant to keep bigger loads bone dry. The pack’s main compartment is fully seam-sealed, and the interior liner is removable. Since the entire inner compartment is weather protected, this pack uses a simple sleeve to carry laptops up to 15”.
Offering 48L of volume, the Shelter is the largest pack in the new Especial 2.0 collection. Storage is kept fairly simple with one large interior pocket, a zippered exterior pouch on the front panel, and one side stretch pocket for water bottles or U-locks. Timbuk2’s magnetic buckles hold the Shelter’s roll-top closure tightly shut.
The Shelter features reflective fabric and details, daisy chain loops on the shoulder straps and a top carry handle. For comfort, the pack includes channelled back padding and a chest stabilizer strap. The Shelter Roll-Top pack’s dimensions are given at 20.7” tall, 6.7” deep, and 13.8” wide. It sells for $199, in Jet Black only.
The new Especial 2.0 collection packs are available online and in stores now. Timbuk2 packs all come with a lifetime warranty, and through the company’s Lifecycle Program, they never have to wind up in a landfill.
