Timbuk2 bags recently launched a new Travel line of bags, suitcases and pouches designed to make airline travel easier and less stressful.  Most items are only available in three colors; the “brown/flame” shown above on their Checkpoint wheeled bag, an “army green/spinach” combo and all black.  For now, you can’t custom order your own color pattern…we’re waiting on their marketing rep to call us back with plans for future customization options.
Color selections aside, there are some cool features among the 10 items offered, like removeable laptop/accessory pouches to speed security checks, clear pouches for your toiletries and liquid explosives (have you ever tried to light an astringent?  Good times…).  The Checkpoint, above, is Timbuk2’s first-ever rolling suitcase, and it has a couple of niceties.  You know that strap on top of your suitcase that you never use and just flaps around?  They’ve hidden it.  That crappy handle that extends?  This one’s shaped like a shovel handle.  It also has some useful interior pockets and sections.
There are also some messenger bags that have a few new features…but they’re still mainly messenger bags. Check out more pics and a couple of the more useful looking items when you read “more”…
This certainly looks better than the mess my suitcase becomes after a trip.
The suitcase claims to hold 5-7 days of business attire as well as your laptop and files.  It only measures 19.5″ x 12″ x 6.5″, so I’m assuming that means you’ll be hand washing your skivvies in the hotel sink.  The small size it good, though, because there’s only a handle and shoulder strap…no wheels…so you wouldn’t want it to be too big anyway.
The big selling point is the removable laptop case.  The rear section zips off to become a laptop messenger bag, so you don’t have to bring two bags with you or carry your whole suitcase to meetings (or *gasp* subject your naked laptop to a taxi).
This little guy, called the In Flight Case, is simple enough, but one of the most obviously useful items for me.  First, it keeps all your little seat-use items (iPod, book, earphones, wallet, etc.) close at hand without having to fish each one out of your larger carry on.  Second, it keeps them clean as it slides into the seatback pocket.  God only knows how many dirty tissues have been stuffed into that recess, and this keeps you from having to reach in there.  Although, I suppose the exterior of this little case would then contaminate the rest of your carryon once you stuck it back in there.  Here’s hoping they incorporate some silver ion thread or something on the next iteration to keep germs at bay.
Other items in the Travel line include a gym bag, travel wallet, clear zip pouch, a fancy ziploc-type bag, a backpack, a messenger bag, and a “doctor’s” bag.
