Timbuk2 Hemlock Laptop Backpack - Roll Top, Small

Even the small is big too me and a bit heavy. I am a short female, but for larger women and men, might just rock out your needs. It is minimalist design which I like.

I have a 20 miles commute on my road bike and the backpack is comfortable. It easily packs my macbook, a few books and a change of cloths-- including extra shoes.

To be fair, this is my first laptop backpack, so I'm not comparing apples. That said, I am very pleased with the fit, the weight, and the functionality of this bag, also my first Timbuk2. I didn't want a messenger bag - too old for that garbage now. My riding commute isn't long - only 7 miles each way. This bag fits the bill nicely.

The best feature about this bag is the padded laptop pocket that is accessible without opening the main compartment. My 15" macbook fits fine, and I estimate a 17" would probably fit as well. The worst feature is the cavernous main compartment. Once the top is unrolled, you have to stick your arm all the way in to get at things on the very bottom. Even worse is that the inner liner is black which makes it hard to see inside. However the compartment is very large, there is plenty of room for a full change of clothes, a book and lunch. If you like your bags to have lots of organizers and pockets, look elsewhere. The tag states that the liner is waterproof. I left the bag out overnight in the rain to check, and it leaked at a seam. The laptop compartment stayed dry, but there was water in the main compartment. Don't put anything in the front pocket that you need to stay dry as the flap doesn't completely cover it when closed. Stability is just ok, since it does not have any waist or sternum straps, so it's just the shoulder straps. The bottle opener is a nice touch, but I have never used it. Overall, I use this bag to commute on my bike, and I like that it holds my clothes & laptop with some room to spare. If the weather is dry or light rain, this bag works fine and it great for the price. If you are commuting in heavy rain, I would not feel comfortable that everything would arrive dry.

i love timbuk2 messengers. i own several in different sizes and think they are pretty ginchy as messengers go. but i bike to work much less frequently when it gets colder and thought i'd give one of the timbuk2 backpacks a shot. i chose the hemlock laptop as it is one of the larger backpacks in the timbuk2 laptop line. unfortunately, it is nowhere near as weatherproof as any of my messengers. it's not constructed with tpu lining and the bag material itself is not as tough as the ballistic nylon customarily used in the messengers. the fabric used also attracts dust and animal hair like a magnet. if you are a pet owner, this is not the bag for you. it could also use a couple more pockets and/or compartments. aside from those complaints, the hemlock is a pretty nice bag. it's big and roomy, the straps are super comfy and it just looks nice. the rolltop also allows you to adjust the carrying capacity of the bag.