The Timbuk2 Light Bright Swig is a highly versatile, waterproof, and simple messenger-inspired laptop backpack with logical storage and a design that fits both men and women. The bag has a 21 Liter main compartment with a well padded “laptop hammock.” An open front compartment and zippered pocket provide easy access to everyday essentials while a U-lock pocket keeps your bike lock readily accessible. The Light Bright Swig is available in two color options at the base price of $120. The Light Bright is slightly more water resistant than the traditional Swig, has fancier metal zipper pulls, and a reflective racing stripe. Drawbacks include a design that’s better for average size people than large people. The side pocket can only fit a u-lock and the bag’s shiny bottle opener will be forever fixed to your shoulder. More importantly, the Light Bright lacks the padded, ventilated back panel that the traditional Swig has. The bag is highly functional, but we prefer the traditional Swig.
If you're looking for a more durable, more waterproof bag get the Cilo Gear City Pack ($175). We recommend the City Pack for taller people, those who want more storage, or greater versatility. The most professional looking backpack and the best for a laptop and documents is the Arcteryx Blade 24 ($175).
Check out our complete Laptop Bag Review to see how this compared to others.
Hands-on Gear Review |
Street Price:
$120
Pros: Simple design, well placed pockets, side access laptop compartment, durable materials, great laptop sleeve, u-lock sleeve, fits men and women. Cons: Can be small for some people, back panel can be sweaty or slippery, u-lock only side pocket. Best Uses: All-purpose wet weather bag.
Overview
OutdoorGearLab Editors' Hands-on Review
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Read our Timbuk2 Swig Review before reading this. The Light Bright Swig provides two advantages over the traditional Swig: 1) it's slightly more water resistant, and 2) it has a generous reflective racing stripe that will alert passing cars of your presence. Also, the zipper pulls are made of metal, not plastic, but we don't see this as a sizable advantage.  The Light Bright Swig has fancier zipper pulls than the traditional Swig. Credit: Max Neale The main drawback to the Light Bright Swig is its lack of a padded, ventilated back panel. The material is a heavily coated nylon that's slippery and gets sweaty easily. If Timbuk2 is going to make a superior model we think they should include the base model's back panel too. The fact that the Light Bright only comes in two colors may also be a drawback. And, finally, we aren't very impressed with the Light Bright's body fabric. It's lightweight and plenty water resistant, but not as durable or as waterproof as the material used on the pack's lid, which is used to construct the entirety of other bags such as the Command, Option, and Classic Messenger. Go big or go home. Value Get either the Swig or the Cilo Gear City Pack. — Max Neale
OutdoorGearLab Member Reviews of Timbuk2 Light Bright SwigMost recent review: October 16, 2011
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 Timbuk2 Light Bright Swig Credit: Timbuk2
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