Timbuk2 Swig Review

Likes
The Timbuk2 Swig is a simple, unassuming, and highly functional laptop backpack. In essence, the Swig is a narrower and taller version of the company’s messenger bags- just with backpack straps. The bag is consists of a medium sized main compartment, well padded laptop sleeve, and several strategic pockets that provide quick access to everyday essentials. A large waterproof flap covers the main opening and attaches to the bottom of the bag with velcro and plastic buckles (just like a messenger bag). Our testers found the Swig’s storage to be nearly perfect for everyday use. When the pack is loaded above the rim the flap can fold over items that don’t fit inside and the straps can extend down and secure the overloaded bag. This adds significant capacity to the pack. When it’s not loaded, the Swig is quite compact and remains close to your back. This is great because most other backpacks remain bulky when not loaded.

The Swig is our Editor’s Choice laptop backpack in part because it’s well suited to a wide variety of body types and lifestyles. Of the eight laptop backpacks reviewed here the Swig is by far the best school bag; it holds a computer and books very well. Yet it is also a capable performer for day hikes and cycling. One of our testers, Kirsten, took the bag for a sizeable hike along California’s Point Reyes National Seashore (see photo below) and found the bag to be comfortable even when fully loaded.

Of the sixteen bags we reviewed the Swig offers the best laptop protection. Its “laptop hammock” pads the back, front and sides of your computer, and, more importantly, hangs the computer two inches above the bottom of the bag. The Swig is one of the few bags we tested that could endure the bumps, jumps, and drops that occur in a mobile urban lifestyle.

Regarding fit, the Swig, as Timbuk2 boasts on their website, “fits both men AND women.” This is because the bag is ran average size and the shoulder straps have substantial inward curve. Yes, it fits just about everyone, but people with longer torsos or broader shoulders will want a larger bag.

Dislikes
One drawback that irked our testers was the Swig’s lack of a versatile exterior pocket. The bag comes equipped with a small sleeve that holds a small u-lock perfectly, but doesn’t hold anything else well. This pocket is great if you commute to work AND have a small u-lock (which is arguably the be the best bike lock for city life). If you don’t satisfy both of those conditions you’ll find the pocket to be useless. We much prefer the external mesh pocket on the Cilo Gear City Pack because it holds a variety objects.

Timbuk2 boasts that most of their packs can be customized with various fabrics and colors. Though true, we believe that customizing the Swig is both over rated and over priced. Customization mainly changes the main flap material, which is in need of no performance upgrade (it’s the most durably waterproof material on the bag). You’re paying between $15 and $45 for color changes…

While we love the Swig’s simple and versatile storage small items in the open front compartment can fall out if the bag was turned upside down. Our testers rarely found this to be problematic, but it’s worth noting.

Along with the Option and other Timbuk2 backpacks, the Swig has a "carbonated beverage opener" on one of the shoulder straps. Being prominently displayed on the front of the bag, this shiny, attention-grabbing feature could be a potential drawback. Theses nuisances aside, the backpack is highly functional, comfortable, and an excellent value.

Best Application
All-purpose everyday use.

Value
The Swig is an excellent value. It has also been around for a while and can be found for considerably less than already reasonable retail price. Avoid the previous version, which has the less durable Mission 6 fabric.

=Other Versions and Accessories==
The Timbuk2 Light Bright Swig, which we also reviewed, is a more durable and more waterproof version of the standard Swig. There’s also a reflective racing stripe! Although the Light Bright is a higher performing bag, we awarded the Swig with our Editor’s Choice Award because we don’t believe the Light Bright’s slight improvement in materials is worth the additional $30. The standard Swig is also available in a wider variety of colors and has an improved back panel that ventilates better than the Light Bright somewhat plasticy rubbery material.