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Timbuk2 Copilot Review

A durable, stylish, and high-value suitcase suited for all types of travel
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timbuk2 copilot suitcase review
Reporting for duty: Ready to roll.
Credit: Jason Wanlass
Price:  $319 List
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Manufacturer:   Timbuk2
By Myrha Colt and Jason Wanlass  ⋅  May 18, 2023
81
OVERALL
SCORE


RANKED
#3 of 15
  • Storage & Organization - 25% 9.0
  • Ease of Transport - 25% 8.0
  • Reliability - 25% 8.0
  • Weight - 15% 7.0
  • Style - 10% 8.0

Our Verdict

The Timbuk2 Copilot is a versatile two-wheeled wonder that boasts excellent functionality and sleek good looks. This bag is highly durable with all the storage and organizational options any frequent flyer might require. We appreciate its super smooth skateboard wheels that can take on both polished surfaces or rougher roads with ease. We tested the XL case, which offers about 108 liters of space, making it useful for pretty sizable trips. It's also offered in small (42L) and medium (52L) sizes — the large (80L) has been discontinued. While this isn't our first choice for carrying overly bulky gear, it offers excellent value and functionality and is all you'll need for most vacations, family visits, or work trips.
REASONS TO BUY
Smooth ride
Sensible features
Excellent organization
Great style
REASONS TO AVOID
Zippers could be smoother
Low clearance
Exterior metal frame shows scratches
Editor's Note: This review was revised on May 18, 2023, with updated info after testing the largest version of this bag.

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timbuk2 copilot suitcase review
This Product
Timbuk2 Copilot
Awards Top Pick Award Editors' Choice Award Top Pick Award Best Buy Award Best Buy Award 
Price $319 List
$319.00 at Amazon
$289 List
$289.00 at REI
Check Price at REI
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$260 List
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Overall Score Sort Icon
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Pros Smooth ride, sensible features, excellent organization, great styleDurable construction, large capacity, rolls with ease across mixed terrainInternal metal frame, durable, large wheels, compartmentally balanced, lightweightCavernous main compartment, scratch- and water-resistant, easy-roll spinnersInexpensive, rolls easily, large capacity
Cons Zippers could be smoother, low clearance, exterior metal frame shows scratchesLimited interior organizational features, easy to overpackA little pricey, stiff zippers, lacks full-length bumpersTough to transport on mixed terrain, easy to overpack, limited organizational featuresLow-grade materials, poor craftsmanship, sticky zipper
Bottom Line A durable, stylish, and high-value suitcase suited for all types of travelThe perfect all-terrain rolling duffel with substantial storage capacity and useful organizational extrasA reinforced duffel-style roller that gobbles up gear and delivers it to wherever you may be headed, the more rugged the betterAn oversized yet lightweight mega-bag with spinner-tight roll and control over smooth surfaces and surprisingly tough exterior constructionA low priced expandable suitcase with enormous storage capacity but dubious durability
Rating Categories Timbuk2 Copilot REI Co-op Big Haul... Osprey Shuttle Whee... Samsonite Omni PC H... Amazon Basics 30" H...
Storage & Organization (25%)
9.0
7.0
7.0
7.0
5.0
Ease of Transport (25%)
8.0
9.0
9.0
8.0
7.0
Reliability (25%)
8.0
9.0
9.0
9.0
6.0
Weight (15%)
7.0
8.0
9.0
7.0
6.0
Style (10%)
8.0
7.0
5.0
6.0
7.0
Specs Timbuk2 Copilot REI Co-op Big Haul... Osprey Shuttle Whee... Samsonite Omni PC H... Amazon Basics 30" H...
Measured Weight 10.1 lbs 9.6 lbs 8.2 lbs 10.3 lbs 11.6 lbs
Volume 108L 109L 100L 145L 127L
Liters per Pound (higher is better) 10.7 11.1 12.2 14.1 10.9
Construction Clamshell, soft-sided Zip open, duffel Zip open, duffle Clamshell, hard-sided Clamshell, hard-sided
Measured Packed Dimensions 28.2" x 15" x 15" 33.75" x 16.25" x 14" 30" x 16" x 14" 30.5" x 20.5" x 13" 30.75" x 21" x 12
Expansion Zippers? No No No Yes Yes
Number of Wheels 2 2 2 4 4
Number of Large Interior Compartments 2 1 1 2 2
Interior Storage Features 2 mesh clam panels with 2 organizational pockets 2 mesh organizational pockets on inside of opening panel (one with key hook), 2 internal compression straps 1 mesh organizational pocket inside opening panel and side panel Elastic restraint straps in one-half clam, zip enclosure over opposite half; hanging zipper accessory pocket One-half clam with elastic restraint straps, one-half large zip enclosure with 2 zip mesh pockets, hanging zip accessory pocket
Number of Exterior Pockets 1 pocket on top, 1 large sleeve 1 side exterior zip pocket. 1 small top zip pocket with piggy-bag strap attachment, plus daisy-chain gear loops 1 exterior fron, 2 exterioir back, 1 exterior top None None
Compression System No 2 external and 2 internal compression straps (4 in total) 2 external compression straps, 2 internal compression straps 2 elastic straps for restraint but no functional compression 2 elastic straps for restraint but no functional compression
Handle Height from Ground 40.5" 42" 40.5" Low: 36"
High: 41"
Low: 36.75"
High: 40.5"
Built-In Lock No No No Yes, TSA Approved No
Main Exterior Material Nylon and polyester Recycled 400-denier nylon/recycled 1,680-denier nylon (bluesign®-approved) 420D nylon and 1680D ballistic nylon Polycarbonate Extra-thick ABS, hard shell
Unique Features Liquids pocket and padded front pocket to fit 13" laptop; skateboard wheels Oversized wheels, rugged chassis, full-length bumpers, 2 internal and 2 external compression straps, stopper-stand, carry-on piggyback clip, 6 haul handle options, daisy chain lash points, water-resistant Multiple protective frame bumpers, bowed design, internal metal frame, large wheels, variable compression system Built-in TSA-approved lock; large packing capacity; impressive water resistance, expandable, anti-scratch exterior 150D-polyester zippered clamshell enclosure, 3 organizational pockets

Our Analysis and Test Results

This isn't our first rodeo with the Timbuk2 Copilot. We've tested this bag before, and this latest version performed equal to its predecessors. For this review, we decided to upgrade a bit by testing the largest model of the Copilot, which offers 108 liters of volume. Other than its notable size difference, this newer bag doesn't have a lot of significant design changes, but as with past versions, it stands out for its contemporary casual style, excellent organization, and reliable construction. Take it with you on your next business trip, or throw it in the back of your car when you're ready to visit family and friends. It has something for everybody.

Performance Comparison


timbuk2 copilot suitcase review - hopped out of our cab, and now hitting the city streets en route to...
Hopped out of our cab, and now hitting the city streets en route to our downtown hotel. The Copilot's skateboard wheels make cruising a few blocks a breeze.
Credit: Jason Wanlass

Storage & Organization


This suitcase offers great storage and enough capacity to have you covered on your longer journeys without being too bulky for weekend getaways. It also boasts great storage features that make items easy to organize and access on the go.


The outside of the Copilot features two wonderfully functional pockets. The top has zipper access and is large enough to fit a pair of shoes, an extra layer, or other quick access, day-of-travel necessities. We see this as a great place to store your book and chargers, stash your toothbrush, or pull from when you need to transform from sneakers to heels in a flash.

timbuk2 copilot suitcase review - the top pocket in the copilot has room to hold toiletries, an extra...
The top pocket in the Copilot has room to hold toiletries, an extra set of shoes, or other travel day necessities.
Credit: Myrha Colt

The other front sleeve is perfect for tucking away a magazine or computer. It's officially laptop-compatible, and our 13-inch MacBook Air fits inside just fine. However, the padding is minimal, and we wouldn't trust just the suitcase to keep it safe. If you want to use this pocket for your laptop, we suggest adding more protection. Unfortunately, larger laptop sleeves are too bulky to fit, so you'd need a less protective version.

timbuk2 copilot suitcase review - making sure to remove our electronics before checking our bag. a...
Making sure to remove our electronics before checking our bag. A compact laptop or tablet fits easily into the front compartment, but we only used this pocket to carry our electronics while walking from place to place.
Credit: Jason Wanlass

The inside of this bag is also well organized and will help you follow suit. Two large compartments are accessible via the clamshell zipper design, offering about 54 liters of volume to each half, for 108 liters in total. Both compartments are restrained by a zippered mesh flap, ensuring clothes and gear will settle into place and won't fly out unexpectedly when opened upon arrival. We love this feature. One of these panels also features two zippered pockets for additional organization. It's an easy way to provide a dedicated space for the items you'll need to track efficiently.

timbuk2 copilot suitcase review - the two clamshell halves of the copilot hold a surprising amount of...
The two clamshell halves of the Copilot hold a surprising amount of gear for a smaller footprint.
Credit: Myrha Colt

Another favorite feature is the U-shaped zipped access panel from the front side. This functional second entry allows you to reach items stored in the top half of the "clam" without displaying or disrupting the full internal contents of your bag while on the go. This comes in particularly helpful when trying to grab an extra change of clothing while squished into a car or when last-minute wardrobe adjustments are needed dashing through the airport.

timbuk2 copilot suitcase review - the peek-a-boo external pocket of the copilot allows you to access...
The peek-a-boo external pocket of the Copilot allows you to access any items that you might want without having to unzip the entire suitcase. A feature that we love, especially for road trips.
Credit: Amber King

Ease of Transport


We love that this two-wheel bag uses skateboard wheels, letting it glide over hard surfaces with ease. They are wide enough to provide stability and smooth enough to ensure limited vibration. The main handle, the one that telescopes up so you can haul it around on its wheels, only has one height, but it works fine for most folks, and you can easily extend it with the press of one central button. The case also has four haul handles, letting you easily grab it from any angle.


This suitcase excels on sidewalks, airport terminals, and smooth concrete surfaces. However, it tends to struggle on cobblestone, gravel, and other uneven terrain. The Copilot has a low-riding, narrower base, making it a little less stable and overland ready. But when it comes to basic cruising, it notably offers one of the smoothest rides on hard flat surfaces of any of our tested models.

Skating around town with our Copilot.
Credit: Jason Wanlass

On softer and uneven surfaces, the Copilot struggles a bit more, mostly because of its low clearance from the ground to the bottom of the bag. This means it can catch on small rocks and other items relatively easily, slowing you down. The metal handle casing that runs along the full length of the back of the bag provides a great deal of fabric protection against the hazards of the road. But you can also expect it to get pretty beaten up heading up stairways or curbs, with scrapes and scars to match. Such abuse happens to all suitcases, and the results are mostly just cosmetic. But we've found that plastic bumpers don't show the wear quite as badly or as quickly as such metal ones do.

Even though it has smaller wheels, the Copilot still handles most...
Even though it has smaller wheels, the Copilot still handles most staircases with ease. However, the unprotected, exterior metal frame does take a lot of abuse, and scratches easily.
The wear and tear show along the outer edges of the metal bumpers...
The wear and tear show along the outer edges of the metal bumpers and bottom side of the wheel axle housing which take the brunt of hits from obstacles in the road.

Reliability


We are truly impressed with this bag's reliability. The two-wheel construction is durable and functional, while the exterior nylon material offers some water resistance from inclement weather. Solid craftsmanship makes the Copilot a great option no matter what modes of transportation or mixed conditions lie ahead.


A suitcase is an investment, one that should last for many years. We're two years into testing this one, and aside from the scrapes we mentioned above, it's holding up very well. We've used it while traveling from the US to Canada and on several trips in between. So far, so good. The exterior nylon is sturdy — though we did notice scuffs in a few places after months of use — but we haven't observed any failures in design or materials, and deem this bag's quality to be way above average. Plus with Timbuk2's lifetime warranty protection, any unexpected issues should be easily remedied.

During our tumble tests, the Copilot usually fell end over end, instead of sliding more gracefully on its bumper rails. This isn't ideal, but it still stood up nicely to many bumpy rides.
Credit: Jason Wanlass

Two of the things we love most about the Copilot are those super bomber skateboard wheels. They have no wiggle and have held up to being dragged up numerous flights of stairs, thrown around in the back of a truck, and put through luggage claim repeatedly. If you ever did have an issue, the wheels are easy to remove and change out. We're suckers for gear that considers its own repairability. The telescoping handle has a simple design and is of average quality. Just press a center button to raise or lower it. It does rattle around a bit, but they all do. And it retained its shape when towing about 50 pounds of gear, never bending under the weight. So we've got confidence it's got the strength to hold its own.

Water beaded on the outside of the Copilot after water testing.
Water beaded on the outside of the Copilot after water testing.
Water pooling at the base of the Copilot after water testing.
Water pooling at the base of the Copilot after water testing.

The outside nylon fabric offers some water resistance, but the bag itself is far from waterproof. Like nearly all the suitcases in our water test, it was fine at repelling a light rain. But we found the zippers a weak point, with moisture getting into front pockets and then pooling within the interior of the case after a full hose-down. If your travels involve many days exposed to mixed weather or extreme climates, this is something to consider before you spend on such an investment. But for most average trips, it'll do the job.

timbuk2 copilot suitcase review - the large zippers are a little sticky around the edges and they...
The large zippers are a little sticky around the edges and they aren't waterproof by any means.
Credit: Amber King

Weight


Using a handheld scale, we took the time to check the weight of each tested suitcase. Empty, the Copilot weighs 10.1 pounds. With airline restrictions, that means you can pack just shy of 40 pounds of additional weight when flying. This compact design makes it easy to handle such a load, with the case spinning on a dime and staying close, and never tipping over. Overall, we appreciate this well-sized bag for easy travel and multipurpose use.


Style


The Copilot offers sleek lines and a look that can be used for either formal or informal occasions. While it may not be a top choice for those seeking a case that looks "rich," it's a great choice for those who want versatility and protective features when roads occasionally run more rugged.


We received many compliments on this bag while testing, with friends pointing it out amongst the group, saying how much they liked its look. In our eyes, this is a great option if you're looking for an informal/formal suitcase that can be used for many different applications.

timbuk2 copilot suitcase review - even when completely full, the copilot balances nicely, making it...
Even when completely full, the Copilot balances nicely, making it easy to pitstop for a quick glance at the departure time.
Credit: Jason Wanlass

Should You Buy the Timbuk2 Copilot?


Any good suitcase is an investment, and a good one should offer an excellent return. We think the Copilot does just that. This case offers great craftsmanship and the ability to change parts easily if something does break. If you're looking for something that'll keep going, whether you're a frequent flyer or a once-a-year vacationer, we have confidence in this one.

A classic design and impeccable craftsmanship gives the Copilot its...
A classic design and impeccable craftsmanship gives the Copilot its edge over other soft-shell bags - it also makes it easy to spot on the carousel.
The Copilot's solid bottom handle is an easy grab from a moving...
The Copilot's solid bottom handle is an easy grab from a moving carousel.

What Other Suitcases Should You Consider?


If you're staying urban but want a little more elegance, the Briggs & Riley Baseline Large Expandable Spinner is one to consider — though it will cost you. If you're heading out for a more rugged adventure, the ones to read about are the REI Co-op Big Haul, Eagle Creek ORV Trunk 30, and Osprey Shuttle.

Myrha Colt and Jason Wanlass
 

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