When it comes to true customization and personalization, San Francisco-based bag maker Timbuk2 takes the cake, cuts the cake, and eats it, also.
Hell, you could even argue ideas such as Nike iD and K-Swiss derived their models from Timbuk2’s new niche (and they did). Since San Francisco bike messenger Rob Honeycutt founded the company in 1989, they’ve been making custom weekenders, backpacks, and messenger bags (among others), that are built to last a lifetime for the urban folks and their on-the-go lifestyle.
What’s better than top-notch quality and designs uniquely tailored for your lifestyle–designs created by you, for you. This opens up the gates for endless creativity and maximum efficiency, the perfect combination that’ll take you everywhere with ease, from studying to cycling to late-night partying.
In 2000, Timbuk2 debuted it’s highly-touted Bag Builder, the first online customization platform. Today that platform is brimming with different textures, colors and bindings to make sure your pack or bag meets every last one of your needs. From nylon, to water resistant, to reflective canvases, Timbuk2 has got you covered. They even have a device fit guide that will give you complete coverage for your gadgets.
Honeycutt was keen on building a product locally, with the hands of local people. By keeping the manufacturing process close to home, he was able to maintain control over the quality of his product, as well as address manufacturing issues readily.
Their San Francisco factory hosts 14 highly-skilled manufacturers that work together to make hundreds of bags a day in whatever outrageous color scheme their customers fancy. Timbuk2 has 10 retail stores, including a new New York location that just opened in October (325 Lafayette and Houston), and an upcoming location in Williamsburg. Here customers can create bags in store with the guidance of a Timbuk2 design guru.
Timbuk2 has also added two factories in Asia, but they work closely with those owners to make sure the same standards are met. As a result, the company doesn’t let any bag see the trash and their guaranteed lifetime warranty will make sure you don’t let yours go to waste either. Customers can also receive 20% off their next purchase when they recycle their old bags.
If you’re in need of a new bag, now is the time to recycle. On Nov 7, Timbuk2 will be launching their new collection of fall fabrics and a brand new custom bag offering, the Tuck Pack, which is currently offered pre-designed.
The Tuck Pack
The Tuck design is perfect for cyclist commuters, as the pack offers a spacious interior and comfortable to wear model. The pack comes with a padded sleeve that will fit up to a 15″ laptop, and slip pockets for an easy U-lock carry.
It also boasts a front zip pocket that’s perfect for snacks and other miscellaneous items, a reflective zipper pull, and vista loop for attaching a bike light that will keep you clearly visible from dusk to dawn.
Check out some of their pre-made combinations to gain some inspiration. And, as a special offer to The Manual readers, Timbuk2 is offering readers an exclusive 25% off custom bags with code MANUAL25 so click here and start designing.
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