Timbuk2 Snoop Messenger RTW
On my 2014 round the world trip I had the pleasure of taking a couple Timbuk2 bags with me. If you’re unfamiliar with this San Francisco bag giant all you really need to know is they make some seriously durable products. If their “bombproof” material isn’t a testament to this, their lifetime warranty is. Timbuk2 is known for their Messenger and bike friendly bags as well as being able to customize the heck out of them. With Timbuk2 you truly can build a bag as unique as your own personality. But I digress. This review is for the Timbuk2 Snoop messenger bag and how you can win one for yourself.
RTW Tested
Size
The Timbuk2 Snoop Messenger bag was more than ample for my camera gear. I tested out the medium sized bag but probably could’ve gotten away with a small as I rock an Olympus micro 4/3 camera. (Check out my Olympus e-pl5 Camera Review!)
Versatility
The added size of the Timbuk2 Snoop Messenger was a bit cumbersome at times but was great for me as it doubled as my carry-on. On top of my camera, lenses, and accessories, this camera messenger bag also concealed my Surface Tablet, notebooks, and a grab bag of back medication.
More than just a camera bag
On top of doubling as my carry-on the Timbuk2 Snoop Messenger works as a regular messenger bag is well. The customizable Camera insert easily pops out leaving you with one large cavity. Although an interesting feature, I found myself leaving the insert in as without it all your contents are mixed together. I would’ve taken the camera insert out for my long flights and packed it in my checked Timbuk2 Aviator bag but this new messenger is big enough for everything I needed during those long hauls including keeping my camera gear safely with me.
Ease of access
Being able to quickly access your camera is key when trying to capture that great moment, traveling or not. Digging through a backpack? “Ain’t nobody got time for that!” said 2012 Shaun. This new Timbuk2 Snoop Messenger knows this and addresses this. Getting in and out of this bag is not only is easy, but quite as well.
You see the Timbuk2 Snoop Messenger bag includes clips for storing and Velcro for quick access. Timbuk2 also includes “silencer” strips to dampen the Velcro – allowing for stealthy photo taking. I did not get creepy enough to try this but a nice touch. Maybe I will give it a go while stalking lions in Kenya?
Style
The bag is 100% a messenger bag when it comes to looks. This is a better alternative to the bulky camera carriers that are currently on the market but as a fashion accessory, not really my bag. See what I did there? Maybe I would be convinced otherwise if this model was available for customization but as a posting this it is not. You can however create a custom classic messenger and add the convenient Timbuk2 Snoop Messenger Camera Insert which gets you pretty close to what the Snoop bag has to offer.
Overall
So what do I think about the Timbuk2 Snoop Messenger after lugging it around the world? It’s highly functional with many perks and little setbacks. I hauled it over snowbanks in Iceland and on ferry rides in Thailand with ease. I took it through bustling markets in Istanbul and packed night markets in Chiang Mai without issue.
In short:
What I liked
- Durability – Seriously. The Timbuk2 Snoop Messenger is tough. I took it around the world and it still looks brand-new. 11 out of 10.
- Accessibility – Getting at your gear in the moment couldn’t be easier. Also it features a tripod strap. Dope.
- Comfort – about as good as it gets although the strap could be a little longer.
What I didn’t
- Size – again, I tested the medium-size bag. The Timbuk2 Snoop Messenger bag also comes in a small and extra small.
- Style – although the best of what I have seen so far when it comes to functional camera bags, it is still a messenger bag. Again if this is customizable to utilize the amazing fabrics that Timbuk2 has it in his arsenal would make a world of difference. If this is a factor for you then customize the classic messenger bag and add the Snoop inset.
— Win This Bag!—
Fancy this Timbuk2 Snoop Messenger Bag? The very one that traveled around the world with me? Great! All you have to do is leave a comment below and Like This Life in Trips on Facebook to be entered in the draw for this great camera bag.
Bonus Round
For an additional chance to win Comment and Share this post on Facebook!
Winner will be announced on This Life in Trips on Facebook page in 1 week!
— CONTEST CLOSED!—
Big congrats to Kelby AndMichael Brandow! One RTW experienced Snoop Messenger Bag coming your way!
Thanks to all that entered. Be sure to Like This Life in Trips on Facebook and sign up for my newsletter as I have a few more giveaways planned!
I was provided this Timbuk2 Snoop Messenger bag to review and photograph around the world by Timbuk2. As always,
the experience, opinions, and thoughts are my own.
Nice! I could use this bag!
Thanks for entering Mireille! Be sure to like This Life in Trips on facebook!
I could totally use this!
Good luck Pat!
Timbuk2 gear really is great. So durable. Send this my way!
Check back in a week Victor!
My boyfriend would love this! Please send to me!
Good luck Anna!
Please let me win this bag!!!!
Thanks for entering Camila!
Accessibility is so important, so I’m glad you touched on that in your review. How many straps and zippers are between me and my shot?? Thanks for the giveaway!!
Meg of an affair of character
http://www.anaffairofcharacter.com
So important and good luck!
Love the review. I like the bag too. Timbuk2 makes some good stuff
Thanks Travis! They really do!
Wow, your blog is so inspiring!! I’ve been planning to travel somewhere all this while but I’ve always supply myself with constant comfort and reasons not to do it. Reading your blog really encouraged me to have some faith in myself and maybe by the end of this year travel to somewhere I’ve never been to in my life!! On a side note, that timbuk2 bag would be helpful for me to carry some of my daily necessities while travelling!! Keeping my fingers crossed and keep inspiring more people Shaun!!
Thanks for the kind words Alvin! If you are looking for more inspiration sign up for my newsletter – it comes with a free ebook on preparing yourself to travel. I will be re-releasing it soon and will no longer be free!
Good luck in the draw!
Love your photos, they make me yearn for an adventure of my own! That bag is awesome!
Thanks Sarah!
beautiful photos! Cappadocia especially looks like an incredible place to go!
It really is Milo! Thanks for entering. Be sure to like This Life in Trips on Facebook for a second entry!