Timbuk2 Jet Pack Review (A Great Laptop Backpack?)

Timbuk2 is a San Francisco company that makes high-quality and elegant backpacks. What sets them apart from their competition is truly the amount of thought that goes into the design of their gear – have you ever seen such a beautiful pack? In this review, we are going to talk about one of their laptop backpacks – the Jet Pack.

So, the Jet Pack is advertised as a laptop backpack, and the name of the product on their website is actually ”Jet Laptop Backpack”. But, it’s interesting that I found this backpack to be so much more than that. It is actually very versatile, and it lacks just one key feature that would make it a great laptop backpack.

If you are interested to see what that feature is, you will have to scroll down. And you can also read about all the cool things that make this backpack very versatile in this detailed review of the Timbuk2 Jet Pack!

General Information About The Timbuk2 Jet Pack

I always like to check out the basic specs of a backpack first, to get an idea of just how big it is, how much stuff I can fit in it, if my laptop can fit inside it, etc. So, below are all the basic specifications of the Jet Pack that you should be aware of.

What all this info tells is that the Jet Pack is made from a very sturdy material. And it has a big capacity, but it doesn’t look bulky or too big. It is also a very light backpack, which is very good if you think of it as a travel backpack.

So, let’s get down to the details of all the good and bad features of this Timbuk2 backpack.

The Upsides Of The Timbuk2 Jet Pack

It has a padded laptop sleeve. Well, not so much a sleeve as a dedicated compartment. It is located on the very back of the pack, and it has a zipper closure. I really like the positioning of this compartment because there is no way anyone could steal your laptop while the Jet Pack is on your shoulders.

The compartment can fit laptops that are up to 15”, so if you have a 17” one I’m afraid the Jet Pack isn’t right for you. In that case, consider Timbuk2’s Authority Pack.

Clamshell-style opening. This feature allows for easy packing, and it is one of the things that make this particular backpack so versatile. That allows for easier packing, and it is also one of a few features that really make this backpack resemble a suitcase.

When you open up the backpack you can see that there is a mesh panel that is covering the main compartment, as well as a large pocket on the top part of the backpack.

Main Compartment

The main compartment is kind of huge, as you can see in the photos. And there are a few smaller pockets inside it that will help stay organized. Also, what I really like, is that you also have to unzip the mesh. It acts as a sort of a divider, which is actually very beneficial.

The mesh will prevent your stuff from falling out of the pack the moment you unzip it. And it also allows you to access the pocket that is on the front of the backpack, without having to worry about everything falling out of the main compartment.

External Carry Straps

Another cool feature that we don’t really see on backpacks too often, and yet it’s very useful. I find that backpacks, just like suitcases, are easier to carry in your hand when they have a carry strap on the side, rather than the top. That is because the weight is better distributed, and they don’t feel as heavy.

Sternum Strap

The Jet Pack has a sternum strap. So, when you get tired of testing the carry straps of these Timbuk2 backpacks, the sternum strap will help keep both shoulder straps where they should be – on your shoulders.

Versatility

It is a very versatile backpack. The Jet Pack can be a great option for all of you who go on frequent but short trips. Its large capacity allows you to pack just enough clothes for a weekend trip, and its size means that you can use it as a carry-on. Also, it is much lighter than a suitcase, and honestly just much more convenient to carry around.

And this Timbuk2 backpack is also suitable for work or school. It has a very sleek design that will fit into any workplace, and the side carry straps allow you to carry it like a briefcase. But, you will have much more space inside this pack than you would in a briefcase.

And also, this backpack would be great for the gym. It’s much more elegant than a duffle bag, but it has plenty of space inside to fit all of your equipment. So, if you are looking for a pack that you can use for pretty much anything, this one is a really good choice.

The Downsides Of The Timbuk2 Jet Pack

No TSA-friendly opening of the backpack. A feature that would truly make it the ultimate travel pack, and I’m very sorry that Timbuk2 didn’t think to include it. Especially when you consider the price of the backpack. Even though some colors are currently on sale on Amazon, the basic black will still set you back a little bit less than $130.

Not enough exterior pockets. And this isn’t just because I’m obsessed with pockets; in fact, it is because the Jet Pack only has one exterior pocket. And that pocket is located on the front compartment, which means that you can’t really pack too many things into it.

Maybe a passport and a cellphone, or something that is very slim. There are no other external pockets, which I find to be a downside. I would have appreciated at least one water bottle pocket, because who doesn’t carry a water bottle when they are out and about the whole day?

Should You Buy The Timbuk2 Jet Pack?

If you are looking for a solid travel backpack, then yes you should consider buying this one. It has several convenient features that will make packing for a trip a piece of cake. And it’s the size of a carry-on, which means that it’s perfect for 2-3 day trips. The Jet Pack also has a separate laptop compartment that will keep your electronics safe during the trip, but also during day-to-day activities.

62 Reviews

Timbuk2 Jet Pack, OS

• A versatile, packable pack for long weekends and adventurous city day trips
• Clamshell construction makes for easy packing and organizing

Buy On Amazon

If you are looking for a great laptop backpack, then no, I wouldn’t suggest that you get this one. For one thing, it won’t fit a laptop that is larger than 15”, which a truly good laptop backpack should be able to do. Honestly, Timbuk2’s Authority Pack looks like a better option in this regard, as do some of these Osprey laptop backpacks.

Overall, the Timbuk2 Jet Pack is a well-made, sleek backpack. Check out its prices on Amazon, and see whether you like them as much as you like the Jet Pack itself.