Amazon seduced me into buying one of these when the size and color (black, medium) I wanted went on sale. Fortunately, the impulse buy proved to be rewarding: these are well-designed, ultra-rugged bags that are meant to be used and abused for years and in all kinds of conditions.

Before buying this one, I had been looking at Chrome, Mission Workshop, and some of the other premium brands' offerings, and while I concluded that Timbuk2 may not *quite* be up to the same level of build quality, the difference is not that great when you factor the difference in price. It's like the difference between a Toyota and a Lexus; the latter has some extra features and greater prestige associated with it, but both types of car are famous for being reliable and well-made. Timbuk2 is like the inexpensive beige Corolla you drive every day for 15 years before you start thinking about replacing it.

The manufacturer does not skimp on materials; it's heavy-duty nylon backed by a waterproof lining, just like Chrome bags, and accordingly, it shrugs off the heaviest rain just as well. I would have no problem with standing outside all day in a downpour with my laptop in this bag.

As for ergonomics, the bag fits like a glove, provided it's sized properly. Just snug up the strap and the bag adheres to your back without sliding around to your side; it fits like a piece of clothing. In this respect, it's almost like a backpack. The medium, which can fit the equivalent of a bag of groceries, is about the maximum practical size for a person of average stature. Realistically, the larger size gets unwieldy, and this is especially true if you tend to get around by bike.