And for those whose bikes are not equipped with brackets for panniers, the TIMBUK2 Especial Scope Expandable Backpack is a great alternative for toting your belongings when commuting to and from work. 

What I Liked

Sleek design. The TIMBUK2 Especial Scope Expandable Backpack is a very handsome bag. The magnetic buckle compression straps, when cinched, makes the bag very streamlined. The subtle reflective hits add an element of safety.

Water resistance. Seams are fully sealed when zipped, which gave me peace of mind during one commute when the skies decided to open up and spit down on me. The pull tabs are linked with heavy duty cord and wrapped for extra durability which is a big plus for me as I tend to break stuff, which includes pulling on zipper tabs with such force that I accidentally yank tabs off bags. 

Roomy compartments. The large main pouch includes a laptop pocket that safely holds my Macbook Air and accommodates laptops up top 15 inches. The main compartment also offers an option to expand the space. Need a tad more room to stash a bike helmet or small dog? Not a problem. Unzip the gusset for extra space. A second outer expandable compartment allows for organization of a mouse, pens or anything else that didn’t fit into the main compartment.

Versatility of use. I also put the the TIMBUK2 Especial Scope Expandable Backpack to good use during a weekend camping getaways where I stowed an extra change of clothes, books, water and my 35mm digital camera case, all without worrying about my items getting soaked. 

Water bottle pockets. The water bottle mesh on either side proved to be very durable. Most days I stash a large water bottle and stainless steel coffee tumbler or umbrella on either side of the oversized mesh pockets, each of which measure approximately nine inches tall.

What I didn’t Like

Weight. The dry weight of 2.6lbs may not seem like much weight. But loading the bag up with a laptop, water bottles, lunch and other work items can make for a heavy load on your back during the commute. 

Lack of color options. If you like black, then you’re in luck. That’s the only color for which this sweet commuter is available. It makes up for the dull exterior with a high vis lime green liner inside the pack, which give a happy burst of color and helps quickly locate items stashed in the compartments.

Final Thoughts (and a parting shot)

Although the bag has its flaws, I recommend the TIMBUK2 Especial Scope Expandable Backpack as a commuter backpack. It will truly be put to the test over the next few seasons as we head into Minnesota fall and winter: two very damp seasons that will make this backpack’s weather resistance valuable.

When commuting in that weather, at least the contents in the backpack will arrive to its destination dry with TIMBUK2’s lifetime warranty to back up the product.

Dora would be jealous.

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