Meet Rachel and Her Timbuk2 Jet Laptop Backpack Review

The following Timbuk2 Jet Laptop Backpack review was submitted by Rachel. See all of our female travel backpack reviews.

How do I love thee? Let me count the ways.

Maybe that’s a little extreme for my current feelings about my backpack, but I’m definitely feeling some puppy love for my new gear.

Hi! I’m Rachel, and I’d love to share my experience with my new-ish backpack. After 3 years on the road for work, first with a roller bag, then a duffle, then a Northface Recon backpack, I found the Timbuk2 Jet Laptop Backpack which has a lot to offer.

Note: See the pack in use in Rachel’s packing list for a minimalist business trip.

What’s your backpack brand and model? How much does this backpack typically cost?

This is the Timbuk2 Jet Laptop Pack which retails for about $129.

>> Check for prices of the Timbuk2 Jet Laptop Pack on Amazon.

How long have you had your backpack and where have you traveled with it?

I’ve had the Jet Pack for about 6 months now, and it has accompanied me on my domestic trips to Washington, DC; St. Cloud, MN; Detroit, MI; Jackson, MS; Annapolis, MD; and will take me on a number of trips across this next year including Los Angeles, Seattle, San Diego, Grand Rapids, and- fingers crossed- abroad.

What factors were most important to you in choosing a backpack? How did you come to choose this one?

I looked at a number of other bags before selecting this one including the Kelty Redwing, Tortuga, eBags Professional Weekender, and the Pacsafe Venturesafe X30. I ended up going with the Jet Pack for a few reasons:

1. It has lots of organizational features.
2. It looks great and I can move easily in it.
3. I could find it in stores to try on.

Organizationally, I really like that my clothes have a dedicated space, and since it opens like a clam shell, it’s very easy to pack and unpack. There are enough pockets to keep everything in its dedicated space so you’re not guessing which compartment you put something in.

Because I travel primarily for business, the look of the bag was also important to me. I wanted a bag that I could go from the airport to a meeting with a client without skipping a beat. It’s helpful that I can carry it both as a backpack and briefcase with the side handle for the different environments in which I find myself.

As I shopped I took a close look at the specs (listed below) to make sure that it would fit what I needed:

• Gear capacity: 30 Liters
• Number of exterior pockets: 2 + main compartment
• Laptop compartment: yes
• Fits laptop: 15 inches
• Tablet compartment: yes
• Carry-on size: yes
• Materials: 600D Poly Non-P PVC
• Dimensions: 19x12x7.5 inches
• Weight: 2.82 lbs
• Gender: unisex

With many of the other bags I looked at, they’re only available online, and since I was concerned about the fit, I wanted to make sure I tried it on first.

>>Here’s everything you need to know about packing cubes.

What do you like most about your backpack? Any down sides?

Overall this bag is amazing at keeping things in their place and organized. The bag is divided into a couple of different compartments: clothing, laptop, and everything else. Each compartment fits exactly what I need for a multi-day trip, and things stay right where I put them thanks to the compartmentalization.

But, it’s not perfect. Two things I do wish it had: an external water bottle holder, and a waist belt. It does have a daisy chain on the side which I attach my Nalgene to, and my purse holds my coffee thermos, but I do wish there was a way to add both of these accessories to the bag.

Tell us about the fit and comfort level of your backpack.

If you want to take your backpack as carry-on luggage, can you?

YES! This was one of my number one requirements since I hate checking luggage. It fits under the seats of most airlines and can go in an overhead bin without issue, even on tiny regional jets.

>>Read our first timer’s guide to traveling carry-on only.

Have you found the size to be too small, just right, or too large?

It’s just right with a little room to spare. At 30 liters it holds exactly what I need, and with the help of packing cubes, there’s even room leftover for some road snacks—sometimes including a 3lb bag of clementines.

Overall, would you recommend your backpack?

Absolutely. I’ve been very impressed with the feel, organizational aspects, and professional vibe of the bag. When considering a bag, you’ve got to pick the one that works best for you, and for me, so far so good with the Timbuk2 Jet Laptop Pack!

About the author: Rachel is a consultant, outdoor enthusiast, and animal lover who travels frequently around the U.S. for work and pleasure. When not on the road for work, you can find her planning her next hike on the Appalachian Trail, half-marathon through the mountains out west, or swing through South America—and she never checks a bag (except maybe backpacking gear). She lives in Chicago with her husband and a small menagerie of pets.

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