Timbuk2 Division Laptop Backpack Deluxe Review
A robust rucksack is worth the expenditure for work or gaming on the go. Many vendors sell laptop carriers, but few have the safety and comfort features needed to travel with a full system. Timbuk2 has been protecting your equipment on the road for over 30 years. While the brand has a variety of ‘game bags’ (read: League of Legends paint jobs), the Division caught our eye. The $150 Division, designed for professionals, has enough storage and a 15.6-inch gaming laptop compartment. Each panel allows color and material customization, so you can style it to your heart’s desire. I tested the Timbuk2 Division backpack against the best laptop bags.
Timbuk2 Division Laptop Backpack Deluxe Specs
| Capacity | 22L |
| Weight | 2.2 lb (1 kg) |
| Dimensions | 17.3 in x 10.6 in x 5.12 in |
| Manufacturing Country | Indonesia |
| Laptop Compartment Size | 15” |
| Price | $139 / £149 (about AU$220) |
| Available In | US, UK, and Australia |
| Waterproofing | Yes |
Security
Some security issues plague the division. The side clips keep everything in the main compartment safe, and the double zip construction allows for an additional lock. The main laptop sleeve has one zip, so a lock won’t help. It’s unfortunate because this rucksack isn’t inexpensive, and many in this price range emphasize safety. There’s also minimal padding around the bag’s base. Don’t trust it to protect things from an arm-level drop, let alone a bike fall.
Design
This is a sleek, robust design with many customization choices. Choose from a variety of colors and materials on the Timbuk2 website to customize every aspect of the Division backpack. Cordura Canvas has the most colors, while Rain Resist, Reflective, and Tailored materials are limited to black, grey, white, and navy. I chose rain-resistant materials for most of my invention, styling it in Jet Black and White, after testing in a British March. I allowed myself a set of canvas True Red side panels to finish a Pokemon theme. The build quality amazed me upon delivery. There are no loose ends, the stitching is laser-tight, and the zips feel durable. Even in a severe rainstorm, the rain-resistant material kept everything inside the backpack dry and safe, while the bright canvas kept things enjoyable and breezy.
Price
The Timbuk2 Division Laptop Backpack Deluxe costs $139 or £149 (AU$220) in Eco Black Deluxe, Eco Nightfall, Eco Static, and Eco Titanium. This is worth every penny! Budget-conscious shoppers may think $100 or £100 is too pricey, but this rucksack will last you a while and can be used for most of your carrying demands (unless for a cocktail party, formal event, or small bag-only concert). It’s also affordable compared to other premium packs. The Mous 25L pack costs $279.99, £219.99, and AU$ 430, while the 20L Peak Design Everyday Backpack V2 costs $260, £192, and AU$355. Even though these have a somewhat bigger capacity, the price jump is huge.
Storage
The Division has three pockets: a back-buffered laptop sleeve, a spacious main compartment, and a front slip compartment. There is enough storage for a full setup. The rear compartment fits my Asus TUF Dash F15 laptop, and I was confident with the padding. If you have a bigger rig, Timbuk2’s 15-inch pocket won’t fit anything larger, so invest in something bigger. A set of Audeze Maxwell headphones, a Nintendo Switch in its carry case, a chunky portable charger, a Genki Covert Dock, and a Hori Split Pad Pro set fit in the main pocket, with an extra slip sleeve for an iPad and smaller pockets on the front for an MSI Clutch GM31 gaming mouse and cables. The full zip and enough room (I never maxed this thing out) were really appreciated. I could grab anything quickly because this compartment could be fully opened, unlike many laptop backpacks that just zip halfway down the pocket.
Comfort
I liked the Division backpack’s comfort. With wide straps and extensive back cushioning (and breathable air mesh fabric to keep things dry), it was far more comfortable than my prior Targus laptop bag. While the straps’ reduction in cushioning caused some pain during longer travels, the sternum straps rapidly alleviated this. Even when packed full, the division never felt heavy, and its strong build added comfort.
Would you buy the Timbuk2 Division backpack?
The division’s $150 price won’t suit everyone. It’s a luxury, customizable rucksack with lots of storage and thoughtful extras. A water-resistant all-in-one everyday transport solution with a little personal flare, it’s ideal for 15.6-inch devices. It fits everything an on-the-go PC player needs while being sleek and low-profile. If you have a costly computer or prioritize safety over storage, this may not be the best solution.
| PROS | CONS |
| Only slightly saggy yet comfortable to carry. | Compression restraints restrict main compartment access. |
| Stretchy, cushioned, and durable water bottle pocket | Sternum strap height adjustment is limited to three. |
| Laptop compartment with strong back padding | Very little laptop compartment with a false bottom. |
FAQs
What is your lifetime warranty?
We guarantee the outstanding quality and craftsmanship of Timbuk2 backpacks for life. Only eligible Timbuk2 products purchased directly from Timbuk2 (timbuk2.com or one of our brick-and-mortar retail stores) or authorized resellers are covered by our warranty.
Does Timbuk2 cover repair shipping?
We will cover the expense of mailing your bag back to you within the continental U.S., but not to our warranty department. Outside the U.S., Timbuk2 will cover part of the return shipping cost and invoice you for the rest.
Can I bulk buy?
Buy more than 25 bags for your best friends, coworkers, or event. Corporate sales save!
