The Timbuk2 Bruce Pack is a striking backpack. It is big, it is heavy, and it was designed to be the ultimate bike commuting backpack. However, it’s large main compartment, waterproof exterior, and carry-on compliant size got us thinking. Could the Timbuk2 Bruce Pack bag also be the ultimate carry-on bag, too? Today, we review the Timbuk2 Bruce Pack backpack to see how it stacks up to our needs when traveling by plane instead of bike.
The Bruce Pack is the most over-engineered commuter backpack that I have ever had the pleasure of traveling with. This bike commuting bag looks like nothing I have ever seen before. The roll-top opening sits higher than any bag I have ever used (almost to the point of obstructing your vision when worn for its intended purpose on a bike), and it is unbelievably tall when fully unrolled. Be warned: travelers with short arms may have difficulty reaching all the way into this backpack if you lose something at the bottom of the bag.
Some of the Bruce Pack’s features are pretty rad. The sheer amount of heavy-duty material used in this backpack’s construction makes for a hefty weight, but Timbuk2 found a way to make it feel relatively light once it is strapped to your back. The built-in waterproof features give me peace of mind when I am using this backpack to transport around my camera gear, and Timbuk2 included other thoughtful details that I found useful.
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Who is Timbuk2?
Timbuk2, a company that was started out of a San Francisco bike messenger’s garage, has built a reputation making high-quality gear for bike enthusiasts and urban nomads. Whether your preferred method of travel involves two wheels or two wings, Timbuk2 aims to have a practical & tech-oriented bag for every occasion. Timbuk2 also goes out of their way to offer repairs & upcycling opportunities once their products reach the end of their useful lives.
Timbuk2 produces a modern range of backpacks & messenger bags targeted at tech-focused consumers. I have owned a number of Timbuk2 bags, and all of them have been well-made. Their budget-tier bags offer a ton of bang for your buck, and their premium bags offer more frills & customization for gear junkies who know exactly what features they are looking for in their bags.
| Hits | Misses |
| + Huge main compartment with expandable storage | – Heavy |
| + Very sturdy construction | – Velco closure is loud & labor-intensive |
| + Integrated rainfly is included | – Magnetic closure is cool, but poses security concerns |
Timbuk2 Bruce Pack Specifications
- Dimensions: 20.9” x 13.8” x 8.5” (53cm x 35cm x 22cm)
- Capacity: 60 liters
- Weight: 4.8 pounds (2.2 kg)
- Style: Rolltop (velcro opening)
- Buckles/Hardware: Plastic with magnetic closures
- Laptop Sleeve: Yes (up to 15”)
- MSRP: $249 (check latest price on Amazon)
How does the Timbuk2 Bruce Pack look?
This backpack is a beast. When empty, it is tall & slender with a beefy waterproof roll-top closure sitting atop the bag. The bicycling roots are evident: the reflective lower panel, the built-in rainfly, and U-lock sized water bottle pockets all make it clear what this bag was built for.
Make no mistake, this bag means business. The roll-top closure and tidy external straps give the Bruce Pack a modern & utilitarian feel.
The waterproof material used in the roll-top section is also used on the front pocket flaps to help keep water out. The bottom & sides are constructed with a thick canvas, and the adjustable straps are made of smooth, seatbelt-like material. The backpack straps also contain reflective material and rugged webbing. In this army green colorway, the wearer of this backpack looks like a true 21st century road warrior.
The Bruce’s visually appealing details make for a functional & versatile-looking bag.
How does the Timbuk2 Bruce Pack feel?
The variety of materials used on the Bruce Pack are stunning, and I was captivated by this bag’s construction. Handling this bag in person shattered my expectations of what a premium backpack should feel like, and Timbuk2 deserves credit for putting such a solid backpack together.
That said, this backpack takes some getting used to. The thick waterproof roll-top opening is sturdy and lined with ripstop fabric. There are a couple of internal pockets in the main compartment that are secured with velcro; the internal ripstop fabric does not feel as thick as the exterior materials, but it seems plenty strong enough after pulling & securing on the velcro strips.
All of these premium materials and extra add-ons come at a price: added weight. This is easily one of the heaviest carry-on sized backpacks that our team has ever tested.
There is no getting around the fact that this bag weighs in at around 4 pounds empty. The Bruce Pack feels substantial and well-made in the hand. Much like a heavy metal credit card, I expect some people will love the added heft while others despise it.
How does the Timbuk2 Bruce Pack fit?
As this is a bicycle commuting backpack, Timbuk2 designed this bag to sit a bit higher on the back than you might be used to. This bag’s rolltop will greet you near eye level if you happen to turn your head to the side while wearing it, and the bottom of the bag sits high enough to avoid any potential tire rub.
The straps themselves are comfortable and are on the thinner side of the spectrum. Timbuk2 built the Bruce Pack to allow for adjustments on both the top and bottom of the straps, so wearers can dial in the perfect fit.
The back panel is slightly curved (the picture below is a bit exaggerated because the bag is sagging under the weight of the roll-top closure) and features ventilated padding that keeps the bag elevated off of your spine. Since the backpack was built with bike riders in mind, having this extra ventilation and ergonomic support makes for a comfortable carry wherever you go.
The padded top grab handle is comfortable, though the handle is positioned slightly off center to accommodate the rolltop. The handle still functions well, but the tilted carrying position may feel awkward the first few times you use it.
Notable Features of the Timbuk2 Bruce Pack
Integrated rainfly
Are you a believer in system redundancy? Fear not! If you were ever concerned that the waterproof rolltop might still somehow leak, Timbuk2 built in an integrated rainfly to further weatherproof your bag.
Outdoor lovers like hikers & bikers should be familiar with the concept of a rainfly, but the idea of covering your backpack with a waterproof bag may be a bit foreign to many travelers. The added security of a rainfly is welcome if you ever find yourself caught outside during inclement weather.
Variety of front pockets
The Bruce Pack features a couple of small front pockets to tuck away anything from charging cables to your glasses.
The largest of these pockets is constructed with a waterproof material and fastened by a couple magnets. This is a nifty (and silent) pocket that is fun to use & easy to access. However, keep in mind that this is the least secure pocket on the bag; this isn’t a concern when riding your bike, but I would be hesitant to store anything valuable in this pocket while walking through crowds.
There are two small zipper pockets that offer additional security.
The top pocket is fleece-lined. This makes it a natural choice for storing sunglasses or your smartphone.
I opt to use the lower zipper pocket for my external battery pocket and a deck of cards.
Side laptop entry
Nothing is worse than a rolltop backpack that does not have a side laptop zipper. Thankfully, Timbuk2 knows a thing or two about transporting laptops. After all, the company’s claim to fame is customizable laptop messenger bags.
The side entry is secured with a fairly standard YKK zipper with a nicely weighted pull string. The laptop pocket is padded and includes a false bottom to protect your bag and cushion it from accidental drops.
Though expected, I always appreciate when the laptop pocket can also be accessed from the main compartment. The Bruce Pack features a flap that can be opened up to allow for easy access from either entry.
Included waist & sternum straps
With a bag of this size & weight, it is nice to see a detachable sternum strap & waist strap. Both are made of the same seatbelt material found through the bag to complement the aesthetically pleasing design.
The sternum strap is lightweight and secured with a magnet, which somehow feels more refined that the typical plastic buckle you find with most backpacks. The waist strap is thicker and attaches to loops at the base of the bag. This strap helps distribute weight on your hips, which is a welcome feature when carrying a heavy load.
Final Verdict on the Timbuk2 Bruce Pack
The Bruce Pack packs a ton of features into a polished (and expensive) package.
I have thoroughly enjoyed using this backpack in my travels recently. It is roomy, sturdy, and looks unique. It may be a bit overkill for my purposes, but I even enjoy using it as my everyday office bag.
That said, the Bruce Pack is not perfect.
The velcro rolltop is loud & cumbersome. This isn’t an issue for normal commuting or travel, but I am scared that I will need to get something out of this bag’s main compartment while on a redeye flight one day in the future.
The weight & dimensions of this bag may not work for everyone. Shorter travelers may not find this long bag to be comfortable on their backs, and the extra weight (driven by heavy waterproof panels) may annoy those who value lighter packs. On top of that, the price tag is hard to swallow. At the $200+ price range, there are dozens of other highly-regarded travel backpacks that would rival the versatility of Timbuk2’s Bruce Pack.
Personally, I love this backpack. The huge main compartment allows me to easily pack a week’s worth of clothes along with my camera cube, and the external pockets & weatherproof additions are great features. Plus, I cannot overstate how great it feels to have this bag on your back. It just looks cool! While the listed price is steep, I would consider pulling the trigger if I found it on sale.
Recommended For: the globetrotting bicyclist who wants a weatherproof backpack that is just as useful in the air as it is on the ground.
Did you find our Timbuk2 Bruce Pack review helpful? Let us know in the comments below!
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This bag here is the Bruce backpack, not Clark.
Good eye! You are 100% correct. Thanks for leaving a note.