Timbuk2 Aviator Wheeled Backpack

I bought this for my 25-day trip to northern Thailand, Laos and Yunnan (China), and it’s fantastic! It’s very sturdy and versatile, and surprisingly roomy! Buy it if you gonna rough it out!

Good bag, thrown on trains, planes, automobiles all throughout Europe with very little damage when other luggage would have torn. Lifetime warranty through Timbuk 2 in SanFran was my deciding point to pay the extra. Skate wheels don't shatter like the plastic wheels when being mishandled by various baggage handlers. Versatility of converting to a backpack was key when having to push the wheelchair of my travel partner.

The handle is very sticky and could be difficult to get down. And I'm not sure if it was me or the bag, but the waist strap really didn't do much. I still felt that the weight was on my shoulders and that I had no support from the additional band.However, the bag itself was good. The handles on all sides is unexpectedly helpful and they are quite strong. There are pockets all over as well that are helpful. The top pocket is fairly useless as it zips over the bend, but the other ones are good and large. I went for a 18 day trip and I could pack enough clothing and shoes to last me with only one laundry stop.And being able to go from backpack to roller was soo nice.

I used this bag for a 2 week trip and it was a bit too small and I ended up washing clothes along the way to reduce what I brought with me. On the week-long trip I just took in the summer, the bag was a good size. I think the ideal duration is an extended weekend or for people who travel very light. The number of days would reduce significantly in the winter with bulkier clothing.The wheels and handles are very solid. There are very many useful pockets, but using the Timbuk2 OCD Packing Cube and some of their other packing bags helped keep things organized.It's funny to see a spot for a small lock on the zippers because all the external pockets open into the main sections anyway.Overall I'm happy with the bag. Being able to use it as a backpack was very nice on cobblestone roads in Italy.

Love this bag. Kind of awkward to use though. It is well made, but stowing and using the shoulder straps is an awkward process.Update: I've revised my original opinion far FAR downward. The bag completely imploded internally on its second use. I thought "no problem, there's a lifetime warranty". TIMBUK2 claims that this is accidental damage that isn't covered...caused by use on an airplane...in bag named "AVIATOR"!??!? They offered 50% off a replacement but why would I ever do that? The bag is well built more or less, but ill suited to the rigors of air travel and actual real world use. If you use it for the purpose that it's marketed for you'll quickly regret it.

really tried to give Timbuk2 a chance here to redeem themselves. I own 6 of their bags (all messengers). Got this as my replacement carry-on luggage. figured, based on my previous bag experience of durability, longevity and craftsmanship, it would be a great choice. very FIRST trip with the luggage resulted in a "rub burn" to the middle panel fabric (SEE PICTURE). rubbed down completely through fabric. assuming it was from carousel or something during the transfer on plane.Their reply: "The fabrics chosen are meant to stand up to normal use and we can't predict or design around accidental damage caused by luggage carousels or any other outside factors. Both normal wear and accidental damage are not covered by our warranty. "basically, any "normal" damage is not under warranty. I don't like that answer from a company that supposedly builds durable bags. sos for those of you considering this bag. at least do not choose this design. the middle panel fabric is not durable enough to survive normal airplane transfers (via carousels).I'm going to use this bag until it is worn through to get my $150 worth. just got back from second trip with bag. yep. even more rub damage along middle panel fabric! now on lower part of bag. so, maybe another 5-10 trips based on its current performance, I'll have to retire it. definitely getting another type of travel luggage. lesson learned.review of rest of bag: seems well built for durability. skate wheels are sold. handle solid. like the multiple handles. haven't used the backpack handles yet (hoping they wouldn't fall out. they haven't. so happy with that). do not like the placement of the main 2 compartment zippers- under a lip flap, which are difficult to get to.

I have yet to be disappointed by a Timbuk2 product. This is a solid and versatile bag. Go for it!

Perfect size for a carry on. Lost of roomy compartments. Good zipper pockets to keep things organized. Sturdy wheels, nice length on the handle, and compact design. I'm very happy with this purchase. You will be too!