I pretty much always have it with me.

Week two of writing about things I love.

A little more than six years ago, I changed jobs — moving from a corporate office job to working on a sprawling university campus. I decided I’d need a way to haul my stuff between my parking garage, my office and meetings across campus. I’d had my eyes on a custom Tikbuk2 bag for years, and this was the perfect excuse to finally make the purchase.

My Custom Timbuk2 Custom Classic Messenger

I’ve never been a huge fan of backpacks so I opted for a messenger bag. I’ve pretty much taken the bag with me everywhere for the last six years. When I started graduate school, I contemplated getting something different. Maybe I needed a bigger backpack? I looked at other options, but realized that my bag is still perfect for what I need.

Built to last. Timbuk2 bags have a lifetime warranty, but I’m reasonably convinced I won’t need it. This bag is ridiculously durable. Six years of daily use and it still looks reasonably new. The shoulder strap is a little dirty, and that’s about it.*
One of a kind. I was able to customize my bag and make it exactly what I wanted. I probably built several dozen options before I settled on my final choice. The outside combines two different black fabrics with a bright green panel. The inside has a red weatherproof lining.** I opted to include the padded laptop sleeve and the handle on the top. I love how it turned out and I’m pretty sure it’s one of a kind…
Space for everything. Every day, I haul around sketchbooks, a laptop, chargers, pen cases, books and more. I’ve got plenty of room to add even more if needed. I don’t use the pocket organizers to their fullest potential, but there are a range of zipper pockets for things I like to keep with me like USB flash drives, dongles, business cards and other random stuff. It’s as big as a messenger bag can be without looking cartoonishly oversized.

I’ve been really happy with my Timbuk2 bag. They aren’t inexpensive, but if you need a daily bag, they are worth every penny. But even if you aren’t in the market, the online configurator is fun to play around with.

* The shoulder strap pad is replaceable, so I may order a new, custom one.

** They don’t do custom linings any more, which is a shame because I love the pop of color when I open the bag.

Bob Wertz writes about design, technology and pop culture at Sketchbook B. Bob is a Columbia, South Carolina-based designer, researcher, college instructor, husband and dad. He’s particularly obsessed with typography, the creative process and the tools we use to create. Follow Bob on Instagram.