Greetings, Tom Bihn Forum People!
I'm a longtime lurker and first-time buyer who is interested in replacing a 15 year old Timbuk2 Classic Messenger (size small) with a messenger-style bag that is lighter and more versatile. I have tried and returned the MCB due to size concerns (too small), and have narrowed down my options to the following:
- Co-Pilot
- DLBC
- Pilot
I am looking for a small and/or low profile bag with zippered openings, and I am interested in accommodating the following tools and toys:
- 12 inch laptop*
- Small mirrorless camera with a single prime lens (Fuji X-E2 and 27mm pancake to be specific)**
- 9 oz. Corkcicle canteen
- Small folio to hold 8.5" x 11" documents (10-20 sheets max)
- Kindle Paperwhite
- Lunch (packed in re-usable containers)
- Folded lightweight jacket or long-sleeve flannel shirt
- One pill bottle (think 300-count bottle of Ibuprofen gel caps)
*Laptop stays at home ~95% of the time
**Camera will be with me on most days
Here are my thoughts on the bags listed above:
Co-Pilot: this is my bag of choice. However, some forum members have mentioned that the zipper layout can impede access to documents, etc. Can anyone chime in on the ease (or frustration) of packing and removing 8.5" x 11" documents from a bag of this size?
DLBC: more appealing due to price and form factor, but how do I pack a lunch with this type of bag? Skinny vertical containers?
Pilot: I believe that this bag will accommodate everything, and then some! However, it is also larger than I prefer and significantly more expensive than the DLBC, especially after upgrading to a more comfortable strap...
I think the ultimate limiting factor here is the ability to efficiently carry lunch to and from work... I'm curious to know if anyone here has experienced issues with this, and if anyone can recommend an appropriate bag (and possibly a space-efficient food packing solution) that meets my needs.
Thoughts?
PS - for the record, I am not interested in a "flap and buckle" bag (i.e., Timbuk2 Classic Messenger or Maker's Bag... been there, done that), and I have a strong preference for the halcyon fabric (it's soooo lightweight and cool!).