Timbuk2 Clark Commuter Backpack

What it is

The Clark Commuter Backpack aims to be the bike commuter, digital nomad, office worker, day to day backpack that seems to be just the right size and design to do it all.

It is sturdy, not too clever and black enough to fly under the radar wherever you are - except for that big ultra reflective panel that ensures your visibility at night.

It is made by San Francisco based Timbuk2 which started out as a manufacturer for cycling backpacks and you can see that heritage in many of the design details.

It comes with a roll top, straps to keep the pack as flat as possible, reflective features, a water resistant design that can stand most rain showers and an additional rain cover for super wet conditions.

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To keep your stuff organized the Clark Commuter Backpack has three additional compartments on the front of the bag, one on the bottom (but that is reserved for the detachable rain cover) and a bottle compartment on either side. On the inside you’ll find a big black hole for most of your stuff, a separate smaller compartment for the things you don’t want to dig out from the bottom of the bag and a laptop compartment that is big enough for at least 16 inch MacBooks. You can access your laptop from the outside as well which is nice because the velcro on the roll top is not exactly quiet.

If you got more cargo than usual you can open the zips on both sides of the backpack to add a few extra litres of space. Speaking of litres, the Timbuk2 website claims 26 litres of space for this backpack, but that sounds like a lot less than you can actually fit in there.

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What I used it for

I’ve been using the Clark Commuter Backpack on an almost daily basis for the last 5 years. It is my daily driver when I go to the office, it is perfect for short business or weekend trips and it has seen many places around the globe. From the Namib desert to Icelandic highlands to bustling cities in east Asia.

It has been my only piece of luggage on a 6 week trip through South Korea and Japan and it did a great job.

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5 annoying things about the Timbuk2 Clark Commuter Pack

1. The velcro on the roll top is uncomfortably loud when you open it in a quiet place.
2. The lower two compartments on the outside get very tight when the pack is fully packed.
3. The inside of the backpack is dark grey so you can’t see much. I would recommend brightly colored packing cubes for longer journeys.
4. The included belly strap is super flimsy. Never used it.
5. The side access to the laptop compartment is blocked by one of the straps, so you have to open the strap to get to your laptop.

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5 cool things about the Timbuk2 Clark Commuter pack

1. The straps on the side and chest have super cool magnetic buckles
2. The compartment for the rain cover can be used as a secret compartment for important stuff
3. It is really comfortable, even when it is full and heavy
4. The reflective panel can save your life when crossing the road at night
5. It’s not trying to be too clever. The Timbuk2 Clark is a no nonsense backpack that keeps you flexible with its simplistic design.

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How much is it?

On the Timbuk2 website it is listed for $249, but you can get it for less in other shops. (Get it on Amazon)

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Conclusion

I’m pretty sure that the perfect do it all backpack doesn’t exist but the Timbuk2 Clark Commuter Backpack comes pretty close. It is well sized, cleverly designed and super sturdy. I wouldn’t recommend it as a hiking backpack but for everything else, it might just work.

After five years as my daily driver and travel pack, I hope that it will be on my back for many more years.

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Should you avoid it? Shortlist it? Buy it?

Backpacks are highly individual items. Your requirements might be very different from mine, but whatever your requirements may be, you should at least have a look at this super cool backpack.

If you think your needs are anything like mine, go ahead and buy it. For anyone else, at least shortlist it.

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