Timbuk2 has been a San Francisco original since 1989. Stitch-by-stitch, bag-by-bag, we’ve built a solid reputation and a loyal following among real-life, hard-working bicycle messengers and cycling enthusiasts.
It was 1993 when Markus and Daniel Freitag, both brothers and graphic designers, were in need of a bag. Zurich locals ride bikes. And they get rained on a lot. So the Freitag Bros. wanted a functional, tough, and water-resistant bag to carry their designs. Inspired by the colorful traffic on the highway extension in front of their apartment, they sewed together a messenger bag from an old truck tarp, took seat belts for straps and used a spare bicycle inner tube to keep the edges from fraying.I assumed Freitag came first having already known about them and then recently seeing Timbuk2 and thinking they looked like self-conscious knock-offs of Freitag. Timbuk2 seems to have a lot more conventional products, all or most of which are imported (mass produced), and provide a lower price point. Freitag's pieces are all one of a kind –as far as the actual material goes– and are handmade in Zurich which is reflected in their price. In closing I think it is Timbuk2's "Build Your Own Bag" section which too closely –in a generic sort of way– resembles Freitag's "Design A Bag" where you choose from unique pieces of lorry tarps. Personally, I'd go with Freitag although everyone having a unique looking Freitag bag is getting a little cliché. Crumpler anyone? (their website scares me, though)
Posted by vostokone