Night Riding: Timbuk2 Covert Messenger and Matrix Messenger

I’ve been a happy consumer of Timbuk2 products over the years, and I personally think that when it comes down to style and ease of use, nobody does it better together than Timbuk2.

Since Timbuk2 is rooted in bike messenger history, it makes sense that they would introduce innovative and safe ways for bike messengers to continue doing their job. That’s where the Timbuk2 Covert Messenger and Matrix Messenger come in.

The Covert Messenger is described as a bag that is “Clark Kent by day and Superman by night”. That’s because the entire center panel is made from 3M reflective material. In the day, the bag looks like any ordinary bag, but at night it comes to life by lighting up and keeping the wearer safe.

Covert Messenger in action!

For those who are interested, the Covert Messenger comes in “cinder” (gray, shown above) and black (shown below).

If the reflective center panel is a bit too much for you, then have a look at the Matrix Messenger which features integrated reflective filament yarn woven throughout the bag’s fabric.

In the end, the Matrix Messenger is probably more suited for casual bag wearers who desire something with a more classic look (the bag is essentially black on black). The Matrix Messenger is only sold in sizes up to Medium, so if you want something reflective and bigger, you’ll have to go with the Covert Messenger.
Note: The Matrix Messenger reflective yarn is not from 3M.

As with all of their messenger bags, the Covert Messenger and Matrix Messenger come with the quick-adjust shoulder strap, waterproof liner, and removable cross strap.

The Covert Messenger starts at $130 and the Matrix Messenger starts at $110.

Hopefully in the next coming weeks I’ll have a full review up of the Covert Messenger. Stay tuned.