Timbuk2 Authority vs Division Backpack in 2024 - Which is better?
Timbuk2 is a brand best known for their messenger bags but they also offer some great everyday backpack options. Out of their entire lineup, it's safe to say that the Authority and Division are their most popular models.
In this backpack comparison we will take a closer look at the Timbuk2 Authority Laptop Backpack Deluxe and see how it stacks up to the Division Laptop Backpack Deluxe. Although these bags have a lot in common, the real differences in the details.
One backpack is made for those who need lots of organization while the other gives you a simple carry style. Which one is the perfect backpack for your needs? Let's find out.
Video Review
Quick Specs
 |
 |
|
|---|---|---|
| Volume | 20L | 18L |
| Materials | Recycled nylon | Recycled nylon |
| Laptop Compartment | Up to 17" laptop | Up to 15" laptop |
| 2nd Padded Sleeve | Yes, in main compartment | Yes, in main compartment |
| Organizer Compartment | Yes | No |
| Water Bottle Pocket | Yes | Yes |
| Sternum Strap | Yes | Yes |
| Waist Belt | No | No |
| Price |
Size: Timbuk2 Authority vs Division Backpacks
The Timbuk2 Authority Deluxe laptop backpack is larger than the Division and leaves a larger footprint on the back when worn. We found that shorter people will find the Division to be a better fit.
Authority Dimensions: 18.9" x 11.4" x 5.31"
Division Dimensions: 17.3" x 10.6" x 5.12"
As for internal capacity, the Authority gives you 20 liters while the Division only gives you 18 liters. Timbuk2 has changed the capacity of these backpacks in 2023. So if you see the old capacities of 28 liters for the Authority and 21 liters for the Division, this is why. In our opinion the new capacities better reflect the main sections of these backpacks.
Although the Authority backpack has a larger capacity, we will explain later on why the Division might be a better choice for people who carry bulky items.
Materials and Comfort
Both Timbuk2 backpacks use the same materials and offer the same amount of water resistance. You can expect the same recycled nylon external material with a waterproof boot bottom. The compression strap buckles are made of plastic.
We are really impressed with the back panel and shoulder straps. The signature Timbuk2 back panel has a unique "bubble" padded design that is very comfortable. As a result, both the Division and Authority pack feel about the same when worn. Each backpack also includes an adjustable sternum strap that can be removed.
Additionally, both the Timbuk2 Authority and Division feature a trolley sleeve, making them convenient for attaching to wheeled luggage while traveling.
To say these backpacks feel the same is an understatement. They feel nearly identical from zippers to shoulder straps.
Authority vs Division: Exterior Pockets
Where we start to see a huge difference is in the number of pockets. The Authority brings the heat with a few front compartments for organization. The first pocket is a top pocket that can fit sunglasses or a cell phone. Below this pocket is a another pocket that includes a key keeper leash.
The Division only gives you one exterior utility pocket on the front. This pocket covers the entire front panel and is where you key keeper leash is located. Other than this front pocket, the Division does not include any other outside pockets.
It's safe to say that if you want a backpack with lots of pockets - go with the Authority Deluxe Backpack.
Water Bottle Pockets
Both backpacks include a single side water bottle holder. We found that the largest water bottle we can fit inside is a slim 24oz bottle. Unfortunately, these water bottle pockets are too small for larger bottles. So if you have larger 32oz or 40oz bottles, they will not fit.
Rear Laptop Compartment
The last compartment is the rear laptop compartment. The big difference here is that the Authority pack can fit a laptop up to 17-inches while the Division can only fit a 15-inch laptop. There is also a second padded sleeve that can be found inside the main compartments, but we will get to that later.
Timbuk2 Authority: Organizer Compartment
A huge difference between these two bags is the extra front compartment in the Authority pack that is missing on the Division. This compartment features an organizer panel for small items like pens and chargers.
The organizer compartment can open pretty wide thanks to two elastic gussets. It's also large enough to fit notebooks, a light jacket and other bigger items. One of the main ways to decided between these two backpacks is to ask if you need an organizer panel for quick access to small items. The Authority pack makes is super easy to organize and quickly grab stuff like pens, chargers and other small bits and bobs.
The Division pack doesn't give you these small pockets other than a large general utility pocket on the front with a key fob.
Authority vs Division: Main Compartment
Want to know the secret difference between the Timbuk2 Authority and Division? It's the main compartment sizes.
The main compartment in the Authority is longer and wider than the one in the Division. But! The main compartment in the Authority is slimmer than the one in the 18L Division.
This means that we could only fit a few binders and notebooks in the Authority before running out room. And if we wanted to fit a jacket, we had to divide our carry and place the jacket inside the organizer compartment. With the Division, we could fit our binders, notebooks AND jacket inside the main compartment just fine.
Instead of giving you one large 20 liter main compartment, the Authority instead splits its space between the organizer compartment and the main compartment. This means you'll have to divide your carry if you run out of space in the main compartment.
What does this mean for you? If you need to carry bulky items like a lunch box or camera cube, go with the Division. The main compartment in the Authority is just too slim for those kind of bulky items. For short trips, we found it much easier to pack the Division backpack because it gave us much more wide open room. The main compartment on the Division also gives you elastic gussets so that you can open it nice and wide for packing.
Second Padded Sleeve
Both backpacks also include a padded sleeve inside their main compartments. We found that we could easily fit a second laptop or tablet inside these sleeves, turning these Timbuk2 packs into dual laptop backpacks.
Compression Straps
The last major difference between the Timbuk2 Division and Authority packs are the location of the compression straps.
The Timbuk2 Authority has its compression straps on the bottom. These straps allow you to attach bulkier gear like a jacket or blanket.
The Timbuk2 Division has side compression straps. These straps aren't useful for attaching extra items but it allows the bottom of the bag to stay nice and flat. The one gripe we have is that you have to unbuckle these comression straps whenever you want to fully open the main compartment. This can get pretty annoying if you need quick access.
Which Timbuk2 Backpack Should You Buy?
Timbuk2 Authority
Timbuk2 Division
Choose the Timbuk2 Authority if... you need a work and travel backpack with great pockets for organization. Where the Timbuk2 Authority shines is in its organization. You also have the advantage of using the bottom compression straps to hold bulkier gear when needed.
Choose the Timbuk2 Division if... you want a smaller laptop bag with a minimalist style. The Timbuk2 Division doesn't clutter you with too many pockets and gives you a cleaner look as a result. The main compartment is also functionally larger. This makes the Division the better choice if you need to carry bulkier gear like a lunch box, clothing or many notebooks and books.
