Too Much Baggage

Customized utilitarian carryalls.

Now there’s something you don’t often discuss at dinner parties.

That and politics.

Put aside the Rand Paul issue for Timbuk2 Factory Store, the iconic San Francisco brand’s new place inside a factory where you can just customize the hell out of a bag, opening tomorrow in the Mission.

This place is a factory/HQ/shop all in one. You’ll stride into the huge concrete warehouse (it’s three times the size of the Hayes Valley store), past some Timbuk2 designers talking late-night taco spots on a leather sofa. Past the giant sewing machine in front of the on-site repair center. Past the entrance leading to HQ. Maybe throw them a wave if it feels right.

There are lots of one-off bags here, so you could find something unusual—but you’re here for the custom area. (If you customize at this location, your bag’s moved to the front of the line. Metaphorically.)

You might go with three different patterned panels, a contrasting-colored strap, geometric-print lining, a grab strap handle, a stash pocket (for sensitive paperwork) and an insulated chiller insert (for water, or… not-water).

Then again, you might not.

That’s the thing about customization.