Astro Gaming and Timbuk2 are two companies that have grown up in San Francisco. The former specializes in gaming peripherals while the latter has become popular for its messenger bags and backpacks.

Geographically, the two businesses are separated by a little more than two miles, but their latest project has brought the two closer together. The companies have collaborated on two new bags catering to gamers: the CS03 Crossbody Sling and the BP35 Gaming Backpack.

Astro and Timbuk2 have been working on the products for more than a year. They met once before the pandemic and later designed the bags over Zoom, said Mark Shin, head of partnership at Astro Gaming. Despite those challenges, the companies created two products with thoughtful features and an eye toward gamers in different situations.

CS03 Crossbody Sling
The CS03 Crossbody Sling is built to carry the Nintendo Switch, but it’s actually a great bag for “Pokemon Go” players. (Astro Gaming) 

THE PORTABLE GAMING BAG
The CS03 Crossbody Sling fits snugly around the body like a messenger bag, but with a smaller form factor. Ideally, it’s made for Nintendo Switch fans. It has a pouch that’s cushioned to fit the portable console and protect it. The bag has 14 cartridge slots, which is somewhat useful though many just download games to the system. For extras such as power cords, headphones and batteries, the companies designed two zippered pockets.

The most useful feature is an easy access flap in the front held shut with magnets. When users flip the bag forward, it’s easy to pop it open and grab items. Although this was designed with the Switch in mind, it’s actually a well-made bag for players who go outside to participate in geo-location-based games such as “Pokemon Go,” “The Witcher: Monster Slayer” or “Harry Potter: Wizards Unite.”

The CS03 has 3 liters of space and weighs in at a light 1.08 pounds. I took it out for a Pokemon Go Community Day, and I stored an extra battery, wires and snacks in the bag’s compact form factor that kept my arms free and didn’t get in the way. It has a holder for keys and a D ring to accessorize the sling with tchotchkes or perhaps a Gotcha or Poke Ball Plus. It’s a way to personalize the bag.

The water-resistant coating, fabrics and zippers ensures that electronics are safe from the elements. At $79.99, it’s more expensive than other hip packs or even the official Pokemon fanny pack, but the CS03 crossbody sling is better designed with everything from the side release buckle to the reflective coating, though the black sling could have used more of that for improved safety at night.

Astro BP35 Gaming Backpack
The BP35 Gaming Backpack has a volume of 35 litters and can hold Astro Gaming products as well as laptops, controllers and other gaming peripherals. (Astro Gaming) 

A BAG FOR EVERYTHING
The BP35 backpack gets its name partly because it has a whopping volume of 35 liters. That means this Astro Gaming x Timbuk2 collaboration can hold a lot. That’s only part of the bag’s appeal. As the successor to the much-loved Scout bag, this new product carries ideas over from that accessory.

Ideally, this is the bag gamers would carry if they were participating in esports or going to a LAN. Despite its focus on this part of the culture, the BP35 works as an everyday backpack for school. It can already carry a ton of tech with internal sleeves for two 16-inch laptops and a pocket for a tablet. Those sections are both heavily padded to keep those items safe, and the clamshell opening ensures easy access to all items inside.

What’s notable is that the BP35 has an Astro Gaming Gear Pocket that’s designed specifically to carry the company’s products. Players will notice a vista loop, which is essentially a hanger for headphones such as the Astro A40. It has a pocket made for the MixAmp and additional pouches for controllers and cords.

With the potential to carry so much gear, the BP35 fabric and straps have to be sturdy. The material also has to be comfortable. Timbuk2 and Astro accomplish that task by crafting the backpack with heavy-duty water-resistant textiles. It has the same construction as the CS03. It also features the water-resistant zippers to help keep gear dry while traveling in wet weather.

The air mesh straps have decent cushioning. I tested out the bag by carrying five pounds of equipment over an afternoon. During that time, I appreciated features such as the sternum strap, which helped even out the weight distribution. Still, I was sore after lugging around the gear after a few hours. The shoulder straps did a serviceable job on the comfort end. It’s not a magical Dungeons and Dragons Bag of Holding, but the BP35 made carrying all that equipment bearable though users will feel the weight after an hour.

Astro Gaming collaborated with Timbuk2 to create a line of gaming-focused bags — the CS03 Crossbody Sling and the BP35 Gaming Backpack. (Astro Gaming) 

One of the best practical design touches was the ventilated EVA back panel. Similar to the cross sling, it did an excellent job of keeping my back dry during a warm Bay Area afternoon. The padding on this part of the bag was plush enough so that the contents didn’t jab at me.

The side pouches for water bottles are another nice touch. They’re zippered so that the BP35 maintains its sleek look. The top pockets exemplify that same sensibility. The zippers blend into the seams of the bag maintaining that streamlined appearance. Meanwhile, they offer quick-access storage space, including one pocket with a brushed tricot lining for smartphones, sunglasses or other items users don’t want scratched.

Lastly, the magnetic front flap offers easy-to-reach storage. It houses a key keeper while the flap has vista loops and a D-ring. They’re not necessary but like the rest of BP35, they’re nice touches that will come in handy if you need to clip on a backlight for bike riding at night.

Although this bag may not have much use now during the pandemic, it will definitely be a daily driver for students or professionals who have to carry tech gear with them. The one part that could give them pause is the cost. At $199, it’s a high price to pay for a nicely designed bag that can serve an audience beyond the intended target. It’s a backpack for students, streamers or anyone who has to carry tech for their jobs.