Clothing

Timbuk2 Bifold Wallet

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Water resistant, durable wallet

Timbuk2 has had this wallet in their line in some variation for eight years and I bought one from the very first season. Timbuk2 is a name synonymous with bicycle messenger bags and their use of Ballistic Nylon materials. The first batch of Bifold Wallet colors were heavy on the pastels, but I chose the manliest version and stuffed it in my back pocket. In hot climates, leather wallets rot. They add bulk, pick up grit and “character,” and generally are expensive for something designed to hold money. What I really like about this wallet, is that it’s made of modern, manly materials, is more durable, and cheap. Thankfully Timbuk2 in revisions of this wallet has used a less girly color palette.

My original, and the one I bought to replace it last year, both have a divided bill pocket. I’m not sure if the newest version has this feature, but I like keeping money in one slot and receipts in the other. The wallet is slim on pockets with only an ID sleeve and three additional pockets. I’ve stuffed up to four credit cards in each slot plus 10 business cards in half the bill compartment sharing space with various receipts. I definitely prefer carrying less, but the wallet can carry a bunch if you’re willing to do without the compartmentalization of a larger wallet. My original wallet had a grippy edge to the wallet and interior. I’m glad that’s omitted on my second wallet and the new design. It showed a lot of wear after 6 years while the rest of the wallet was fine. There is an elastic band that can keep the wallet closed, but most days I keep it folded over the backside. Eventually on my original wallet the band lost its stretch and I cut it off. The wallet looks and functions great without it.

I love that if I’m caught in the rain, sit on a wet chair, or drop my wallet in salty road slush I’m not worried about ruining it. The materially is quite water resistant and even when completely drenched, it won’t absorb and hold water. I’ve even tossed mine in the washing machine (on purpose without its contents). I’m happy to have a synthetic wallet that doesn’t have velcro and looks as good as a traditional leather wallet. If you’re not a bifold sort of person, Timbuk2 makes a few other styles some of which I’ve tried, but it is the bifold that lives on my hip everyday.

-- Jon Stackpole 11/17/14

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