It’s not a review, it’s a relationship. Products aren’t just for testing – they can find their way into our lives, our stories and our hearts. In this edition of Still Going, Tom Hill tells us about a rather special Timbuk2 messenger bag.

WORDS & PHOTOS TOM HILL

I can feel the shoulder strap digging into my collarbone. The edge always settles right on the bolt of a titanium plate – the consequence of an otherwise innocuous fall many years ago.

I could buy some padding, but I kind of like the needling reminder that the bag is there.

Each time I sling it on, crank up the main strap nice and short, fasten the stabilising strap, each time I do all that, complete the ritual… I am reminded of Jenn. Usually those memories are faster than a blink. A condensed essence of the human being who originally owned this bag. Other times, they are fully formed – seeing her leaving for work, one trouser leg rolled up, Morvelo cap on under helmet, ready to ride to the train station. I like the tangible connection. The memories are going nowhere, but they remain ephemeral.