A “No Brainer”

Posted by caryn in the TOM BIHN Forums:
“I just wanted to let people know how amazingly comfortable the Super Ego can be fully loaded. I was not happy that I was “stuck” with a messenger bag instead of a Brain Bag Backpack (since the big HP wont fit). I did not want to carry a heavy asymetrical load on my spine. However, when carried on the lower back, with the stabalizing belt that comes with it, the entire load is shifted to the hips, just like a good backpack. (more after the break)

This position also keeps the load at a lower center of gravity which helps with stability over the icy sidewalks here in Vermont. And even if I fall on my backside, I am happy knowing that I have such great protections for my PC.

I opted for the adjustable messenger strap. The wide padded strap is just the best for comfort.
And toche! for having a bright color on the inside of the bag. It makes it so easy to spot items in the front pocket area.

I spent a lot of time researching and pondering the problem of a large 17 inch PC rig – and wouldnt you know it – it actually turned out to be a “No Brainer”!” — caryn

“This is a FANTASTIC bag.”

The Imago Messenger Bag

Feedback on the Imago (with the above picture) from Sid:
“I have one of your Imago bags, which was highly coveted by a friend of mine. When she had to move back to France, I decided it was the perfect going-away pressie… It was received with MUCH enthusiasm! I’d love to send you the photo she sent me – the big brimming with French chestnuts! It definitely provides an excellent display for the capacity of this great bag!
Cheers!” — Sid

Feedback on the Imago from Alan:
“Wow! I can’t believe that there a not any user reviews of the Imago!! This is a FANTASTIC bag. I have had mine since they were first introduced (black/black/wasabi YANG in ballistic nylon).

This fall I took a week long trip to a conference in Chicago and I choose to stay at a hotel more than 3 miles from the conference so I would get in a good walk everyday along the lake walking to the conference. My Imago was my companion the entire time and I thankful it was because it compact and thus I didn’t carry lots of stuff that I didn’t need as I often find myself doing with my Brain Bag and Super Ego.

In my life I find that my “stuff” always seems to expand to fill my bag and so the solution to prevent hernias and save backs is simply to carry a smaller bag. I was able to carry my Thinkpad X60T, power adaptor, camera, ipod, and all the folders and paper for my conference but not a lot of unnecessary stuff that I might have tossed in if I had carried a bigger bag.

I especially like the Wasabi interior…it makes things very easy to find inside. Also the attachment points to clip in the Organizer Pouches are great. I prefer Organizer Pouches to more pockets because it makes it so easy to switch between bags. As expected, materials and construction of this bag is top notch as with all Tom Bihn products. Highly recommended!!!” — Alan

Happy New Year!

The entire TOM BIHN crew wishes you a Happy New Year.

Reminder: Shipping and Customer Service will be closed today (Dec 31st) and tomorrow (Jan 1st). We will open again on Wednesday, January 2nd.

Seattle Store Open Tomorrow (Sat 12/22) 12-3

Our Seattle retail store will be open tomorrow, Saturday, December 22nd from 12:00pm – 3:00pm. See you then!

For directions to our store and its address, visit our Contact page.

TOM BIHN Seattle Retail Store and Factory Showroom

Ruck’s Sac in Mexico (Nice Pictures)

TOM BIHN Ruck's Sac Backpack in Mexico

“The first image is of us in Tepotzotlán, Estado de México. A meager view of us with our Café bag and Ruck’s Sac. Unseen are several Organizer and Passport Pouches. The second image is of the two ladies at the Palacio Nacional en la Ciudad de México. They’re checking out one of the murals by Diego Rivera. Thanks for the great bags! It’s amazing just how simple life can be when you’re not worried about your bags’ functionality and fortitude. ” – Robert

See larger versions of the above pictures and more customer pictures at Customer Pictures From Around the World

Gift Boxes Sold Out (Free Stickers Galore)

TOM BIHN 2007 Holiday Stickers

Our 2007 Holiday Gift Box is now sold out.

That said, we know that many of you are shopping for last-minute gifts, and we don’t want to leave you without a unique TOM BIHN twist to add to your own gift wrap.

We’ve decided to include the three holiday stickers we used for gift boxing in every order placed today through Friday at 2:00pm. We’ll also include two Cougar Mountain cookies in every order: one for you, and one for the giftee. (If you dare to share.)

You can use the stickers to decorate your own gift wrap, or you can include the stickers in the gift as an extra surprise.

1995 LGD (from the TOM BIHN vault)

These pictures show a bag named the LGD that Tom designed and sewed himself in 1995 at his one-man shop in Santa Cruz. A longtime TOM BIHN customer recently sent it back to us for repair (one of the zippers was worn out: if you wash your bag in a washing machine for years, that’s what will happen!) and we snapped these pictures of it.

Tom still has the pattern for the LGD, and is thinking of updating the design and re-releasing it. What do you think? Vote! Let us know.

TOM BIHN Classic Bag: the LGD

TOM BIHN Classic Bag: the LGD

TOM BIHN Classic Bag: the LGD

Meet Casey

Casey processes and packages your orders in our TOM BIHN Seattle
headquarters. He also has the important job of ordering the Cougar
Mountain cookies which we’ve been giving away in each shipment.
(His favorite is Classic Chocolate Chip.) He is an awesome shipper
and we are glad that he’s a part of our team.

To learn more about Casey, visit our About Us page.

Excerpt: “Casey’s shipping skills are on par with Rainman’s ability
to calculate. In his spare time, he enjoys: collecting records and
mixing music……”

TOM BIHN Casey Shipping Associate at TOM BIHN

Holiday Shipping: Want it on or before 12/24?

To figure out exactly what kind of shipping method you need to choose to ensure delivery by or on December 24th, consult our UPS Transit Time Map.
(All orders are shipped from our Seattle, Washington headquarters.)

As a general rule, we would recommend (assuming you place your order on these days before 2:00pm Pacific Time):
Wednesday (19th): UPS 3 Day Select ($12-22)
Thursday (20th): UPS 2nd Day Air ($15-32)
Friday (21st): UPS Next Day Air ($30-45)

Customers in Washington, Oregon and California may be able to
choose UPS Ground and still have their package guaranteed by
Christmas Eve: consult the map
or give us a call (1-800-729-9607) or send us an email
if you have any questions.

If you’re looking for a last-minute gift, consider a TOM BIHN
gift certificate.

The Traveler IQ Challenge

How well do you know the world? Take the Traveler IQ Challenge and find out. (Originally linked by PM4HIRE in the TOM BIHN Forums.)