“First the packing list. I tried to make this as generic as possible, though it is geared to the length of the trip + the weather (hot weather). Also, since I don’t think I’m going to have time for Laundry while I’m there, I’m packing enough for everyday, though there is some overlap. Since I’m going to LA partially to train with some people down there, I’m packing workout clothes. I’m also planning to run most mornings, so packed some fast drying stuff to do a quick wash out in the sink after each run.” Read Russell’s entire post – which his packing list – here.
Packing for LA: A partial review of the Tom Bihn Aeronaut
About.com Europe Travel First Look @ Tri-Star
“The Tom Bihn Tri-Star is the latest carry on bag to come out of Bihn’s bag factory in Seattle. While I have yet to travel with it, the construction, the versatility, and the clips, compartments, and useful pockets make me want to hit the road–and not many bags can make me want to get in those big bus-like things they call airplanes these days.
If you travel frequently, have lots of random stuff floating around in your bag (think technology) you’ll love this bag, trust me on this.”
Read the full review @ About.com Europe Travel, view the About.com Europe Travel video review of the Tri-Star, or visit the Tri-Star page.
Seattle Showroom open this Saturday(!) 08/22
Due to popular demand, our Seattle Factory Showroom will be open this Saturday (August 22nd) from 11am – 3pm. We’ll provide coffee (Tom might bring his homemade biscotti) and you’re welcome to bring cookies or other yummy stuff – we’ll make it a party! This will likely be the only Saturday that we’ll be open in 2009.
TOM BIHN, Krebs Recycle Dog Leashes, and Baily
As those who visit our Seattle Factory Showroom know, many of us here at TOM BIHN have dogs. We’ve been fans of Krebs Recycle leashes for years – long before they approached us seeking U.S. 500 denier Cordura for use as a binding material.
We use black 500d Cordura on many different bags. And, unavoidably, when the 500d Cordura is cut to make these bags, there are leftover pieces that are too small for us to use, even for Organizer Pouches. Happily, Krebs Recycle uses these pieces to finish the cut ends of the climbing rope they use to make their leashes. Tough, long-lasting material that would otherwise be thrown away is up-cycled and becomes part of a new dog leash. Krebs Recycle leashes are the most durable, comfortable, and coolest dog leashes we’ve ever used. Plus, they’re made right here in Seattle. The leashes are available in a wide variety of bright colors and lengths: we can’t say enough good things about them.
From the Krebs Recycle website:
“At Krebs Recycle, we are remaking the way dog leashes are made. Our leashes are fashioned from durable, pre-consumer and post-consumer recycled nylon climbing rope. In fact, we don’t recycle rope, we up-cycled it, which is better than recycling because we use the rope in its original form and extend its life by transforming it into a dog leash. There are no carbon-intensive recycling processes to turn the rope into something else. So you get a great leash, the rope stays out of the landfill, and the environment gets a break.”
Krebs Recycle leashes are available for order through the Krebs Recycle website, where one can also find a list of local retailers. Krebs Recycle is also on Twitter.
Above: Baily – who is available for adoption in Washington State and needs a great home – models a Krebs Recycle leash.
We have… Black/Solar Aeronaut, Black/Steel Ruck’s Sac
The first Aeronaut backorders – scheduled to ship 08/12 – shipped out today. The next round of backorders (and new orders) will ship by or on 08/20. In other Aeronaut news, the Black/Solar color combination is once again available. In fact, we have two Black/Solar Aeronauts ready to ship now – the first two folks to order that color combination will have their Aeronaut shipped within one business day.
We now have the Ruck’s Sac in Black/Steel, as well as Olive/Sapphire and Sapphire/Olive.
New: Sleeves for the Amazon Kindle
TOM BIHN Medium Organizer Pouches are the perfect size for protecting and storing the Amazon Kindle. We’ve selected the three versions of Medium Organizer Pouch we feel work best with the Kindle and grouped them under one category as “Sleeves for Amazon Kindle”. These three versions are Padded ($11; in-stock), Cork ($20; available for pre-order, ships mid-September), and Ultrasuede ($20; available for pre-order, ships mid-September). All three versions feature #5 YKK coil zipper with plastic sliders, which are lighter than metal zippers and won’t scratch your Kindle. See the Sleeves for Amazon Kindle here.
Stay tuned for more bags designed by Tom specifically for the Kindle to debut late this year.
In stock: Smart Alec backpack
The Smart Alec backpack is now shipping in all colors: BlacK/Steel/Solar, Black/Indigo/Solar, Black/Black/Steel, and Black/Crimson/Steel.
Practical Hacks Review of the Tri-Star
Excerpt:
“There’s something deeply satisfying about using a piece of equipment or product that’s thoughtfully designed and perfectly executed: the positive, precise feel of the switchgear on any Acura; the silky operation of a Kirk tripod head; the perfect heft and balance of a high end chef’s knife; and dare I say, the new Tom Bihn Tri-Star.
The Tri-Star is so well thought out, so beautifully made, its materials so obviously rich, its stitching so perfect, it practically redefines the state of the art for lightweight carry-on bags. Bihn may have a dilemma on its hands: the Tri-Star raises the bar for all soft sided, non-wheelie bags… including the company’s other models. The Tri-Star is that nice.”
Another reason to use carry-on bags and not check luggage
Below are pictures of the Aeronaut in use, posted by maverick in the TOM BIHN forums. Read the full thread here, where you’ll find a post by maverick describing yet another reason why you’ll never want to check luggage again.
