New products

One of the most popular TOM BIHN bags carried by military personnel is the Brain Bag backpack. (See our Customer Pictures From Around the World page for more.) To make life a little safer for these folks we're proud to introduce the Brain Bag in Universal Camouflage - available for pre-order now, ships by mid-March. Note: the Universal Camouflage version of the Brain Bag differs from other versions of the Brain Bag in that it does not have a front mesh pocket. Otherwise, it's exactly the same bag. If you are a customer active in the military and you already own a Brain Bag that you'd like to replace with the Universal Camouflage version, please email us or call us at 1-800-729-9607 - we'll arrange to swap.

Tom has designed a Cache - Size iPad - specifically for the new Apple iPad. The Cache for Apple iPad fits the iPad on its own or encased in its Apple iPad Case.

The Cache is designed to protect the Apple iPad against scrapes and scratches from all sides. Its 1/4" (6mm) thick foam padding laminated with an exterior of four-ply Taslan and an interior of brushed tricot cradles your iPad.

Available for pre-order; ships within 10 days of release of the iPad. $30. In Horizontal or Vertical orientation.

Tom is working on a couple designs for the Apple iPad right now. Stay tuned for more info later today and tomorrow.

We'd tell you about this new accessory, but it's ultra-top secret. You probably wouldn't be able to guess anyhow, and we'd rather surprise you. (Robert S. knows what it is but he's sworn to secrecy. Plus we know where he lives.) Coming this Spring.

The Compass:
The Compass is a small carry-on travel bag that Tom has been working on over the course of the last year. We've seen the latest prototype, and it's perfect. Well, we think so: Tom has a little bit more tweaking to do. It's a great size (probably smaller than you're thinking) with great organization.

Field Journal Notebook:
Tom continues to refine the final details of the Field Journal Notebook as he uses the only existing prototype. By Tom's best guesstimate, 105% of people who see it want it.

Camera Insert:
The Camera Insert is still in progress, not to worry. Tom has some exciting new leads on materials. What's taking so long? We're in search of the perfect fabric to laminate to the foam components that make up the Camera Insert. We've narrowed it down to two contenders - two high-tech fabrics. Both will need to be custom made for us, so don't be making sandwiches and waiting by the phone.

Two more bags debuting in February:

A travel bag designed by Tom in Summer '09 specifically for an event at the Kennedy Center. Perfect for those who don't need or want hide-away backpack straps.

And: something that will allow you to take your iPhone river rafting, or read your Kindle in the bathtub.

The TOM BIHN Diaper Changing Pad will be introduced early this spring. The Diaper Changing Pad conveniently tucks inside most TOM BIHN bags effectively turning them into diaper bags. It's made out of easy-to-clean urethane coated nylon and closed-cell foam for cushy padding, comfy for baby. It's bright yellow so you'll never lose it; but no goofy bunnies or teddybears. Especially not bunnies picnicking with teddybears.

One of the most popular TOM BIHN bags carried by military personnel is the Brain Bag backpack. (See our Customer Pictures From Around the World page for more.) To make life a little safer for these folks we're proud to introduce the Brain Bag in Universal Camouflage (pre-order in February, shipping by late March.) If you are a customer active in the military and you already own a Brain Bag that you'd like to replace with the Universal Camouflage version, please email us or call us at 1-800-729-9607 - we'll arrange to swap.

Tom has improved the design of the 3D Clear Organizer Cube with a plastic hook that makes hanging the cube in your hotel bathroom easy. When not in use, the lightweight hook tucks easily inside of the cube. The new version of the 3D Clear Organizer Cube is in-stock and shipping now in all colors: Black, Steel, Olive, Plum, and Indigo. $18.

The Synapse backpack in colors Olive/Solar, Plum/Solar, and Indigo/Solar is now in-stock and ships within one business day. Colors Black/Steel, Steel/Steel, and Steel/Solar Dyneema will ship within two weeks. Color Navy/Solar has sold out and is available for backorder with a shipping date of late December.

Customer feedback on the Synapse from the TOM BIHN Forums:
"I have used my Plum Synapse for the past three days, and I'm in love! It has forced me to downsize from all of the stuff I carried around in the Smart Alec, which is much better for my back, and everything just works so well. And it's a gorgeous bag!" - marbenais

"So as usual the bag looks great and I am looking forward to finding out all the great things about the Synapse that don't become apparent until after it is used, the way all TB bags are designed..." - keb

The Synapse in Navy/Solar is now sold out. It is available for backorder and ships by late December. All other colors are still on schedule to ship within the next two weeks. Below is a selection of comments posted in the TOM BIHN Forums by those who have received their Synapse:

"Just wanted to say that I'm in love. Although I have quite a few Tom Bihn products I haven't bought a backpack. I've been waiting for the perfect one. And it's finally here. I haven't used it yet but it's the perfect size for me and so comfortable." - mrae

"Wow. Seriously. Wow. Very much worth the wait. Thank you for making something genuinely special. And it got here just in time for the fall fishing trip." - JoelSmith

"The Synapse just made its appearance in my office in all of its Navy/Solar glory. I have to say that I am impressed with this bag even though I have played with it for only a few minutes. It is deceptive in appearance in that it really looks small, yet it holds far more than one might guess just looking at it. I have loaded with with my typical daily load - 13in Macbook in its brand new cache(another fine bag!), the power adapter, an assortment of TB pouches, a couple of files (about 1 inch of paper), various pens, post it note pads, phone, etc. and ther is lots of room to spare. The straps are comfortable and the bag has the smoothest operating splash proof zippers I have had to date. This likely will become a daily bag and I can see using it for a travel bag (as personal item for laptop, kindle and assorted stuff). I look forward to using it over the next several days to put it through its paces." - rabergnc

"the pockets on the front are especially surprising--they look smallish, but i keep being able to put stuff in that i didn't think would "go." the water bottle pocket does indeed stow a 1.0L sigg bottle (that's what i'm carrying in there today... yesterday, i carried my 16oz. contigo travel mug in there). " - bluedawg

"Like many others, I am also the recipient of a navy Synapse. I haven't had the opportunity to put it to daily use yet but it is clear that significant thought went into the design. Everything from the comfortable padding to the snag resistant zippers to the detachable waist strap appears to be made from quality materials. Well executed!" - residue

"I'm so happy I have Synapse! This is exactly what I've been waiting for all these years. I haven't actually used it yet because I want to make sure I'm happy with the Steel (wondering if I should get black instead) before I take it for a test drive, but color aside, this is absolutely the right backpack for me. It fits exactly how I want it to. It sits perfectly on my back; not too high and not too low. I'll post pictures once I have more time (and fix my camera/buy a new one... It stopped working recently)." - timarelay