We’ve added new pictures of the Snake Charmer to the site — more will be added next week. the Snake Charmer is now in-stock in colors Black, Steel, Crimson, and Olive.
The Super Ego: A Winner in Las Vegas
In 2005, Imago Metrics evaluated our Super Ego messenger bag. Imago Metrics recently sent the above picture to us, showing that their Super Ego is still very much in use.
“We were in Las Vegas for a conference and of course, the Super Ego came along as the carry-on.
Unfortunately it came back home a little lighter for ‘cash contents’ – but as always , Tom Bihn’s Super Ego was the real winner. The smile is saying “Thanks Tom”.” — Imago Metrics.
Read the Imago Metrics evaluation of the Super Ego or check out the Super Ego.
Pictures Added to One Bag, One World Aeronaut Review
Brad from One Bag, One World has added pictures to his review of our Aeronaut maximum carry-on bag. See the pictures and read the full review over at One Bag, One World or check out the Aeronaut.
Macworld recommends: TOM BIHN Brain Cell
Sleeves in Brief: Rigid cases
By Dan Frakes
“I’ve always been impressed by the quality of Tom Bihn bags, and the Brain Cell is no exception. Specifically designed to clip into Tom Bihn bags, it nevertheless works well on its own or inside other bags and backpacks. Made of 500-denier Cordura nylon with rigid side panels and interior padding, the Brain Cell offers impressive protection. Even the bottom of the sleeve is rock-solid, with only the top edge omitting some sort of rigid plate. (That edge instead offers two layers of foam padding, one on each closing flap; the two flaps secure using Velcro.)”
Read the full article at Macworld or check out the Brain Cell.
Above: A picture shows a 15″ Powerbook cradled in the four layers of protection that our Brain Cell hard-sided laptop case provides.
futureLooks.com Reviews the Buzz
Summary:
Is part of your Digital Lifestyle hauling around that ugly looking laptop bag that you’ve been sporting since College? Maybe its time for a change! Tom Bihn bags offer fashion and functionality that could only come from the Pacific Northwest. We check out their sling bag known as the Buzz to see if it passes the fashion and function test of a laptop bag.
Read the futureLooks.com review of the TOM BIHN Buzz sling bag.
Plastic bags are killing us (Use a resuable bag instead)
From Salon:
Plastic bags are killing us
The most ubiquitous consumer item on Earth, the lowly plastic bag is an environmental scourge like none other, sapping the life out of our oceans and thwarting our attempts to recycle it.
Read the full article at Salon and consider using a reusable bag like our Utility Tote for groceries. Our Utility Tote is made out of 1000 denier Cordura, is made in our Seattle factory, and is a real reusable alternative to plastic shopping bags. It’ll last you a decade (or two.)
OBOW: Why does American made matter? + Tom says…
“If you wanted to wear nothing but made-in-the-USA clothing you’d have a hard time filling up a closet. And you’d go broke paying for it. How about USA-made electronics? Forget it. But luggage is a different matter. The serious traveler can buy high-quality, high-value, handmade luggage that is made right here. Why does it matter? There are several reasons and they have nothing to do with xenophobia or parochialism. If you care about your neighbors and fellow citizens having good jobs, made-in-the USA means something. Ditto if you don’t want to support sweatshops staffed by children, inmates, or overworked/underpaid women. Maybe you want a bag that won’t fall apart. Or maybe you have a complaint and would like to speak to the owner/designer.” — Read “Why does American made matter?” at One Bag, One World.
Tom’s note: Make the Environment a Consideration
Another consideration when buying products made overseas should be environmental impact of the factories and production methods. While it would be naive to suggest that products made in the U.S.A. are environmentally benign, one must understand that manufacturer’s have moved off-shore not simply for low-wage labor but also in pursuit of non-existent or unenforced environmental regulations. Stateside at least we have the less-than-perfect EPA to regulate the dyes and other potentially toxic chemicals used to process our fabrics, etc. In addition, we often fail to consider the impact of shipping finished goods half-way ’round the planet: cotton organically grown in California and then shipped to Asia to be made into earth-friendly jeans sold back in California may have a far greater footprint than you are lead to believe. — Tom Bihn
Amazing Pictures: Review of the Ego
Be sure not to miss the amazing review of our Ego messenger bag posted in the TOM BIHN forums by Meryddian. It’s a thorough review of the features of the Ego, and the pictures, taken by Meryddian, give you a great perspective on the size of the Ego. Below is an excerpt and one of the pictures from the review (the pictures to the right are also from the review).
“I was hoping to get a bag to match the size of my current shoulder bag, which is a very tidy 12.5″x4″x9″, but it was hard to find a bag of that size with as many pockets as I’d like (as my old bag had), and with more sense of security. Things I always carry include my camera (since I maintain two blogs and write travel reviews as well – never know when photo ops strike!), usually some kind of reading material(s), my keys, cell phone, wallet, backup batteries for my camera, sunglasses, all kinds of stuff. (Then every so often I go, “Why is my bag so darn heavy?” and I’m amazed at the stuff that comes out of it). So clearly I need a bag that can handle a good amount of stuff, and can be flexible enough to accommodate changes in my day – stuffing an umbrella or jacket into the bag, etc.
The other thing I was looking for was a bag that could double as a carry-on bag but which would not be *huge*; it had to be the right size to be a good day-to-day “traveling bag” – something big enough that I could stuff little purchases in when I’m playing tourist, so I don’t feel like I’m bogged down with packages; but is equally useful as a bag for daily work use. (I rarely carry a laptop.)” — Read the entire review or check out the Ego.
Phone + Book Zone Review of the Buzz
“Tom Bihn does a fantastic job making adjustments to both the aesthetic and practical elements of the Buzz to take advantage of the different angles that come with sling bags versus backpacks, messenger bags, briefcases, etc. Visually, the lines of the bag bend nicely, suiting the angle that the bag sits at when being worn. In more utilitarian terms, though, the zippers forms arcs that make sense for easy access, and within the smaller outer compartment, the standard holder for pens and pencils, wallet, keys, etc., is angled diagonally to compensate for the way sling bags sit.” — Read the entire review at Phone + Book Zone
DIY Planner: What Works for Me
DIY Planner: What Works for Me
“Why it works for me? My current bag works for me because it is lightweight, allows me to carry everything I need and also doubles as a protector for my MacBook. It’s lightweight and feels like an extension of my body.
I’m always on the go. And when I do head out away from my abode, I carry the minimum with me: a journal, my hipster, two pens, a reading book and a tarot deck. Not to mention my iPod, wallet and keys. But not just any old bag can do. I love slingbags. I’ve tried messenger bags and just can’t deal with how the bag weight hits across my hip when I move.
You’d think that with all I have going on here, the only bag to use would be big enough for all this AND the kitchen sink. All my bags were chosen for particular purposes and features. My number one bag, recently revamped to fit my beloved MacBook, is called Buzz by Tom Bihn.” — Read the entire post over at DIY Planner.
