Sling bag in the works

[Darcy]

Tom is busy designing and testing a new sling bag, and so far, it looks pretty cool (unlike most sling bags.) He's been testing it on his trips to Canada and Seattle - and one of the nicest features is a cell phone pocket on the strap.

If you're interested in a sling bag, reply to this thread - tell us what features would be most important to you.

[Kudra]

So....I'm REALLY excited about a stylish, high quality sling bag from TOM BIHN!!!:D
Most all the sling bags out on the market now are really, well, UNATTRACTIVE, or they just don't last for more than a month.

Is there a way to post a picture of it so all the fans can oohh and ahh...? (and maybe suggest colors?:p )

Thanks for keeping us posted about new products!:D

[Tom Bihn]

This product is still in a pretty rough prototype stage - I'll post pictures when it's ready to be a debutante.
I'm calling it the Buzz because it can buzz around you from to back for easy & quick access, but maybe the "Fly" would be better? the "Skeeter"?
Questions:
does it need to have simple padded sleeve for a small laptop?
what colors might be cool?

[Goetz]

Hi Tom,

Questions:
does it need to have simple padded sleeve for a small laptop?

YES, this sling bag should have a well padded sleeve for an Apple iBook and PB 12".
The bag should also have a organizer area like the Eclipse briefcase.

Goetz

[Tom Bihn]

Thanks for the feedback.
Yes, a padded sleeve for smaller laptops is do-able, and an organizer is also in the plan.
I'll keep the forum posted as the sling pack advances!

[Goetz]

Hi Tom,

that's great!
The Organizer should have the same no. and size of the pockets as the Eclipse.

Goetz

PS: I got an Eclipse for my TiBook back in 2001 and really love it, it's the best back I own. Thanks! :)

[Goetz]

Hi Tom,

another feature suggestion would be a dedicated pocket for an iSight webcam.

Goetz

[Tom Bihn]

Cool - do you have dimensions for that item? I try to make pockets that are multi-funtional.

[Goetz]

Hi Tom,
Cool - do you have dimensions for that item?
The camera body is stored in a clear plastic cylinder with a diameter of 40mm/1.58" and a length of 95mm/3.74" plus a FW-Cable and a fixation clip (~60x45x40mm) for display attachment.

Goetz

PS: When du you think the bag will be ready?

[Tom Bihn]

No exact schedule yet - I am working on the new bigger messenger style bag and the sling bag is next, I promise.
Probably a few months!

[threemoons]

Would this be worn on one shoulder or across the chest?

I don't see why it would need a laptop sleeve if it's meant as a replacement for those hideous, ugly "healthy back" crescent bags.

I vote for lots of optional stuff on the strap itself--and a snap-down tab for the main zipper/compartment, to prevent curious or felonious fingers from exploring the bag's interior without your consent (as I supposed said opening would be out of your line of sight when the bag is worn).

A slip-on sleeve for a digital camera would be great, as I have now started carrying my cheap Kodak EasyShareWhatever with me.

Also, don't forget a secure, zip-shut interior pocket for Really Important Personal Stuff.

Another thing I wish that my favorite bag had was a key lanyard on the STRAP--maybe something like a keystrap INSIDE a little pouchy thing on the strap? So that you could get your keys out WITHOUT going into the bag, BUT not have them flapping in the breeze like Morris bells either? I for one always forget to get my keys out before getting to the door.

I'm starting to have visions of lots of Tiny Slip-On Pouches for Important Stuff--almost like the pouches on amno belts.

A small interior loop/pocket for a MagLite may be a good idea also...I never leave home without one, after 9/11 and the NYC Blackout (I was especially glad for my habit after the latter event, when it actually came in handy).

Just free-forming here, but that's what comes to mind. Hope it's helpful.

[Harry]

Mmmmm a nice, new, larger messenger type bag and strap that will hold my iPod... when might this holy grail of bags and straps be available? I've got cash burning a hole in my now dead Timbuk2 bag and a Tidbits coupon that really does burn up on the 16th! I carry my 12" powerbook, an iPod, my textbooks (heavy management and finance stuff), lunch, and my work stuff with me everyday. It would be fantastic to have my iPod handy on the strap instead of on my hip. I've looked at the Brain Bag and the Empire Builder and they look cool, I'm just partial to messenger bags. They're the slick in-between bag and being a bank drone I have to sorta look like a professional. Since I ride a bike to work I can get away with having a cool messenger bag... ;)

[Darcy]

Great idea about the iPod. I just got on iPod myself. What do you think of a pocket on the strap for a cellphone/iPod that could also detach so you could use it as an iPod case as well?

I've seen the latest version of the Sling Pack and it's really handsome. I've been not very enthused about the idea of a sling bag because, in my opinion, they're all horrifyingly ugly, but this one is very good looking.

[Harry]

Oohhhhhhh:p A case for the iPod when it's off the strap too? Wow that would be cool!!! I've been using an iSkin and they work really well, but I've either got to carry it or attach it to my hip. I've got a couple because they have such cool colors I couldn't make up my mind, so I bought the two I liked. They've kept my iPod from getting beat up from the daily trips to work while I ride my bike or take BART.

I've only got about 15 gigs on it so far, that's half full, and I'm always lookin' for more music or other things to put in it. I like the idea of not having to hear the same song twice for 8.5 days... if only the battery would last that long!

I just wish I could make up my mind on which bag to get. Too many choices. I'm torn between the Empire Builder or the ID. I'm just not sure the ID will hold all my stuff and a briefcase just seems too worker like. I need some feeling of freedom from being a bank drone...:rolleyes:

[Tom Bihn]

thanks to all for the continued feed back on the sling bag. Right now we are leaning towards to lightly padded divided space on the inside for a small laptop (14" G4 & smaller, maybe 14" iBook).
I like the idea of optional/removable pockets on the strap, as not everyone has a camera or iPod/mp3 thingy (freakin' everyone seems to have a cell phone - have you read about the Swedish health studies recently released?) - but I haven't yet figured out how to do this (but I will).
Morris Bells? who else knows what they are?
How much can this sling-pack thing cost? if I add everybody's dream feature, it will be pretty pricey.
What if we have to take production to Mordoor, abondoning our hard factory workers to keep the price down? Does anyone care?
(this is a trick question.)

[Harry]

Does that mean there will be one bag to rule them all and in Port Angeles bind them?;)

[Tom Bihn]

Got me there!
You tell me.

[threemoons]

I have seen "slideable" ditty bags before for Cell Phones And Stuff. They have two velcro "wings" which wrap around a bag strap. Body Glove makes ones that wrap around Arms or Legs; Timbuk2 makes StrapDitties.

How about a choice of Two Ditties per Bag--one for a Cell Phone and one for Stuff? I would really love a small Stuff Zipperbag with a built in keyring so that my keys were on the strap but secured so they don't flap in the breeze.

I also like the idea of Duo Ditties--slide on bags that have a small zipper compartment, with a velcro pocket layered on top of that (think of the old "sneaker wallets" that used to lace into sneakers for runners). The BodyGlove Cell Phone bag that I mentioned has such a structure.

Please be mindful of smaller models of cell phones, also...Timbuk2 has their sleeves available in 3 sizes.

Just think--these ditty bags can be a whole nuther category, and available for attaching to ANY bag with a broad strap.

In fact, I have been known, in my guiltier moments, to slide my Timbuk2 Cell Holder onto the strap of my Cafe' Bag. Please forgive me--make a similar product in coordinating colors and I'll get one.

:D

[Goetz]

Hi Tom,

I know that you are currently in the prototype phase of this bag.
But, could you maybe post a photo or two?

Thanks
Goetz

[Darcy]

As you wish...

Tom wearing the sling pack:
http://www.tombihn.com/Merchant2/images/tomsling.jpg


Me wearing the sling pack:
http://www.tombihn.com/Merchant2/images/darcysling.jpg

[Goetz]

Hi Darcy,

thanks.

Looks coool! :-)

Goetz

PS: You don't know when it will be ready, right?

[Darcy]

Soon....I'd say within a couple months

[matthewz]

Tom, Darcy, et al,

Happy to hear a sling bag is on it's way. Love my Brain Bag, but I can use something with a tad sleeker profile when I'm just on a short trip.

My take on other folks suggestions - a flat hidden pocket with a key lanyard would be great. Just big enough for passport, id, and a small sheaf o' currency. Or your blockbuster card :-p) Put this on the carry strap in front.

A simple set of horizontal straps across the front of the carry strap could let folks choose a pocket (other than the zippered vertical slash pocket I want) and attach/detach at will. Don't clutter the front unless you must. You could leave a minimalist webbing pouch for occasional phone duty. Nothing so big they'll be tempted to try a PalmPilot or iPod though, please. At least not with mesh and elastic alone.

You could even take it a bit further, and design a Freudian slip for this bag as well. I would divide it in half down the middle, one side with some straightforward multi-use, generic pockets, the other half with soft velcro backing, where they can attach one of a selection of small pouches of their choice, and organize as they please. Then you can make a nice velcro mount for your upcoming iPod case, or iSight, or what-have-you. Nothing as involved as your stand-alone bags, just something in size ranges to accomodate the most popular toys.

Sell the bag with customer's choice of one external pocket, sized for a variety of components (S, M, or L), and stowable within the bag when not needed/desired.

Oh yeah, if you do go ahead and put an iSocket (tm) on the front for an iPod or what have you, then a little bit of bungie or retaining clip can take care of your remote cord!
Can't wait!

Matthew Z.

[matthewz]

Ok,

Now that I've read ALL the posts on this, I see I'm regurgitating a lot of previous posts. Mea culpa, Mea culpa.

Anyhoo, I just want to say it's gorgeous. I love the look of it from your photos.

Don't take this bag to Mordor for construction, the looks this bag will get when the faithful don them will ensure your sales targets are met :-)

Matthew z.

[Darcy]

matthew,

thanks for the suggestions. I can hear Tom working on the Sling Bag as I type. We're hoping to have even better pictures by Wednesday. This bag is taking its time to get made but I think it's going to be a big hit.

It's hard to make a bag that has everyones favorite pockets and stuff on it (anyone remember the Simpsons episode where I think it was...Homer meets his long-lost brother who is the head of a big car company and lets Homer design this car..? hee.) but a lot of these suggestions are being incorporated.

For sure the Sling Bag will be able to carry smaller 12" iBook or Powerbook size laptops.

[Darcy]

We have brand new pictures of the Sling Bag from our photographer. Guess who the model is.

<A HREF="http://www.tombihn.com/Merchant2/images/tombacksling.jpg"><img src="http://www.tombihn.com/Merchant2/images/tombackslingsmall.jpg"></a>
<p>
<A HREF="http://www.tombihn.com/Merchant2/images/tomstrap.jpg"><img src="http://www.tombihn.com/Merchant2/images/tomstrapsmall.jpg"></a>
<p>
<A HREF="http://www.tombihn.com/Merchant2/images/tombackslingclose.jpg"><img src="http://www.tombihn.com/Merchant2/images/tombackslingclosesmall.jpg"></a>

[Darcy]

It is almost done....I feel confident enough to say, stay tuned and you'll be able to pre-order the Sling Bag by late January!

[Harry]

Hmmmmm new bag for a new year. Can't wait! My laptop thanks you in advance!

[threemoons]

Darcy and cohorts...I would love to see the Sling Bag in the following color options (assuming a black body and two other colors):

Wasabi top panel with cobalt

or, a good second would be

Wasabi top with purple


:D

Thank you so much for what looks like a great bag in the happenings! How much is this gonna go for?

[threemoons]

Folks...whilst you are making a fabu bag...would it be at all possible to make the 2 main zippers on the back be lockable in some way? Even just a click-together thingie, or a snap-down tab at the bottom of the bag...to prevent curious fingers from getting into things on crowded NYC subways...??

Basically, I've seen something like this on other bags:

Both zippers have big pulltabs with holes in em. When put together, they can be put together and either tied to a loop at the base of the bag (a small loop of trimming nylon, or something like that--my old LL Beene backpack has these), or...there's a pre-installed tabby loopy thing with a snap on it (my gigantic Travel Duffel has one of these, along with another grommet to put a lock through--a relic from the good old days when you were allowed to use luggage locks). Simple snap. Snap it through the two zips, and it's an added discouragement--and a loud one to undo, which requires leverage.

I don't normally keep anything ultra-valuable in the outer pockets of any of my bags, but the number of times that I've worn something on my back into a CROWDED subway--and then found that someone "spot checked" the zippers--is pretty high...

What do you say?

[Darcy]

The colors will be:

Black/Steel/Crimson
Black/Steel/Grape
Black/Steel/Black
Black/Steel/Spruce

I love the Wasabi/purple and Wasabi/cobalt combinations you suggested, but unfortunately we're out of the Wasabi fabric for a while.

We haven't worked out the price exactly...but it will be from $80-$95.00

Originally posted by threemoons
Darcy and cohorts...I would love to see the Sling Bag in the following color options (assuming a black body and two other colors):

Wasabi top panel with cobalt

or, a good second would be

Wasabi top with purple


:D

Thank you so much for what looks like a great bag in the happenings! How much is this gonna go for?

[Tom Bihn]

The sling bag as it now stands (and it is pretty much done) has double sliders on both front pocket and main compartment. The sliders have cord pulls with little plastic ends: quieter that sliders with metal pulls. You could easily put a small luggage lock on the cord pulls, but alas a thief could almost as easily cut the cords, I guess.
The up-side is that the zippers on the sling bag are YKK's new Uretek "splash-proof" zippers; they are more-or-less waterproof - and - they are somewhat less easy to zip & unzip than the more standard YKK coil zippers. I'd be surprised if someone could un-zip the sling bag while you were wearing it without you knowing about it.
Hope that helps!

[Darcy]

Available for pre-order, the Sling Bag aka The Buzz:

http://www.tombihn.com/page/001/PROD/_all/TB0151

We'll be giving all of you guys who participated in this thread and gave us suggestions on the bag a bit of a discount - check your Private Message inboxes in the next couple days.

[Darcy]

Everyone who participated in this thread - check your Private Message boxes. Each of you received a coupon for 20% off the Buzz (the Sling Bag)

Except matthewz - matthew, email me at darcy at tombihn.com if you want your coupon!

[Darcy]

http://www.the-gadgeteer.com/tom-bihn-buzz-review.html

[johnsmall]

I'm dying for this bag. I know it is not for a 17" powerbook. But is there any way I could squeeze it in? Are you planning to make it larger in the (near) future?

[Tom Bihn]

The Buzz just fits my 12" PowerBook and also the 12" iBook. While I do hope to design a slightly larger version of the Buzz, I doubt it will fit the 17" PowerBook. The challenge is that your laptop is basically longer than your back!
I recommend considering a second, truly portable laptop, like one of the 12" screens mentioned above.

[hypercube]

i just wanted to counter the calls for a larger version of the Buzz and ask for a SMALLER version! im searching for a bag to walk around japan for 2 weeks and everything i'm finding is too big.

im looking for a sling rather than a messenger bag so that it doesnt flop against me as i walk and something that will just carry a snack, my camera, passport and some money.

[Darcy]

Originally posted by hypercube
i just wanted to counter the calls for a larger version of the Buzz and ask for a SMALLER version!

That's a good idea. I'll bring that up at our next production meeting...will let you know what everyone says.

[hypercube]

wow thanks! you can tell tom i'm leaving july 17th in case he needs it field tested ;)

only kidding. I'm actually on my 4th Bihn bag, counting the brain cell I bought my girlfriend and they are the best bags I've ever owned.

It's even better that my favorite bag company cares about their customer's input!

[Darcy]

I talked to Tom and he says he definitely plans to design a smaller Buzz, but it probably won't happen for a while because there are so many bags to design on his list already.

Keep checking back though....when he does design the smaller sling bag, we'll have you test it out for us.

[hypercube]

wow great news on all fronts! i'll keep checking back and thank you! plus, this gives me an excuse to plan another trip once it's time for testing ;) I have also contributed both articles and news tips to Gizmodo and Cool Hunting in the past, so I will do anything I can to have them post my write up.

[Darcy]

Originally posted by hypercube
I have also contributed both articles and news tips to Gizmodo and Cool Hunting in the past, so I will do anything I can to have them post my write up.

What did you contribute to Gizmodo and Cool Hunting? I love both of those! I've become obsessed with technology and design columns.

[hypercube]

http://www.gizmodo.com/archives/strip-pix-burn-iraq-009574.php

http://www.gizmodo.com/gadgets/home-entertainment/dishing-songs-inflight-dish-network-009333.php

http://www.gizmodo.com/archives/hurricane-frances-how-to-keep-your-gadgets-and-you-safe-020776.php

http://www.gizmodo.com/archives/rumor-nextel-working-with-motorola-on-service-master-bluetooth-phone-019979.php

http://www.coolhunting.com/archives/2005/01/podgourmet_vega.php

enjoy :D

[Darcy]

Originally posted by hypercube
http://www.coolhunting.com/archives/2005/01/podgourmet_vega.php

enjoy :D

I remember reading most of those! Small world. Are you a vegan? I was a vegan for about five years but in the past five months or so I've been eating cheese. I plan on going back to being 98% vegan soon.

[hypercube]

small world indeed! im not vegan, though, just a lowly vegetarian... and not even a good one when you find me in a sushi restaurant. my brother has been vegan 8 years and somee of my friends are, so i'm accustomed to eating vegan and enjoy it a lot.

My lady and I went for some vegan Indian food tonight actually. Aloo Mutter - tomato based curry with peas and potatoes and big plate of saffron rice on the side. Highly recommended dish.

And sort of on the subject of being vegetarian - what's up with the snap closure at the top of the brain bag carry handle being leather? Sorry not to get off topic I just always wondered that.

[Darcy]

yumyum Indian food! For the first two years I lived in Port Angeles there was no Indian restaurant. Now, thankfully, we have one. Aloo Mutter sounds really good - unfortunately our Indian restaurant doesn't have it.

Have you had the vegan marshmallows from Vegan Essentials (http://www.veganessentials.com/) or Pangea (http://www.veganstore.com/index-store.html?deptid=17125&parentid=45&stocknumber=850&page=2&itemsperpage=12)? They make the best s'mores ever.

We've replaced the leather closure at the top of the Brain Bag with a new non-leather handle that isn't a pleather but feels like fabric. It's actually way more comfortable than the old leather handle and more durable.

[hypercube]

i have been meaning to try those marshmallows forever now. perhaps it's about time i use one of these links above and order some. thanks for the info on the brain bag.

[leuvenator]

Just wanted to let you know that the Buzz has been a champ here in Cameroon and my fellow expatriate staff members love it. The Smart Alec was also the perfect size for a three-day trip to Paris and another to Douala. Thanks for making great products.

And I wanted to pass along one question. A colleague concerned about putting too much stress on one shoulder or the other was interested to know if you guys ever considered making the Buzz in a "lefty" version. She wants to buy two -- one of each kind to alternate shoulders! Let me know!

[Darcy]

Just wanted to let you know that the Buzz has been a champ here in Cameroon and my fellow expatriate staff members love it. The Smart Alec was also the perfect size for a three-day trip to Paris and another to Douala. Thanks for making great products.


Cameroon! What is it like there? I am hoping to take a trip to Africa sometime in the next year - probably Tanzania and Rwanda, but Cameroon is also fascinating.


And I wanted to pass along one question. A colleague concerned about putting too much stress on one shoulder or the other was interested to know if you guys ever considered making the Buzz in a "lefty" version. She wants to buy two -- one of each kind to alternate shoulders! Let me know!

We have made a few left-handed Buzz in the past - and it's possible we could make a few in this next batch. PM or email me if you're interested.

[leuvenator]

Cameroon is pretty interesting. I'm in Yaounde, which is currently experiencing its rainy season. It's pretty close to "cold" at night and in the early morning. Fine by me. My biggest fear was oppressive heat. I'm in a city as I'm working for an NGO, and I've unfortunately not had a lot of opportunity to travel . . . but what I have seen is fascinating. Cameroon is kind of hard to get around -- constant police checkpoints, terrible roads, iffy transportation anywhere but between the largest cities. But Tanzania is amazing and relatively easy to maneuver. Rwanda, too, is an excellent place to visit as it is on a steady rebound both socially and economically.

Thanks for the suggestion on the lefty bag -- I'll pass the word on!