Empire Builder

This is the bag of all bags. Plenty of pockets and features; I have no doubt it took 3 years of R&D to perfect. It's an absolute workhorse for the mobile, professional knowledge worker. I am so sad that mine has finally worn out after over a decade of heavy use, and that this model is no longer available.

I have had my Empire builder for at least 8 years. It is amazing. The shoulder strap is still comfortable, the compartment dividers are perfect and the vertical brain keeps my lap top in perfect shape! I can't offer more superlatives. Amazing construction, totally secure and comfortable. Time for another piece as a carry on.

I have used this bag almost daily for over 15 years. Is great as a briefcase and the perfect size for a carry-on, under the seat in front you, travel bag. It was showing expected and natural signs of age/wear. Found a like-new Empire Builder on E-Bay and bought it. My wife now gets to use the "new" one for travel as I continue to use the bag I first purchased. Could not be happier that I bought the 1st bag from Tom Binh and recently found the 2nd bag.

I'm a military officer and have used this bag everyday for 5 years. It routinely hauls multiple laptops, phones, a bundle of chargers, the occasional set of workout clothes, snacks - everything. It hasn't shown any wear and cleans up nicely (faulty food storage container) and without fail someone will ask about it atleast once every trip. At ~1800 cubes this is not going to sustain multiple days of tripwear (unless that's a pair of board shorts and sandals), but if you're working on the go than there really isn't anything that beats it.