DIRECTORY
General Questions
- Why is it called the Addax?
- Is the Addax 26 or Addax 31 a better size for me?
- Do I have to be a biker to use the Addax, or is it suitable for traveling? Hiking? Everyday carry?
- Why did you choose the Addax to be the first bag to use X-Pac®?
- Can I use the Addax as a carry-on or personal item on an airplane?
- Why isn’t the frame sheet included?
- Will X-Pac® be introduced in bags that have already been released (Synapse, Synik, Techonaut, etc.)?
Design Questions
- What inspired the Addax?
- Why did you decide to add an external side water bottle pocket?!
- Tell me more about the design of this device pocket, it looks different than device pockets in other bags.
- Does the Addax have a pass-through sleeve or a way to attach it to a rolling luggage bag?
- Does the Addax stand on its own?
Questions about Use
- What is the correct way to roll the bag?
- “I find rolltops to be too much effort compared to a zipper, do I have to roll 3 times each time I want to seal the bag?”
- Is the Addax waterproof?
- If I struggle with cavernous top-loading bags, what are some accessories you would recommend?
- Is a rolltop vs. frontload bag a better fit for me?
General Questions
Why is it called the Addax?
The Addax is named after an endangered species of antelope. We were inspired to name our bag after this animal due to its spiraled horns.
Is the Addax 26 or Addax 31 a better size for me?
Similar to sizing for the Synik, we recommend the Addax 26 for users below 5’6” and the Addax 31 for users above.
Do I have to be a biker to use the Addax, or is it suitable for traveling? Hiking? Everyday carry?
Not at all, the bag is biking-inspired but not biking-exclusive. We’ve tested the Addax for many different uses and have found it to be a very versatile backpack! It works well for carrying bulkier items for travel, is lightweight enough for a day hike, and is a great option for commuters!
Why did you choose the Addax to be the first bag to use X-Pac®?
The timing came together perfectly. We've been discussing the possibility of incorporating a more eco-friendly (and still high-performance) option into our fabric mix for a while now. We tested out several options and had Production sew up some of our tried-and-true bags in these fabrics. We even sent some swatches down to Florida (a place with a very different climate than the PNW) to make sure that the fabrics held up well after lots of exposure to the humidity and sun. Ultimately, we landed on X-Pac® RX30 as our favorite of the various recycled fabrics we sampled, and this all happened right around the same time we were finalizing the Addax. It felt exciting to us to launch a new bag and a new fabric at the same time.
Can I use the Addax as a carry-on or personal item on an airplane?
You bet! One of our Addax 31 samples has already traveled cross-country as a personal item underneath the seat onboard a Delta flight. For budget airlines or onboard small regional flights, you may need to put the Addax in the overhead space, and as always, we recommend checking with the specific airline to confirm if you are unsure.
Why isn’t the frame sheet included?
We opted to not include the frame sheet with the bag for a few reasons:
- Similar to the Techonaut, the Addax has a skeleton back panel structure that adds plenty of support even without an internal frame.
- Additionally, if you plan to carry a laptop in the laptop compartment, that's even more support in addition to the skeleton back panel.
- Those of us on the crew who tested the Addax with the frame sheet felt it added extra weight that we didn't really find necessary for our needs.
Will X-Pac® be introduced in bags that have already been released (Synapse, Synik, Techonaut, etc.)?
To be determined. We love the feel of X-Pac® and have been discussing manufacturing more with the fabric. However, we want to make sure that you love it too before creating new iterations of our current products!
Design Questions
What inspired the Addax?
“The Addax was inspired by roll-top bags I would see cyclists carry and my own roll-top bag I carried while commuting on public transportation. I like how the roll top opening seals the bag to keep the elements out and how it adapts to different sizes of loads in the bag. These features work great to keep my gear dry and carry everything I need daily. Adaptability is a key feature for me and something I really wanted to bring to the design of the Addax.” - Jose
Why did you decide to add an external side water bottle pocket?!
"I wanted to offer a different option to carry a water bottle. Having the flexibility to carry a water bottle on the exterior while the interior of the bag is packed was an important feature to me. I had also read some of our product reviews asking for an external water bottle pocket and I wanted to offer it to our customers. It’s a versatile pocket that can also be used to carry an umbrella, gloves, or anything else you need quick access to.” - Jose
Tell me more about the design of this device pocket, it looks different than device pockets in other bags.
“The laptop pocket gives you access to your device from the exterior through the zipper at the back panel, but you can also access your device through the interior zipper at the laptop panel. I wanted to avoid having to open the roll top to access my laptop, but also have the option to load my laptop through the interior. I also added a second device pocket on the interior to carry a tablet or a second laptop. I usually carry both a laptop and a tablet and having a place for them to travel securely is great.” - Jose
Does the Addax have a pass-through sleeve or a way to attach it to a rolling luggage bag?
It does feature a pass-through sleeve that should be wide enough for most luggage handles in the market.
Does the Addax stand on its own?
Thanks to its flat bottom, this bag can stand on its own relatively well (not quite as well as the Cambiata which has piping to keep it extra stable), perfect for packing! The bottom is also made of 1050 Ballistic so it’s extra sturdy.
Questions about Use
What is the correct way to roll the bag?
While rolling the bag forward is the more “traditional” way to pack, we designed the rolltop with versatility in mind. You can roll it forward, backward, or clip the top buckles together!
“I find rolltops to be too much effort compared to a zipper, do I have to roll 3 times each time I want to seal the bag?
That’s the beauty of rolltops, you can roll the maximum number of times or none at all, or just fold over once if you’re in a rush.
Is the Addax waterproof?
For our fabrics (Ballistic, Halcyon, and Cerylon) and our YKK zippers, we have our suppliers treat them with a durable water-repellant. X-Pac® itself is inherently waterproof, but since the Addax is a mix of different materials, it won’t be waterproof, just water-resistant. If you're walking in a downpour for an extended period of time, you might consider a rain cover.
If I struggle with cavernous top-loading bags, what are some accessories you would recommend?
You can fold the “roll top” portion over completely (see our pictures for more details) to allow for easier packing. While the Addax already has some built-in organization, you can add a Brain Bag Freudian Slip for more pockets. Each built-in drop pocket can fit either a 3D Organizer Cube, Clear or All Fabric, or the Vertical Packing Cubelet. There are a total 9 O-rings which means a lot of opportunities to get creative with our Ghost Whale Organizer Pouches. If you need a change of clothes, we recommend storing that in a Small Aeronaut 45 Packing Cube.
Is a rolltop vs. frontload bag a better fit for me?
A rolltop bag would be a better fit for you if:
- You prefer expandability and versatility in your bag.
- You want to be able to seal your stuff to protect them from the elements.
A frontload bag would be a better fit for you if:
- Packing like traditional luggage is your priority.
- You prefer quick accessibility to contents at the bottom of your bag.
You can always emailus@tombihn.com if you have any questions or drop us a comment below.
Jay - January 11, 2023
Please do the X-Pac material with the all black label!