We get a lot of reviews here at TOM BIHN. And while we’re busy obsessing over zippers, stitching, and pocket placement, some of you are out here writing comedy gold. Whether you’re on the hunt for the best travel backpack, the perfect everyday carry bag, or a durable and functional option for your next adventure, our customers' stories give us an honest look at what makes their TOM BIHN gear stand out.
We’ve rounded up some of our favorite reviews that you’ve shared with us— because while we take our bags seriously, we definitely don’t take ourselves too seriously. Enjoy! And if you recognize yourself in one of these, thank you. You’re exactly our kind of person.
★★★★★
YOU MAY HAVE A TOM BIHN ADDICTION IF…
"You may have a Tom Bihn addiction if, when cars pass you by, you tell your friends the colors using words like Solaris, Acuity, Cloud, and Northwest Sky. I was using a Synapse 19, but like a game of Jenga, I added one to many items, and sadly the stack came crashing down. In this case, I ran out of room (picture tear running down my face). These Tom Bihn bags are the greatest. The Bugatti of backpacks. Switching bags was easy due to the design, as everything from the 19 went into the 25, with room left over. I am actually not adding much else (maybe a few small items). I just needed slightly more room. I have never purchased more items in my life with the word "packable" in them so they easily fit in my bag. These bags will change your life. It takes time to get the perfect setup. Years. From key straps you'll find you're wearing as a necklace and bracelet, to a travel tray you'll wear as a hat, to organizer pouches. The list goes on. Pretty soon, you're ending relationships and the only thing you care about is your backpack which you tell everyone is "fire". Buy one now. You will never be the same. You can read about most of what I carry in my S19 review. If you have any questions, you can find me in the mental institution. I'm the one with my arms around a Synapse bag, up every day at 7 a.m, checking the website for an internal frame." - Noah
★★★★★
I DON’T KNOW WHAT A ‘’’’SYNIK’’ IS, BUT THIS IS A GREAT TRAVEL BAG!
"My previous bag was a good, but I needed a real travel bag as I traveled more, I needed a bag that was designed to travel. The previous bag did not have a chest strap which made running through airports difficult. The multiple pockets (and attached rings in each pocket) make this useful for vitamins (lots!), laptop, extra clothes for the “uncheck luggage” travel profile I strive for. Of the many decades I have traveled, this is the best bag so far which I have with the Freudian Slip. Yes, when I was younger I took less vitamins!" - Dan R.
★★★★★
BAG ENTHUSIAST CERTIFIED
"My glorious purpose in life/Sisyphean struggle is to find the perfect backpack.
I have sampled the best from GoRuck, Filson, Saddleback, Mystery Ranch, Peak Design, etc. etc. etc, that are very good, but never made me conclude my quest. I was hesitant to purchase this, mostly because I have an aeronaut 45 that I never use because I wasn't that impressed with it or its design. I'm glad I bought this bag.
For my use case (tech backpack, overnight business travel mostly) I feel like it may not get much better than this. The size is perfect (I am a large human and suits my frame), fits under the seat and in the overhead of even the smallest regional jets, has brilliantly laid out pockets for how I travel, and is comfortable. Of course you already know its American made with top shelf materials and craftsmanship. I dig the all black dad bag look. The only people who ever notice this backpack are fellow idiots who spend too much money on bags. If you know, you know." - - Christian V.
★★★★★
MY HUSBAND LOVES THIS THING
"Mr. One-bag-solution work traveler wanted this for Christmas. He just traveled with it for the first time and said he enjoyed the feeling of smugness he got on the packed flight as he blew past everybody waiting for their plane-side-checked bags. Honestly, I don’t get it. I don’t think he’s ever been more excited for anything. Even our wedding wasn’t as much of a thrill as this bag. He talks about it all the time, discusses his favorite packing techniques, and storage solutions with me like I’m interested. I’m not. If it could hold a conversation I’d be worried he’d leave me for it. I think he even has had dreams about the thing.
So I guess get this bag if you’re really secure in your marriage or cross your fingers and hope for the best." - Ashley C.
★★★★★
WISH I HAD HEAR ABOUT THIS BAG SOONER!
"After using this bag every day for the past several weeks, it has made me realize the inferiorities that every other bag I’ce used has had. From the center mass water bottle pocket, to the side laptop access, Tom Bibb has clearly thought through each feature this bag has!" - Joseph M.
★★★★★
IF MARY POPPINS WAS A LANDSCAPER, THIS WOULD BE HER BAG
"I work for a company that installs and maintains edible landscapes.
The Truck fits my 100 foot hose, clippers, loppers, hori-hori, 64 oz water jug, notepad, sunscreen, first aid kit, and a small bag of kelp meal + bay guano. I love being able to clip my keys and airpod case to it and how easy it is to carry around sites. It stands up and is easy to put things in and take things out of. I want to get a couple more for grocery shopping/farmers market. It’s so beautifully organized." - Amanda B.
★★★★★
I CALL MINE THE CLOWN CAR ❤️
"The price was was a stretch for me, but it is worth every penny! It's beautifully designed and made. I call it the Clown Car because it's like those tiny cars in the circus that fit a dozen bulky goofy clowns inside (and because it makes me ridiculously happy). I can't believe how much stuff fits in there, yet the profile remains streamlined.
I'm under 5'3" and it still fits comfortably. And the feature that allows you to attach it to the handle of rolling luggage is pure genius.
Greetings from Japan!" - Janet K M.
★★★★★
DOOOO EEEEET!!!!
"So you're probably where I was if you're reading this review. You know you want it, and you just can't being yourself to pull the trigger because of price. Look here sonny Jim - take it from your old pal rando internet reviewer, just do it. You won't regret it. All the reasons you're still here? The laundry list of publications? Ream after ream of reddit reviews? It's alllllllll true. I've tried so many bags through the years and this one outclassed then all - even my previous favorite, and old school Ogio. It even looks sharp, which is about the last thing I care about. You will get questions and comments. All positive. You're still here. Go. Buy it." - Jesse C.
★★★★
SIMPLE AND PRACTICAL
"Just exactly what you need if you have stuff to keep gathered up. My wife was jealous, so she is going to get one." - Brian S.
★★★★★
I WAS WRONG
"These are great little bags. After initially seeing these bags and reading the copy and seeing how they were named I thought: way too cute, twee alert. Copy writers drinking the cool-aid, designers trying too hard. I was wrong. They are great little bags." - Bikerman
We read every review that comes in–the thoughtful ones, the detailed ones, the critical ones, and especially the ones that make us laugh out loud at our desks. Your stories, quirks, and creative reviews on our bags remind us why we do what we do (and also keep us very entertained).
Do you know of a funny review we didn’t include? Or have one of your own you’ve been meaning to share? Don’t hold back, you might just end up in the next roundup!
From your friends at Tom Bibb 😉
JP - April 18, 2025
This post is great! I love love love the reviews but what comes through even more is and has always been one of Tom Bihn’s core values: community.
The medium may change but the gratitude for and nurturing of community always remains constant. And I, for one, appreciate the many ways in which they continue to express that gratitude for and appreciation of the ever loyal Tom Bihn community.
Keep on keepin’ on, Tom Bihn!!