When it comes to versatility, no one knows TOM BIHN bags better than the people who carry them. Last week, we asked our community to vote on which bags rise to the top when it comes to doing it all — whether that’s commuting, hiking, or simply getting through a busy day. 

The votes are in, the tallies are complete, and the rankings are ready to share. So, without further ado, here’s how the community ranked their top 3 most versatile bags. 

1. Side Kick: The MVP of Everyday Carry

The Side Kick took the crown as the ultimate “do-it-all” bag. With room for your everyday essentials, plus extras like sunglasses, a paperback, or even an 8” tablet — the Side Kick is that rare breed of small bag that lets you bring “just one more thing” without bursting the seams as you walk out the door. Its six open-top pockets, divider, and five O-rings mean no more frantic digging at the bottom for your chapstick or loose earbud. 

It’s equally at home hanging crossbody at a concert, sitting next to you at a coffee shop, or worn around your waist as you take the long route home. It’s not just versatile — it’s adaptable. It’s the friend that always says “yes” to your plans, no matter how last-minute they are. 

2. Everyday Cubelet: The Little Bag That Could

It’s small but mighty. Whether you’re running last-minute errands, shuffling through a crowded train car, or weaving through a busy farmers' market, the Everyday Cubelet keeps up. Its compact size means it never feels in the way, and with just the right amount of O-rings, the Everyday Cubelet keeps your essentials right where you need them — no digging required.  

Toss in your phone, wallet, keys, and lip balm, and suddenly you’re hands-free and unstoppable. Bonus: It’s the perfect “bag-in-a-bag.” Toss it inside your larger carryall for extra organization. Because sometimes, the best things (and bags) really do come in small packages.

3. Synapse 19: The Effortless Everyday Backpack

Third place goes to the Synapse 19, a bag that’s basically the Swiss Army Knife of backpacks. It has that magician quality — it looks like a sleek, compact backpack, but somehow it seems to hold more than a magician's hat.  It’s made for the everyday hustle — weaving in and out of traffic as you’re biking to work, trekking up the last switchback to the summit, or slipping it under an airplane seat with room to spare. 

The organization is the real star. Five exterior pockets and eight O-rings mean everything has a home (and you don’t have to awkwardly dig around in the middle of the sidewalk for your headphones — everyone’s been there). It’s just the right size for when you want to travel light but still be the most organized person in the room, train car, or trailhead. 

Honorable Mentions

While the Side Kick, Everyday Cubelet, and Synapse 19 stole the spotlight, a few other bags still earned plenty of love from the community. 

• Synik 26: This versatile mid-size backpack can be a portable office one day and an on-flight personal item the next. Spacious, organized to the nines, and ready to handle whatever your day (or weekend) throws at it.
• Synapse 25: Like its sibling, the Synapse 19, but with six extra liters of space for those who like to carry a little more “just in case.” It’s the backpack that quietly handles whatever last-minute additions you tuck away without breaking a sweat. 
• Shadow Guide 23: A top-loading pack that easily transforms from sports bag to weekender bag. The Shadow Guide 23 has been slowly fading out of our lineup — a comparable bag would be the Smart Alec 2.0. 

There you have it — the community’s picks for the most versatile TOM BIHN bags. 

Did your favorite make the list? Or is there a bag you swear by that didn’t crack the top three? Share your thoughts in the comments — we’d love to hear from you!