TOM BIHN Brain Bag, Maximalist EDC Backpack, 36L, 14" x 18" x 9"

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Description
Materials & Specs
Reviews & Q+A
Recommended Accessories
Sewn in Seattle

TLDR

The Brain Bag debuted in 1996 and its design has stood the test of time. The ultimate on-your-back student or business organizer, the Brain Bag is our Slant-6 of backpacks: it will surprise you with its utility, versatility, and longevity. Long after lesser bags have frayed their seams, blown their zippers, and popped their straps, the Brain Bag will continue to be your faithful companion.

Full Description

Two Main Compartments

In both of the main compartments (on the back panel of each) are two unobtrusive webbing loops (that we call "rail loops") to which you can secure the optional Cache. Many of us will appreciate this functionality on a daily basis: the rail system can be a convenient and quick way to remove one's laptop from the bag.

Three External Pockets

On the front of the Brain Bag are four external pockets. The small top pocket is perfect for a wallet and cell phone and has an inside snaphooks for keys. The two vertical pockets are large enough for water bottles or even a small thermos; inside both of these pockets are pen/pencil organizers. The left pocket has an outside flat mesh pocket for brochures, plane tickets, or even a small U-lock bike lock. Between the pockets are two lash straps for an umbrella or a raincoat, and above these straps is a heavy-duty snaphook so you can attach a water bottle, coffee mug, or what-have-you.

Side Compression Straps

Side compression straps compress the Brain Bag when it is not full and stabilize the load; you can also tuck a raincoat, hoodie, or yoga mat under these straps.

Breathable Back Panel

The back is made of Spacer mesh and is padded with 3/8", high quality, closed-cell foam. This combination of mesh and smooth nylon is designed to provide maximum breathability while still being gentle on your clothing.

Edgeless Shoulder Straps

Conformity is overrated — except, perhaps, when it comes to shoulder straps. The edgelessness of the Brain Bag shoulder straps allows them to more softly conform to your shoulder — we find that this increases comfort. Yet the straps aren't too soft: the 1/2" thick EVAZOTE® OEKO-TEX® certified foam means the strap is robust enough to carry a heavy load.

What's Included?

1x 8-inch Black Webbing Snaphook/Snaphook Key Strap

A Key Strap is a strip of webbing with plastic snaphooks on the end. The 8” Key Strap in Black that’s included in most of our larger bags is, for many, the gateway to a world of organization via Key Straps and Organizer Pouches. All the members of the Key Strap family are intended to make locating things in your bag easier and more instinctive. Pulling out a small item or pouch tethered to a strap is easier than rooting around aimlessly in the depths of your pack; you can also rest assured that anything hooked to a strap is much less likely to fall out or otherwise be left behind. You can find more Key Strap colors and varieties on the Key Strap page.

A Set of Black Zipper Pulls

Some folks prefer metal zipper pulls. Others prefer cord pulls. So, what to do about that? We think the best solution (in most cases) is to offer metal pulls and include a starter pack of Cord Pulls with most bags.

1x Sternum Strap Assembly

An adjustable and removable sternum strap with leave-no-trace hardware: if you don't like or don't use your sternum strap, remove it and leave (almost) nothing behind.

1x Gatekeeper Waist Strap

A simple webbing waist strap that can offer extra stability when running to catch a bus, plane, or train. It can also add a small measure of support for a heavy load (for a truly supportive hip belt experience, please see the optional 1.5" Padded Hip Belt.) Also features leave-no-trace hardware.

What's Optional?

1.5" Padded Hip Belt

The 1.5" Padded Hip Belt allows you to carry some of the weight of a loaded pack on your hips rather than just your shoulders.

Cache

Want to carry one (or two!) laptops? Get the Cache sized for your device and use the loops at the top of each main compartment to attach your Cache when you need it and remove it when you don't.

In both of the main compartments (on the back panel of each) are two unobtrusive webbing loops (that we call "rail loops") to which you can secure the optional Cache. Many of us will appreciate this functionality on a daily basis: the rail system can be a convenient and quick way to remove one's laptop from the bag.

On the front of the Brain Bag are four external pockets. The small top pocket is perfect for a wallet and cell phone and has an inside snaphooks for keys. The two vertical pockets are large enough for water bottles or even a small thermos; inside both of these pockets are pen/pencil organizers. The left pocket has an outside flat mesh pocket for brochures, plane tickets, or even a small U-lock bike lock. Between the pockets are two lash straps for an umbrella or a raincoat, and above these straps is a heavy-duty snaphook so you can attach a water bottle, coffee mug, or what-have-you.

Side compression straps compress the Brain Bag when it is not full and stabilize the load; you can also tuck a raincoat, hoodie, or yoga mat under these straps.

The back is made of Spacer mesh and is padded with 3/8", high quality, closed-cell foam. This combination of mesh and smooth nylon is designed to provide maximum breathability while still being gentle on your clothing.

Conformity is overrated — except, perhaps, when it comes to shoulder straps. The edgelessness of the Brain Bag shoulder straps allows them to more softly conform to your shoulder — we find that this increases comfort. Yet the straps aren't too soft: the 1/2" thick EVAZOTE® OEKO-TEX® certified foam means the strap is robust enough to carry a heavy load.

1x 8-inch Black Webbing Snaphook/Snaphook Key Strap

A Key Strap is a strip of webbing with plastic snaphooks on the end. The 8” Key Strap in Black that’s included in most of our larger bags is, for many, the gateway to a world of organization via Key Straps and Organizer Pouches. All the members of the Key Strap family are intended to make locating things in your bag easier and more instinctive. Pulling out a small item or pouch tethered to a strap is easier than rooting around aimlessly in the depths of your pack; you can also rest assured that anything hooked to a strap is much less likely to fall out or otherwise be left behind. You can find more Key Strap colors and varieties on the Key Strap page.

A Set of Black Zipper Pulls

Some folks prefer metal zipper pulls. Others prefer cord pulls. So, what to do about that? We think the best solution (in most cases) is to offer metal pulls and include a starter pack of Cord Pulls with most bags.

1x Sternum Strap Assembly

An adjustable and removable sternum strap with leave-no-trace hardware: if you don't like or don't use your sternum strap, remove it and leave (almost) nothing behind.

1x Gatekeeper Waist Strap

A simple webbing waist strap that can offer extra stability when running to catch a bus, plane, or train. It can also add a small measure of support for a heavy load (for a truly supportive hip belt experience, please see the optional 1.5" Padded Hip Belt.) Also features leave-no-trace hardware.

1.5" Padded Hip Belt

The 1.5" Padded Hip Belt allows you to carry some of the weight of a loaded pack on your hips rather than just your shoulders.

Cache

Want to carry one (or two!) laptops? Get the Cache sized for your device and use the loops at the top of each main compartment to attach your Cache when you need it and remove it when you don't.

Materials

Straps

Edgeless EV50 1/2" / 12mm shoulder straps (EVAZOTE® OEKO-TEX® foam)

Grab Handle

PORON® foam handle

Components

Duraflex®, Nexus, and Woojin buckles and related components

Zippers

#10 YKK coil zippers on main compartments
#8 YKK coil zippers on pockets

Specs

Dimensions

14" (w) x 18.1" (h) x 9.1" (d) / 355 (w) x 460 (h) x 230 (d) mm

Weight

Ballistic Nylon: 2 lb 13.5 oz / 1290 grams

Volume

36 liters / 2200 cu. in. (ASTM Standard Measure)

Straps

.5" / 12 mm padded and contoured shoulder straps with .75" / 20 mm removable sternum strap

Total O-Rings

9

(3 in the back main compartment
3 in the front main compartment
1 in the top small pocket
1 in left side pocket
1 in right side pocket)

Reviews

4.9

Rated 4.9 out of 5 stars

Based on 168 reviews

Total 5 star reviews: 157 Total 4 star reviews: 6 Total 3 star reviews: 3 Total 2 star reviews: 2 Total 1 star reviews: 0

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168 reviews

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RR
Robert R.
Verified Buyer
Bought For Myself
Product Standouts Thoughtful Design, High Quality Craftsmanship, Sewn in USA, Good Storage Size, Comfortable
3 years ago
Bought For Myself
Product Standouts Thoughtful Design, High Quality Craftsmanship, Sewn in USA, Good Storage Size, Comfortable
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
The Brain Bag is a No-Brainer!
Even though I had known about Tom Bihn for a while, I had mainly focussed on the Aeronaut 30 & 45 and then discovered the Synic 30. However, I really needed to replace a backpack with closer to 40 Liter capacity. I already own a 46 Liter (maximum carry-on, duffel-style size) bag, so I didn't need another one. I guess I really developed "tunnel-vision" because I didn't notice the Brain Bag until I was very close to my departure date. I'm sure glad I found it though! With a Basic Economy ticket from Raleigh, NC to San Francisco and back, I figured I'd be among the last to board and would have difficulty finding a spot for a roll-aboard bag. It might need to ride under the seat in front of me. One-bag travel looked like the way to go on this trip. Well, while those fears were not realized, the Brain Bag was ready to deliver. With its 36 Liter capacity, I carried clothes for 3 days+, a compact umbrella, N/C over-ear headphones, a fluffy neck pillow, & snacks (including a pair of 1/2 lb. bags of beef jerky, ha ha) all inside the Brain Bag. Total weight, including the Brain Bag, was about 22 lbs. With the 2 separate main compartments (a feature that I have searched for for a long time, BTW), I was able to organize my things very well, making accessibility a breeze. Actually, I used a 12 Liter Fanny Pack to organize my iPad, Tom Bihn Small Snake Charmer, 25000maH battery, snacks, sunglasses, hand sanitizer, etc. into one unit. I simply slipped the 12 Liter pack in and…
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YW
Yuchang W.
Verified Buyer
Bought For Myself
Product Standouts Comfortable, High Quality Craftsmanship, Durable, Compact, Good Storage Size
1 year ago
Bought For Myself
Product Standouts Comfortable, High Quality Craftsmanship, Durable, Compact, Good Storage Size
Rated 4 out of 5 stars
Almost perfect all-around bag: EDC, work, gym, or travel
Overall I think this is a great bag. Things I like:
1. Looks good. Unlike other TB bags, this one looks quite rugged but also unassuming.
2. Great materials and feels good.
3. Comfortable to carry even when for heavy load.
4. Spacious. I used it to carry all my EDC and work stuff and gym clothes.
5. I like the quick access pocket on the top. I live in the north and now it's winter, so I put moisturizing lotion and lip balm in this pocket since I need to use them several times a day. Convenient. One-zip operation.
6. Compression straps making the bag look not too bulky.
7. IT COULD STAND! Grabbing things is much easier and enjoyable.
Things I don't like:
1. The two big front pockets are not very accessible. In theory, they're; but in practical, they are not as assessable as the pockets in Synapse or Synik bags. The reasons are i) the pockets are too tall and thus could not use the space efficiently and ii) they share some volume with the big compartment thus may not have enough depth. In practice, I find it not easy to grab items from these two pockets. Additionally, the organizations within the two front big pockets are not very useable -- at least for me. The pen loops are too narrow for a fountain pen or a small flash or a multi tool. Right now, these two big pockets are mostly empty. I only put a hand sanitizer, a pen pouch (but I don't like a pouch within a pouch), and my keys.
2. No organizations at all for the two big compartments. This might be good for travel if…
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D
Darcy
4 years ago
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Best backpack *ever*
I bought this bag on the recommendation of a friend during a trip to the US. I've been using this bag for the past 16 years, and it still looks like new. The zippers all work fine, there are no rips or tears, and with the exception of a single buckle that I broke while closing it in a car door (that I have since replaced), this backpack functions like the day that I bought it. I cannot recommend this backpack enough. I would be more than happy to purchase another one of these bags, but I highly doubt that this one will wear out before I retire (easily another 16 years). This bag is awesome to travel to conferences with, as you can use the backpack for all your stuff, but still pull out the smaller laptop bag for meetings and the like. I consider this bag "buy it for life".
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T
Tim
Verified Buyer
Bought For Myself
Product Standouts High Quality Craftsmanship, Sewn in USA, Durable, High Quality Finishings, Good Storage Size
10 months ago
Bought For Myself
Product Standouts High Quality Craftsmanship, Sewn in USA, Durable, High Quality Finishings, Good Storage Size
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Finally, a well made backpack!
I looked for years to find a sturdy and reliable bag that was well made and would last through my travels. This backpack is extraordinary. Everything I have been looking for!
So far I have taken to Spain, Morroco and Mexico in some harsh environments and it is perfect. The zippers are high quality and the material is excellent. I couldn't be happier and I will be buying another smaller one for short trips.
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FP
Fred P.
Verified Buyer
Bought For Myself
Product Standouts Comfortable, Thoughtful Design, Good Storage Size, High Quality Craftsmanship
5 months ago
Bought For Myself
Product Standouts Comfortable, Thoughtful Design, Good Storage Size, High Quality Craftsmanship
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Phenomenal Bag
After about a year with a Synik 30, I started to want something that fit just a bit different. I couldn't describe what was wrong, as up until this Brain Bag, the Synik 30 was my favorite backpack I'd ever owned. I kept looking at the Brain Bag, and finally purchased one to see (even though it was technically bigger than my Synik 30) if it would be better for my EDC.
Within a week, the Brain Bag has moved to my number one all time favorite bag. I do miss a little of the organization of the Synik, but the Brain Bag has a ton of amazing organization on its own. I keep getting surprised as to what can fit in those front pockets.
Some call this bag a beast... I just don't see it like that. Sure, its ability to swallow anything I ask it to contstantly amazes me... but yet, it feels more compact than others. Very comfortable even at heavy weight and the handle... wow... just perfect.
Make yourself happy and get some strap keepers (2 pair at least) as this bag does have some dangle to contain. This said, the strap keepers work perfectly to contain the compression straps and the sternum/umbrella were handled with some rip cord.
Phenomenal bag. Looking forward to many long years with my new favorite bag.
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Sewn in Seattle

Our bags are designed and sewn right here in Seattle, Washington, U.S.A.

That allows us to be control freaks in the best way possible; we have direct control and oversight of the quality of our materials, our products, and the jobs and working environment that we help create. It also offers us a unique spontaneity: when we have an idea for a new product or accessory, we can design it, figure out how to build it, add it to our website and be ready to ship it out our front door all within just a few weeks. How cool is that?

Intrigued? You can find out more about the unusual way we do business on our Company Philosophy page.

THE BIHN Guarantee

Everything you buy from us here at TOM BIHN is satisfaction guaranteed. We’ve been in business since 1972 and we stand behind what we make.

If something goes wrong and it's our fault, we'll fix it for free. Repairs due to normal wear and tear or due to other things that are not our fault will be performed, when possible, at a reasonable charge right here in our Seattle factory where your bag was made. Defects in materials or workmanship are uncommon and almost always evident while the product is still new. Keep in mind that bags and packs are often subject to extreme wear in everyday use: do not expect them to last forever. Only true love lasts forever! You can expect a TOM BIHN product to give years and years of hard service.

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