• visible variant TB0114-GKOL TB0114-GKGL TB0114-GKIJ TB0104-GKLJ TB0114-GKLJ^^A Brain Bag in Nebulous Grey (grey) Ballistic.
  • visible variant TB0114-GKOL^^The Brain Bag in Nebulous Grey Ballistic with a Cobalt 210 Cerylon interior.
  • visible variant TB0104-GKLJ TB0114-GKLJ^^The Brain Bag in Nebulous Grey (dark grey) 525 Ballistic with the front main compartment zipper opened to reveal its Cloud (light grey) 210 Ballistic interior.
  • Brain Bag
  • visible variant TB0104-MKLJ TB0114-MKLJ^^A Brain Bag in Mars Red (red) 525 Ballistic.
  • visible variant TB0104-MKLJ TB0114-MKLJ^^The Brain Bag in Mars Red 525 Ballistic with the front main compartment zipper opened to reveal its Cloud (light grey) 210 Ballistic interior.
  • visible variant TB0114-BKOL TB0114-BKPL^^A Brain Bag in Black Ballistic.
  • visible variant TB0114-BKOL^^The Brain Bag in Black Ballistic with the front main compartment zipper opened to reveal its Cobalt (blue with light blue grid) 210 Cerylon interior.
  • visible variant TB0114-BKPL^^The Brain Bag in Black Ballistic with the front main compartment zipper opened to reveal its Persimmon (dark orange with light orange grid) 210 Cerylon interior.
  • visible variant TB0114-BKGL^^A Brain Bag in Black Ballistic.
  • visible variant TB0114-BKGL^^The Brain Bag in Nebulous Grey (dark grey) Ballistic with the front main compartment zipper opened to reveal its Mountain Grey (grey with light grey grid) 210 Cerylon interior.
  • visible variant TB0104-LKDJ TB0114-LKDJ^^A Brain Bag in Cloud (light grey) 525 Ballistic.
  • visible variant TB0114-DKDL TB0114-DKGL TB0114-DKML^^A Brain Bag in Deep Blue (dark blue) Ballistic.
  • visible variant TB0114-DKDL^^The Brain Bag in Deep Blue (dark blue) 525 Ballistic with the front main compartment zipper opened to reveal its Dusk (purplish-blue with light purplish-blue grid) 210 Cerylon interior.
  • visible variant TB0114-DKGL^^The Brain Bag in Deep Blue (dark blue) 525 Ballistic with the front main compartment zipper opened to reveal its Mountain Grey (grey with light grey grid) 210 Cerylon interior.
  • visible variant TB0104-LKDJ TB0114-LKDJ^^The Brain Bag in Cloud (light grey) 525 Ballistic with the front main compartment zipper opened to reveal its Dawn (blue-grey) 210 Ballistic interior.\
  • visible variant TB0114-UKGL TB0114-UKOL TB0114-UKIJ^^A Brain Bag in Aubergine (dark purple) Ballistic.
  • visible variant TB0114-UKGL^^A Brain Bag in Aubergine Ballistic with a Mountain Grey 210 Cerylon interior.
  • visible variant TB0104-TKLJ TB0114-TKLJ TB0114-TKGL TB0114-TKDL^^A Brain Bag in Burnt Orange Ballistic.
  • visible variant TB0114-TKGL^^The Brain Bag in Burnt Orange Ballistic with the front main compartment zipper opened to reveal its Mountain Grey (grey with light grey grid) 210 Cerylon interior.
  • visible variant TB0104-DKDJ TB0114-DKDJ^^The Brain Bag in Deep Blue (dark blue) 525 Ballistic with the front main compartment zipper opened to reveal its Dawn (blue-grey) 210 Ballistic interior.
  • visible variant TB0114-DKDL^^The Brain Bag in Deep Blue (dark blue) 630 Ballistic with the front main compartment zipper opened to reveal its Moss (green with light green grid) 210 Cerylon interior.
  • visible variant TB0114-DKML^^The Brain Bag in Deep Blue (dark blue) 525 Ballistic with the front main compartment zipper opened to reveal its Moss (green with light green grid) 210 Cerylon interior.
  • visible variant TB0114-CKGL TB0114-CKLJ^^A Brain Bag in Coyote (light brown) Ballistic.
  • visible variant TB0114-CKGL^^The Brain Bag in Coyote (light brown) Ballistic with the front main compartment zipper opened to reveal its Mountain Grey (grey with light grey grid) 210 Cerylon interior.
  • visible variant TB0114-WKGL TB0114-WKLJ^^A Brain Bag in Wilderness (forest green) Ballistic.
  • visible variant TB0114-WKGL^^The Brain Bag in Wilderness (forest green) Ballistic with the front main compartment zipper opened to reveal its Cloud (grey with light grey interior) 210 Cerylon interior.
  • visible variant TB0114-NKDJ^^A Brain Bag in Constellation (light blue) 525 Ballistic.
  • visible variant TB0114-NKDJ^^A profile shot of the Brain Bag in Constellation (light blue) 525 Ballistic.
  • visible variant TB0114-NKLJ^^The Brain Bag in Constellation (light blue) 525 Ballistic with the front main compartment zipper opened to reveal its Cloud (light grey) 210 Ballistic interior.
  • visible variant TB0114-RKGL TB0114-RKOL^^A Brain Bag in Ursa (greyish-brown) Ballistic.
  • visible variant TB0114-RKOL^^The Brain Bag in Ursa (brown-grey) Ballistic with the front main compartment zipper opened to reveal its Cobalt (blue with light blue grid) 210 Cerylon interior.
  • visible variant TB0114-RKGL^^The Brain Bag in Ursa (brown-grey) Ballistic with the front main compartment zipper opened to reveal its Mountain (grey with light grey grid) 210 Cerylon interior.
  • visible variant TB0114-PKDL^^A Brain Bag in Raspberry Ballistic.
  • visible variant TB0114-PKDL^^The Brain Bag in Raspberry Ballistic with the front main compartment zipper opened to reveal its Dusk (purplish-blue with light blue grid) 210 Cerylon interior.
  • visible variant TB0114-VKPL^^A Brain Bag in Saguaro (olive green) Ballistic.
  • visible variant TB0114-VKPL^^The Brain Bag in Saguaro (olive green) Ballistic with the front main compartment zipper opened to reveal its Persimmon (dark orange with light orange grid) 210 Cerylon interior.
  • visible variant TB0114-RKGL TB0114-RKLJ^^A profile shot of the Brain Bag in Ursa (greyish-brown) 525 Ballistic.
  • visible detail^^A rear shot of the Brain Bag.
  • detail visible^^A close shot of one of the side cinches buckled up and cinched down.
  • detail visible^^A close shot of the top front cinch strap and d-ring between the front pockets.
  • detail visible^^A close shot of one of the zipper flaps.
  • detail visible^^A close shot of the d-ring on the front of the bag.
  • detail visible^^A close shot of the zipper pulls under the zipper flap.
  • lifestyle visible^^A person getting coffee at a coffee shop while wearing a Brain Bag.
  • lifestyle visible^^A tight shot of a person wearing the Brain Bag.
  • lifestyle visible^^A tight shot of the shoulder strap on a person wearing the Brain Bag.0
  • lifestyle visible^^A person accessing the front left zippered pocket in the Brain Bag.
  • lifestyle visible^^A person hiking wearing a Brain Bag.
  • lifestyle visible^^A person wearing a Brain Bag over one shoulder while drinking an iced beverage.
  • lifestyle visible^^Person wearing a Brain Bag and ordering coffee.
  • lifestyle visible^^A person wearing a Brain Bag over one shoulder while drinking an iced beverage.
  • visible video^^A thumbnail for a video showing off the features of the Brain Bag.
  • visible video^^A thumbnail for a video explaining the features of the Brain Bag.
  • visible variant TB0114-GKOL TB0114-GKGL TB0114-GKIJ TB0104-GKLJ TB0114-GKLJ^^A Brain Bag in Nebulous Grey (grey) Ballistic.
  • visible variant TB0114-GKOL^^The Brain Bag in Nebulous Grey Ballistic with a Cobalt 210 Cerylon interior.
  • visible variant TB0104-GKLJ TB0114-GKLJ^^The Brain Bag in Nebulous Grey (dark grey) 525 Ballistic with the front main compartment zipper opened to reveal its Cloud (light grey) 210 Ballistic interior.
  • Brain Bag
  • visible variant TB0104-MKLJ TB0114-MKLJ^^A Brain Bag in Mars Red (red) 525 Ballistic.
  • visible variant TB0104-MKLJ TB0114-MKLJ^^The Brain Bag in Mars Red 525 Ballistic with the front main compartment zipper opened to reveal its Cloud (light grey) 210 Ballistic interior.
  • visible variant TB0114-BKOL TB0114-BKPL^^A Brain Bag in Black Ballistic.
  • visible variant TB0114-BKOL^^The Brain Bag in Black Ballistic with the front main compartment zipper opened to reveal its Cobalt (blue with light blue grid) 210 Cerylon interior.
  • visible variant TB0114-BKPL^^The Brain Bag in Black Ballistic with the front main compartment zipper opened to reveal its Persimmon (dark orange with light orange grid) 210 Cerylon interior.
  • visible variant TB0114-BKGL^^A Brain Bag in Black Ballistic.
  • visible variant TB0114-BKGL^^The Brain Bag in Nebulous Grey (dark grey) Ballistic with the front main compartment zipper opened to reveal its Mountain Grey (grey with light grey grid) 210 Cerylon interior.
  • visible variant TB0104-LKDJ TB0114-LKDJ^^A Brain Bag in Cloud (light grey) 525 Ballistic.
  • visible variant TB0114-DKDL TB0114-DKGL TB0114-DKML^^A Brain Bag in Deep Blue (dark blue) Ballistic.
  • visible variant TB0114-DKDL^^The Brain Bag in Deep Blue (dark blue) 525 Ballistic with the front main compartment zipper opened to reveal its Dusk (purplish-blue with light purplish-blue grid) 210 Cerylon interior.
  • visible variant TB0114-DKGL^^The Brain Bag in Deep Blue (dark blue) 525 Ballistic with the front main compartment zipper opened to reveal its Mountain Grey (grey with light grey grid) 210 Cerylon interior.
  • visible variant TB0104-LKDJ TB0114-LKDJ^^The Brain Bag in Cloud (light grey) 525 Ballistic with the front main compartment zipper opened to reveal its Dawn (blue-grey) 210 Ballistic interior.\
  • visible variant TB0114-UKGL TB0114-UKOL TB0114-UKIJ^^A Brain Bag in Aubergine (dark purple) Ballistic.
  • visible variant TB0114-UKGL^^A Brain Bag in Aubergine Ballistic with a Mountain Grey 210 Cerylon interior.
  • visible variant TB0104-TKLJ TB0114-TKLJ TB0114-TKGL TB0114-TKDL^^A Brain Bag in Burnt Orange Ballistic.
  • visible variant TB0114-TKGL^^The Brain Bag in Burnt Orange Ballistic with the front main compartment zipper opened to reveal its Mountain Grey (grey with light grey grid) 210 Cerylon interior.
  • visible variant TB0104-DKDJ TB0114-DKDJ^^The Brain Bag in Deep Blue (dark blue) 525 Ballistic with the front main compartment zipper opened to reveal its Dawn (blue-grey) 210 Ballistic interior.
  • visible variant TB0114-DKDL^^The Brain Bag in Deep Blue (dark blue) 630 Ballistic with the front main compartment zipper opened to reveal its Moss (green with light green grid) 210 Cerylon interior.
  • visible variant TB0114-DKML^^The Brain Bag in Deep Blue (dark blue) 525 Ballistic with the front main compartment zipper opened to reveal its Moss (green with light green grid) 210 Cerylon interior.
  • visible variant TB0114-CKGL TB0114-CKLJ^^A Brain Bag in Coyote (light brown) Ballistic.
  • visible variant TB0114-CKGL^^The Brain Bag in Coyote (light brown) Ballistic with the front main compartment zipper opened to reveal its Mountain Grey (grey with light grey grid) 210 Cerylon interior.
  • visible variant TB0114-WKGL TB0114-WKLJ^^A Brain Bag in Wilderness (forest green) Ballistic.
  • visible variant TB0114-WKGL^^The Brain Bag in Wilderness (forest green) Ballistic with the front main compartment zipper opened to reveal its Cloud (grey with light grey interior) 210 Cerylon interior.
  • visible variant TB0114-NKDJ^^A Brain Bag in Constellation (light blue) 525 Ballistic.
  • visible variant TB0114-NKDJ^^A profile shot of the Brain Bag in Constellation (light blue) 525 Ballistic.
  • visible variant TB0114-NKLJ^^The Brain Bag in Constellation (light blue) 525 Ballistic with the front main compartment zipper opened to reveal its Cloud (light grey) 210 Ballistic interior.
  • visible variant TB0114-RKGL TB0114-RKOL^^A Brain Bag in Ursa (greyish-brown) Ballistic.
  • visible variant TB0114-RKOL^^The Brain Bag in Ursa (brown-grey) Ballistic with the front main compartment zipper opened to reveal its Cobalt (blue with light blue grid) 210 Cerylon interior.
  • visible variant TB0114-RKGL^^The Brain Bag in Ursa (brown-grey) Ballistic with the front main compartment zipper opened to reveal its Mountain (grey with light grey grid) 210 Cerylon interior.
  • visible variant TB0114-PKDL^^A Brain Bag in Raspberry Ballistic.
  • visible variant TB0114-PKDL^^The Brain Bag in Raspberry Ballistic with the front main compartment zipper opened to reveal its Dusk (purplish-blue with light blue grid) 210 Cerylon interior.
  • visible variant TB0114-VKPL^^A Brain Bag in Saguaro (olive green) Ballistic.
  • visible variant TB0114-VKPL^^The Brain Bag in Saguaro (olive green) Ballistic with the front main compartment zipper opened to reveal its Persimmon (dark orange with light orange grid) 210 Cerylon interior.
  • visible variant TB0114-RKGL TB0114-RKLJ^^A profile shot of the Brain Bag in Ursa (greyish-brown) 525 Ballistic.
  • visible detail^^A rear shot of the Brain Bag.
  • detail visible^^A close shot of one of the side cinches buckled up and cinched down.
  • detail visible^^A close shot of the top front cinch strap and d-ring between the front pockets.
  • detail visible^^A close shot of one of the zipper flaps.
  • detail visible^^A close shot of the d-ring on the front of the bag.
  • detail visible^^A close shot of the zipper pulls under the zipper flap.
  • lifestyle visible^^A person getting coffee at a coffee shop while wearing a Brain Bag.
  • lifestyle visible^^A tight shot of a person wearing the Brain Bag.
  • lifestyle visible^^A tight shot of the shoulder strap on a person wearing the Brain Bag.0
  • lifestyle visible^^A person accessing the front left zippered pocket in the Brain Bag.
  • lifestyle visible^^A person hiking wearing a Brain Bag.
  • lifestyle visible^^A person wearing a Brain Bag over one shoulder while drinking an iced beverage.
  • lifestyle visible^^Person wearing a Brain Bag and ordering coffee.
  • lifestyle visible^^A person wearing a Brain Bag over one shoulder while drinking an iced beverage.
  • visible video^^A thumbnail for a video showing off the features of the Brain Bag.
  • visible video^^A thumbnail for a video explaining the features of the Brain Bag.
(163 Reviews)

Brain Bag

$245

Ready to Ship

A serious backpack that can fit two (or more) laptops.

What Goes Into A TOM BIHN Backpack?

Each bag is meticulously designed in our Seattle factory using premium, hard-wearing materials—and built to last a lifetime, guaranteed. You're not just buying a bag, you're investing in decades of thoughtful design, durable function, and responsible craftsmanship.

Color & Material

Exterior Color:
Black
Interior Color:
Cobalt
Exterior Material:
Ballistic
Interior Material:
210 Cerylon

Available Color options
Carry-on Friendly
Made in Seattle
Lifetime Guarantee

Join the Waitlist!

Description

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.

Two Main Compartments: Each has two discreet webbing loops ("rail loops") for securing the optional Cache, allowing quick laptop access.

Three External Pockets: The top pocket fits a phone and wallet, with a snaphook for keys. The two vertical pockets hold water bottles or small thermoses and include pen organizers. The left pocket has an outer mesh sleeve for flat items. Between the pockets are lash straps for gear and a snaphook for a bottle or mug.

Side Compression Straps: These stabilize the load and can hold items like a raincoat or yoga mat.

Breathable Back Panel: Spacer mesh and foam padding offer breathability and protect clothing.

Edgeless Shoulder Straps: Soft, contoured straps with dense foam provide comfort and support for heavy loads.

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

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

A Set of Black Zipper Pulls

1x Sternum Strap Assembly

1x Gatekeeper Waist Strap

Total O-Rings

(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)

Exterior
bluesign® certified High-Tenacity 2x2 Ballistic nylon


Fabric Lining
bluesign® certified 210 denier Cerylon 6,6 Ripstop nylon


Back
Spacer Mesh back


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

Reviews

4.9
Rated 4.9 out of 5 stars
Based on 163 reviews
94%would recommend this product
Write a Review (Opens in a new window)
163 reviews
  • Brittani B.
    Verified Buyer
    Bought For Other
    Product Standouts Thoughtful Design, Versatile, Unique, High Quality Craftsmanship, Good Storage Size
    3 days ago
    Bought For Other
    Product Standouts Thoughtful Design, Versatile, Unique, High Quality Craftsmanship, Good Storage Size
    Rated 5 out of 5 stars
    The Thinking Man’s Backsack

    Beautiful. Issue is that the plastic on the straps hits the arms. This is also a problem noticed with the Synik 26 when hiking. The color scheme is dope as honk (gray and cobalt). Organization is pretty great, but lack of laptop accessories is disappointing. I’ve had to find alternate solutions. Looks good on a large guy.

    Was this helpful?
  • Amy
    Verified Reviewer
    Bought For Myself
    Product Standouts Comfortable, High Quality Craftsmanship, Durable
    3 days ago
    Bought For Myself
    Product Standouts Comfortable, High Quality Craftsmanship, Durable
    Rated 5 out of 5 stars
    Great quality, lasts forever!

    I love my Brain Bag! I originally bought it 13 years ago when I went back to college, and now I use it as my carry-on bag. Best of all, it still looks like new. My teens are looking for new backpacks this school year, including one who is going to college, so I'm back again to make another purchase. I will forever recommend Tom Bihn bags!

    Was this helpful?
  • Dan W.
    Verified Buyer
    Bought For Myself
    Product Standouts Thoughtful Design, High Quality Craftsmanship, Durable, Versatile, Unique
    1 week ago
    Bought For Myself
    Product Standouts Thoughtful Design, High Quality Craftsmanship, Durable, Versatile, Unique
    Rated 5 out of 5 stars
    Love it so much I own two!

    This is a great bag for travel it carry a great deal and keep it organized. It can also take a light load, and the compression straps help there. It can also carry two laptops, and not many bags can do that. I got a second one, because my wife "borrowed" mine to use as a tennis bag. We have taken them to Europe and Asia. They make great carry-ons, and if packed properly can fit under the seat.

    Was this helpful?
  • Pete K.
    Verified Buyer
    Bought For Myself
    Product Standouts High Quality Craftsmanship, Thoughtful Design, High Quality Finishings, Good Storage Size, Easily Adjustable
    2 weeks ago
    Bought For Myself
    Product Standouts High Quality Craftsmanship, Thoughtful Design, High Quality Finishings, Good Storage Size, Easily Adjustable
    Rated 5 out of 5 stars
    Great Bag

    Three 16” laptops with accessories? no problem.

    Was this helpful?
  • Brian D.
    Verified Buyer
    Bought For Myself
    Product Standouts High Quality Craftsmanship, Versatile, Easily Adjustable, Comfortable, Unique
    1 month ago
    Bought For Myself
    Product Standouts High Quality Craftsmanship, Versatile, Easily Adjustable, Comfortable, Unique
    Rated 5 out of 5 stars
    My Favorite Bag

    If I could only have one bag, this would most definitely be the one. I carried my first Brain Bag for about ten years before handing it down to my son. I'm even more happy with this new purchase. The straps have been improved, and I love the blacked-out logo. The Brain Bag is so unique in its styling and its versatility. It tightens down to be a slim EDC, expands to easily carry a coat or bigger item, or expands yet more as a travel bag. Using packing cubes, I have flown with just my Brain Bag on 3–5 day trips.

    Was this helpful?
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Why People Choose TOM BIHN

Travel-Ready Without the Bulk

Every bag is thoughtfully designed for effortless travel.

visible lifestyle^^A person retrieving a drink from the Synik 26 water bottle pocket

Effortless Organization, No Matter Your Day

Smart pockets and O-rings keep everything visible and within easy reach.

visible lifestyle^^A Nomad Tote with its front pocket open.

Built to Last a Lifetime

Made in Seattle with premium materials and backed by a lifetime guarantee.

Superior Construction. Thoughtful Design.

Every detail is obsessively crafted for function, flexibility, and joy in use—just like we’ve been doing since 1972.

Travel-Ready Without the Bulk

Every bag is thoughtfully designed for effortless travel.

visible lifestyle^^A person retrieving a drink from the Synik 26 water bottle pocket

Effortless Organization, No Matter Your Day

Smart pockets and O-rings keep everything visible and within easy reach.

visible lifestyle^^A Nomad Tote with its front pocket open.

Built to Last a Lifetime

Made in Seattle with premium materials and backed by a lifetime guarantee.

Superior Construction. Thoughtful Design.

Every detail is obsessively crafted for function, flexibility, and joy in use—just like we’ve been doing since 1972.

Travel-Ready Without the Bulk

Every bag is thoughtfully designed for effortless travel.

visible lifestyle^^A person retrieving a drink from the Synik 26 water bottle pocket

Effortless Organization, No Matter Your Day

Smart pockets and O-rings keep everything visible and within easy reach.

visible lifestyle^^A Nomad Tote with its front pocket open.

Built to Last a Lifetime

Made in Seattle with premium materials and backed by a lifetime guarantee.

Superior Construction. Thoughtful Design.

Every detail is obsessively crafted for function, flexibility, and joy in use—just like we’ve been doing since 1972.

Made in Seattle, Built to Last

Designed with obsessive attention to detail, we pride ourselves in offering bags in unmatched quality and durability—whether you're commuting, traveling, or navigating daily life. Built to last, made to move with you.

The BIHN Guarantee

Since 1972, we’ve stood behind every bag we make. If it’s our fault, we’ll fix it—no questions asked. For everything else, we offer honest repairs in the same Seattle shop where your bag was born.