The Cambiata in Black Ballistic. The Cambiata in Black Ballistic with Zest (orange with white grid) 200 Halcyon interior. The Cambiata in Burnt Orange Ballistic. The Cambiata in Burnt Orange Ballistic with Mountain Grey (grey with light grey grid) 210 Cerylon interior. The Cambiata in Wilderness (forest green) Ballistic. The Cambiata in Wilderness (forest green) Ballistic with Mountain Grey (grey with light grey grid) 210 Cerylon interior. The Cambiata in Aubergine (dark purple) Ballistic. The Cambiata in Aubergine (dark purple) Ballistic with Mountain Grey (grey with light grey grid) 210 Cerylon interior. The Cambiata in Coyote (sand brown) Ballistic. The Cambiata in Coyote (sand brown) Ballistic with Sangria (red with light red grid) 210 Cerylon interior. The Cambiata in Cloud (light grey) Ballistic. The Cambiata in Cloud (light grey) Ballistic with Cobalt (blue with light blue grid) 210 Cerylon interior. The Cambiata in Constellation (powder blue) Ballistic. The Cambiata in Constellation (powder blue) Ballistic with Mountain Grey (grey with light grey grid) 210 Cerylon interior. The Cambiata in Deep Blue (navy blue) Ballistic. The Cambiata in Deep Blue (navy blue) Ballistic with Mountain Grey (grey with light grey grid) 210 Cerylon interior. The Cambiata in Nebulous Grey (dark grey) Ballistic. The Cambiata in Nebulous Grey (dark grey) Ballistic with Fjord (dark blue with white grid) 200 Halycon interior. The Cambiata in Ursa (grey-brown) Ballistic. The Cambiata in Ursa (grey-brown) Ballistic with Cobalt (blue with light blue grid) 210 Cerylon interior.
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Cambiata

4.8
Rated 4.8 out of 5 stars
4.8 Stars (83 Reviews)

$220.00

Color: Black Ballistic/Zest 200 Halcyon

Hybrid convertible everyday bag with tuckable backpack straps and a fully removable shoulder strap.

21 Liters / 1300 cu. in.

We've retired the Cambiata so we can focus our efforts on other projects. You can sign up for our newsletter at the bottom of the page to receive updates on what we're working on next!

Cambiata

The interior of the main compartment with the large elasticized pocket and two o-rings The face of the Cambiata with the main compartment open 3/4 view of the Cambiata with the shoulder strap attached Back of Cambiata with backpack straps tucked away and shoulder strap attached. Water bottle pocket on the right side of the Cambiata. Backpack straps attached at the back of the Cambiata Left side of Cambiata with two small stacked zipper pockets. Laptop compartment open at back of Cambiata between the backpack straps and main compartment. Close shot of the attachment point for the shoulder strap
lifestyle visible Person carrying the Cambiata with backpack straps. The Cambiata and a sample carry Person carrying the Cambiata over their shoulder with the shoulder strap. A waterbottle next to the large exterior pocket of the Cambiata. Person placing their phone in a smaller side pocket of the Cambiata. Person placing their laptop in the laptop compartment of the Cambiata. The interior of the Cambiata with a book, headphones, a rain shell, a stuff sack, and a 3D Organizer Cube inside. A shot of one of the smaller interior elasticized pockets of the Cambiata. Person tucking away the backpack straps. Person tucking away backpack strap attachment point. The sternum strap on the Cambiata. Person carrying the Cambiata up some stares using the backpack straps. lifestyle visible lifestyle visible lifestyle visible

TLDR

Meet the convertible backpack that you'll soon be singing the praises of. The Cambiata is a 21-liter pack with a whole lotta open keys space!

Full Description

The inspiration to make a tote backpack actually came from our Forum! Members had a list of requests for features that they wanted to see in a new TOM BIHN design — something that looks sleek on the outside but has all the usual TOM BIHN organizational features that they love, is convertible from one form to another, and ideally can stand up on its own. We took the feedback to heart and ran with it!

We’ve pre-answered as many questions as we could think of over in the Cambiata FAQ.

Multiple Carry Styles

Built-in backpack straps that can be folded and tucked away for a measure; the coda of this piece is the included, fully-detachable shoulder strap for use as a tote.

Cambiata in backpack mode and shoulder-carry mode.

 

Exterior Pockets

Five external pockets of varying sizes and shapes for all your needs, from your vast array of tuning forks (or y'know, a water bottle, phone, or anything in between), and a couple of big pockets large enough to hold your portfolio of sheet music or The Red Book. Everything you need in easy reach just a zip away, with plenty of o-rings tucked in like so many grace notes.

A collage of the exterior pockets of the Cambiata

 

Interior Pockets

A medley of pockets outfit the interior of the Cambiata, the interior flap pocket directly on the inside of the opening is a generously sized mesh pocket perfect for your collection of custom mouthpieces.

A large elasticized pocket on the back panel for holding your tailcoat (rainshell?) close to your back and keep the majority of the pocket open, and a couple of smaller elasticized pocket for keeping a couple things inside but handy; an o-ring adorns the top of each of these smaller pockets begging for straps to be attached like the flag on a quaver.

Photo of the interior pockets of the Cambiata

Dedicated Laptop Compartment

A large laptop compartment ornaments the top of the Cambiata between the shoulder straps and main pocket, allowing a laptop of up to 14.5" x 10" in size.

A photo of the laptop compartment opening

 

What's Included

We include the following accessories to give you a good amount of options for your new bag right out of the gate.

One Full-Removable Shoulder Strap

A shoulder strap made from 1.5" wide webbing, with a minimum length of 26" and maximum length of 52" shoulder strap for shoulder carry. It's fully detachable with leave-no-trace gatekeeper hardware.

One 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.


One Sternum Strap Assembly

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

What's Optional

Freudian Slips

The Synapse 19 or Medium Café Bag Freudian Slips fit well in the main compartment of the Cambiata for some extra organization.

Packing Cubes

The Aeronaut 30 Packing Cube in small and the Synik 30 Packing Cube in small are both great options for this bag. 

Built-in backpack straps that can be folded and tucked away for a measure; the coda of this piece is the included, fully-detachable shoulder strap for use as a tote.

Cambiata in backpack mode and shoulder-carry mode.

 

Five external pockets of varying sizes and shapes for all your needs, from your vast array of tuning forks (or y'know, a water bottle, phone, or anything in between), and a couple of big pockets large enough to hold your portfolio of sheet music or The Red Book. Everything you need in easy reach just a zip away, with plenty of o-rings tucked in like so many grace notes.

A collage of the exterior pockets of the Cambiata

 

A medley of pockets outfit the interior of the Cambiata, the interior flap pocket directly on the inside of the opening is a generously sized mesh pocket perfect for your collection of custom mouthpieces.

A large elasticized pocket on the back panel for holding your tailcoat (rainshell?) close to your back and keep the majority of the pocket open, and a couple of smaller elasticized pocket for keeping a couple things inside but handy; an o-ring adorns the top of each of these smaller pockets begging for straps to be attached like the flag on a quaver.

Photo of the interior pockets of the Cambiata

A large laptop compartment ornaments the top of the Cambiata between the shoulder straps and main pocket, allowing a laptop of up to 14.5" x 10" in size.

A photo of the laptop compartment opening

 

We include the following accessories to give you a good amount of options for your new bag right out of the gate.

One Full-Removable Shoulder Strap

A shoulder strap made from 1.5" wide webbing, with a minimum length of 26" and maximum length of 52" shoulder strap for shoulder carry. It's fully detachable with leave-no-trace gatekeeper hardware.

One 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.


One Sternum Strap Assembly

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

Freudian Slips

The Synapse 19 or Medium Café Bag Freudian Slips fit well in the main compartment of the Cambiata for some extra organization.

Packing Cubes

The Aeronaut 30 Packing Cube in small and the Synik 30 Packing Cube in small are both great options for this bag. 

Materials

Exterior Fabric

bluesign® certified High-Tenacity 2x2 Ballistic nylon

Interior Fabric

bluesign® and OEKO-TEX® certified 200 denier Halcyon/nylon ripstop 
— or —
bluesign® certified 210 denier Cerylon 6,6 Ripstop nylon

Zippers

#8 YKK water-resistant racquet-coil zippers

Back and Front

Closed-cell foam back

Backpack Straps

Contour 1/8" / 3mm shoulder straps (#4 Closed Cell Foam)

Other Components

Duraflex®, Nexus, and Woojin buckles and related components

Specs

Dimensions

12.8" (w) x 15.9" (h) x 7.5" (d) x 325 (w) x 405 (h) x 190 (d) mm

Weight

2 lb 1 oz / 935 grams

Volume

21 Liters / 1300 cu. in. (ASTM Standard Measure)

Device Pocket

Maximum: 14.5" x 10" / 365 x 250 mm

Removeable Shoulder Strap

1.5" wide, 26" - 52" long nylon shoulder strap

Total O-Rings

10

(2 in main compartment over the large elasticized pocket
1 over each of the 2 smaller side elasticized pockets in the main compartment
1 in mesh interior top pocket
2 in front, open-top pocket
1 in each of the 3 side pockets)

4.8
Rated 4.8 out of 5 stars
Based on 83 reviews
89%would recommend this product
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83 reviews
  • Shivaun K.
    Verified Buyer
    Bought For Myself
    Product Standouts Thoughtful Design, High Quality Craftsmanship, Good Storage Size, Comfortable, Easily Adjustable
    1 year ago
    Bought For Myself
    Product Standouts Thoughtful Design, High Quality Craftsmanship, Good Storage Size, Comfortable, Easily Adjustable
    Rated 5 out of 5 stars
    Perfect size, extremely well-made

    I was looking for a sleek backpack/tote for international travel and the Tom Bihn Cambiata is it! Extremely well-made, gorgeous color and tons of room without the bulk. I highly recommend it!

    Was this helpful?
  • Kathleen D.
    Verified Buyer
    Bought For Myself
    Product Standouts Thoughtful Design, High Quality Craftsmanship, Comfortable, Compact, Versatile
    1 year ago
    Bought For Myself
    Product Standouts Thoughtful Design, High Quality Craftsmanship, Comfortable, Compact, Versatile
    Rated 5 out of 5 stars
    Love my Cambiata but I have some thoughts

    So I've had my Cambiata (aubergine!) Since May and I've taken it to client sites and acros Europe. It's a great day bag and I love the side organization pockets and the water bottle pocket, which is sometimes also an umbrella pocket. Oh! And the exterior laptop slip fits my apple 16" (2021) perfectly.

    It's roomy and I have really enjoyed carrying it so far, both in backpack mode and crossbody using an Absolute Strap. I often carry a heavy laptop, an ipad, hand tools, knitting, a camera, and other supplies in it, and while it does feel fully loaded the chest strap keeps things feeling well balanced.

    If I could make one suggestion of a change to the design of the bag, it would be to flip the location of the flap zipper from the edge of the flap to the interior side, the way the aeronaut bag's zipper is constructed. I'm finding that when the bag flips open I have to hold the flap upright to get what I want out of it or else everything slides out (even with the little catch).

    Somewhat less pressing but also worth mentioning is that the backpack straps could stand a small upgrade to be a little wider and more cushiony. I'm finding that when using the chest strap I really have to pay attention to the placement of all three straps or they start to dig in uncomfortably at my sides. Again, I tend to heavily load the bag in backpack mode when I'm running out for work, so it might also benefit from examining the weight distribution.

    All in all a great bag that I enjoy and it…

    Was this helpful?
  • Scott K.
    Verified Buyer
    Bought For Myself
    Product Standouts Good Storage Size, High Quality Finishings, High Quality Craftsmanship, Versatile
    1 year ago
    Bought For Myself
    Product Standouts Good Storage Size, High Quality Finishings, High Quality Craftsmanship, Versatile
    Rated 5 out of 5 stars
    My fourth TB bag: love my Cambiata

    Great bag, well designed and constructed inside and out. I wish the interior flap pocket on the opening was reversed (making access easier when the opening is fully flipped open) but the interior organization is otherwise stellar.

    Was this helpful?
  • Chalo G.
    Verified Buyer
    Bought For Myself
    Product Standouts Thoughtful Design, High Quality Craftsmanship, High Quality Finishings, Versatile, Unique
    1 year ago
    Bought For Myself
    Product Standouts Thoughtful Design, High Quality Craftsmanship, High Quality Finishings, Versatile, Unique
    Rated 5 out of 5 stars
    Great Bag!

    I love this bag! I use it as an EDC/Commuter pack. It works well if I am on my motorcycle or bicycle. Its comfortable packed out with 15 pounds worth of EDC gear. In addition to being an outstanding one bag weekender personal item for budget airlines. The quality of the material, and construction is second to none. The aesthetics of this versatile pack is just the cherry on top. Everybody needs a Cambiata.

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  • Chalo
    1 year ago
    Rated 5 out of 5 stars
    5 Stars

    The build quality and materials are outstanding. The bag is versatile, comfortable, and looks great. It can be used as a personal item on budget airlines too. Gotta get ya one before they are all gone. Love this bag.

    Was this helpful?
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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.