Paradigm in Nebulous Grey (medium grey) 525 Ballistic Paradigm in Nebulous Grey (medium grey) Ballistic with Marigold 210 Cerylon interior Paradigm in Nebulous Grey (medium grey) Ballistic with Island 200 Halcyon interior Paradigm in Deep Blue (dark blue) Ballistic Paradigm in Deep Blue (dark blue) Ballistic with Moss 210 Cerylon interior Paradigm in Aubergine (dark purple) Ballistic Paradigm in Aubergine (dark purple) Ballistic with Marigold 210 Cerylon interior Paradigm in Black 630 Ballistic Paradigm in Black 525 Ballistic with Northwest Sky (light grey) 200 Halcyon interior Paradigm in Black 630 Ballistic with red label Paradigm in Black 630 Ballistic with Wasabi 200 Halcyon interior. Paradigm in Burnt Orange 525 Ballistic Paradigm in Burnt Orange 525 Ballistic with Northwest Sky (light grey) 200 Halcyon interior Paradigm in Ursa (brown-grey) Ballistic Paradigm in Ursa (brown-grey) Ballistic with Dusk 210 Cerylon interior.
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$155.00


Color: Aubergine Ballistic/Dusk 210 Cerylon

In Stock

Available Color options

A modern small backpack design.

9 liters / 575 cu. in. 

TLDR

A modern small backpack that is perfect for everyday use.

  • Teardrop-shaped main compartment 
  • Padded back panel with an interior padded sleeve suitable for an iPad
  • 3D front pocket with three vertical sections
  • Gently contoured and padded shoulder straps
  • Simple webbing grab handle at the top

For a larger version, check out the Paramour

Full Description

3D Front Pocket

This pocket is a full 3D pocket, having on its own a volume of about 2.7 liters / 165 cu.in. It’s divided vertically into three sections: if you fully unzip the top of this pocket you’ll be peering down into all three of the sections, but if you you only want access to one of the sections then you can simply move the two zipper sliders around in such a way as to only expose that section (much easier to do than to describe!)

The 3D Pocket of the Paradigm, with a water bottle, snacks, and other small items packed inside.

Contour Backpack Straps

Our new Contour Backpack Straps were designed to be an upgrade from basic webbing straps. They have minimal foam padding to bump up the comfort factor, while remaining light and proportional to smaller or lightweight packs.

Tom developed the shape and fit of the Contour straps over several months, asking for feedback from friends and crew of all heights and sizes — many different refinements were made to the shape and fit. The result? While no backpack strap design is likely to work for everyone, it’s surprising to all of us how many of us love these straps in particular — folks ranging from 5’0” to 6’0” find them comfortable and well-fitted. 

The Contour Backpack Straps of the Paradigm on a person's shoulders

Smooth Back Panel

The back panel of the Paradigm is always smooth 525d ballistic nylon in Black, no matter the main exterior fabric or color.

The back panel of the Paradigm. It's always 525d ballistic nylon in Black.

Padded Device Pocket

The Paradigm's padded compartment offers just-right padding without adding bulk or weight. Don't plan to carry a device? Know that most of the padding and construction of the compartment would be there regardless to offer comfort to your back and structure for the bag itself.

The Paradigm will fit devices up to the size of the 11" iPad Pro or Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 (but notably not the S7+).

Paradigm's padded device pocket with an iPad mini.

Grab Handle

We added a simple webbing grab handle to the top of the Paradigm. It'll come in handy if you'd like to hang the pack on a coat hook, grab and hoist it up onto a table, or carry it briefly by the grab handle itself.

Person holding the Paradigm by its grab handle.

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 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.

This pocket is a full 3D pocket, having on its own a volume of about 2.7 liters / 165 cu.in. It’s divided vertically into three sections: if you fully unzip the top of this pocket you’ll be peering down into all three of the sections, but if you you only want access to one of the sections then you can simply move the two zipper sliders around in such a way as to only expose that section (much easier to do than to describe!)

The 3D Pocket of the Paradigm, with a water bottle, snacks, and other small items packed inside.

Our new Contour Backpack Straps were designed to be an upgrade from basic webbing straps. They have minimal foam padding to bump up the comfort factor, while remaining light and proportional to smaller or lightweight packs.

Tom developed the shape and fit of the Contour straps over several months, asking for feedback from friends and crew of all heights and sizes — many different refinements were made to the shape and fit. The result? While no backpack strap design is likely to work for everyone, it’s surprising to all of us how many of us love these straps in particular — folks ranging from 5’0” to 6’0” find them comfortable and well-fitted. 

The Contour Backpack Straps of the Paradigm on a person's shoulders

The back panel of the Paradigm is always smooth 525d ballistic nylon in Black, no matter the main exterior fabric or color.

The back panel of the Paradigm. It's always 525d ballistic nylon in Black.

The Paradigm's padded compartment offers just-right padding without adding bulk or weight. Don't plan to carry a device? Know that most of the padding and construction of the compartment would be there regardless to offer comfort to your back and structure for the bag itself.

The Paradigm will fit devices up to the size of the 11" iPad Pro or Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 (but notably not the S7+).

Paradigm's padded device pocket with an iPad mini.

We added a simple webbing grab handle to the top of the Paradigm. It'll come in handy if you'd like to hang the pack on a coat hook, grab and hoist it up onto a table, or carry it briefly by the grab handle itself.

Person holding the Paradigm by its grab handle.

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

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.

Zippers

2x #8 YKK Raquet-Coil Water-Repellent Zipper

Back

bluesign® certified Black 210 denier High-Tenacity 2x2 nylon exterior
Closed-cell foam

Straps

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

Components

Duraflex®, Nexus, and Woojin buckles and related components

Specs

Dimensions

9.8" (w) x 12.8" (h) x 7.7" (d) / 250 (w) x 325 (h) x 195 (d) mm

Weight

18 oz / 511 grams

Volume

9 liters / 575 cu. in. (ASTM Standard Measure)

Device Pocket

Maximum:  11" x 7.2" x .7" / 280 x 180 x 17 mm

Total O-Rings

4

(2 in the main compartment
2 in the front pocket)

Choosing an Exterior Fabric

You like choices and we like to give you choices! That's why the Paradigm is typically available* in three different exterior fabrics. Our Materials Glossary explains each fabric in great detail, but here are some quick facts that may help you decide which to choose. And we're always here if you have questions: emailus@tombihn.com

400d Halcyon

Weave:
plain weave with 1/4” / 6mm ripstop
Fibers:
400 denier type 6 filament nylon (base fabric); 420 denier ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene ripstop grid
Coating:
light urethane
Made in:
Japan

Choose this fabric if

  • You want a lighter weight alternative to traditional nylon fabrics that has remarkable tear strength and good abrasion resistance.
  • You're looking for a fabric with a modern, "technical" appearance.
  • You have pets: 400d Halcyon doesn't collect pet hair, reducing your monthly lint roller costs.

525d High Tenacity Ballistic Nylon

Weave:
2x2 “ballistic” weave
Fibers:
525 denier type 6,6 (high tenacity) filament nylon, twisted
Coating:
heavy urethane
Made in:
South Korea with Canadian yarn

Choose this fabric if

  • You want your bag to be soft and supple yet tough as nails.
  • You want a fabric that's stately enough to be at home at work, the mountains, or a nice hotel.
  • You don't want your bag to collect pet hair or abrade your clothing.

1000 denier Cordura®

Weave:
plain weave
Fibers:
1000 denier type 6,6 texturized nylon, discontinuous surface fibers that mask surface damage caused by abrasion
Coating:
medium urethane
Made in:
U.S.A.

Choose this fabric if

  • You want a durable, canvas-like, natural-feeling fabric, and don't mind the slightly rough or abrasive texture.
  • You appreciate that it's been the outdoor industry's go-to, classic pack fabric for the past four decades.
  • You don't care about your bag collecting pet hair or lint.
*There may be times when one of the exterior fabrics mentioned here isn't available. Even with our best efforts, the demand for our bags occasionally outpaces our production capabilities: at times, some products, color combinations, or fabrics might be temporarily unavailable or "In Production." See the In Production color combinations as a guide to what our factory crew is making and what will be available next.
4.9
Rated 4.9 out of 5 stars
Based on 73 reviews
99%would recommend this product
73 reviews
  • Christina O.
    Verified Buyer
    Bought For Myself
    Product Standouts Thoughtful Design, High Quality Craftsmanship, Good Storage Size, Versatile
    9 months ago
    Bought For Myself
    Product Standouts Thoughtful Design, High Quality Craftsmanship, Good Storage Size, Versatile
    Rated 5 out of 5 stars
    BEST EDC

    I got this bag originally for a big trip to Disneyworld but now I find myself using it all of the time versus my smaller sling bag. I can fit my iPad Air while it’s in the Logictech Combo touch case (a little snug but it fits). For water bottles, I can fit a Nalgene 16 oz bottle in the designated bottle section in the front pouch with little room to spare. This has been a great bag for day trips as well. Love the classic backpack look while it still gives off “small 90’s backpack” vibes too.

  • Ronnell P.
    Verified Buyer
    Bought For Myself
    Product Standouts Thoughtful Design, Comfortable, Compact, Durable, Unique
    10 months ago
    Bought For Myself
    Product Standouts Thoughtful Design, Comfortable, Compact, Durable, Unique
    Rated 5 out of 5 stars
    Perfect Day Bag for International Living

    Wow! I have been looking for a bag this perfect for a long time. I even purchased a couple from other vendors and promptly sent them back because the sizing and quality was not a fit. But, when this chocolate brown Paradigm arrived a few weeks ago, I knew it was love. I live in Brazil and spend time traveling between there and the States ofen, so I need a bag like this for traversing airports, daily use upon arriving to my destination, and weekend trips to visit friends. The quality is top notch, the ingenious front pockets are useful, and I don't feel like a little kid even though this bag is fun size. Buy it now!

  • Frances S.
    Verified Reviewer
    Bought For Myself
    Product Standouts Thoughtful Design, High Quality Craftsmanship, Good Storage Size, Compact, Versatile
    1 year ago
    Bought For Myself
    Product Standouts Thoughtful Design, High Quality Craftsmanship, Good Storage Size, Compact, Versatile
    Rated 5 out of 5 stars
    Ultimate EDC bag for light packers

    This is the lightweight, sturdy little bag I didn't know I needed. I was on a 21 liter bag kick for years, but sold all of mine (Goruck, MR, ULA, RFF) after realizing I could pare down everything I needed for the day as a grad student and hospital chaplain into these 9 efficient liters. The size prevents me from carrying too much and getting fatigued. The Paradigm's design is short and squat, which I believe is the perfect design for accessibility, as opposed to all the sleek modern 17"+ tall packs that are less than 5" deep (which I feel are more for urban aesthetics than usability if you're not military/1st responder).

    I love my Zeitgeist, but the Paradigm is an even better backpack with the 3D front pocket and lack of weather flaps. I know the Paradigm was designed to carry tablets, but I can squeeze my 13" MBP in with a folded hanky as padding at the bottom. My 16 oz REI Nalgene fits perfectly in the outer middle water bottle pocket. Other items I carry: Notebook, pens, novel, first aid kit, earbuds, laptop charger, phone, pager, mini flashlight, wallet, keys, gloves, hat, snacks...with room to spare. I find that the back panel and strap padding is supportive and comfortable enough. Everything about the Paradigm just works, and it is not overbuilt or over-designed. I'm obsessed. Thanks Tom Bihn for making this unicorn of pack!

  • Tanida B.
    Verified Buyer
    Bought For Myself
    Product Standouts High Quality Craftsmanship, Comfortable, Compact
    1 year ago
    Bought For Myself
    Product Standouts High Quality Craftsmanship, Comfortable, Compact
    Rated 4 out of 5 stars
    Great EDC size

    I purchased the Paradigm for use as an EDC and for traveling due to backpack size limitations to certain venues. It’s the perfect size. The only suggestion is perhaps side pockets to hold a mobile phone to eliminate the need to rummage through the main or small zippered front compartment.

  • Margaret K.
    Verified Buyer
    Bought For Myself
    Product Standouts Thoughtful Design, Compact, Good Storage Size, High Quality Craftsmanship
    1 year ago
    Bought For Myself
    Product Standouts Thoughtful Design, Compact, Good Storage Size, High Quality Craftsmanship
    Rated 5 out of 5 stars
    Perfect DEC backpack

    I'm 5'3.

    The bag's size fit me very well!

    Not that big not so small.

    The design very handy and useful.

    When it loaded, it can stand by itself.

    The only thing I think can be develop, is it better have a pocket in front of the main compartment, as the same as daylight backpack's pockets on the back, make more management.

    But is can solve by another way.

    I use a freudian slip of small cafe, it's fit perfect!

    Love this bag! it's the third favorite bag of tom bihn I ever have!

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Lifetime guarantee image

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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