Tom designed the Paradigm (you're here now) and Zeitgeist specifically for folks who’d been asking him for years to design a small backpack PLO (Purse-Like Object; read about the origin of that acronym in the Forums).
Both backpacks share the same main compartment: a slightly teardrop shape with a zipper across the top and down the sides. Same shoulder straps too – a new style of strap offering a gentle contour and a touch of padding. Both have the same padded back panel with an interior padded sleeve suitable for a iPad or similar (sound familiar? It’s a scaled down version of the back panel of the Paragon).
After that, the Zeitgeist heads in one direction and the Paradigm heads in another…
The Paradigm has exposed #8 YKK RC DWR zippers on both the main compartment and the front pocket. And the Paradigm’s front pocket has a lot of good stuff going on, so take a deep breath and read carefully on. First of all, 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 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!)
Naturally, you can put whatever you want into these three compartments, but the center one is perfect for a small water bottle or mug: remember, keeping your water bottle dead center makes for a more balanced load. Alternately, that center section can be great for a compact travel umbrella — we added a drain grommet at the bottom for that use.
Lastly, on the interior back wall of the left and right (but not center) sections of the Paradigm’s front pocket are simple open top flat pockets – nice for wallet or smartphone.
Walk through the features of the Paradigm.
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!)
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 back panel of the Paradigm is always smooth 525d ballistic nylon in Black, no matter the main exterior fabric or color.
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+).
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.
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!)
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 back panel of the Paradigm is always smooth 525d ballistic nylon in Black, no matter the main exterior fabric or color.
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+).
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.
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
Choose this fabric if
525d High Tenacity Ballistic Nylon
Choose this fabric if
1000 denier Cordura®
Choose this fabric if
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Rated 5 out of 5
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Probably the best “purse” backpack I’ve bought.
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Rated 5 out of 5
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This little backpack, lovingly dubbed "Pixie" (after the little comic strip, "Pixie and Brutus" because it's an adorable little bag and my BF's massive GoRuck backpack is a tactical "Brutus" next to it) has been AWESOME! I originally bought it just to use for a trip to Hawaii, but after seeing how well it held up to the abuse of that trip (it was the only bag I brought with me, so it did EVERYTHING -from travel kit to hiking pack to beach bag), I'm going to start using it as my work bag too. Don't be fooled by it's size, as the interior pockets give it so much utility (like, it has a dedicated water bottle pocket in the center of the front pouch that fits *most* water bottles, little pockets for keys, Chapsticks, a small -11"- padded laptop compartment in the main pocket, etc); so though she be little, she be mighty. I do wish it had the ability to stick Morale patches to it, though; I see the patch on my BF's GR (so maybe that's a patented thing), and it's just so cool. Other than that minor thing, I love this bag; it's the size I need for a bag and it does EVERYTHING I need it to do and then some.
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Rated 5 out of 5
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Love the color, size and material
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Rated 5 out of 5
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I asked for this for Christmas to replace my handbag. I'm older and have a cranky shoulder. I hoped to wear it on my back thereby putting the weight evenly on both shoulders. As it turns out, I can't get it there w/o help. BUT it is just as useful as I thought it would be -- it keeps everything organized and easy to get to. I carry it w/my good arm OR wear it on my chest using both shoulders - depending on the day! As a geezer, I really don't care how I look as long as it works!!!
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Rated 5 out of 5
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LOVE my Paradigm!! Perfect EDC for my purposes.
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Rated 5 out of 5
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