TLDR
Description
The Shadow Guide 23 is a top-loader backpack, inspired by the retired Guide's Pack, that's available in two sizes — 23 liters (you're here now) and 33 liters. The simple yet spacious design allows the bag to be suitable for hikes, travel, and everyday use.
Full Description
Walk through the features of the Shadow Guide 23.
Upper Flap Pocket
The Shadow Guide has an upper flap pocket that includes 1 top-access zippered compartment for your keys, wallet, snacks, and other small items and 2 side-access zippered compartments on the bottom for your phone, passport, and more. Having this top loader allows you to have the stuff you need quick access to on-hand. There are also four total interior O-rings that are great for attaching our Clear Organizer Pouch, Double Organizer Pouch, Ghost Whale Organizer Pouch, or Key Straps.
Bucket-Style Main Compartment
The main compartment of the Shadow Guide cinches close with a drawstring and features a 210d ballistic nylon lining on the bottom interior. Its simple design makes it perfect for storing large items like clothes and bulky items for travel, grocery for after-work-shopping, or for those who prefer to just throw everything into a bag (carefully) rather than deal with pockets. Since this bag is more minimal and simple, there isn't any interior organization, but you can attach organizational pouches to the 2 O-rings inside this compartment. Travel Stuff Sacks, Handy Little Thing, and Side Effect will also make great accessories for this pack.
Built-In Exterior Side-Access Laptop Compartment
The laptop compartment itself is made with 2 layers of 1/8" 2 lb closed-cell (CXL2) foam. Because the back panel shape is rectangular, the zipper access on the sides can fit a wide range of laptop sizes. The Shadow Guide 23 easily fits 13" laptops and some thinner, smaller footprint 15" laptops.
Breathable Skeleton Panel
Instead of a solid rectangular piece of foam, we cut the back panel in a spine-like shape and use soft mesh so that it feels lighter, more breathable, and more comfortable against your clothing or even bare skin. It's a tried and true design that is just as durable as the solid rectangular piece of foam.
Removable Internal Frame With Nylon Webbing Sleeve And Aluminum Stay
The internal frame is made of die-cut .055" thick High Density Polyethlyene (HDPE) with a nylon webbing sleeve sewn down the center that encases a 8-1/4"/210 mm tall and 1/2"/13 mm wide 6061 aluminum stay. The stay is removable and bent to a general spinal curve that is suitable for most people, but you can rebend and/or adjust the curvature (see instructions here).
Slanted Bottom
When we made a Shadow Guide version with a flat bottom, the bag pulled away from our backs and was uncomfortable to wear. The slanted bottom didn't have these problems. To allow the bag to stand upright when needed, such as for packing, just lean it against the wall or your legs.
Edgeless Straps
Conformity is overrated — except, perhaps, when it comes to shoulder straps. The edgelessness of this new strap allows it to more softly conform to your shoulder — we (and most people who have worn these straps) 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.
Rolling Luggage Handle Pass-Through
Some of us use rolling luggage: maybe because we need to pack more gear or just because we find it more comfortable. Good thing the Shadow Guide's back panel has a pass-through that allows you to slide it over the handle of rolling luggage.
There are, of course, different sizes of rolling luggage with different handle lengths and widths. That said, the Shadow Guide 23 will fit handles up to 8" wide from end to end (which we think should cover over most rolling luggage handles).
Durable Materials + Expert Construction
No bag lasts forever, but choosing the best and most durable materials and taking care not to abuse it (no washing machine or dryer!) can help a quality bag serve most people well (with maybe a repair or two) for up to 10-20 years.
This bag requires significant skill to sew and construct; it's not just any sewing factory who can pull this off and do it well; it's ours, and it's because of the talent of our crew. They're the reason why our designs can be made in an ongoing practical fashion.
The Shadow Guide has an upper flap pocket that includes 1 top-access zippered compartment for your keys, wallet, snacks, and other small items and 2 side-access zippered compartments on the bottom for your phone, passport, and more. Having this top loader allows you to have the stuff you need quick access to on-hand. There are also four total interior O-rings that are great for attaching our Clear Organizer Pouch, Double Organizer Pouch, Ghost Whale Organizer Pouch, or Key Straps.
The main compartment of the Shadow Guide cinches close with a drawstring and features a 210d ballistic nylon lining on the bottom interior. Its simple design makes it perfect for storing large items like clothes and bulky items for travel, grocery for after-work-shopping, or for those who prefer to just throw everything into a bag (carefully) rather than deal with pockets. Since this bag is more minimal and simple, there isn't any interior organization, but you can attach organizational pouches to the 2 O-rings inside this compartment. Travel Stuff Sacks, Handy Little Thing, and Side Effect will also make great accessories for this pack.
The laptop compartment itself is made with 2 layers of 1/8" 2 lb closed-cell (CXL2) foam. Because the back panel shape is rectangular, the zipper access on the sides can fit a wide range of laptop sizes. The Shadow Guide 23 easily fits 13" laptops and some thinner, smaller footprint 15" laptops.
Instead of a solid rectangular piece of foam, we cut the back panel in a spine-like shape and use soft mesh so that it feels lighter, more breathable, and more comfortable against your clothing or even bare skin. It's a tried and true design that is just as durable as the solid rectangular piece of foam.
The internal frame is made of die-cut .055" thick High Density Polyethlyene (HDPE) with a nylon webbing sleeve sewn down the center that encases a 8-1/4"/210 mm tall and 1/2"/13 mm wide 6061 aluminum stay. The stay is removable and bent to a general spinal curve that is suitable for most people, but you can rebend and/or adjust the curvature (see instructions here).
When we made a Shadow Guide version with a flat bottom, the bag pulled away from our backs and was uncomfortable to wear. The slanted bottom didn't have these problems. To allow the bag to stand upright when needed, such as for packing, just lean it against the wall or your legs.
Conformity is overrated — except, perhaps, when it comes to shoulder straps. The edgelessness of this new strap allows it to more softly conform to your shoulder — we (and most people who have worn these straps) 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.
Some of us use rolling luggage: maybe because we need to pack more gear or just because we find it more comfortable. Good thing the Shadow Guide's back panel has a pass-through that allows you to slide it over the handle of rolling luggage.
There are, of course, different sizes of rolling luggage with different handle lengths and widths. That said, the Shadow Guide 23 will fit handles up to 8" wide from end to end (which we think should cover over most rolling luggage handles).
No bag lasts forever, but choosing the best and most durable materials and taking care not to abuse it (no washing machine or dryer!) can help a quality bag serve most people well (with maybe a repair or two) for up to 10-20 years.
This bag requires significant skill to sew and construct; it's not just any sewing factory who can pull this off and do it well; it's ours, and it's because of the talent of our crew. They're the reason why our designs can be made in an ongoing practical fashion.
Still Have Questions?
- emailus@tombihn.com
- Call 1-800-729-9607
- Ask in our Forums
Materials
Exterior Fabrics
bluesign® certified 525 denier High-Tenacity 2x2 Ballistic nylon
Interior Fabrics
bluesign® certified 210 denier High-Tenacity 2x2 Ballistic nylon
Zippers
#8 and #5 YKK Racquet-Coil Water Repellent zippers
Upper Back
Nylon Diamond mesh
Lower Back and Bottom
Back Pad
Closed-cell foam
Shoulder Straps
EVAZOTE® foam
Other Components
Tough Duraflex®, Nexus, and Woojin buckles and related components
Specs
Dimensions
12.6" (w) x 19.3" (h) x 9.0" (d) / 320 (w) x 490 (h) x 230 (d) mm
Weight
2 lb 3 oz / 1000 grams
Volume
23 liters / 1400 cu. in.
Laptop Compartment Maximum Dimensions
13.7” x 9.4” x 0.6” / 348mm x 239mm x 15mm
Total O-Rings
6 (2 in the main compartment, 1 in the left top flap pocket, 1 in the right top flap pocket, 2 in the top pocket)
- Bill O.Verified BuyerBought For MyselfProduct Standouts Comfortable, Sewn in USA, Durable, Versatile, Unique1 month agoBought For MyselfProduct Standouts Comfortable, Sewn in USA, Durable, Versatile, UniqueRated 4 out of 5 starsMy review of the shadow guide
I’m a big bag person… constantly looking to upgrade my carry. I don’t buy a lot of what I look at… but I pulled the trigger on the sg 23 bc I realized that my top priority was comfort followed by a desire to have a carry that was esthetically interesting and exciting to me. In that sense I am very pleased with my purchase. Although I have had to make concessions. Pros are a damn nice look, top notch comfort, an ability to hoover up cargo without looking bulky when mostly empty. My main concession to get these features was to give up on having exterior water bottle storage. And accessing the bag overall isn’t as easy as some other things on the market. But the bottom line is that I am happy with the bag. It’s unique and comfortable and I look forward to using it every day. Thus, I remain a huge fan and supporter of Tom Bihn.
Was this helpful? - Edward F.Verified BuyerBought For Myself7 months agoBought For MyselfRated 5 out of 5 starsSweet Bag!!
Bag is really well made and a great size for a weekend trip! Highly recommend!
Was this helpful? - Ilyce B.Verified BuyerBought For MyselfProduct Standouts High Quality Craftsmanship, Unique, Easily Adjustable, Good Storage Size8 months agoBought For MyselfProduct Standouts High Quality Craftsmanship, Unique, Easily Adjustable, Good Storage SizeRated 5 out of 5 starsBest Bag Ever!
Great quality… easy to use… perfect for a weekend in NYC or as a carry on for a long haul flight! I love it!
Was this helpful? - Ilyce8 months agoRated 5 out of 5 stars5 Stars
Love this bag!!! Exceeded all my expectations… Easy to use. Easy to carry!
Was this helpful? - Christopher S.Verified ReviewerBought For MyselfProduct Standouts High Quality Finishings, High Quality Craftsmanship, Thoughtful Design, Durable, Versatile8 months agoBought For MyselfProduct Standouts High Quality Finishings, High Quality Craftsmanship, Thoughtful Design, Durable, VersatileRated 5 out of 5 starsJust the right amount of organization
I love the color (Ursa Brown) and how well made this bag feels. I know it will be a great travel and work bag because it looks extremely well made and solid. It fit my 14'' laptop (Dell Latitude) perfectly with some room to spare. I could probably also fit my tablet in the laptop pocket too. I should have no problem fitting it either under the seat on an airplane as a personal bag too. Completely satisfied.
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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.