Shadow Guide 33

I've had my SG33 for just over two months now, and have really warmed to it. :)

It is as cavernous as the other reviewers say – it will comfortably carry everything I need for two weeks/indefinite travelling or a big shop, and I don’t think I will ever need to buy a bigger backpack. At the same time, it is still small enough to get allowed on as a carry-on bag and, if not stuffed to the brim, I think it will even fit under an airplane seat.

I would advise you to avoid the temptation to overpack when travelling for these reasons, but also because you could easily put enough it it to make it very heavy. For me, this bag feels like it will be at its best with 20L worth of packing in the main compartment, with the top compartment and remaining space in the main compartment left for bulky, light items, e.g. a hoodie, rain jacket, snacks etc. The top compartment itself is also pretty voluminous and will be very handy for quick access - umbrella, passport, hat, scarf, liquids for airport security, etc.

The quality of manufacturing is exceptional. I can believe the other reviewers when they say theirs still look brand-new after years of use. The look is unique and stylish, without being too flashy or over the top - it somehow manages to be both grungy and professional all at once!

In terms of things I'd change, ideally I'd want to use a water bladder with this bag while travelling/hiking, and am surprised this wasn't considered in the design (or even with the original Guide's…

I wanted to love this bag so much, it was so close. Construction wise this bag is built like a tank, I for sure think I could have this bag for the rest of my life. The size is also super deceiving in the best way, it can hold literally everything and more. My big issue is the structure of the bag and access to the main compartment; well the lack of these things. I really hate that if this bag has a lot of items in the top access it literally will flop over completely there is 0 structure to this bag so it literally topples over everywhere every chance. Which for a top loading bag makes it frustrating for daily use or just using it in general. On top of that the $300 price with no extra way to get into the main compartment easily just seems absurd. Magnetic locks would have made getting in and out of this bag so much easier and more pleasant, to use just standard plastic clips on a bag of this price is very disappointing.

So now I can't easily sit my bag down when getting home or getting to my desk at work, but I also have to spend time clipping and unclipping everytime to get into the bag and this wasn't that annoying at first but it has caught my fingers a few times and pinched them really hard and that was very upsetting.

I am very shocked at this bag; I feel like even the most average user would be able to come up with these problems during testing and for them to just be present on such an expensive bag seems so weird, TB tends to think of EVERYTHING when making a…

I have used the Shadow 33 for several trips now, and am very pleased with how good of a travel bag it is. Since my packing style is mostly packing cubes and pouches, it works very well with the open bucket shape of the backpack. Also, this bag just feels like it can hold more than the 33 liter spec. And unlike some other bags, it also underpacks very well.

The main compartment is a big sack, allowing for tons of flexibility in what and how I pack. I test packed it out for a long trip and again with a tent and camping gear. The straps and back panel feel really comfortable when loaded up with weight. The pack itself is pretty light, but it carries a heavy load really well. I could also see using this a lot on bike trips at home. The bag can fit a basketball and change of clothes, and I think it would be a great grocery hauler too.

The top compartment has plenty of space for quick access items. It easily fits a 1L water bottle and jacket, or a fully packed PCSB with room to spare. The laptop compartment seems plenty big. My computer isn't very bulky but it's easy to access, and I don't feel the laptop on my back when the bag is packed out.

Materials and construction feel well made, like any other Tom Bihn bag. Water resistance seems good enough for daily use, the zipper are coated and the top loading design should help keep water out.

Overall I'm really happy with the bag. It's light but carries a heavy load well. The open design is really flexible for carrying different loads, and while all Tom Bihn products seem really well made, this one in particular has very few zippers and seams that could possibly fail. I can't wait to start using this on trips and adventures!