TLDR
The Synapse 19 is the supreme backpack for everyday carry, ultralight travel, or a day hike. The original of the Syn- backpacks, the Synapse 19 was designed with ultimate utility in mind:
- Main compartment with 2 O-rings
- Interior, banded open-top pocket
- 5 exterior front pockets with independent volume
- Comfortable, durable, edgeless shoulder straps
- Breathable back panel
- Removable sternum strap and waist strap
- Webbing loop on exterior bottom of bag to hook items on the outside
- Meets the personal item size requirement on most airlines
- Generally fits folks between 5' and 5'10" comfortably
For a larger version, check out the Synapse 25.
Full Description
Main Compartment
The main compartment closes with #8 YKK® Racquet-Coil zipper and is designed to fit large, flat items like notebooks. On the front interior side of the main compartment, there is a banded open-top pocket. It's spacious enough to fit a wide range of items, such as books, tablet, pair of sandals, or our Clear 3D Organizer Cube. Above this open-top pocket are two O-rings for you to attach our Mystery Pouches or Ghost Whale Organizer Pouches. Between the two O-rings is a set of Cache loops where you can secure a device as large as the 13" Macbook Pro in a Cache. All these tethered items can be stored inside the open-top pocket too, if you want.
5 Front Exterior Organizational Pockets
The Synapse 19 has an abundant amount of organization for your everyday essentials, big and small: the exterior of the bag has five pockets with independent volume. The pockets are designed and patterned in such a way that they don't steal space for each other and they look good (not too caved in, not too bulgy) whether full or empty.
The water bottle pocket is intentionally centered in the bag, allowing one of the heavier objects in your bag to be balanced in the middle, resulting in a more comfortable carrying experience while maintaining a clean, straight-forward exterior aesthetic. We've found that most standard 32 oz / 1 liter bottles can comfortably fit in the water bottle pocket.
Below the opening for the water bottle pocket is another small zippered pocket that is just deep enough for keys, a wallet, glove liners, or a small camera.
The side pockets are generously sized for sunglasses (in a case or alone), a first aid kit, or even a light Windbreaker-type jacket or down vest compressed in a Travel Stuff Sack. The right side pocket has a small organizational pocket; the left pocket has one pen slot and two wider slots for tools or more pens.
The bottom pocket is a great spot for extra clothing or snacks and will easily accommodate a thin sweater, light down jacket, or Windbreaker-type jacket. If you care to add organization, we recommend storing a Size 1 Handy Little Thing here.
Each of the top four pockets has its own O-ring, and the bottom pocket has two O-rings. You can use them to attach our mini or small Ghost Whale Organizer Pouches or Mystery Organizer Pouches.
Edgeless EV50 1/2" Shoulder Strap
Conformity is overrated — except, perhaps, when it comes to shoulder straps. The edgelessness of this strap allows it the more softly conform to your shoulder; we find that this increases comfort. Yet the straps aren't too soft: the 1/2" thick foam means the strap is robust enough to carry a heavy load.
There's enough length on the shoulder straps to accommodate a wide range of body types. If you need to tighten the straps to the maximum amount, don't worry about having dangling ends — we've included sewn-in strap keepers to help keep those at bay.
Breathable Back Panel
The back panel of the Synapse 19 is padded with 1/4", high quality, closed cell-foam with an exterior of Spacer mesh and 210 denier nylon. This combination of mesh and smooth nylon is designed to provide maximum breathability while still being gentle on your clothing.
Webbing Loop on Exterior Bottom
On the exterior bottom of the bag is a 1.5" / 38mm webbing loop. Originally, the Synapse was designed for hiking, so the intended use of the webbing loop was for hooking on a flashlight (highly recommended if you ride a bicycle or walk in the dark). If you're planning on using the Synapse for travel, we've found the webbing loop serves as an extra grab handle, allowing you to easily pull the Synapse from under the seat of the overhead compartment no matter which direction you stowed it on your flight.
What's Included
Included Removable Sternum Strap + Waist Strap
As with all of our major backpacks, we include adjustable and removable sternum and waist straps: if you don't like or don't use your waist or sternum strap, remove them!
8" Snaphook/Snaphook Key Strap
As with most of our bags, we've included a key strap. 8" long from tip-to-tip, a snaphook on either end. Good for attaching your keys to.
A Set of Black Zipper Pulls
A set of pulls to extend or replace your metal pulls.
What's Optional
Size 1 Handy Little Thing (HLT)
You can attach a Size 1 Handy Little Thing (HLT) to the pair of Cache loops above the open-top pocket, or you can store the HLT in the bottom front pocket of the Synapse 19. It is the perfect clamshell organizer pouch for those looking for a lot of organization.
Packing Cube Shoulder Bag
The Packing Cube Shoulder Bag is the perfect 2-in-1 packing cube. It's big enough to store rolled up shirts. One you reach your destination, attach a shoulder strap and use it as a crossbody.
Freudian Slip
Love organizing and want even more pockets? The Synapse 19/Synik 22 Freudian Slip adds an additional ten organizational pockets to your bag. One side of the Freudian Slip has two folder pockets that can fit folders/papers horizontally or vertically, as well as three open-top pockets for a small tablet in a Cache or a notebook. The other side has two mesh pockets for bulky items, two pen slots, and a business card slot.
Cache
The Synapse 19 can accommodate a wide range of devices. If you plan on putting a laptop or smaller tablet in the interior banded open-top pocket, we recommend adding a Cache.
The main compartment closes with #8 YKK® Racquet-Coil zipper and is designed to fit large, flat items like notebooks. On the front interior side of the main compartment, there is a banded open-top pocket. It's spacious enough to fit a wide range of items, such as books, tablet, pair of sandals, or our Clear 3D Organizer Cube. Above this open-top pocket are two O-rings for you to attach our Mystery Pouches or Ghost Whale Organizer Pouches. Between the two O-rings is a set of Cache loops where you can secure a device as large as the 13" Macbook Pro in a Cache. All these tethered items can be stored inside the open-top pocket too, if you want.
The Synapse 19 has an abundant amount of organization for your everyday essentials, big and small: the exterior of the bag has five pockets with independent volume. The pockets are designed and patterned in such a way that they don't steal space for each other and they look good (not too caved in, not too bulgy) whether full or empty.
The water bottle pocket is intentionally centered in the bag, allowing one of the heavier objects in your bag to be balanced in the middle, resulting in a more comfortable carrying experience while maintaining a clean, straight-forward exterior aesthetic. We've found that most standard 32 oz / 1 liter bottles can comfortably fit in the water bottle pocket.
Below the opening for the water bottle pocket is another small zippered pocket that is just deep enough for keys, a wallet, glove liners, or a small camera.
The side pockets are generously sized for sunglasses (in a case or alone), a first aid kit, or even a light Windbreaker-type jacket or down vest compressed in a Travel Stuff Sack. The right side pocket has a small organizational pocket; the left pocket has one pen slot and two wider slots for tools or more pens.
The bottom pocket is a great spot for extra clothing or snacks and will easily accommodate a thin sweater, light down jacket, or Windbreaker-type jacket. If you care to add organization, we recommend storing a Size 1 Handy Little Thing here.
Each of the top four pockets has its own O-ring, and the bottom pocket has two O-rings. You can use them to attach our mini or small Ghost Whale Organizer Pouches or Mystery Organizer Pouches.
Conformity is overrated — except, perhaps, when it comes to shoulder straps. The edgelessness of this strap allows it the more softly conform to your shoulder; we find that this increases comfort. Yet the straps aren't too soft: the 1/2" thick foam means the strap is robust enough to carry a heavy load.
There's enough length on the shoulder straps to accommodate a wide range of body types. If you need to tighten the straps to the maximum amount, don't worry about having dangling ends — we've included sewn-in strap keepers to help keep those at bay.
The back panel of the Synapse 19 is padded with 1/4", high quality, closed cell-foam with an exterior of Spacer mesh and 210 denier nylon. This combination of mesh and smooth nylon is designed to provide maximum breathability while still being gentle on your clothing.
On the exterior bottom of the bag is a 1.5" / 38mm webbing loop. Originally, the Synapse was designed for hiking, so the intended use of the webbing loop was for hooking on a flashlight (highly recommended if you ride a bicycle or walk in the dark). If you're planning on using the Synapse for travel, we've found the webbing loop serves as an extra grab handle, allowing you to easily pull the Synapse from under the seat of the overhead compartment no matter which direction you stowed it on your flight.
Included Removable Sternum Strap + Waist Strap
As with all of our major backpacks, we include adjustable and removable sternum and waist straps: if you don't like or don't use your waist or sternum strap, remove them!
8" Snaphook/Snaphook Key Strap
As with most of our bags, we've included a key strap. 8" long from tip-to-tip, a snaphook on either end. Good for attaching your keys to.
A Set of Black Zipper Pulls
A set of pulls to extend or replace your metal pulls.
Size 1 Handy Little Thing (HLT)
You can attach a Size 1 Handy Little Thing (HLT) to the pair of Cache loops above the open-top pocket, or you can store the HLT in the bottom front pocket of the Synapse 19. It is the perfect clamshell organizer pouch for those looking for a lot of organization.
Packing Cube Shoulder Bag
The Packing Cube Shoulder Bag is the perfect 2-in-1 packing cube. It's big enough to store rolled up shirts. One you reach your destination, attach a shoulder strap and use it as a crossbody.
Freudian Slip
Love organizing and want even more pockets? The Synapse 19/Synik 22 Freudian Slip adds an additional ten organizational pockets to your bag. One side of the Freudian Slip has two folder pockets that can fit folders/papers horizontally or vertically, as well as three open-top pockets for a small tablet in a Cache or a notebook. The other side has two mesh pockets for bulky items, two pen slots, and a business card slot.
Cache
The Synapse 19 can accommodate a wide range of devices. If you plan on putting a laptop or smaller tablet in the interior banded open-top pocket, we recommend adding a Cache.
Still Have Questions?
- emailus@tombihn.com
- Call 1-800-729-9607
- Ask in our Forums
Materials
Exterior
bluesign® and OEKO-TEX® certified Ultralight 400d Halcyon
— or —
bluesign® certified 630d High-Tenacity 2x2 Ballistic nylon
Interior
bluesign® and OEKO-TEX® certified 200d Halcyon/ ripstop nylon
— or —
bluesign® certified 210d Cerylon 6,6 Ripstop nylon
Upper Back
Back Pad
Closed-cell foam
Zippers
Specs
Dimensions
11.4" (w) x 16" (h) x 7.9" (d) / 290 (w) x 410 (h) x 200 (d) mm
Weight
X-Pac®: 1 lb 8.5 oz / 695 grams
400d Halcyon/420d nylon ripstop: 1 lb 9 oz / 708 grams
630d High Tenacity Ballistic: 1 lb 11 oz / 752 grams
Volume
19 liters / 1160 cubic inches (ASTM Standard Measure)
Total O-Rings
8 (2 in the main compartment; 1 in the top center pocket, 1 in the small center pocket, 2 in the bottom front pocket; 1 in the left front pocket; 1 in the right front pocket)
- Brianna N.Verified BuyerBought For MyselfProduct Standouts Sewn in USA, High Quality Craftsmanship, Thoughtful Design, High Quality Finishings3 weeks agoBought For MyselfProduct Standouts Sewn in USA, High Quality Craftsmanship, Thoughtful Design, High Quality FinishingsRated 5 out of 5 starsMy perfect backpack!
I love this backpack. The water bottle compartment fits my 18 oz Yeti water bottle and enough for an overnight. The pockets are perfect for keeping things neat and tidy. I really wish the internal compartment was against the back of the bag - for a laptop. But still a 5 star purchase 😀 Love!
Was this helpful? - Cameron E.Verified BuyerBought For MyselfProduct Standouts Versatile, Durable, Thoughtful Design, Comfortable, High Quality Craftsmanship3 weeks agoBought For MyselfProduct Standouts Versatile, Durable, Thoughtful Design, Comfortable, High Quality CraftsmanshipRated 5 out of 5 starsTruly pockety
I love secret pockets and especially those pockets you get on the inside of jackets; this is like the secret pocket jacket of backpacks. There’s so many places for me to put things and you kind of configure it however makes sense for you. I go to grab my earplugs and they’re right in their little designated small items pocket. I use it for work (carry my 15.6” laptop separate) so I have a portable charger, portable wifi, laptop charger, headset, Kindle, airpods, couple of 4x6 notebooks, snacks, water bottle, and misc. things smaller than a credit card. I always keep a lightweight rain jacket in the bottom which seems to help the bag stand up. I want to get a side kick so I can put all the small stuff together. I just took this bag to band practice, to a sleep over, and to work every day, and it’s been perfect for packs of all size and weight. The water bottle pocket was awesome for drumsticks (or half a pringles can as pictured).
Was this helpful? - Sumir A.Verified BuyerBought For MyselfProduct Standouts Comfortable, Compact, High Quality Craftsmanship, Good Storage Size4 weeks agoBought For MyselfProduct Standouts Comfortable, Compact, High Quality Craftsmanship, Good Storage SizeRated 4 out of 5 starsAwesome travel bag .
I purchased the Synapse 19 primarily as my personal
Item when traveling. The construction is excellent , and it carries very comfortably even for longer jaunts through large airports. The pack hugs by back, wether loaded out or not. The organization system is very well thought out. Particularly the bottom pocket. I come from the world of rock climbing . I’ve been using climbing/hiking oriented bags for about 20 years. In general bags with those specific uses lack organization for air travel. I own close to 50 packs , from the years I spent running a local climbing /outdoor world. None of those bags meet my needs for air travel as well as the Synapse 19. For outdoor use I’ll continue to use my packs that are designed for their relevant activities. For air travel and edc with larger load outs around travel destinations , the Synapse is perfect . The only fault I found that I would like to address is the water bottle pocket , which when loaded with a larger bottle eats the capacity of the internal large drop in pocket . I have yet to try it with a slimmer bottle . I used a 32 oz Yeti wide mouth bottle fyi :) In summary - Great pack over all, super comfortable even for extended carry , nicely constructed and beautiful bag ! Pic is of a recent flight , I used the synapse as my personal item , Everyday Cubelet for my passport , wallet, phone, etc. :)
Was this helpful? - Alana V.Verified BuyerBought For Myself1 month agoBought For MyselfRated 5 out of 5 starsPerfect small bag
Perfect small backpack. My first Tom Bihn backpack. I was hesitant because of the price but honestly it's totally worth it, this bag will outlast me for sure. Definitely loving the xpac material and the acai color on the inside!! I wish there were a few spots that could have some webbing, like on the straps or the underside of the bag so you could attach things on the outside to hang but I understand that could take away from the minimal aesthetic.
Was this helpful? - Kevin L.Verified BuyerBought For MyselfProduct Standouts Thoughtful Design, Comfortable, High Quality Craftsmanship, Sewn in USA, Good Storage Size1 month agoBought For MyselfProduct Standouts Thoughtful Design, Comfortable, High Quality Craftsmanship, Sewn in USA, Good Storage SizeRated 5 out of 5 starsPerfectly organized for unorganized me…
The Synapse 19 meets my needs perfectly. I sustained a brain injury such that I cannot keep track of things very easily. The S19 (along with color coded zipper pulls) helps me take care of that when we travel: clothing in the main bag; tech in the right pocket; glasses and personal items in the left pocket; water bottle in the top pocket; jacket/hat/gloves in the lower pocket; pocket items in the QAP when going through TSA.
In addition, the size is perfect for someone older, who can no longer do one bag travel (I bring along a small roller bag now), but who tends to overpack as well…. Thanks Tom Bihn for a perfect bag!
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