TLDR
The Synik — two sizes: 22 liters or 30 liters (you are here) — is a variation of the original Synapse 19 / 25. It includes many of the features some of you have been asking for; we added some additional features as well. What’s different in the Synik:
- Full clamshell AKA panel zipper opening
- Removable internal tie-down straps
- Two-point access suspended laptop compartment
- Fully integrated yet removable internal frame with aluminum half-stay
- Rolling luggage handle pass-through
- Updated grab handle
- Label moved to lower right corner
- A padded bottom, and a couple more o-rings
- Meets the personal item size requirement on most airlines
The Synik 30 can fit laptops up to the 16" MacBook Pro or Microsoft Surface Book 2 15". It’s no biggie in practice, but note you’ll need to do a two-point turn to fit the bigger laptops in the exterior side access to the laptop compartment (not necessary if using the internal laptop compartment access).
Full Description
The original Synapse 19 debuted in 2009; Tom originally designed the Synapse to serve as a day-hiking backpack, but you guys saw its potential beyond and began using it as an EDC pack and as a minimalist travel backpack. Over the years, you asked us to make a slightly larger version, and we did: the Synapse 25 debuted in 2013. Then you asked us to offer an internal frame for the Synapses: done (in 2018).
You’ve also asked us for other features and sizes over the years: maybe a 22 liter Synapse, or a 30 liter version, and what if it had a full clamshell zipper opening? How about a dedicated laptop compartment? A luggage handle pass-through on the back panel? Done, done, and done: meet the Synik.
Before we get into the details of the design updates in the Synik (that’s below) let’s talk about what *didn’t* change. After all, there are reasons why so many people use and appreciate the original Synapse, and we didn’t want to mess with that.
The Synik 30 will generally fit folks between 5'6" and 6'6" comfortably. As with all things general, there are exceptions and outliers but for most folks, this is a good gauge.
Choosing an Exterior Fabric
You like choices and we like to give you choices! Our Materials Glossary explains each fabric in great detail, but here are some quick facts that may help you decide which exterior fabric to choose.
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.
420d HT Nylon Classic Parapack
- Weave
- 1x1 plain weave
- Fibers
- 420 denier type 6,6 (high tenacity) filament nylon
- Coating
- heavy urethane
- Made in
- U.S.A with U.S.A. yarns
Choose this fabric if
- You want your bag’s fabric to have a soft, smooth hand yet be quite durable and have an interesting backstory.
- 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.
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