Inspired by our original Aeronaut, the Techonaut — two sizes: 45L (you are here) or 30L — is our largest airline carry-on backpack that combines style with ultimate functionality. Features include:
Three carry methods: backpack, shoulder bag, and duffel
Skeleton back panel for improved airflow
Top-loading, suspended laptop compartment with exterior access, fits 17” laptops and more
1 spacious main compartment, 1 large end pocket, and 3 quick-access exterior pockets
6 O-rings for optional organizational bags and accessories
Breathable, supportive back panel for long comfortable wear as a backpack
Comfortable, durable, edgeless backpack straps that can be tucked away when needed
Rolling luggage handle pass-through pocket
Maximum carry-on size for most U.S. domestic airlines
Full Description
Three Carry Methods
Backpack
The Techonaut can be carried on the back via our comfortable EV50 Edgeless backpack straps. The back of the Techonaut has our special skeleton back panel rather than a solid rectangular piece of foam to improve airflow, so you can carry the Techonaut for long durations as a backpack in comfort. The soft and durable mesh (finished to our specifications) will also reduce the chance of the back panel causing abrasion to your clothes.
Duffel
If you don’t want to use the Techonaut as a backpack, you can unbuckle the backpack straps and tuck them away behind the skeleton back panel. On the side of the Techonaut is our EV50 Edgeless grab handle, use it if you want to carry the bag like a duffel.
Shoulder Bag
Add an optional shoulder strap (we recommend the Absolute Shoulder Strap) and turn the Techonaut into a shoulder bag.
Suspended Laptop Compartment
Suspended off the bottom of the bag, the Techonaut's laptop compartment offers just-right padding without adding bulk or weight. Don't plan to carry a laptop? 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. Accessible from an exterior zipper and separated from the rest of the main compartment, your laptop will always be easily accessible even when your bag is fully packed.
The Techonaut 45 laptop compartment will fit just about any laptop out there.
Skeleton Back Panel
The name says it all: instead of the back panel being a solid rectangular piece of foam, it’s cut in a spine-like shape so that it provides all of the usual comfort with less of the weight and improves airflow. We use a soft and durable mesh finished to our specifications on the part of the back panel that’ll be in contact with your clothes to reduce the chance of abrasion. No, this new back panel won’t ensure you don’t experience any sweat whatsoever if you run through the airport or hike uphill in the summer; that’s just an aspect of wearing a backpack and, well, being human.
Wide U-Shaped Main Compartment
The Techonaut takes the amazing wide-opening main compartment that made the Aeronaut one of the most beloved travel bags ever a step further: it opens even wider and even bigger. You can live out of this bag (and easily find what you're looking for) without ever having to unpack it.
Compared to the Aeronaut, it has one end pocket instead of two to increase the amount of stuff you can pack in the bag without increasing the size or weight of the bag.
Hideaway Edgeless EV50 1/2" Shoulder Straps
Conformity is overrated — except, perhaps, when it comes to shoulder straps. The edgelessness of this strap allows it to 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.
If you plan to carry the Techonaut as a shoulder bag or in-hand like a duffel — or wear it through the airpot as a backpack and, at the terminal, tuck away the straps so it'll slide even more easily under the seat on the plane or in the overhead compartment — you'll appreciate that the backpack straps of the Techonaut can easily tuck away behind the back panel when not in use.
Edgeless Duffel Handle
The Edgeless duffel handle of the Techonaut is designed to provide comfort and cush when carrying the Techonaut in duffel mode: it utilizes the same EV50 1/2” / 12mm EVAZOTE® OEKO-TEX® foam as our Edgeless Shoulder Straps.
Since we figure most folks will primarily carry the Techonaut as a backpack or perhaps as a shoulder bag with the optional Absolute Shoulder Strap — and carry the bag as a duffel for shorter durations — we wanted its duffel handle to be as (if not more) comfortable yet somehow more minimal and lower-profile than the Aeronaut grab handle. We believe we’ve achieved our goal on both accounts: you’ll, of course, tell us what you think.
Note that, because of the design of the original Aeronaut handle, it was effectively anchored at four corners in such a way that it did not “lift” much from the bag itself; the Techonaut handle, to achieve its goals of comfort and minimalism, is anchored at two points, and may slightly lift away from the bag if your Techonaut is packed very full. That doesn’t impact the utility of the handle or experience of carrying the bag (and of course the handle itself is robustly secured with multiple bartacks) but we thought we’d mention it because it behaves a little different than the original Aeronaut handle.
Rolling Luggage Handle Pass-Through
Some of us use rolling luggage: maybe because we need to pack more formal attire for a work trip, photography gear, or just because we find it more comfortable. Good thing the Techonaut's back panel has a pass-through that allows you to slide it over the handle of your rolling luggage.
There are, of course, different sizes of rolling luggage with different handle lengths and widths. That said, the Techonaut 30 and Techonaut 45 should fit over most rolling luggage handles.
One End Pocket
Whereas the Aeronaut had two end pockets, the Techonaut has one. Here's why: removing one of the end pockets saved some weight and increased the overall capacity of the bag. Think of it this way: instead of the fabric and build that went into that second end pocket, you've got more space in the bag for more stuff. It also means the main compartment is that much bigger and opens up even wider.
Need to fit a really big item in the main compartment, or just don't want the division of the end pocket? You'll see that there's a zipper inside the main compartment that creates the division between it and the end pocket: simply unzip it and you've got one very big packing area.
Quick-Access Pockets
The Techonaut has three quick-access exterior pockets.
The pocket on the right side of the bag is sized to fit a Passport, phone, wallet, and keys.
The pocket on the left side of the bag is the biggest; it can fit some water bottles or stuff like an umbrella or jacket.
And the pocket on the top of the bag can also fit stuff like a (smaller) water bottle, umbrella, or jacket.
Exterior Grab Handles
For your convenience, you’ll find two exterior grab handles on the Techonaut in addition to the Edgeless duffel carry handle. These grab handles work great for pulling the Techonaut out from under the seat of a plane or from the overhead compartment. They're also handy for steadying the bag as you insert your laptop in its compartment or even hanging the bag on a coat hook.
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 and leave (almost) nothing behind. There's also an optional 1" Padded Hip Belt and an optional Techonaut Internal Frame.
A Key Strap is a strip of webbing with plastic snaphooks on the end. The 8” Key Strap in Black that’s included in most of our larger bags is, for many, the gateway to a world of organization via Key Straps and Organizer Pouches. All the members of the Key Strap family are intended to make locating things in your bag easier and more instinctive. Pulling out a small item or pouch tethered to a strap is easier than rooting around aimlessly in the depths of your pack; you can also rest assured that anything hooked to a strap is much less likely to fall out or otherwise be left behind. You can find more Key Strap colors and varieties on the Key Strap page.
A Set of Black Zipper Pulls
Some folks prefer metal zipper pulls. Others prefer cord pulls. So, what to do about that? We think the best solution (in most cases) is to offer metal pulls and include a starter pack of Cord Pulls with most bags.
An adjustable and removable sternum and waist straps with leave-no-trace hardware: if you don't like or don't use your sternum strap, remove it and leave (almost) nothing behind.
A simple webbing waist strap that can offer extra stability when running to catch a bus, plane, or train. It can also add a small measure of support for a heavy load (for a truly supportive hip belt experience, please see the optional 1" Padded Hip Belt.) Also features leave-no-trace hardware.
One pair of Tie-Down Straps
Our included tie-down straps are an alternative to packing cubes: use them to compress and secure clothing in place to help keep it wrinkle-free. They're removable so if you don't want or need to use them, you can leave them behind.
The Skeleton back panel structure of the Techonaut adds a surprising amount of support even without an internal frame. Add a laptop in the laptop compartment and there's even more support. When the crew tested fully loaded Techonauts here at the factory, pretty much everyone found the internal frame for the Techonaut 30 unnecessary. With the Techonaut 45, it was 50/50: half of folks preferred carrying the bag with the frame, half preferred it without the internal frame. Still, we heard from many folks who wanted an internal frame option nonetheless... so here you go!
You can view all of our packing cubes, pouches, toiletries bags and other organizational options at the link above. Want a guide to what works best with the Techonaut 30 and Techonaut 45? Check out our blog post Techonaut: Packing Cubes & Organizational Options
Cinched up your bag and you've got a lot of dangling straps? Well, if that's something that bothers your, grab a pair of strap keepers and manage those straps!
Backpack
The Techonaut can be carried on the back via our comfortable EV50 Edgeless backpack straps. The back of the Techonaut has our special skeleton back panel rather than a solid rectangular piece of foam to improve airflow, so you can carry the Techonaut for long durations as a backpack in comfort. The soft and durable mesh (finished to our specifications) will also reduce the chance of the back panel causing abrasion to your clothes.
Duffel
If you don’t want to use the Techonaut as a backpack, you can unbuckle the backpack straps and tuck them away behind the skeleton back panel. On the side of the Techonaut is our EV50 Edgeless grab handle, use it if you want to carry the bag like a duffel.
Shoulder Bag
Add an optional shoulder strap (we recommend the Absolute Shoulder Strap) and turn the Techonaut into a shoulder bag.
Suspended off the bottom of the bag, the Techonaut's laptop compartment offers just-right padding without adding bulk or weight. Don't plan to carry a laptop? 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. Accessible from an exterior zipper and separated from the rest of the main compartment, your laptop will always be easily accessible even when your bag is fully packed.
The Techonaut 45 laptop compartment will fit just about any laptop out there.
The name says it all: instead of the back panel being a solid rectangular piece of foam, it’s cut in a spine-like shape so that it provides all of the usual comfort with less of the weight and improves airflow. We use a soft and durable mesh finished to our specifications on the part of the back panel that’ll be in contact with your clothes to reduce the chance of abrasion. No, this new back panel won’t ensure you don’t experience any sweat whatsoever if you run through the airport or hike uphill in the summer; that’s just an aspect of wearing a backpack and, well, being human.
The Techonaut takes the amazing wide-opening main compartment that made the Aeronaut one of the most beloved travel bags ever a step further: it opens even wider and even bigger. You can live out of this bag (and easily find what you're looking for) without ever having to unpack it.
Compared to the Aeronaut, it has one end pocket instead of two to increase the amount of stuff you can pack in the bag without increasing the size or weight of the bag.
Conformity is overrated — except, perhaps, when it comes to shoulder straps. The edgelessness of this strap allows it to 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.
If you plan to carry the Techonaut as a shoulder bag or in-hand like a duffel — or wear it through the airpot as a backpack and, at the terminal, tuck away the straps so it'll slide even more easily under the seat on the plane or in the overhead compartment — you'll appreciate that the backpack straps of the Techonaut can easily tuck away behind the back panel when not in use.
The Edgeless duffel handle of the Techonaut is designed to provide comfort and cush when carrying the Techonaut in duffel mode: it utilizes the same EV50 1/2” / 12mm EVAZOTE® OEKO-TEX® foam as our Edgeless Shoulder Straps.
Since we figure most folks will primarily carry the Techonaut as a backpack or perhaps as a shoulder bag with the optional Absolute Shoulder Strap — and carry the bag as a duffel for shorter durations — we wanted its duffel handle to be as (if not more) comfortable yet somehow more minimal and lower-profile than the Aeronaut grab handle. We believe we’ve achieved our goal on both accounts: you’ll, of course, tell us what you think.
Note that, because of the design of the original Aeronaut handle, it was effectively anchored at four corners in such a way that it did not “lift” much from the bag itself; the Techonaut handle, to achieve its goals of comfort and minimalism, is anchored at two points, and may slightly lift away from the bag if your Techonaut is packed very full. That doesn’t impact the utility of the handle or experience of carrying the bag (and of course the handle itself is robustly secured with multiple bartacks) but we thought we’d mention it because it behaves a little different than the original Aeronaut handle.
Some of us use rolling luggage: maybe because we need to pack more formal attire for a work trip, photography gear, or just because we find it more comfortable. Good thing the Techonaut's back panel has a pass-through that allows you to slide it over the handle of your rolling luggage.
There are, of course, different sizes of rolling luggage with different handle lengths and widths. That said, the Techonaut 30 and Techonaut 45 should fit over most rolling luggage handles.
Whereas the Aeronaut had two end pockets, the Techonaut has one. Here's why: removing one of the end pockets saved some weight and increased the overall capacity of the bag. Think of it this way: instead of the fabric and build that went into that second end pocket, you've got more space in the bag for more stuff. It also means the main compartment is that much bigger and opens up even wider.
Need to fit a really big item in the main compartment, or just don't want the division of the end pocket? You'll see that there's a zipper inside the main compartment that creates the division between it and the end pocket: simply unzip it and you've got one very big packing area.
The Techonaut has three quick-access exterior pockets.
The pocket on the right side of the bag is sized to fit a Passport, phone, wallet, and keys.
The pocket on the left side of the bag is the biggest; it can fit some water bottles or stuff like an umbrella or jacket.
And the pocket on the top of the bag can also fit stuff like a (smaller) water bottle, umbrella, or jacket.
For your convenience, you’ll find two exterior grab handles on the Techonaut in addition to the Edgeless duffel carry handle. These grab handles work great for pulling the Techonaut out from under the seat of a plane or from the overhead compartment. They're also handy for steadying the bag as you insert your laptop in its compartment or even hanging the bag on a coat hook.
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 and leave (almost) nothing behind. There's also an optional 1" Padded Hip Belt and an optional Techonaut Internal Frame.
A Key Strap is a strip of webbing with plastic snaphooks on the end. The 8” Key Strap in Black that’s included in most of our larger bags is, for many, the gateway to a world of organization via Key Straps and Organizer Pouches. All the members of the Key Strap family are intended to make locating things in your bag easier and more instinctive. Pulling out a small item or pouch tethered to a strap is easier than rooting around aimlessly in the depths of your pack; you can also rest assured that anything hooked to a strap is much less likely to fall out or otherwise be left behind. You can find more Key Strap colors and varieties on the Key Strap page.
A Set of Black Zipper Pulls
Some folks prefer metal zipper pulls. Others prefer cord pulls. So, what to do about that? We think the best solution (in most cases) is to offer metal pulls and include a starter pack of Cord Pulls with most bags.
An adjustable and removable sternum and waist straps with leave-no-trace hardware: if you don't like or don't use your sternum strap, remove it and leave (almost) nothing behind.
A simple webbing waist strap that can offer extra stability when running to catch a bus, plane, or train. It can also add a small measure of support for a heavy load (for a truly supportive hip belt experience, please see the optional 1" Padded Hip Belt.) Also features leave-no-trace hardware.
One pair of Tie-Down Straps
Our included tie-down straps are an alternative to packing cubes: use them to compress and secure clothing in place to help keep it wrinkle-free. They're removable so if you don't want or need to use them, you can leave them behind.
The Skeleton back panel structure of the Techonaut adds a surprising amount of support even without an internal frame. Add a laptop in the laptop compartment and there's even more support. When the crew tested fully loaded Techonauts here at the factory, pretty much everyone found the internal frame for the Techonaut 30 unnecessary. With the Techonaut 45, it was 50/50: half of folks preferred carrying the bag with the frame, half preferred it without the internal frame. Still, we heard from many folks who wanted an internal frame option nonetheless... so here you go!
You can view all of our packing cubes, pouches, toiletries bags and other organizational options at the link above. Want a guide to what works best with the Techonaut 30 and Techonaut 45? Check out our blog post Techonaut: Packing Cubes & Organizational Options
Cinched up your bag and you've got a lot of dangling straps? Well, if that's something that bothers your, grab a pair of strap keepers and manage those straps!
.5" / 13 mm padded and contoured backpack straps with .75" / 20 mm removable sternum strap with removable 1" / 25 mm waist strap included
Laptop Compartment
Maximum: 16.75” x 11.5” x 0.75” / 425mm x 290mm x 19mm
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.
630d High Tenacity Ballistic Nylon
Weave:
2x2 “ballistic” weave
Fibers:
630 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.
1050d High Tenacity Ballistic Nylon
Weave:
2x2 “ballistic” weave
Fibers:
1050 denier type 6,6 (high tenacity) filament nylon
Coating:
medium urethane
Made in:
U.S.A.
Choose this fabric if
You want a super-tough fabric – originally designed for use in bullet-proof vests.
The weight of your bag isn’t a huge concern (though it’s worth noting that 1050d Ballistic is still lighter than cotton canvas or leather).
You want a smooth surface that won’t collect pet hair or sweater fuzz, slides easily into and out of the overhead bin, and fits in whether you're traveling for work or leisure.
Product Standouts High Quality Craftsmanship, Durable, Good Storage Size
1 week ago
Bought For Myself
Product Standouts High Quality Craftsmanship, Durable, Good Storage Size
Rated 3 out of 5 stars
Dropped my laptop on the airport parking garage floor
I have a 2019 or 2018 version of this. This past weekend I threw my laptop on the floor by picking the bag up out of my rental car upside down w/o realizing I had done this until my laptop was hitting the pavement.
Not a good design for the laptop, but otherwise I love the bag and also have the 30 version as well. These are our favorites for walking around Europe... maybe without laptops :-)
TB
TOM BIHN
1 week ago
Thanks so much for sharing your experience, Mitch! Just a quick note: we didn’t release the Techonaut until 2021, so we’re curious if you might be thinking of the Aeronaut instead? The Techonaut actually has a suspended laptop compartment to keep it from touching the floor when the bag is set down.
Howard P.
Verified Buyer
Bought For Myself
Product Standouts Thoughtful Design, High Quality Craftsmanship, Easily Adjustable, Durable
2 weeks ago
Bought For Myself
Product Standouts Thoughtful Design, High Quality Craftsmanship, Easily Adjustable, Durable
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
High quality made with care and detail
The Techonaut is a great upgrade to my Aeronaut. The Tom Bihn team always make great products that are thoughtful and provide immediate usefulness.
Charles M.
Verified Buyer
Bought For Myself
Product Standouts Good Storage Size, Durable, High Quality Craftsmanship, Comfortable, Thoughtful Design
3 weeks ago
Bought For Myself
Product Standouts Good Storage Size, Durable, High Quality Craftsmanship, Comfortable, Thoughtful Design
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Techonaut 45 - Navy 1050 Ballistic/Northwest Sky 200 Halcyon
Purchased the 1050 Ballistic Nylon variant hoping for a more durable bag and am very excited. The bag will be used for train and plane travel in Europe for several months. The integrated laptop carry feature was why I purchased it, and I appreciate the separate compartments and small stash pockets on top. I purchased with the appropriate internal frame to have a better backpack experience. I find it to be very comfortable and look forward to breaking it in with further travel. Highly recommend!
Moriah S.
Verified Buyer
Bought For Myself
Product Standouts Thoughtful Design, Comfortable, High Quality Craftsmanship, Good Storage Size, Durable
3 weeks ago
Bought For Myself
Product Standouts Thoughtful Design, Comfortable, High Quality Craftsmanship, Good Storage Size, Durable
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
The Ultimate Backpack of Ultimate Destiny
I think I've finally found my ideal carry-on flight backpack. I pack heavy and the ergonomic weight distribution and comfortable padding of this bag's construction made hefting it around less painful and burdensome than with previous bags. The dual handles on top and side helped greatly with getting it in and out of overhead storage bins. And just when you think you've packed everything you possibly can inside of it, turns out yet another item can fit. (I got 3 pairs of shoes inside the bottom compartment!) Lastly, they're not kidding when they say you really can pack this thing full and still have your water bottle and laptop fit inside their respective compartments on the side and back. I'm glad I made the investment in this bag.
Nicolas A K.
Verified Buyer
Bought For Myself
Product Standouts Thoughtful Design, Comfortable, High Quality Craftsmanship, High Quality Finishings, Sewn in USA
3 weeks ago
Bought For Myself
Product Standouts Thoughtful Design, Comfortable, High Quality Craftsmanship, High Quality Finishings, Sewn in USA
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Fantastic Quality
Like every other TB product I own, the T45 is of impeccable quality and will be my primary carryon for the foreseeable future.
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.