What Goes Into A Tom Bihn Backpack?
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Choose the shoulder strap that's right for you and your carry with a removeable and replaceable strap.
The main compartment of the Maker's Bag is wide open with possibility.
Organization to slip small, easily lost items in, two zippered pockets, 5 elasticized open-topped pockets, and o-rings to connect more pouches and accessories for even more organization if needed.
Choose the shoulder strap that's right for you and your carry with a removeable and replaceable strap.
The main compartment of the Maker's Bag is wide open with possibility.
Organization to slip small, easily lost items in, two zippered pockets, 5 elasticized open-topped pockets, and o-rings to connect more pouches and accessories for even more organization if needed.
I got this bag over four years ago and it has held up handsomely. It has become my go-to bag to the point that I use it almost exclusively. I have used it in circumstances when most people would not think of using a messenger bag and although it has taken me a while to learn how to work with it, I wouldn’t trade it for a backpack in most any situation.
I especially like it when I go on botanical surveys in the mountains and I always use it as my day pack. On these hikes, I find this bag is much better than a backpack. I can wear it like a backpack by sliding it around to my back and using the waist strap to keep the weight of the bag off my shoulder. But when I see a plant I need to collect or want to get a drink of water, I can easily slide it around to the front without taking it off, making it easy to access anything in my bag while I am still walking.
One challenge I had with this bag was learning how to load it well. With all the pockets in the front, it is very tempting to use this organization by stuffing them full. The asymmetrical closure also makes it easy to slip things into the front pockets when I am in a hurry. This makes the bag unbalanced, and when I set it down, it falls over forward. To remedy this, I have learned that I have to be selective about what I put in those pockets and rely more on putting other organizers in the main compartment when I need to hold lots of little things.
I was surprised at how large this bag is and how much it holds! It's shown below next to a TB Pilot and also holding a Yeti 26oz Rambler water bottle for size comparison. Pens shown are Sharpies, showing depth of pockets. Holds an iPad Pro 11" and letter size folders. Great for a carry-on personal item or a just-bring-everything bag for errands, road trips, everyday carry (including lunch and sweater). I have the Halcyon exterior version and it stands up well on its own while also expanding more than expected when fully packed. Comfortable strap and hangs well (not too bulky) when worn crossbody or on shoulder. Well thought-out organizational pockets.
I got mine over a year ago, this is the one my wife bought. I colleague bought one after seeing mine. Mine is now with my son in South America because it was the only thing that met the carry on requirements for a personal item on one of the airlines. I miss mine, my wife loves hers. It the ideal in-between size shoulder bag (smaller and less awkward than the messenger bag that I am now using, not so small as to be of limited utility. I put a piece of closed cell foam in the back zipper pocket so it wouldn't loose its shape when I set it down, other than that, no modifications. I will get a new one to replace the one my child appropriated when the color I want comes back in stock.
I've daily carried a halcyon Maker's Bag to work for about 4 years now. There are zero signs of wear or discoloration. I don't abuse bags, but I don't baby them either. Most of the time, I carry a 13" MacBook Pro, sunglasses in case, a couple notebooks, small pouches with pens, a water bottle, 1-2 books (for work), other small pouches and loose odds and ends. I'd say this is an ideal laptop bag for people who always carry more than typical laptop bags handle. Plus, I've also repurposed it for an overnight bag and it worked fine. In halcyon it is still very waterproof with no upkeep so far. I haven't had issue with water getting in the top opening, even in heavy rain. The abundance of pockets let you organize without a bunch of small pouches, or let you keep your modular pouches in "their place" in the bag. If this bag fits your use-style, I cannot recommend it enough! For my type load out, I highly recommend the absolute strap for comfort.
I love this bag and use it for the following:
*Visiting my mom at her assisted living apartment (contents may include hat and fanny pack for short walk, sweater, knitting project, items to bring her)
*Music jamming outings (contents may include yoga block to use as foot rest, notebook and pen, water bottle, outerwear, fold-up guitar stand)
*Carry-on bag for air travel (contents may include small toiletries, knitting project, blow-up neck pillow and eye mask, snacks, water bottle, reading material, power cord). I use a few TB accessories that clip in, so I don't have to worry about them falling out.
One of my friends calls it the "Hermione Bag" because of the seemingly endless capacity.
I agree with some reviewers who say that some of the long/skinny compartments are hard to use. They are probably be great if you want to carry artist tools. But this is a minor criticism. Overall love the easy access, capacity, ability to set it onto the ground and not worry about getting it dirty, and compartments.
Great bag!
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