$visible variant TB0104-LKDJ TB0114-LKDJ^^The Brain Bag in Cloud (light grey) 525 Ballistic with the front main compartment zipper opened to reveal its Dawn (blue-grey) 210 Ballistic interior.\$

$visible variant TB0104-LKDJ TB0114-LKDJ^^The Brain Bag in Cloud (light grey) 525 Ballistic with the front main compartment zipper opened to reveal its Dawn (blue-grey) 210 Ballistic interior.\$

Brain Bag

$245

Ready to Ship

A serious backpack that can fit two (or more) laptops.

Color & Material

Black Ballistic/Mountain Grey 210 Cerylon

Burnt Orange Ballistic/Mountain Grey 210 Cerylon

Exterior Color:
Black

Interior Color:
Mountain Grey

Exterior Material:
Ballistic

Interior Material:
210 Cerylon

Carry-on Friendly

Made in Seattle

Lifetime Guarantee

Brain Bag

Description

The Brain Bag debuted in 1996 and its design has stood the test of time. The ultimate on-your-back student or business organizer, the Brain Bag is our Slant-6 of backpacks: it will surprise you with its utility, versatility, and longevity. Long after lesser bags have frayed their seams, blown their zippers, and popped their straps, the Brain Bag will continue to be your faithful companion.

Two Main Compartments: Each has two discreet webbing loops ("rail loops") for securing the optional Cache, allowing quick laptop access.

Three External Pockets: The top pocket fits a phone and wallet, with a snaphook for keys. The two vertical pockets hold water bottles or small thermoses and include pen organizers. The left pocket has an outer mesh sleeve for flat items. Between the pockets are lash straps for gear and a snaphook for a bottle or mug.

Side Compression Straps: These stabilize the load and can hold items like a raincoat or yoga mat.

Breathable Back Panel: Spacer mesh and foam padding offer breathability and protect clothing.

Edgeless Shoulder Straps: Soft, contoured straps with dense foam provide comfort and support for heavy loads.

Exterior
bluesign® certified High-Tenacity 2x2 Ballistic nylon

Fabric Lining
bluesign® certified 210 denier Cerylon 6,6 Ripstop nylon

Back
Spacer Mesh back

Straps
Edgeless EV50 1/2" / 12mm shoulder straps (EVAZOTE® OEKO-TEX® foam)

Grab Handle
PORON® foam handle

Components
Duraflex®, Nexus, and Woojin buckles and related components

Zippers
#10 YKK coil zippers on main compartments
#8 YKK coil zippers on pockets

Reviews

4.9

Rated 4.9 out of 5 stars

Based on 168 reviews

Total 5 star reviews: 157 Total 4 star reviews: 6 Total 3 star reviews: 3 Total 2 star reviews: 2 Total 1 star reviews: 0

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168 reviews

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RR
Robert R.
Verified Buyer
Bought For Myself
Product Standouts Thoughtful Design, High Quality Craftsmanship, Sewn in USA, Good Storage Size, Comfortable
3 years ago
Bought For Myself
Product Standouts Thoughtful Design, High Quality Craftsmanship, Sewn in USA, Good Storage Size, Comfortable
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
The Brain Bag is a No-Brainer!
Even though I had known about Tom Bihn for a while, I had mainly focussed on the Aeronaut 30 & 45 and then discovered the Synic 30. However, I really needed to replace a backpack with closer to 40 Liter capacity. I already own a 46 Liter (maximum carry-on, duffel-style size) bag, so I didn't need another one. I guess I really developed "tunnel-vision" because I didn't notice the Brain Bag until I was very close to my departure date. I'm sure glad I found it though! With a Basic Economy ticket from Raleigh, NC to San Francisco and back, I figured I'd be among the last to board and would have difficulty finding a spot for a roll-aboard bag. It might need to ride under the seat in front of me. One-bag travel looked like the way to go on this trip. Well, while those fears were not realized, the Brain Bag was ready to deliver. With its 36 Liter capacity, I carried clothes for 3 days+, a compact umbrella, N/C over-ear headphones, a fluffy neck pillow, & snacks (including a pair of 1/2 lb. bags of beef jerky, ha ha) all inside the Brain Bag. Total weight, including the Brain Bag, was about 22 lbs. With the 2 separate main compartments (a feature that I have searched for for a long time, BTW), I was able to organize my things very well, making accessibility a breeze. Actually, I used a 12 Liter Fanny Pack to organize my iPad, Tom Bihn Small Snake Charmer, 25000maH battery, snacks, sunglasses, hand sanitizer, etc. into one unit. I simply slipped the 12 Liter pack in and…
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YW
Yuchang W.
Verified Buyer
Bought For Myself
Product Standouts Comfortable, High Quality Craftsmanship, Durable, Compact, Good Storage Size
1 year ago
Bought For Myself
Product Standouts Comfortable, High Quality Craftsmanship, Durable, Compact, Good Storage Size
Rated 4 out of 5 stars
Almost perfect all-around bag: EDC, work, gym, or travel
Overall I think this is a great bag. Things I like:
1. Looks good. Unlike other TB bags, this one looks quite rugged but also unassuming.
2. Great materials and feels good.
3. Comfortable to carry even when for heavy load.
4. Spacious. I used it to carry all my EDC and work stuff and gym clothes.
5. I like the quick access pocket on the top. I live in the north and now it's winter, so I put moisturizing lotion and lip balm in this pocket since I need to use them several times a day. Convenient. One-zip operation.
6. Compression straps making the bag look not too bulky.
7. IT COULD STAND! Grabbing things is much easier and enjoyable.
Things I don't like:
1. The two big front pockets are not very accessible. In theory, they're; but in practical, they are not as assessable as the pockets in Synapse or Synik bags. The reasons are i) the pockets are too tall and thus could not use the space efficiently and ii) they share some volume with the big compartment thus may not have enough depth. In practice, I find it not easy to grab items from these two pockets. Additionally, the organizations within the two front big pockets are not very useable -- at least for me. The pen loops are too narrow for a fountain pen or a small flash or a multi tool. Right now, these two big pockets are mostly empty. I only put a hand sanitizer, a pen pouch (but I don't like a pouch within a pouch), and my keys.
2. No organizations at all for the two big compartments. This might be good for travel if…
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D
Darcy
4 years ago
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Best backpack *ever*
I bought this bag on the recommendation of a friend during a trip to the US. I've been using this bag for the past 16 years, and it still looks like new. The zippers all work fine, there are no rips or tears, and with the exception of a single buckle that I broke while closing it in a car door (that I have since replaced), this backpack functions like the day that I bought it. I cannot recommend this backpack enough. I would be more than happy to purchase another one of these bags, but I highly doubt that this one will wear out before I retire (easily another 16 years). This bag is awesome to travel to conferences with, as you can use the backpack for all your stuff, but still pull out the smaller laptop bag for meetings and the like. I consider this bag "buy it for life".
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T
Tim
Verified Buyer
Bought For Myself
Product Standouts High Quality Craftsmanship, Sewn in USA, Durable, High Quality Finishings, Good Storage Size
10 months ago
Bought For Myself
Product Standouts High Quality Craftsmanship, Sewn in USA, Durable, High Quality Finishings, Good Storage Size
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Finally, a well made backpack!
I looked for years to find a sturdy and reliable bag that was well made and would last through my travels. This backpack is extraordinary. Everything I have been looking for!
So far I have taken to Spain, Morroco and Mexico in some harsh environments and it is perfect. The zippers are high quality and the material is excellent. I couldn't be happier and I will be buying another smaller one for short trips.
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FP
Fred P.
Verified Buyer
Bought For Myself
Product Standouts Comfortable, Thoughtful Design, Good Storage Size, High Quality Craftsmanship
5 months ago
Bought For Myself
Product Standouts Comfortable, Thoughtful Design, Good Storage Size, High Quality Craftsmanship
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Phenomenal Bag
After about a year with a Synik 30, I started to want something that fit just a bit different. I couldn't describe what was wrong, as up until this Brain Bag, the Synik 30 was my favorite backpack I'd ever owned. I kept looking at the Brain Bag, and finally purchased one to see (even though it was technically bigger than my Synik 30) if it would be better for my EDC.
Within a week, the Brain Bag has moved to my number one all time favorite bag. I do miss a little of the organization of the Synik, but the Brain Bag has a ton of amazing organization on its own. I keep getting surprised as to what can fit in those front pockets.
Some call this bag a beast... I just don't see it like that. Sure, its ability to swallow anything I ask it to contstantly amazes me... but yet, it feels more compact than others. Very comfortable even at heavy weight and the handle... wow... just perfect.
Make yourself happy and get some strap keepers (2 pair at least) as this bag does have some dangle to contain. This said, the strap keepers work perfectly to contain the compression straps and the sternum/umbrella were handled with some rip cord.
Phenomenal bag. Looking forward to many long years with my new favorite bag.
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Quality Designs Since 1972

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