A Brain Bag in Nebulous Grey (grey) 525 Ballistic. The Brain Bag in Nebulous Grey (dark grey) 525 Ballistic with the front main compartment zipper opened to reveal its Cloud (light grey) 210 Ballistic interior. The Brain Bag in Nebulous Grey (dark grey) 525 Ballistic with the front main compartment zipper opened to reveal its Island (bright blue) 210 Ballistic interior. A Brain Bag in Mars Red (red) 525 Ballistic. The Brain Bag in Mars Red 525 Ballistic with the front main compartment zipper opened to reveal its Cloud (light grey) 210 Ballistic interior. A Brain Bag in Black 525 Ballistic. The Brain Bag in Black 525 Ballistic with the front main compartment zipper opened to reveal its Cloud (light grey) 210 Ballistic interior. The Brain Bag in Nebulous Grey (dark grey) 525 Ballistic with the front main compartment zipper opened to reveal its Mountain Grey (grey with light grey grid) 210 Cerylon interior. A Brain Bag in Black 525 Ballistic. The Brain Bag in Black 525 Ballistic with the front main compartment zipper opened to reveal its Island (bright blue) 210 Ballistic interior. A Brain Bag in Cloud (light grey) 525 Ballistic. 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.\ A Brain Bag in Deep Blue (dark blue) 525 Ballistic. The Brain Bag in Deep Blue (dark blue) 525 Ballistic with the front main compartment zipper opened to reveal its Dawn (blue-grey) 210 Ballistic interior. A Brain Bag in Aubergine (dark purple) 525 Ballistic. The Brain Bag in Aubergine (dark purple) 525 Ballistic with the front main compartment zipper opened to reveal its Island (bright blue) 210 Ballistic interior. A Brain Bag in Burnt Orange 525 Ballistic. The Brain Bag in Burnt Orange 525 Ballistic with the front main compartment zipper opened to reveal its Cloud (light grey) 210 Ballistic interior. A Brain Bag in Coyote (light brown) 525 Ballistic. A profile shot of the Brain Bag in Coyote (light brown) 525 Ballistic. The Brain Bag in Coyote (light brown) 525 Ballistic with the front main compartment zipper opened to reveal its Cloud (light grey) 210 Ballistic interior. A Brain Bag in Wilderness (forest green) 525 Ballistic. A profile shot of the Brain Bag in Wilderness (forest green) 525 Ballistic. The Brain Bag in Wilderness (forest green) 525 Ballistic with the front main compartment zipper opened to reveal its Cloud (light grey) 210 Ballistic interior. A Brain Bag in Constellation (light blue) 525 Ballistic. The Brain Bag in Constellation (light blue) 525 Ballistic with the front main compartment zipper opened to reveal its Cloud (light grey) 210 Ballistic interior. A profile shot of the Brain Bag in Constellation (light blue) 525 Ballistic. A Brain Bag in Ursa (greyish-brown) 525 Ballistic. The Brain Bag in Ursa (brown-grey) 525 Ballistic with the front main compartment zipper opened to reveal its Cloud (light grey) 210 Ballistic interior.
Add to wishlist
Add to wishlist

Brain Bag

Rated 5.0 out of 5
Based on 44 reviews

$225.00

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

36 liters (2200 cu. in.)

Wilderness Ballistic/Cloud 210 Ballistic
Aubergine Ballistic/Island 210 Ballistic
Black Ballistic/Island 210 Ballistic
Black Ballistic/Mountain Grey 210 Cerylon
Coyote Ballistic/Cloud 210 Ballistic
Deep Blue Ballistic/Dawn 210 Ballistic
Nebulous Grey Ballistic/Island 210 Ballistic
Ursa Ballistic/Cloud 210 Ballistic
Black Ballistic/Cobalt 210 Cerylon
A profile shot of the Brain Bag in Ursa (greyish-brown) 525 Ballistic. A rear shot of the Brain Bag. A close shot of one of the side cinches buckled up and cinched down. A close shot of the top front cinch strap and d-ring between the front pockets. A close shot of the color TOM BIHN logo. A close shot of one of the zipper flaps. A close shot of the d-ring on the front of the bag. A close shot of the zipper pulls under the zipper flap.
A person getting coffee at a coffee shop while wearing a Brain Bag. A tight shot of a person wearing the Brain Bag. A tight shot of the shoulder strap on a person wearing the Brain Bag.0 A person accessing the front left zippered pocket in the Brain Bag. A person hiking wearing a Brain Bag. A person wearing a Brain Bag over one shoulder while drinking an iced beverage. Person wearing a Brain Bag and ordering coffee. A person wearing a Brain Bag over one shoulder while drinking an iced beverage.
A thumbnail for a video showing off the features of the Brain Bag. A thumbnail for a video explaining the features of the Brain Bag.

TLDR

If you need a large backpack for everyday carry, the Brain Bag is the one for you. You'll be blown away by not only its size, but also its utility, versatility, and longevity.

Features:

  • 2 main compartments plus 4 external pockets
  • Small top front pocket with interior snaphook for keys
  • 2 vertical front pockets with pen/pencil organizers
  • Left pocket with outside flat mesh pocket
  • 2 lash straps for umbrella or raincoat
  • Heavy-duty snaphook above lash straps
  • 2 unobtrusive webbing loops on the back panels of the main compartments
  • Side compression straps
  • Top handle made of 1/2" PORON® foam with wrapped 1050 denier ballistic nylon fabric
  • Comfortable, durable, edgeless straps
  • Removable 3/4" sternum strap and 1-1/2" waist straps

Full 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

In both of the main compartments (on the back panel of each) are two unobtrusive webbing loops (that we call "rail loops") to which you can secure the optional Cache. Many of us will appreciate this functionality on a daily basis: the rail system can be a convenient and quick way to remove one's laptop from the bag.

Four External Pockets

On the front of the Brain Bag are four external pockets. The small top pocket is perfect for a wallet and cell phone and has an inside snaphooks for keys. The two vertical pockets are large enough for water bottles or even a small thermos; inside both of these pockets are pen/pencil organizers. The left pocket has an outside flat mesh pocket for brochures, plane tickets, or even a small U-lock bike lock. Between the pockets are two lash straps for an umbrella or a raincoat, and above these straps is a heavy-duty snaphook so you can attach a water bottle, coffee mug, or what-have-you.

Side Compression Straps

Side compression straps compress the Brain Bag when it is not full and stabilize the load; you can also tuck a raincoat, hoodie, or yoga mat under these straps.

Breathable Back Panel

The back is made of Spacer mesh and is padded with 3/8", high quality, closed-cell foam. This combination of mesh and smooth nylon is designed to provide maximum breathability while still being gentle on your clothing. 

Edgeless Shoulder Straps

Conformity is overrated — except, perhaps, when it comes to shoulder straps. The edgelessness of the Brain Bag shoulder straps allows them to more softly conform to your shoulder — we find that this increases comfort. Yet the straps aren't too soft: the 1/2" thick EVAZOTE® OEKO-TEX® certified foam means the strap is robust enough to carry a heavy load.

Durable Materials + Expert Construction

No bag lasts forever, but choosing the best and most durable materials and taking care not to abuse it (no washing machine or dryer!) can help a quality bag serve most people well (with maybe a repair or two) for up to 10-20 years. 

This bag requires significant skill to sew and construct; it's not just any sewing factory who can pull this off and do it well, it's ours, and it's because of the talent of our crew. They're the reason why our designs can be made in an ongoing practical fashion.

Two Main Compartments

In both of the main compartments (on the back panel of each) are two unobtrusive webbing loops (that we call "rail loops") to which you can secure the optional Cache. Many of us will appreciate this functionality on a daily basis: the rail system can be a convenient and quick way to remove one's laptop from the bag.

Four External Pockets

On the front of the Brain Bag are four external pockets. The small top pocket is perfect for a wallet and cell phone and has an inside snaphooks for keys. The two vertical pockets are large enough for water bottles or even a small thermos; inside both of these pockets are pen/pencil organizers. The left pocket has an outside flat mesh pocket for brochures, plane tickets, or even a small U-lock bike lock. Between the pockets are two lash straps for an umbrella or a raincoat, and above these straps is a heavy-duty snaphook so you can attach a water bottle, coffee mug, or what-have-you.

Side Compression Straps

Side compression straps compress the Brain Bag when it is not full and stabilize the load; you can also tuck a raincoat, hoodie, or yoga mat under these straps.

Breathable Back Panel

The back is made of Spacer mesh and is padded with 3/8", high quality, closed-cell foam. This combination of mesh and smooth nylon is designed to provide maximum breathability while still being gentle on your clothing. 

Edgeless Shoulder Straps

Conformity is overrated — except, perhaps, when it comes to shoulder straps. The edgelessness of the Brain Bag shoulder straps allows them to more softly conform to your shoulder — we find that this increases comfort. Yet the straps aren't too soft: the 1/2" thick EVAZOTE® OEKO-TEX® certified foam means the strap is robust enough to carry a heavy load.

Durable Materials + Expert Construction

No bag lasts forever, but choosing the best and most durable materials and taking care not to abuse it (no washing machine or dryer!) can help a quality bag serve most people well (with maybe a repair or two) for up to 10-20 years. 

This bag requires significant skill to sew and construct; it's not just any sewing factory who can pull this off and do it well, it's ours, and it's because of the talent of our crew. They're the reason why our designs can be made in an ongoing practical fashion.

Materials

Exterior

 

bluesign® certified High-Tenacity 2x2 Ballistic nylon

Fabric Lining

 

bluesign® certified 210 denier High-Tenacity 2x2 Ballistic
— or — 
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

Specs

Dimensions

14" (w) x 18.1" (h) x 9.1" (d) / 355 (w) x 460 (h) x 230 (d) mm

Weight

525 Ballistic Nylon: 2 lb 15 oz / 1345 grams

Volume

2200 cubic inches / 36 liters (ASTM Standard Measure)

Straps

.5" / 12 mm padded and contoured shoulder straps with .75" / 20 mm removable sternum strap

What's Included

1x 8-inch Black Webbing Snaphook/Snaphook Key Strap
1x Black Cord Zipper Pulls w/ Plastic Ends (8 Pack)
1x Sternum Strap Assembly
1x Gatekeeper Waist Strap

Total O-Rings

9

(3 in the back main compartment
3 in the front main compartment
1 in the top small pocket
1 in left side pocket
1 in right side pocket)

Lifetime guarantee image

Sewn in Seattle

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.

Ready to Grab
the Brain Bag?

Add To Cart
Rated 5.0 out of 5
Based on 44 reviews
average rating 5.0 out of 5
Based on 44 reviews
  • 5 Stars
    44 Reviews
  • 4 Stars
    0 Reviews
  • 3 Stars
    0 Reviews
  • 2 Stars
    0 Reviews
  • 1 Star
    0 Reviews
100% of reviewers would recommend this product to a friend
Quality
Rated 5 out of 5
Customer photos and videos
Open user-uploaded photo and review in a modal Open user-uploaded photo and review in a modal
Write a Review
Review posted
Reviewed by Anshaal I.
Verified Buyer
Bought For
Myself
Product Standouts
  • Thoughtful Design
  • Comfortable
  • High Quality Craftsmanship
  • Compact
  • Good Storage Size
Rated 5 out of 5

Best bag wver

There are not enough good things I can say about this bag. Each element is designed thoughtfully and I really appreciate the two main compartments for organization and separation. It is really sleek and can hold a lot. The water bottle clip and straps are especially great for holding many different sizes of bottles securely while still being easily accessible

Loading...
I recommend this product
Quality
Rated 5 out of 5
Was this helpful?
Review posted
Reviewed by Aaron A.
Verified Buyer
Bought For
Myself
Product Standouts
  • Thoughtful Design
  • Comfortable
  • High Quality Craftsmanship
Rated 5 out of 5

Exactly what I'd expect

Peerless quality. Great underrated bag.

Loading...
I recommend this product
Quality
Rated 5 out of 5
Was this helpful?
Review posted
Reviewed by Joseph S.
Verified Buyer
Bought For
Myself
Product Standouts
  • Thoughtful Design
  • Comfortable
  • High Quality Craftsmanship
  • Sewn in USA
  • Durable
Rated 5 out of 5

Amazing!

I was resistant to switching from a briefcase to a backpack. Now, I wish I’d done it years, ago! So easy to carry. So much storage. So we’ll organized!

Loading...
I recommend this product
Quality
Rated 5 out of 5
Was this helpful?
Review posted
Reviewed by Thomas S.
Verified Buyer
Bought For
Myself
Product Standouts
  • Sewn in USA
  • High Quality Craftsmanship
  • Good Storage Size
  • Thoughtful Design
Rated 5 out of 5

Nice Bag.

OK, this is the nicest, best constructed backpack I've owned. I believe and hope it will last a good long time.

Loading...
I recommend this product
Quality
Rated 5 out of 5
Was this helpful?
Review posted
Reviewed by Brooks W S.
Verified Buyer
Bought For
Myself
Product Standouts
  • Sewn in USA
  • Unique
  • Good Storage Size
  • High Quality Craftsmanship
  • High Quality Finishings
Rated 5 out of 5

Great bag for multiple laptops

I often carry multiple laptops for work and when my last bag was wearing out I decided to find one that was designed to handle the extra load. I have had a co-pilot for a few years now and have been very happy with the design and materials so I thought I would see if there was a Tom Bihn bag that would fit my needs. The Brain Bag is just what I needed. I added a couple caches to handle my different sized laptops and I have room for clothes and toiletries for overnight when needed. The craftmanship is fantastic and the padding on the straps helps with the weight distribution. Even though the bag by itself is heavier than my previous bag when empty it feels lighter.

Loading...
I recommend this product
Quality
Rated 5 out of 5
Was this helpful?