• visible variant TB0114-GKOL TB0114-GKGL TB0114-GKIJ TB0104-GKLJ TB0114-GKLJ^^A Brain Bag in Nebulous Grey (grey) Ballistic.
  • visible variant TB0114-GKOL^^The Brain Bag in Nebulous Grey Ballistic with a Cobalt 210 Cerylon interior.
  • visible variant TB0104-GKLJ TB0114-GKLJ^^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.
  • Brain Bag
  • visible variant TB0104-MKLJ TB0114-MKLJ^^A Brain Bag in Mars Red (red) 525 Ballistic.
  • visible variant TB0104-MKLJ TB0114-MKLJ^^The Brain Bag in Mars Red 525 Ballistic with the front main compartment zipper opened to reveal its Cloud (light grey) 210 Ballistic interior.
  • visible variant TB0114-BKOL TB0114-BKPL^^A Brain Bag in Black Ballistic.
  • visible variant TB0114-BKOL^^The Brain Bag in Black Ballistic with the front main compartment zipper opened to reveal its Cobalt (blue with light blue grid) 210 Cerylon interior.
  • visible variant TB0114-BKPL^^The Brain Bag in Black Ballistic with the front main compartment zipper opened to reveal its Persimmon (dark orange with light orange grid) 210 Cerylon interior.
  • visible variant TB0114-BKGL^^A Brain Bag in Black Ballistic.
  • visible variant TB0114-BKGL^^The Brain Bag in Nebulous Grey (dark grey) Ballistic with the front main compartment zipper opened to reveal its Mountain Grey (grey with light grey grid) 210 Cerylon interior.
  • visible variant TB0104-LKDJ TB0114-LKDJ^^A Brain Bag in Cloud (light grey) 525 Ballistic.
  • visible variant TB0114-DKDL TB0114-DKGL TB0114-DKML^^A Brain Bag in Deep Blue (dark blue) Ballistic.
  • visible variant TB0114-DKDL^^The Brain Bag in Deep Blue (dark blue) 525 Ballistic with the front main compartment zipper opened to reveal its Dusk (purplish-blue with light purplish-blue grid) 210 Cerylon interior.
  • visible variant TB0114-DKGL^^The Brain Bag in Deep Blue (dark blue) 525 Ballistic with the front main compartment zipper opened to reveal its Mountain Grey (grey with light grey grid) 210 Cerylon 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.\
  • visible variant TB0114-UKDL TB0114-UKGL TB0114-UKOL TB0114-UKIJ^^A Brain Bag in Aubergine (dark purple) Ballistic.
  • visible variant TB0114-UKGL^^A Brain Bag in Aubergine Ballistic with a Mountain Grey 210 Cerylon interior.
  • visible variant TB0114-UKDL^^A Brain Bag in Aubergine Ballistic with a Dusk (dark purple with purple grid) 210 Cerylon interior.
  • visible variant TB0104-TKLJ TB0114-TKLJ TB0114-TKGL TB0114-TKDL^^A Brain Bag in Burnt Orange Ballistic.
  • visible variant TB0114-TKGL^^The Brain Bag in Burnt Orange Ballistic with the front main compartment zipper opened to reveal its Mountain Grey (grey with light grey grid) 210 Cerylon interior.
  • visible variant TB0104-DKDJ TB0114-DKDJ^^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.
  • visible variant TB0114-DKDL^^The Brain Bag in Deep Blue (dark blue) 630 Ballistic with the front main compartment zipper opened to reveal its Moss (green with light green grid) 210 Cerylon interior.
  • visible variant TB0114-DKML^^The Brain Bag in Deep Blue (dark blue) 525 Ballistic with the front main compartment zipper opened to reveal its Moss (green with light green grid) 210 Cerylon interior.
  • visible variant TB0114-CKGL TB0114-CKLJ^^A Brain Bag in Coyote (light brown) Ballistic.
  • visible variant TB0114-CKGL^^The Brain Bag in Coyote (light brown) Ballistic with the front main compartment zipper opened to reveal its Mountain Grey (grey with light grey grid) 210 Cerylon interior.
  • visible variant TB0114-WKGL TB0114-WKLJ^^A Brain Bag in Wilderness (forest green) Ballistic.
  • visible variant TB0114-WKGL^^The Brain Bag in Wilderness (forest green) Ballistic with the front main compartment zipper opened to reveal its Cloud (grey with light grey interior) 210 Cerylon interior.
  • visible variant TB0114-NKDJ^^A Brain Bag in Constellation (light blue) 525 Ballistic.
  • visible variant TB0114-NKDJ^^A profile shot of the Brain Bag in Constellation (light blue) 525 Ballistic.
  • visible variant TB0114-NKLJ^^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.
  • visible variant TB0114-RKML TB0114-RKGL TB0114-RKOL^^A Brain Bag in Ursa (greyish-brown) Ballistic.
  • visible variant TB0114-RKML^^The Brain Bag in Ursa (brown-grey) Ballistic with the front main compartment zipper opened to reveal its Moss (dark green with green grid) 210 Cerylon interior.
  • visible variant TB0114-RKOL^^The Brain Bag in Ursa (brown-grey) Ballistic with the front main compartment zipper opened to reveal its Cobalt (blue with light blue grid) 210 Cerylon interior.
  • visible variant TB0114-RKGL^^The Brain Bag in Ursa (brown-grey) Ballistic with the front main compartment zipper opened to reveal its Mountain (grey with light grey grid) 210 Cerylon interior.
  • visible variant TB0114-PKDL^^A Brain Bag in Raspberry Ballistic.
  • visible variant TB0114-PKDL^^The Brain Bag in Raspberry Ballistic with the front main compartment zipper opened to reveal its Dusk (purplish-blue with light blue grid) 210 Cerylon interior.
  • visible variant TB0114-VKPL^^A Brain Bag in Saguaro (olive green) Ballistic.
  • visible variant TB0114-VKPL^^The Brain Bag in Saguaro (olive green) Ballistic with the front main compartment zipper opened to reveal its Persimmon (dark orange with light orange grid) 210 Cerylon interior.
  • visible variant TB0114-RKGL TB0114-RKLJ^^A profile shot of the Brain Bag in Ursa (greyish-brown) 525 Ballistic.
  • visible detail^^A rear shot of the Brain Bag.
  • detail visible^^A close shot of one of the side cinches buckled up and cinched down.
  • detail visible^^A close shot of the top front cinch strap and d-ring between the front pockets.
  • detail visible^^A close shot of one of the zipper flaps.
  • detail visible^^A close shot of the d-ring on the front of the bag.
  • detail visible^^A close shot of the zipper pulls under the zipper flap.
  • lifestyle visible^^A person getting coffee at a coffee shop while wearing a Brain Bag.
  • lifestyle visible^^A tight shot of a person wearing the Brain Bag.
  • lifestyle visible^^A tight shot of the shoulder strap on a person wearing the Brain Bag.0
  • lifestyle visible^^A person accessing the front left zippered pocket in the Brain Bag.
  • lifestyle visible^^A person hiking wearing a Brain Bag.
  • lifestyle visible^^A person wearing a Brain Bag over one shoulder while drinking an iced beverage.
  • lifestyle visible^^Person wearing a Brain Bag and ordering coffee.
  • lifestyle visible^^A person wearing a Brain Bag over one shoulder while drinking an iced beverage.
  • visible video^^A thumbnail for a video showing off the features of the Brain Bag.
  • visible video^^A thumbnail for a video explaining the features of the Brain Bag.
  • visible variant TB0114-GKOL TB0114-GKGL TB0114-GKIJ TB0104-GKLJ TB0114-GKLJ^^A Brain Bag in Nebulous Grey (grey) Ballistic.
  • visible variant TB0114-GKOL^^The Brain Bag in Nebulous Grey Ballistic with a Cobalt 210 Cerylon interior.
  • visible variant TB0104-GKLJ TB0114-GKLJ^^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.
  • Brain Bag
  • visible variant TB0104-MKLJ TB0114-MKLJ^^A Brain Bag in Mars Red (red) 525 Ballistic.
  • visible variant TB0104-MKLJ TB0114-MKLJ^^The Brain Bag in Mars Red 525 Ballistic with the front main compartment zipper opened to reveal its Cloud (light grey) 210 Ballistic interior.
  • visible variant TB0114-BKOL TB0114-BKPL^^A Brain Bag in Black Ballistic.
  • visible variant TB0114-BKOL^^The Brain Bag in Black Ballistic with the front main compartment zipper opened to reveal its Cobalt (blue with light blue grid) 210 Cerylon interior.
  • visible variant TB0114-BKPL^^The Brain Bag in Black Ballistic with the front main compartment zipper opened to reveal its Persimmon (dark orange with light orange grid) 210 Cerylon interior.
  • visible variant TB0114-BKGL^^A Brain Bag in Black Ballistic.
  • visible variant TB0114-BKGL^^The Brain Bag in Nebulous Grey (dark grey) Ballistic with the front main compartment zipper opened to reveal its Mountain Grey (grey with light grey grid) 210 Cerylon interior.
  • visible variant TB0104-LKDJ TB0114-LKDJ^^A Brain Bag in Cloud (light grey) 525 Ballistic.
  • visible variant TB0114-DKDL TB0114-DKGL TB0114-DKML^^A Brain Bag in Deep Blue (dark blue) Ballistic.
  • visible variant TB0114-DKDL^^The Brain Bag in Deep Blue (dark blue) 525 Ballistic with the front main compartment zipper opened to reveal its Dusk (purplish-blue with light purplish-blue grid) 210 Cerylon interior.
  • visible variant TB0114-DKGL^^The Brain Bag in Deep Blue (dark blue) 525 Ballistic with the front main compartment zipper opened to reveal its Mountain Grey (grey with light grey grid) 210 Cerylon 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.\
  • visible variant TB0114-UKDL TB0114-UKGL TB0114-UKOL TB0114-UKIJ^^A Brain Bag in Aubergine (dark purple) Ballistic.
  • visible variant TB0114-UKGL^^A Brain Bag in Aubergine Ballistic with a Mountain Grey 210 Cerylon interior.
  • visible variant TB0114-UKDL^^A Brain Bag in Aubergine Ballistic with a Dusk (dark purple with purple grid) 210 Cerylon interior.
  • visible variant TB0104-TKLJ TB0114-TKLJ TB0114-TKGL TB0114-TKDL^^A Brain Bag in Burnt Orange Ballistic.
  • visible variant TB0114-TKGL^^The Brain Bag in Burnt Orange Ballistic with the front main compartment zipper opened to reveal its Mountain Grey (grey with light grey grid) 210 Cerylon interior.
  • visible variant TB0104-DKDJ TB0114-DKDJ^^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.
  • visible variant TB0114-DKDL^^The Brain Bag in Deep Blue (dark blue) 630 Ballistic with the front main compartment zipper opened to reveal its Moss (green with light green grid) 210 Cerylon interior.
  • visible variant TB0114-DKML^^The Brain Bag in Deep Blue (dark blue) 525 Ballistic with the front main compartment zipper opened to reveal its Moss (green with light green grid) 210 Cerylon interior.
  • visible variant TB0114-CKGL TB0114-CKLJ^^A Brain Bag in Coyote (light brown) Ballistic.
  • visible variant TB0114-CKGL^^The Brain Bag in Coyote (light brown) Ballistic with the front main compartment zipper opened to reveal its Mountain Grey (grey with light grey grid) 210 Cerylon interior.
  • visible variant TB0114-WKGL TB0114-WKLJ^^A Brain Bag in Wilderness (forest green) Ballistic.
  • visible variant TB0114-WKGL^^The Brain Bag in Wilderness (forest green) Ballistic with the front main compartment zipper opened to reveal its Cloud (grey with light grey interior) 210 Cerylon interior.
  • visible variant TB0114-NKDJ^^A Brain Bag in Constellation (light blue) 525 Ballistic.
  • visible variant TB0114-NKDJ^^A profile shot of the Brain Bag in Constellation (light blue) 525 Ballistic.
  • visible variant TB0114-NKLJ^^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.
  • visible variant TB0114-RKML TB0114-RKGL TB0114-RKOL^^A Brain Bag in Ursa (greyish-brown) Ballistic.
  • visible variant TB0114-RKML^^The Brain Bag in Ursa (brown-grey) Ballistic with the front main compartment zipper opened to reveal its Moss (dark green with green grid) 210 Cerylon interior.
  • visible variant TB0114-RKOL^^The Brain Bag in Ursa (brown-grey) Ballistic with the front main compartment zipper opened to reveal its Cobalt (blue with light blue grid) 210 Cerylon interior.
  • visible variant TB0114-RKGL^^The Brain Bag in Ursa (brown-grey) Ballistic with the front main compartment zipper opened to reveal its Mountain (grey with light grey grid) 210 Cerylon interior.
  • visible variant TB0114-PKDL^^A Brain Bag in Raspberry Ballistic.
  • visible variant TB0114-PKDL^^The Brain Bag in Raspberry Ballistic with the front main compartment zipper opened to reveal its Dusk (purplish-blue with light blue grid) 210 Cerylon interior.
  • visible variant TB0114-VKPL^^A Brain Bag in Saguaro (olive green) Ballistic.
  • visible variant TB0114-VKPL^^The Brain Bag in Saguaro (olive green) Ballistic with the front main compartment zipper opened to reveal its Persimmon (dark orange with light orange grid) 210 Cerylon interior.
  • visible variant TB0114-RKGL TB0114-RKLJ^^A profile shot of the Brain Bag in Ursa (greyish-brown) 525 Ballistic.
  • visible detail^^A rear shot of the Brain Bag.
  • detail visible^^A close shot of one of the side cinches buckled up and cinched down.
  • detail visible^^A close shot of the top front cinch strap and d-ring between the front pockets.
  • detail visible^^A close shot of one of the zipper flaps.
  • detail visible^^A close shot of the d-ring on the front of the bag.
  • detail visible^^A close shot of the zipper pulls under the zipper flap.
  • lifestyle visible^^A person getting coffee at a coffee shop while wearing a Brain Bag.
  • lifestyle visible^^A tight shot of a person wearing the Brain Bag.
  • lifestyle visible^^A tight shot of the shoulder strap on a person wearing the Brain Bag.0
  • lifestyle visible^^A person accessing the front left zippered pocket in the Brain Bag.
  • lifestyle visible^^A person hiking wearing a Brain Bag.
  • lifestyle visible^^A person wearing a Brain Bag over one shoulder while drinking an iced beverage.
  • lifestyle visible^^Person wearing a Brain Bag and ordering coffee.
  • lifestyle visible^^A person wearing a Brain Bag over one shoulder while drinking an iced beverage.
  • visible video^^A thumbnail for a video showing off the features of the Brain Bag.
  • visible video^^A thumbnail for a video explaining the features of the Brain Bag.
(166 Reviews)

Brain Bag

$245

Ready to Ship

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

What Goes Into A Tom Bihn Backpack?

Each bag is handmade in the U.S. using premium, hard-wearing materials—and built to last a lifetime, guaranteed. You're not just buying a bag, you're investing in decades of thoughtful design, durable function, and responsible craftsmanship.

Color & Material
Available Color options

Exterior Color:
Black
Interior Color:
Mountain Grey
Exterior Material:
Ballistic
Interior Material:
210 Cerylon

Carry-on Friendly
Made in Seattle
Lifetime Guarantee

Brain Bag

Join the Waitlist!

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.

Reviews

4.9
Rated 4.9 out of 5 stars
Based on 166 reviews
Total 5 star reviews: 156 Total 4 star reviews: 6 Total 3 star reviews: 2 Total 2 star reviews: 2 Total 1 star reviews: 0
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166 reviews
  • LR
    Lisa R.
    Verified Buyer
    Bought For Myself
    Product Standouts Good Storage Size, Versatile, High Quality Craftsmanship, Comfortable
    4 days ago
    Bought For Myself
    Product Standouts Good Storage Size, Versatile, High Quality Craftsmanship, Comfortable
    Rated 5 out of 5 stars
    Better than I could have imagined!

    I had to take a 5 day trip recently and needed a carry-on to fit all my essentials as I didn't want to check a bag. I was also hoping it would fit under the seat. I had it packed full and doubted whether that would be possible. The side cinch straps brought the bulk down and I was able to stow under the seat. I'm a small framed 5'7 female but it carried well and was comfortable. I can't say enough about this bag with it's large compartments great for clothing or laptop(s) if using a sleeve to protect the laptop. Two roomy front zippered pockets on either side held items I needed quick access to and a smaller zippered pocket on the top help my keys and glasses. This is a fantastic, multi-purpose, well constructed bag that I was more than pleased with and would highly recommend.

    Was this helpful?
  • JH
    Jouni H.
    Verified Reviewer
    Bought For Myself
    Product Standouts High Quality Craftsmanship, Durable, Good Storage Size, Versatile
    5 days ago
    Bought For Myself
    Product Standouts High Quality Craftsmanship, Durable, Good Storage Size, Versatile
    Rated 5 out of 5 stars
    The most insane bag I’ve ever had.

    My Brain Bag has been my primary travel companion and everyday toolbox for 20 years, and it has enough miles to warrant a carbon compensation program of its own. The mesh fabric had a small tear a decade ago, but it was fixed on warranty, and the new mesh seems to be much more durable.

    I see absolutely no end of life for this insanely robust product. The only reason I’m considering shelving it is because laptops have become so much smaller that the bag’s bulk makes less sense nowadays. My plan is to pass the brain bag on to my kids at some point.

    Was this helpful?
  • MW
    Matthew W.
    Verified Buyer
    Bought For Myself
    1 week ago
    Bought For Myself
    Rated 5 out of 5 stars
    Awesome backpack

    I own dozens of bags. Go Ruck, Evergoods, DSPTCH, SF bags, recycled firefighter, Defy, and a few other brands. This is my favorite out of every bag I own. I love it!

    Just wish I could get a laptop cache for it…. 🫤

    Was this helpful?
  • BB
    Brittani B.
    Verified Buyer
    Bought For Other
    Product Standouts Thoughtful Design, Versatile, Unique, High Quality Craftsmanship, Good Storage Size
    1 month ago
    Bought For Other
    Product Standouts Thoughtful Design, Versatile, Unique, High Quality Craftsmanship, Good Storage Size
    Rated 5 out of 5 stars
    The Thinking Man’s Backsack

    Beautiful. Issue is that the plastic on the straps hits the arms. This is also a problem noticed with the Synik 26 when hiking. The color scheme is dope as honk (gray and cobalt). Organization is pretty great, but lack of laptop accessories is disappointing. I’ve had to find alternate solutions. Looks good on a large guy.

    Was this helpful?
  • A
    Amy
    Verified Reviewer
    Bought For Myself
    Product Standouts Comfortable, High Quality Craftsmanship, Durable
    1 month ago
    Bought For Myself
    Product Standouts Comfortable, High Quality Craftsmanship, Durable
    Rated 5 out of 5 stars
    Great quality, lasts forever!

    I love my Brain Bag! I originally bought it 13 years ago when I went back to college, and now I use it as my carry-on bag. Best of all, it still looks like new. My teens are looking for new backpacks this school year, including one who is going to college, so I'm back again to make another purchase. I will forever recommend Tom Bihn bags!

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Quality Designs Since 1972

Designed with obsessive attention to detail, we pride ourselves in offering bags in unmatched quality and durability—whether you're commuting, traveling, or navigating daily life. Built to last, made to move with you.

The BIHN Guarantee

We stand behind every bag we make. If it’s our fault, we’ll fix it—no questions asked. For everything else, we offer honest repairs in our Seattle factory.