Cambiata

I've been a long-time customer of Tom Bihn and use their bags on a daily basis. When this new design for the Cambiata came out I was super excited to purchase it. Now that the bag is here I am floored by how practical all the organizational pockets are. I'm currently using the bag as a diaper bag for my toddler and infant.

I'm mainly using in backpack style and the straps are super comfortable and the bag doesn't feel heavy at all, even when packed for an all day outing. I particularly like that the bag will stand on its own when set down and not fall over, making it easy to access the inside pockets. The "water bottle" side pocket perfectly fits 2 9oz bottles w/ formula making them easy to grab. I keep our changing pad in the back straps pocket for easy grabbing. The inside stretch pocket easily holds bags of crackers, chips, coloring books + crayons! I use a large snake charmer w/ diapers, wipes, etc., and there's plenty of room for extra clothes/toys/etc.

The functionality and design of this bag will also last beyond the diaper years and into the just need extra clothes and iPad years. I could even see using this for commuting with a laptop and everything I'd need for a day at the office. I also have a Synapse 25 and for its listed capacity to be only a bit larger the Cambiata is FAR less bulky! This bag is sleek and I highly recommend.

When the Cambiata was first unveiled, I instinctively knew it was not the right EDC bag for me, but I could not resist it – in black with orange zest interior, it looks fabulous.

It is beautifully made – the stitching on mine is perfect, and if compared to bags from other companies, I would be giving my Cambiata the full 5 stars. But I am comparing it to another great TB bag – my Synik 22 – and against such fearsome competition, I can only award my Cambiata 3 stars.

What I love about my Cambiata: I’ve already mentioned the quality of construction and the colour combination; I was also really attracted to the simple rectangle shape – it has an understated smart style and you can take it pretty much anywhere. I love that it does not scream ‘backpack’. Although I don’t use the Cambiata as a Tote bag, it is still very clever how the backpack straps can be tucked out of the way and out of sight.

What does not work for me: I like to be super organised, and I am looking for (preferably separate) quick access pockets for 1. Keys; 2. Smartphone; 3. Wallet; 4. Tissues & Wet Wipes; 5. Notebook & Pen. The biggest flaw with the Cambiata is that the two external side pockets are 2D instead of 3D and almost not fit for purpose. I struggle to fit 2 x Nik Minimalist Wallets in the smaller side pocket; and my iPhone only just fits into the larger side pocket. These pockets are not a joy to use. The second issue is the top opening to the main compartment, with a zip that has to go round…

I preordered this bag on a whim. I'm new to TB stuff and this bag intrigued me. I LOVE IT so far. It's so versatile, the fact that it converts from a backpack to a tote bag is one of my favorite aspects of the Cambiata. There's so much room in this bag for whatever I need, plus the pockets are fantastic. I also love that I can *actually* put a water bottle in that designated pocket and not worry about it falling out. That was a revelation, a game changer because now I can safely put my water bottle in my bag it's always a frustration with other bags I've used.

I also like the amount of o-rings so I can attach my various pouches. Honestly this bag is worth every penny I cannot wait to use it for years to come. A perfect EDC as well as a weekender.

We've had the Cambiata for about a week and a half, and I love it. I bought it for my wife, but I really want my own. I've seen many folks in the Facebook forum knocking the design, which honestly discouraged me while I was awaiting its arrival. Now that I've worn it and seen it worn, I think it looks like a courier bag. We've mostly used it as a backpack, but the shoulder strap is an excellent alternative to a normal backpack that would have to be one-shouldered. It wears well in all its ways.

It's highly structured, which makes it great for setting down and filling up without it tipping. When I set it in a chair, it doesn't lean back such that it causes the chair to tip, and it never leans forward falling out of the chair. Same when I've got it freestanding on the floor or a table.

We've used it to carry MANY different kinds of things around on our bikes - groceries, plants, random packages from the post office, bike helmets, and of course laptop/notebook/jackts/normal work stuff. When my daughter had a fragile "craft" she made at school, the Cambiata held its own shape, thus carrying the craft gently without crushing it.

I'm 6'2", so I do wish there was a version that was slightly larger, but in all I've really enjoyed using it as has my wife. Five stars.