• visible variant TB0730-BBSN^^Empire Builder in Black 1050 Ballistic
  • visible variant TB0730-SBSN^^Empire Builder in Steel (medium grey) 1050 Ballistic
  • detail visible^^Reverse shot of the Empire Builder showing the open-topped pocket with passthrough
  • detail visible^^Empire Builder in Black 1050 Ballistic
  • detail visible^^Empire Builder in Black 1050 Ballistic with a guidebook in the top-left front pocket
  • detail visible^^The front main compartment of the Empire Builder
  • detail visible^^The main compartment zipper and handles of the Empire Builder
  • detail visible^^A filled Empire Builder main compartment with a laptop case, book, water bottle, and files
  • detail visible^^A possible loadout of the Empire Builder
  • detail visible^^Reverse shot of the Empire Builder slotted on a roll-aboard using the passthrough
  • detail visible^^A close shot of the front face zippered pockets on the Empire Builder
  • detail visible^^Close shot of the front flip-top compartment's buckle
  • detail visible^^Close shot of the d-ring for attaching a shoulder strap
  • lifestyle visible^^A person carrying the Empire Builder as a shoulder strap
  • lifestyle visible^^A person carrying the Empire Builder as a shoulder strap
  • lifestyle visible^^An Empire Builder on a train seat
  • visible variant TB0730-BBSN^^Empire Builder in Black 1050 Ballistic
  • visible variant TB0730-SBSN^^Empire Builder in Steel (medium grey) 1050 Ballistic
  • detail visible^^Reverse shot of the Empire Builder showing the open-topped pocket with passthrough
  • detail visible^^Empire Builder in Black 1050 Ballistic
  • detail visible^^Empire Builder in Black 1050 Ballistic with a guidebook in the top-left front pocket
  • detail visible^^The front main compartment of the Empire Builder
  • detail visible^^The main compartment zipper and handles of the Empire Builder
  • detail visible^^A filled Empire Builder main compartment with a laptop case, book, water bottle, and files
  • detail visible^^A possible loadout of the Empire Builder
  • detail visible^^Reverse shot of the Empire Builder slotted on a roll-aboard using the passthrough
  • detail visible^^A close shot of the front face zippered pockets on the Empire Builder
  • detail visible^^Close shot of the front flip-top compartment's buckle
  • detail visible^^Close shot of the d-ring for attaching a shoulder strap
  • lifestyle visible^^A person carrying the Empire Builder as a shoulder strap
  • lifestyle visible^^A person carrying the Empire Builder as a shoulder strap
  • lifestyle visible^^An Empire Builder on a train seat
(8 Reviews)

Empire Builder

$210

What Goes Into A TOM BIHN Backpack?

Each backpack is handmade in Seattle 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

Exterior Color: Black
Interior Color: Steel
Material: 1050 Ballistic
Material: 420 Parapack

We've retired the Empire Builder so we can focus our efforts on other projects. You can sign up for our newsletter at the bottom of the page to receive updates on what we're working on next!

Empire Builder

Reviews

5.0
Rated 5.0 out of 5 stars
Based on 8 reviews
Total 5 star reviews: 8 Total 4 star reviews: 0 Total 3 star reviews: 0 Total 2 star reviews: 0 Total 1 star reviews: 0
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8 reviews
  • CG
    Christopher G.
    Verified Reviewer
    Bought For Myself
    3 years ago
    Bought For Myself
    Reviewing
    Empire Builder
    Rated 5 out of 5 stars
    Best bag ever

    This is the bag of all bags. Plenty of pockets and features; I have no doubt it took 3 years of R&D to perfect. It's an absolute workhorse for the mobile, professional knowledge worker. I am so sad that mine has finally worn out after over a decade of heavy use, and that this model is no longer available.

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  • RW
    richard W.
    5 years ago
    Reviewing
    Empire Builder
    Rated 5 out of 5 stars
    Best Bag I have ever owned.

    I have had my Empire builder for at least 8 years. It is amazing. The shoulder strap is still comfortable, the compartment dividers are perfect and the vertical brain keeps my lap top in perfect shape! I can't offer more superlatives. Amazing construction, totally secure and comfortable. Time for another piece as a carry on.

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  • BM
    Bruce M.
    Bought For Myself
    Product Standouts Thoughtful Design, Comfortable, High Quality Craftsmanship, Durable
    1 year ago
    Bought For Myself
    Product Standouts Thoughtful Design, Comfortable, High Quality Craftsmanship, Durable
    Reviewing
    Empire Builder
    Rated 5 out of 5 stars
    Best Ever!

    I have used this bag almost daily for over 15 years. Is great as a briefcase and the perfect size for a carry-on, under the seat in front you, travel bag. It was showing expected and natural signs of age/wear. Found a like-new Empire Builder on E-Bay and bought it. My wife now gets to use the "new" one for travel as I continue to use the bag I first purchased. Could not be happier that I bought the 1st bag from Tom Binh and recently found the 2nd bag.

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  • J
    Jared
    4 years ago
    Reviewing
    Empire Builder
    Rated 5 out of 5 stars
    Just buy it already

    I'm a military officer and have used this bag everyday for 5 years. It routinely hauls multiple laptops, phones, a bundle of chargers, the occasional set of workout clothes, snacks - everything. It hasn't shown any wear and cleans up nicely (faulty food storage container) and without fail someone will ask about it atleast once every trip. At ~1800 cubes this is not going to sustain multiple days of tripwear (unless that's a pair of board shorts and sandals), but if you're working on the go than there really isn't anything that beats it.

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  • BC
    Brian C.
    Verified Reviewer
    Bought For Myself
    Product Standouts Thoughtful Design, High Quality Finishings, Unique
    2 years ago
    Bought For Myself
    Product Standouts Thoughtful Design, High Quality Finishings, Unique
    Reviewing
    Empire Builder
    Rated 5 out of 5 stars
    Amazing Briefcase

    This bag is amazing and versatile. It’s slim and lightweight when I’m not carrying much, but it can also hold a 17” laptop and a bundle of books. As a longtime professor, few bags have served me so well over the years. I’m sad to see that this design is no longer available!

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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 endure, 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.