Guide's Edition Synik 30

Storage everywhere!

I recently used my Synik 30 on a pair of trips, one personal and one for work. On the return home from a 7 day vacation I underestimated the amount of stuff we purchased and had to put all of my close in the pack to make room in my checked bag. I shoved every article of clothing into the pack and still had enough room for my water bottle, phones, earbuds, etc. The pack was weighted down but very comfortable on the trek to and through the airport. I was very pleased with the way it distributes the load across my shoulders. The zippers slide smoothly even when the pack is stretched.

A more recent work trip I threw all of my usual work items (laptop, cords , extra chargers, earbuds, water bottle, a big book (800+ pages) a sweater, and snacks). Barely made a dent in the storage capacity. It fit nicely under the seat on the plane and the front pockets are easily accessible during flight.

It’s a bit large for an EDC but I plan to test its durability for a while. Thus far, I am very impressed with the build quality, functionality and the fit, it’s a great pack!

It’s a Tom Bihn bag, so it’s immaculately assembled with premium fabrics and zippers, and the Guide’s Edition takes it a bit further with the excellent retro-but-classy colorway and the handful of little extras. The bottom pocket’s extra zipper is not changing anyone’s life, but the bag benefits from the even easier access to that pocket. Gotten plenty of compliments from people about the Wilderness green, even from those who aren’t that into bags and have never heard of Tom Bihn.

Like all Syniks, the pocket placements are great and really handy. I mean, come on— the side pockets have little tiny floors instead of tapering to a point where the stitching joins fabric, which keeps things from getting wedged or buried. This backpack is a magnum opus of bag design, and it’s small wonder that it’s a big seller.

If I had to pick something I like the least it would probably be the water bottle pocket, as I generally prefer mesh pockets on the side over compartments within the bag. Still, it’s just as easy to stuff said compartment with other things, and like everywhere in the bag, there’s a clip-on point where you can attach your keys or a pouch if you’d rather use it for that.

Between the great color combinations, the couple extra lash points and being an amazing bag (by virtue of being a Synik), the Guide’s Edition model is a no-brainer.