Paradigm in Deep Blue (dark blue) Ballistic Paradigm in Canary (bright yellow) 1000 Cordura Paradigm in Canary (bright yellow) 1000 Cordura with Dawn (blue-grey) 210 Ballistic interior Paradigm in Beaver Camo (Brown, tan, black, and green) 1000 Cordura Paradigm in Beaver Camo (Brown, tan, black, and green) 1000 Cordura with Coyote (brown) 210 Ballistic interior Paradigm in Mayura (blue-green) 1000 Cordura Paradigm in Mayura (blue-green) 1000 Cordura with Dawn (blue-grey) 210 Ballistic interior Paradigm in Orange-152 (bright orange) 1000 Cordura Paradigm in Orange-152 (bright orange) 1000 Cordura with Coyote (brown) 210 Ballistic interior Paradigm in Red Blend (red-purple) 1000 Cordura Paradigm in Red Blend (red-purple) 1000 Cordura with Dawn (blue-grey) 210 Ballistic interior Paradigm in Boreal (green) 1000 Cordura Paradigm in Boreal (green) 1000 Cordura with Dawn (blue-grey) 210 Ballistic interior Paradigm in Aubergine (dark purple) Ballistic Paradigm in Aubergine (dark purple) Ballistic Paradigm in Black 525 Ballistic Paradigm in Black 525 Ballistic with Northwest Sky (light grey) 200 Halcyon interior Paradigm in Black 525 Ballistic with red label Paradigm in Black 525 Ballistic with red label Paradigm in Aubergine (dark purple) 525 Ballistic with Northwest Sky (light grey) 200 Halcyon interior Paradigm in Burnt Orange 525 Ballistic Paradigm in Burnt Orange 525 Ballistic with Northwest Sky (light grey) 200 Halcyon interior Paradigm in Coyote (brown) 525 Ballistic Paradigm in Coyote (brown) 525 Ballistic with Northwest Sky (light grey) 200 Halcyon interior Paradigm in Nebulous Grey (medium grey) Ballistic Paradigm in Nebulous Grey (medium grey) Ballistic Paradigm in Nebulous Grey (medium grey) 525 Ballistic with Island (bright blue) 200 Halcyon interior Paradigm in Nebulous Grey (medium grey) 525 Ballistic Paradigm in Nebulous Grey (medium grey) 525 Ballistic with Ultraviolet (purple) 200 Halcyon interior Paradigm in Ursa (brown-grey) Ballistic Paradigm in Ursa (brown-grey) Ballistic with Dusk 210 Cerylon interior. Paradigm in Deep Blue (dark blue) Ballistic with Moss 210 Cerylon interior Paradigm in Black 400 Halcyon Paradigm in Black 400 Halcyon with Island (bright blue) 200 Halcyon interior Paradigm in Black 400 Halcyon with Northwest Sky (light grey) 200 Halcyon interior Paradigm in Night Walk (grey-blue) 400 Halcyon Paradigm in Night Walk (grey-blue) 400 Halcyon with Northwest Sky (light grey) 200 Halcyon interior Paradigm in Taiga (olive green) 400 Halcyon Paradigm in Taiga (olive green) 400 Halcyon with Northwest Sky (light grey) 200 Halcyon interior
Add to wishlist
Add to wishlist

Paradigm

$155.00

A modern small backpack design.

9 liters / 575 cu. in. 

Black Ballistic/Northwest Sky 200 Halcyon
Burnt Orange Ballistic/Northwest Sky 200 Halcyon
Nebulous Grey Ballistic/Marigold 210 Cerylon
Ursa Ballistic/Dusk 210 Cerylon
Beaver Camo 1000 Texturized Nylon/Coyote 210 Ballistic
Deep Blue Ballistic/Moss 210 Cerylon
Aubergine Ballistic/Marigold 210 Cerylon
Black Ballistic/Wasabi 200 Halcyon

TLDR

Tom designed the Paradigm (you're here now) and Zeitgeist specifically for folks who’d been asking him for years to design a small backpack PLO (Purse-Like Object; read about the origin of that acronym in the Forums).

Both backpacks share the same main compartment: a slightly teardrop shape with a zipper across the top and down the sides. Same shoulder straps too – a new style of strap offering a gentle contour and a touch of padding. Both have the same padded back panel with an interior padded sleeve suitable for a iPad or similar (sound familiar? It’s a scaled down version of the back panel of the Paragon). 

After that, the Zeitgeist heads in one direction and the Paradigm heads in another…

The Paradigm has exposed #8 YKK RC DWR zippers on both the main compartment and the front pocket. And the Paradigm’s front pocket has a lot of good stuff going on, so take a deep breath and read carefully on. First of all, this pocket is a full 3D pocket, having on its own a volume of about 2.7 liters / 165 cu.in. It’s divided vertically into three sections: if you fully unzip the top of this pocket you’ll be peering down into all three of the sections, but if you only want access to one of the sections then you can simply move the two zipper sliders around in such a way as to only expose that section (much easier to do than to describe!)

Naturally, you can put whatever you want into these three compartments, but the center one is perfect for a small water bottle or mug: remember, keeping your water bottle dead center makes for a more balanced load. Alternately, that center section can be great for a compact travel umbrella — we added a drain grommet at the bottom for that use. 

Lastly, on the interior back wall of the left and right (but not center) sections of the Paradigm’s front pocket are simple open top flat pockets – nice for wallet or smartphone.

Full Description

Walk through the features of the Paradigm.

3D Front Pocket

This pocket is a full 3D pocket, having on its own a volume of about 2.7 liters / 165 cu.in. It’s divided vertically into three sections: if you fully unzip the top of this pocket you’ll be peering down into all three of the sections, but if you you only want access to one of the sections then you can simply move the two zipper sliders around in such a way as to only expose that section (much easier to do than to describe!)

The 3D Pocket of the Paradigm, with a water bottle, snacks, and other small items packed inside.

Contour Backpack Straps

Our new Contour Backpack Straps were designed to be an upgrade from basic webbing straps. They have minimal foam padding to bump up the comfort factor, while remaining light and proportional to smaller or lightweight packs.

Tom developed the shape and fit of the Contour straps over several months, asking for feedback from friends and crew of all heights and sizes — many different refinements were made to the shape and fit. The result? While no backpack strap design is likely to work for everyone, it’s surprising to all of us how many of us love these straps in particular — folks ranging from 5’0” to 6’0” find them comfortable and well-fitted. 

The Contour Backpack Straps of the Paradigm on a person's shoulders

Smooth Back Panel

The back panel of the Paradigm is always smooth 525d ballistic nylon in Black, no matter the main exterior fabric or color.

The back panel of the Paradigm. It's always 525d ballistic nylon in Black.

Padded Device Pocket

The Paradigm's padded compartment offers just-right padding without adding bulk or weight. Don't plan to carry a device? Know that most of the padding and construction of the compartment would be there regardless to offer comfort to your back and structure for the bag itself.

The Paradigm will fit devices up to the size of the 11" iPad Pro or Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 (but notably not the S7+).

Paradigm's padded device pocket with an iPad mini.

Grab Handle

We added a simple webbing grab handle to the top of the Paradigm. It'll come in handy if you'd like to hang the pack on a coat hook, grab and hoist it up onto a table, or carry it briefly by the grab handle itself.

Person holding the Paradigm by its grab handle.

What's Included

We include the following accessories to give you a good amount of options for your new bag right out of the gate.

One 8-inch Black Webbing Snaphook/Snaphook Key Strap

A Key Strap is a strip of webbing with plastic snaphooks on the end. The 8” Key Strap in Black that’s included in most of our larger bags is, for many, the gateway to a world of organization via Key Straps and Organizer Pouches. All the members of the Key Strap family are intended to make locating things in your bag easier and more instinctive. Pulling out a small item or pouch tethered to a strap is easier than rooting around aimlessly in the depths of your pack; you can also rest assured that anything hooked to a strap is much less likely to fall out or otherwise be left behind. You can find more Key Strap colors and varieties on the Key Strap page.


One Cord Zipper Pulls w/ Plastic Ends (8-Pack)

Some folks prefer metal zipper pulls. Others prefer cord pulls. So, what to do about that? We think the best solution (in most cases) is to offer metal pulls and include a starter pack of Cord Pulls with most bags. The most popular solution is to weave the Cord Pulls through the metal pulls, effectively silencing them without having to remove them. A video demonstrating various Cord Pull options and more colors/varieties of Cord Pulls can be found on the Cord Zipper Pulls page.


One Sternum Strap Assembly

An adjustable and removable sternum and waist straps with leave-no-trace hardware: if you don't like or don't use your sternum strap, remove it and leave (almost) nothing behind.

3D Front Pocket

This pocket is a full 3D pocket, having on its own a volume of about 2.7 liters / 165 cu.in. It’s divided vertically into three sections: if you fully unzip the top of this pocket you’ll be peering down into all three of the sections, but if you you only want access to one of the sections then you can simply move the two zipper sliders around in such a way as to only expose that section (much easier to do than to describe!)

The 3D Pocket of the Paradigm, with a water bottle, snacks, and other small items packed inside.

Contour Backpack Straps

Our new Contour Backpack Straps were designed to be an upgrade from basic webbing straps. They have minimal foam padding to bump up the comfort factor, while remaining light and proportional to smaller or lightweight packs.

Tom developed the shape and fit of the Contour straps over several months, asking for feedback from friends and crew of all heights and sizes — many different refinements were made to the shape and fit. The result? While no backpack strap design is likely to work for everyone, it’s surprising to all of us how many of us love these straps in particular — folks ranging from 5’0” to 6’0” find them comfortable and well-fitted. 

The Contour Backpack Straps of the Paradigm on a person's shoulders

Smooth Back Panel

The back panel of the Paradigm is always smooth 525d ballistic nylon in Black, no matter the main exterior fabric or color.

The back panel of the Paradigm. It's always 525d ballistic nylon in Black.

Padded Device Pocket

The Paradigm's padded compartment offers just-right padding without adding bulk or weight. Don't plan to carry a device? Know that most of the padding and construction of the compartment would be there regardless to offer comfort to your back and structure for the bag itself.

The Paradigm will fit devices up to the size of the 11" iPad Pro or Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 (but notably not the S7+).

Paradigm's padded device pocket with an iPad mini.

Grab Handle

We added a simple webbing grab handle to the top of the Paradigm. It'll come in handy if you'd like to hang the pack on a coat hook, grab and hoist it up onto a table, or carry it briefly by the grab handle itself.

Person holding the Paradigm by its grab handle.

What's Included

We include the following accessories to give you a good amount of options for your new bag right out of the gate.

One 8-inch Black Webbing Snaphook/Snaphook Key Strap

A Key Strap is a strip of webbing with plastic snaphooks on the end. The 8” Key Strap in Black that’s included in most of our larger bags is, for many, the gateway to a world of organization via Key Straps and Organizer Pouches. All the members of the Key Strap family are intended to make locating things in your bag easier and more instinctive. Pulling out a small item or pouch tethered to a strap is easier than rooting around aimlessly in the depths of your pack; you can also rest assured that anything hooked to a strap is much less likely to fall out or otherwise be left behind. You can find more Key Strap colors and varieties on the Key Strap page.


One Cord Zipper Pulls w/ Plastic Ends (8-Pack)

Some folks prefer metal zipper pulls. Others prefer cord pulls. So, what to do about that? We think the best solution (in most cases) is to offer metal pulls and include a starter pack of Cord Pulls with most bags. The most popular solution is to weave the Cord Pulls through the metal pulls, effectively silencing them without having to remove them. A video demonstrating various Cord Pull options and more colors/varieties of Cord Pulls can be found on the Cord Zipper Pulls page.


One Sternum Strap Assembly

An adjustable and removable sternum and waist straps with leave-no-trace hardware: if you don't like or don't use your sternum strap, remove it and leave (almost) nothing behind.

Zippers

2x #8 YKK Raquet-Coil Water-Repellent Zipper

Back

bluesign® certified Black 210 denier High-Tenacity 2x2 nylon exterior
Closed-cell foam

Straps

Contour 1/8" / 3mm shoulder straps (#4 Closed Cell Foam)

Components

Duraflex®, Nexus, and Woojin buckles and related components

Specs

Weight

1000d Cordura®: 18.3 oz / 518 grams
525d Ballistic: 18 oz / 511 grams
400d Halcyon/420d nylon ripstop exterior: 16.2 oz / 458 grams 

Dimensions

9.8" (w) x 12.8" (h) x 7.7" (d) / 250 (w) x 325 (h) x 195 (d) mm

Volume

9 liters / 575 cu. in. (ASTM Standard Measure)

Device Pocket

Maximum:  11" x 7.2" x .7" / 280 x 180 x 17 mm

Total O-Rings

4

(2 in the main compartment
2 in the front pocket)

Choosing an Exterior Fabric

You like choices and we like to give you choices! That's why the Paradigm is typically available* in three different exterior fabrics. Our Materials Glossary explains each fabric in great detail, but here are some quick facts that may help you decide which to choose. And we're always here if you have questions: emailus@tombihn.com

400d Halcyon

Weave:
plain weave with 1/4” / 6mm ripstop
Fibers:
400 denier type 6 filament nylon (base fabric); 420 denier ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene ripstop grid
Coating:
light urethane
Made in:
Japan

Choose this fabric if

  • You want a lighter weight alternative to traditional nylon fabrics that has remarkable tear strength and good abrasion resistance.
  • You're looking for a fabric with a modern, "technical" appearance.
  • You have pets: 400d Halcyon doesn't collect pet hair, reducing your monthly lint roller costs.

525d High Tenacity Ballistic Nylon

Weave:
2x2 “ballistic” weave
Fibers:
525 denier type 6,6 (high tenacity) filament nylon, twisted
Coating:
heavy urethane
Made in:
South Korea with Canadian yarn

Choose this fabric if

  • You want your bag to be soft and supple yet tough as nails.
  • You want a fabric that's stately enough to be at home at work, the mountains, or a nice hotel.
  • You don't want your bag to collect pet hair or abrade your clothing.

1000 denier Cordura®

Weave:
plain weave
Fibers:
1000 denier type 6,6 texturized nylon, discontinuous surface fibers that mask surface damage caused by abrasion
Coating:
medium urethane
Made in:
U.S.A.

Choose this fabric if

  • You want a durable, canvas-like, natural-feeling fabric, and don't mind the slightly rough or abrasive texture.
  • You appreciate that it's been the outdoor industry's go-to, classic pack fabric for the past four decades.
  • You don't care about your bag collecting pet hair or lint.
*There may be times when one of the exterior fabrics mentioned here isn't available. Even with our best efforts, the demand for our bags occasionally outpaces our production capabilities: at times, some products, color combinations, or fabrics might be temporarily unavailable or "In Production." See the In Production color combinations as a guide to what our factory crew is making and what will be available next.
4.9
Rated 4.9 out of 5 stars
Based on 51 reviews
100%would recommend this product
51 reviews
  • Margaret K.
    Verified Buyer
    Bought For Myself
    Product Standouts Thoughtful Design, Compact, Good Storage Size, High Quality Craftsmanship
    9 months ago
    Bought For Myself
    Product Standouts Thoughtful Design, Compact, Good Storage Size, High Quality Craftsmanship
    Rated 5 out of 5 stars
    Perfect DEC backpack

    I'm 5'3.

    The bag's size fit me very well!

    Not that big not so small.

    The design very handy and useful.

    When it loaded, it can stand by itself.

    The only thing I think can be develop, is it better have a pocket in front of the main compartment, as the same as daylight backpack's pockets on the back, make more management.

    But is can solve by another way.

    I use a freudian slip of small cafe, it's fit perfect!

    Love this bag! it's the third favorite bag of tom bihn I ever have!

  • Patti F.
    Verified Buyer
    Bought For Gift
    Product Standouts High Quality Craftsmanship, Good Storage Size, Easily Adjustable, Comfortable, Made in USA
    1 year ago
    Bought For Gift
    Product Standouts High Quality Craftsmanship, Good Storage Size, Easily Adjustable, Comfortable, Made in USA
    Rated 5 out of 5 stars
    Love it!

    I asked for this for Christmas to replace my handbag. I'm older and have a cranky shoulder. I hoped to wear it on my back thereby putting the weight evenly on both shoulders. As it turns out, I can't get it there w/o help. BUT it is just as useful as I thought it would be -- it keeps everything organized and easy to get to. I carry it w/my good arm OR wear it on my chest using both shoulders - depending on the day! As a geezer, I really don't care how I look as long as it works!!!

  • Mariko A.
    Verified Buyer
    Bought For Myself
    Product Standouts Thoughtful Design, Comfortable, High Quality Finishings, Compact, Versatile
    9 months ago
    Bought For Myself
    Product Standouts Thoughtful Design, Comfortable, High Quality Finishings, Compact, Versatile
    Rated 5 out of 5 stars
    Practical backpack for those who are shorter

    I needed a daypack to wear during travels that would not be too big so that I could not fill it enough stuff to make it too heavy to carry for hours on end. The Paradigm is perfect for that - I can fit in a few books, a jacket, umbrella, iPad and other travel essentials in this small PLO. The downside is that the front compartment is rather short - I found that nothing bigger than a Yeti 12oz bottle or Hydroflask 18oz bottle (fyi it will be a little harder to get the zips to pass the top of this bottle) will fit. But I'm ok with that, I can just fit my bottle into the main compartment. Lastly, I tried ordering this in both Ursa and Coyote Ballastic - the latter has a beautiful sheen to it that the Ursa lacks, and I noticed the Ursa picked up scuffs that were really visible (although could easily be wiped off). Just FYI as well if that bothers you.

  • Michele B.
    Verified Buyer
    Bought For Myself
    Product Standouts Thoughtful Design, Comfortable, High Quality Craftsmanship, Durable, Easily Adjustable
    9 months ago
    Bought For Myself
    Product Standouts Thoughtful Design, Comfortable, High Quality Craftsmanship, Durable, Easily Adjustable
    Rated 5 out of 5 stars
    I am beyond in love with this thing

    I've been travelling exclusively with an Aeronaut 45 since 2015. I love that thing so much I bought one for my now-husband not long after we started dating. Over the years I've purchased so many Tom Bihn bags and gifts for friends/family/loved ones, and I finally decided to treat myself to a PLO. I have hypermobility spectrum disorder, so finding something that's functional and comfy is hard. It also doesn't help that I'm 5'2 so most proportionate bags are kiddo bags, which means that straps are of questionable quality and often awkward because...you know, they're not designed for an adult. This fits the bill on all accounts while making sure that there's plenty of space for all of the things I need for work (college prof. and grants coordinator), real-life (mom to a toddler and 2 dogs), plus play (three words: hands. free. adventuring.) If you're thinking about it like I was for the longest time...JUST ORDER IT! I swear it's 1000% worth it.

  • Ava G.
    Verified Buyer
    Bought For Myself
    Product Standouts Thoughtful Design, Comfortable, High Quality Craftsmanship, Durable, Good Storage Size
    11 months ago
    Bought For Myself
    Product Standouts Thoughtful Design, Comfortable, High Quality Craftsmanship, Durable, Good Storage Size
    Rated 5 out of 5 stars
    Perfect EDC

    This bag is just the right size for me (I am petite) as one of my EDC bags. It looks durable and it has a pretty thoughtful storage and design for a small bag. I love the smaller outside pocket as it's spacious and has dividers to organize your stuff. The left pocket I use for small electronic edcs, the middle pocket I use for a water bottle or a small umbrella (it even has a small hole at the bottom to drain any leaks), and the right pocket I use for make-up or other hygiene items. The main pocket is also spacious and it can hold my 13-inch MacBook pro. Overall, it's perfect so far for my daily needs and I think, I'll be using this bag for a very long time.

Reviews LoadedReviews Added
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 Paradigm?

Add To Cart