What Goes Into A Tom Bihn Backpack?
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When I discovered TB a few ago, I didn't really understand the fuss around these shopping bags, and I found them expensive for what it was (in Europe you get them for very cheap at any shops, and they last forever). However, I did buy one, one day and....I understood!
Apart from the fact that the shopping bag looks gorgeous (if like me you love Halcyon - in any color) , it has for me 2 main qualities:
- it has the right size, not too big and not too small for groceries. You can truly fit a lot in there, especially because you can open it so widely, BUT it also does not get too heavy, something which happens all the time with my regular shopping bags from my local supermarket (there are big, you fill them up, and they weight a ton),
- the second huge advantage is that thanks to the padded handle the shopping bag is super comfy to carry.
As a consequence, I use it for many other things: at the gym or swimming pool (in our ancient world), bring my stuff in the shower when camping, etc etc...Even as a big hand bag sometime.
I have bought 4 so far (offered one to my mum), and wish I could buy another one in solaris or any other new halcyon color. A month ago for the first batch displayed, they went out of stock in no time :( So please please, continue producing them :)
I'm an absolute FANATIC of the original shopping bag, I had already 3 of them in Halcyon. I bought 2 additional ones in Cerylon thinking it would be kind of the same.... but it is not. The material is very different in the way it feels (less smooth?). As I live in Europe there was no way I could send them back, so if you are a big fan of halcyon like me, you may want to check if cerylon is for you or not.
I read that the Cerylon fabric is next of kin to Halcyon - cousin twice removed would be more accurate. It’s not even close to Halcyon. Unlike the switch from Dyneema to Halcyon, this is very noticeable. Cerylon looks and feels cheap. I love Tom Bihn bags for the quality, workmanship, and made in USA. I hold out hope that these great qualities will remain under the new ownership. Will hold out for Halcyon before ordering shop bags again. Please bring back Halcyon as an option for all the shop bags!
Thanks so much for sharing this feedback- it's always helpful to hear this kind of thing. I'm sorry that the Cerylon isn't what you were hoping- I'll send you a separate email in follow up. -Mike
This bag has so many uses! Shopping, of course, but around the house I have used it to gather things together or carry from one place to another. I keep it handy because it has so many uses. Although it is lightweight, it is very strong!
I love my large shop bag and use it constantly. It’s a nice large size without being too large. I can load it up with groceries and still lift it! The padded handles are especially nice when carrying those heavy loads. It’s also nice having the two side pockets inside — to tuck items (greeting cards, b-day candles, fruit, etc) you don’t want to get lost or crushed in a full main compartment. I chose the halcyon fabric which seems plenty strong and also allows it to fold nearly flat. I’m very happy with my large shop bag purchase!
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