What Goes Into A Tom Bihn Backpack?
Join the Waitlist!
This bag is a great size for my EDC needs. Sometimes all I need for the day is a set of keys, earbuds, and charging battery. And on crazy busy days, I might carry an iPad mini, a charging battery, a second phone, a 5x8 notepad with a pen or two, a small measuring tape, sunglasses, and some snacks. Either way, it never feels too bulky. The Spectron fabric is sharp-looking, rugged, and just fantastic. I haven't tried wearing it as a waist pack yet, but I got a hip belt to give it a try eventually. My one suggestion is to have an option or version that slightly stiffens the back of the bag, but that's a personal preference.
Shoulder pain only recently pushed me to give up the beautiful leather designer bags I've always loved for lighter fabric bags, and it has felt like a grumpy downgrade until this purchase. This is my first TB bag, and I've bought four more bags and some pouches in the month since receiving it! The craftsmanship matches far more expensive bags, and the design is astonishingly thoughtful. The bag and its pockets are well-sized to be really versatile, the included strap is soft, wide and comfortable, and the unassuming aesthetic is growing on me. I bought this to be my writer's bag - it holds my Supernote Nomad and Freewrite Traveler/ Pomera DM250, plus daily essentials, and I can squeeze in an umbrella and small water bottle or Bose QC headphones and a thin merino sweater or big scarf in the back pocket. Took it on its first trip and it makes a fantastic plane and travel bag too! Looking out for more colours to be restocked because I'm HOOKED!
Was using the synapse 19 almost daily before I got the side hustle. After using it for around 3 weeks I love this bag it fits everything I need and then some. It still feels small enough to carry with me everywhere I want to go, and I love getting to show off my Tom Bihn bag when I do. With my other bag I didn’t feel like I could utilize enough to run out to the store, or for a quick trip, this bag feel like it’s the perfect in between option, and for a first time sling bag it is an easy carry.
I was looking for a smaller daily on-the-go bag that could be used as a sling/crossbody bag that was large enough to carry an iPad Pro 11", a thin jacket, bucket hat, sunglasses (Maui Jims and their triangular folding case), 12" Zojirushi bottle, and my phone/wallet when I did not want it in my pocket... But small/light enough that it was not constantly getting in the way or felt like a separate part of me. Too many bags out there felt one of two extremes, either being too small (Uniqlo crescent bag, Lululemon pack, TB Side Kick or Effect) or too large and structured that I would just go to my tablet/laptop bags for... Or maybe it was the right size/look/weight... But it lacked adequate organization or material was poor quality.
I was lucky that I started my search AFTER the Side Hustle came out because this bag seems to have been made for people in this likely very prominent space and gap. This bag is the PERFECT size for the iPad Pro with Smarty Keyboard but I don't take it everywhere I go, so day to day I can use it for so many purposes and when it's lighter/emptier it still feels very portable and a "part" of my body. It's perfect for daily outings. I have even recently used it to carry diapers/wipes and other kid/family things for shorter outings like a partial day at Disneyland or at the beach and it worked very well. Cannot express my love for this bag. It's super high-quality, feels great, and looks awesome.
I alternate between this bag and a Side Effect for my EDC.
It is perfectly organized. .
As you can see from the picture - it works beautifully as a travel bag as well. Easy access to items you need while on a bus or plane.
I bought two different colours.( My aunt saw my blue one and bought herself one.)
The only problem with this bag...? I wish I had all the colours.
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.
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.
