Synik 22 in Burnt Orange Ballistic Side profile of Synik 22 in Burnt Orange Ballistic with NW Sky Halcyon interior Synik 22 in Black Ballistic with a grey label. Synik 22 in Black Ballistic with Northwest Sky (grey with white grid) Halcyon interior. Side profile of Synik 22 in Burnt Orange Ballistic Synik 22 in Black Ballistic with a grey label. Front of Synik 22 in Coyote Front of Synik 22 in Aubergine Side profile of Synik 22 in Aubergine with Wisteria Halcyon interior Side profile of Synik 22 in Aubergine with Kiwi Halcyon interior Side profile of Synik 22 in Aubergine with NW Sky Halcyon interior Profile of Synik 22 in Aubergine Front of Synik 22 in Cloud Synik 22 in Cloud Ballistic with a Cerise Halcyon interior. Profile of Synik 22 in Cloud Front of Synik 22 in Wilderness Side profile of Synik 22 in Wilderness with Moab Halcyon interior Side profile of Synik 22 in Wilderness with Mountain Grey Cerylon interior Side profile of Synik 22 in Wilderness with NW Sky Halcyon interior Side profile of Synik 22 in Wilderness with Moab Halcyon interior Side profile of Synik 22 in Wilderness Side profile of Synik 22 in Nebulous Gray Synik 22 in Nebulous Grey Ballistic with Sakura (pale pink with white grid) Halcyon interior. Side profile of Synik 22 in Nebulous Gray with Island Halcyon interior Side profile of Synik 22 in Nebulous Gray with Wasabi Halcyon interior Side profile of Synik 22 in Nebulous Gray with Moab Halcyon interior Side profile of Synik 22 in Nebulous Gray with Solar Halcyon interior Side profile of Synik 22 in Nebulous Gray with Seafoam Halcyon interior Side profile of Synik 22 in Nebulous Gray with Acai Halcyon interior Side profile of Synik 22 in Nebulous Grey Ballistic with Marigold Cerylon interior Side profile of Synik 22 in Nebulous Gray Front of Synik 22 in Ursa Side profile of Synik 22 in Ursa with Seafoam Halcyon interior Side profile of Synik 22 in Ursa with Zest Halcyon interior Side profile of Synik 22 in Ursa with NW Sky Halcyon interior Side profile of Synik 22 in Ursa with Fjord Halcyon interior Side profile of Synik 22 in Ursa with Tidal Halcyon interior Side profile of Synik 22 in Ursa Synik 22 in Black Ballistic with colorful logo. Synik 22 in Black Ballistic with Sakura (pale pink with white grid) Halcyon interior. Synik 22 in Black Ballistic with Seafoam (minty green with white grid) Halcyon interior. Synik 22 in Black Ballistic with Island (blue with white grid) Halcyon interior. Synik 22 in Black Ballistic with Cerise (pink with white grid) Halcyon interior. Synik 22 in Black Ballistic with Acai (dark purple with white grid) Halcyon interior. Synik 22 in Black Ballistic with Zest (orange with white grid) Halcyon interior. Synik 22 in Black Ballistic with colorful logo. Front of Synik 22 in Deep Blue Side profile of Synik 22 in Deep Blue with Wisteria (pale purple with white grid) Halcyon interior. Side profile of Synik 22 in Deep Blue with Seafoam Halcyon interior. Side profile of Synik 22 in Deep Blue with Wasabi Halcyon interior. Side profile of Synik 22 in Deep Blue with Coyote Halcyon interior. Side profile of Synik 22 in Deep Blue with Solar Halcyon interior. Side profile of Synik 22 in Deep Blue with Northwest Sky Halcyon interior. Side profile of Synik 22 in Deep Blue with Acai Halcyon interior. Side profile of Synik 22 in Deep Blue with Moss Cerylon interior. Synik 22 in Deep Blue with Zest Halcyon interior. Side profile of Synik 22 in Deep Blue Front of Synik 22 in Constellation Side profile of Synik 22 in Constellation with NW Sky Halcyon interior. Side profile of Synik 22 in Coyote with Mountain Grey Cerylon interior Side profile of Synik 22 in Coyote with NW Sky Halcyon interior Synik 22 in Mars Red Ballistic Synik 22 in Mars Red Ballistic Synik 22 in Mars Red Ballistic Front in Black Halcyon Front in Black Halcyon Side in Black Halcyon Side in Black Halcyon with Taiga interior Side in Black Halcyon with Moab interior Side in Black Halcyon with Solaris interior Side in Black Halcyon Front in Taiga (olive green with dark grey grid) 400 Halcyon Side in Taiga (olive green with grey grid) 400 Halcyon with Northwest Sky (light grey with white grid) 200 Halcyon interior Front in Night Walk (blue-grey with dark grey grid) 400 Halcyon Side in Night Walk (blue-grey with grey grid) 400 Halcyon with Northwest Sky (light grey with white grid) 200 Halcyon interior Side profile of Synik 22 in Night Walk (blue-grey with dark grey grid) 400 Halcyon Front in Original (black with white grid) 400 Halcyon Side in Original (black with white grid) 400 Halcyon with Island (bright blue with white grid) 200 Halcyon interior The Synik 22 in Marine (blue) X-Pac®. The Synik 22 in Black X-Pac® with a Seafoam (olive green with white grid) 200 Halcyon interior. The Synik 22 in Black X-Pac® with a Seafoam (blue-green with white grid) 200 Halcyon interior. The Synik 22 from the side in Marine (blue) X-Pac®. The Synik 22 in Sunglow (mustard yellow) X-Pac®. The Synik 22 in Sunglow (mustard yellow) X-Pac® with a Northwest Sky (light grey with white grid) 200 Halcyon interior. The Synik 22 in Sunglow (mustard yellow) X-Pac® with a Sangria (red with dark red grid) 200 Halcyon interior. The Synik 22 in Sunglow (mustard yellow) X-Pac®. The Synik 22 in Black X-Pac® with a colorful label. The Synik 22 in Black X-Pac® with a Wisteria (pale purple with white grid) 200 Halcyon interior. The Synik 22 in Black X-Pac® with a Acai 200 Halcyon interior. The Synik 22 in Black X-Pac® with a Wasabi 200 Halcyon interior. The Synik 22 in Black X-Pac® with a Seafoam 200 Halcyon interior. The Synik 22 in Black X-Pac® with a colorful label. The Synik 22 in Black X-Pac® with a grey label. The Synik 22 in Black X-Pac® with a Northwest Sky 200 Halcyon interior. The Synik 22 from the side in Black X-Pac® with a grey label. Side profile of Synik 22 in Original (black with white grid) 400 Halcyon Front in Navy Parapack Side in Navy Parapack with Mountain Grey interior Side in Navy Parapack
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Suspended laptop compartment that fits most 13" laptops, rolling luggage pass-through, and full clamshell opening.

22 liters / 1340 cu. in.

TLDR

The Synik 22 is the smaller version of our bestselling Synik 30, designed to do —and fit— it all. It has many of the well-thought out features of our original Synapse:

  • 5 exterior front pockets with independent volume
  • Interior, banded open-top pocket
  • Comfortable, durable, edgeless shoulder straps
  • Removable sternum strap and waist strap
  • Webbing loop on exterior bottom of bag to hook items on the outside
  • Meets the personal item size requirement on most airlines
  • Generally fits folks between 5' and 5'10" comfortably

Plus, we added more features to the Synik:

  • Main compartment with full clamshell zipper opening
  • Two-point access suspended laptop compartment, fits up to 13" Macbook Pro
  • Fully integrated, yet removable, internal frame
  • Rolling luggage handle pass-through pocket
  • Padded grab handle and bottom

Full Description

 

What the synik shares with the synapse

Now, here's what's unique to the synik...

Design Story

The original Synapse 19 debuted in 2009. Tom designed the Synapse to serve as a day-hiking backpack, but our customers saw the backpack's potential beyond hiking and began using it both for everyday carry and minimalist travel. Over the years, we started receiving requests to make a slightly larger version, and we did: the Synapse 25 debuted in 2013. 

You've also asked us for other sizes and features over the years: maybe a 22-liter Synapse, or a 30-liter version, and what if we added more travel-specific features, like a full clamshell zipper opening? How about a dedicated laptop compartment? A luggage handle pass-through on the back panel? Done, done, and done: meet the Synik.

5 Front Exterior Organizational Pockets

The Synik 22 has an abundant amount of organization for your everyday essentials, big and small: the exterior of the bag has five pockets with independent volume. The pockets are designed and patterned in such a way that they don't steal space from each other and they look good (not too caved in, not too bulgy) whether full or empty.

The water bottle pocket is intentionally centered in the bag, allowing one of the heavier objects in your bag to be balanced in the middle, resulting in a more comfortable carrying experience while maintaining a clean, straight-forward exterior aesthetic. We've found that most standard 32 oz / 1 liter water bottles can comfortably fit in the water bottle pocket. 

Below the opening for the water bottle pocket is another small zippered pocket that is just deep enough for keys, a wallet, glove liners, or a small camera. 

The side pockets are generously sized for sunglasses (in a case or alone) or a first aid kit. The right side pocket has a small organizational pocket; the left pocket has one pen slot and two wider slots for tools or more pens.

The bottom pocket is a great spot for extra light clothing or snacks. If you care to add organization, we recommend storing a Size 1 Handy Little Thing here. 

Each of the top four pockets has its own O-ring, and the bottom pocket has two O-rings. You can use them to attach our mini or small Ghost Whale Organizer Pouches or Mystery Organizer Pouches

Interior Banded Open-Top Pocket

On the front interior side of the main compartment, there is a banded open-top pocket. It's spacious enough to fit a wide range of items, such as books, tablet, pair of sandals, or our Clear 3D Organizer Cube. Above this open-top pocket are two O-rings, where you can tether additional pouches, such as the Ghost Whale Organizer Pouches. Between the two O-rings is a set of Cache loops. It is the perfect spot to tether a Size 1 Handy Little Thing or a small device stored in a Cache. All these tethered items can be stored inside the open-top pocket too, if you want. 

Edgeless EV50 1/2" Shoulder Strap

Conformity is overrated — except, perhaps, when it comes to shoulder straps. The edgelessness of this strap allows it to more softly conform to your shoulder; we find that this increases comfort. Yet the straps aren't too soft: the 1/2" thick foam means the strap is robust enough to carry a heavy load. 

There's enough length on the shoulder straps to accommodate a wide range of body types. If you need to tighten the straps to the maximum amount, don't worry about having dangling ends — we've included sewn-in strap keepers to help keep those at bay. 

Webbing Loop on Exterior Bottom

On the exterior bottom of the bag is a 1.5"/38 mm webbing loop. Originally, the Synapse was designed for hiking, so the intended use of the webbing loop was for hooking on a flashlight (highly recommended if you ride a bicycle or walk in the dark). If you're planning on using the Synik for travel, we've found the webbing loop serves as an extra grab handle, allowing you to easily pull the Synik from under the seat or the overhead compartment no matter which direction you stowed it on your flight.

Full Clamshell Zipper Opening

The biggest change we made in designing the Synik is in the opening of the main compartment. The Synik can open fully clamshell — the zipper starts at the bottom edge of the bag, rather than the middle, so you can pack your bag like a suitcase.

Due to the clamshell style opening, there are also additional features added to the main compartment of the Synik. First, on the back interior side of the main compartment, we have included two sets of removable tie-down straps. You can strap down clothes or even a Packing Cube without worrying about the contents falling out while opening the clamshell all the way. Second, we added padding to the exterior bottom of the main compartment to protect the zipper sliders.

If you are using your Synik for daily use and don't need to fully unzip the clamshell each time, know that you can also just unzip the main compartment halfway and pack it like the Synapse or any front-loading backpack. The #10 YKK Aquaguard zippers that we use have enough resistance to keep the main compartment in place when it is opened just halfway. We've test-packed the Synik to its maximum to see i that would unintentionally force the clamshell open, and rest assured, it did not. 

Two-Point Access Suspended Laptop Compartment

On the back interior side of the main compartment is also a built-in zippered laptop compartment. It is made with the same padded foam fabric as our Cache on the side facing the main compartment, and backed by the main lining fabric of the bag. The laptop compartment is suspended off the padded bottom of the bag, ensuring that your laptop is protected each time you place your backpack on the ground, whether gently or not. 

There are two access points to the laptop compartment. You can access it from the inside of the main compartment. Or you can access it from the external zipper, located on the back left side (when facing the front of the backpack). We find the external zipper especially helpful when you want to directly pull out your laptop without having to rummage through the contents of the main compartment (say maybe in the security line at the airport). 

Above the interior zipper are two additional O-rings. More places to attach pouches.

The laptop compartment (size: 12.35" x 8.65" x 0.75" / 314mm x 220mm x 19mm) can fit devices as large as the 13" Macbook Pro. Please note: It's no biggie in practice, but for these bigger laptops, if you want to fit them through the external side zipper access, you will need to do a two-point turn (no need if using internal zipper access). 

Integrated Yet Removable Internal Frame

The Synik is designed to accommodate an optional internal frame. It is made of die-cut .055" thick High Density Polyethylene (HDPE), with a nylon webbing sleeve sewn down the center that encases a 8-1/4" / 210mm tall and 1/2" / 13mm wide 6061 aluminum half-stay.

We include it for you, but if you're not a fan of the extra rigidity, you can remove the internal frame (here's a video tutorial) by sliding it in and out of the back panel through an opening at the top of the panel. You won't see the frame itself unless you're adding it or removing it, and we've tested the bag enough to know that the frame also won't slip out.

The internal frame assists in ensuring a laptop stowed in the laptop compartment is suspended off the bottom of the bag, as well as adds a firm barrier between the laptop and (if you're using one) a rolling luggage handle that's inserted through the luggage pass-through slot.

On the internal frame is also an aluminum half-stay. It allows us to pre-bend the frame at a curve that will be comfortable to the vast majority of people. 

Rolling Luggage Handle Pass-Through

We know many of you like to use our bags as personal items alongside roller luggage when traveling, so we added a pass-through pocket to the Synik, tucked between the back panel and the internal frame.

We recommend making sure that the internal frame is closest to the bag itself and the handle of your rolling luggage is on the outside of the frame. This ensures that there's a barrier between the laptop compartment and the luggage handle.

There are, of course, different sizes of rolling luggage with different handle lengths and widths. If you'd like to place your Synik 22 over the handle of your rolling luggage, that handle will need to be at least 400mm / 15.75" in length and at most 160 mm / 6.25" wide. 

More Substantial Grab Handle

The depth on the shell of the Synik gave us the real estate needed to add a more substantial, padded grab handle (vs. the simpler webbing handle on the Synapse). The padding offers extra support, and the bowtie shape is more ergonomic.

P.S. does our bowtie handle look familiar? It's the beloved side grab handle from our Tri-Star.

What's Included

Included Removable Sternum Strap + Waist Strap

As with all of our major backpacks, we include the adjustable and removable sternum and waist straps: if you don't like or don't use your waist or sternum strap, remove them!

Note: we slightly lowered the waist strap attachment points on the Synik so that it better fits a wider range of heights and tall folks in particular.

8" Snaphook/Snaphook Key Strap

As with most of our bags, we've included a key strap. 8" long from tip-to-tip, a snaphook on either end. Good for attaching your keys to.

A Set of Black Zipper Pulls

A set of pulls to extend or replace your metal pulls.

What's Optional

Size 1 Handy Little Thing (HLT)

You can attach a Size 1 Handy Little Thing (HLT) to the pair of Cache loops above the open-top pocket, or you can store the HLT in the bottom front pocket of the Synik 22. It is the perfect clamshell organizer pouch for those looking for a lot of organization.

Packing Cube Shoulder Bag

The Packing Cube Shoulder Bag is the perfect 2-in-1 packing cube. It's big enough to store rolled up shirts. Once you reach your destination, attach a shoulder strap and use it as a crossbody. 

Freudian Slip

Love organizing and want even more pockets? The Synapse 19/Synik 22 Freudian Slip adds an additional ten organizational pockets to your bag. One side of the Freudian Slip has two folder pockets that can fit folders/papers horizontally or vertically, as well as three open-top pockets for a small tablet in a Cache or a notebook. The other side has two mesh pockets for bulky items, two pen slots, and a business card slot. 

Cache

The Synik 22 can accommodate a 13" Macbook or a wide range of smaller devices. If you plan on showing your laptop in the built-in compartment, we think there is enough padding to skip a Cache. If you plan on putting a second device directly in the main compartment, outside of the laptop compartment, or in the interior banded open-top pocket, we recommend adding a Cache. 

The original Synapse 19 debuted in 2009. Tom designed the Synapse to serve as a day-hiking backpack, but our customers saw the backpack's potential beyond hiking and began using it both for everyday carry and minimalist travel. Over the years, we started receiving requests to make a slightly larger version, and we did: the Synapse 25 debuted in 2013. 

You've also asked us for other sizes and features over the years: maybe a 22-liter Synapse, or a 30-liter version, and what if we added more travel-specific features, like a full clamshell zipper opening? How about a dedicated laptop compartment? A luggage handle pass-through on the back panel? Done, done, and done: meet the Synik.

What the Synik shares with the Synapse

The Synik 22 has an abundant amount of organization for your everyday essentials, big and small: the exterior of the bag has five pockets with independent volume. The pockets are designed and patterned in such a way that they don't steal space from each other and they look good (not too caved in, not too bulgy) whether full or empty.

The water bottle pocket is intentionally centered in the bag, allowing one of the heavier objects in your bag to be balanced in the middle, resulting in a more comfortable carrying experience while maintaining a clean, straight-forward exterior aesthetic. We've found that most standard 32 oz / 1 liter water bottles can comfortably fit in the water bottle pocket. 

Below the opening for the water bottle pocket is another small zippered pocket that is just deep enough for keys, a wallet, glove liners, or a small camera. 

The side pockets are generously sized for sunglasses (in a case or alone) or a first aid kit. The right side pocket has a small organizational pocket; the left pocket has one pen slot and two wider slots for tools or more pens.

The bottom pocket is a great spot for extra light clothing or snacks. If you care to add organization, we recommend storing a Size 1 Handy Little Thing here. 

Each of the top four pockets has its own O-ring, and the bottom pocket has two O-rings. You can use them to attach our mini or small Ghost Whale Organizer Pouches or Mystery Organizer Pouches

On the front interior side of the main compartment, there is a banded open-top pocket. It's spacious enough to fit a wide range of items, such as books, tablet, pair of sandals, or our Clear 3D Organizer Cube. Above this open-top pocket are two O-rings, where you can tether additional pouches, such as the Ghost Whale Organizer Pouches. Between the two O-rings is a set of Cache loops. It is the perfect spot to tether a Size 1 Handy Little Thing or a small device stored in a Cache. All these tethered items can be stored inside the open-top pocket too, if you want. 

Conformity is overrated — except, perhaps, when it comes to shoulder straps. The edgelessness of this strap allows it to more softly conform to your shoulder; we find that this increases comfort. Yet the straps aren't too soft: the 1/2" thick foam means the strap is robust enough to carry a heavy load. 

There's enough length on the shoulder straps to accommodate a wide range of body types. If you need to tighten the straps to the maximum amount, don't worry about having dangling ends — we've included sewn-in strap keepers to help keep those at bay. 

On the exterior bottom of the bag is a 1.5"/38 mm webbing loop. Originally, the Synapse was designed for hiking, so the intended use of the webbing loop was for hooking on a flashlight (highly recommended if you ride a bicycle or walk in the dark). If you're planning on using the Synik for travel, we've found the webbing loop serves as an extra grab handle, allowing you to easily pull the Synik from under the seat or the overhead compartment no matter which direction you stowed it on your flight.

Now, here's what's unique to the Synik...

The biggest change we made in designing the Synik is in the opening of the main compartment. The Synik can open fully clamshell — the zipper starts at the bottom edge of the bag, rather than the middle, so you can pack your bag like a suitcase.

Due to the clamshell style opening, there are also additional features added to the main compartment of the Synik. First, on the back interior side of the main compartment, we have included two sets of removable tie-down straps. You can strap down clothes or even a Packing Cube without worrying about the contents falling out while opening the clamshell all the way. Second, we added padding to the exterior bottom of the main compartment to protect the zipper sliders.

If you are using your Synik for daily use and don't need to fully unzip the clamshell each time, know that you can also just unzip the main compartment halfway and pack it like the Synapse or any front-loading backpack. The #10 YKK Aquaguard zippers that we use have enough resistance to keep the main compartment in place when it is opened just halfway. We've test-packed the Synik to its maximum to see i that would unintentionally force the clamshell open, and rest assured, it did not. 

On the back interior side of the main compartment is also a built-in zippered laptop compartment. It is made with the same padded foam fabric as our Cache on the side facing the main compartment, and backed by the main lining fabric of the bag. The laptop compartment is suspended off the padded bottom of the bag, ensuring that your laptop is protected each time you place your backpack on the ground, whether gently or not. 

There are two access points to the laptop compartment. You can access it from the inside of the main compartment. Or you can access it from the external zipper, located on the back left side (when facing the front of the backpack). We find the external zipper especially helpful when you want to directly pull out your laptop without having to rummage through the contents of the main compartment (say maybe in the security line at the airport). 

Above the interior zipper are two additional O-rings. More places to attach pouches.

The laptop compartment (size: 12.35" x 8.65" x 0.75" / 314mm x 220mm x 19mm) can fit devices as large as the 13" Macbook Pro. Please note: It's no biggie in practice, but for these bigger laptops, if you want to fit them through the external side zipper access, you will need to do a two-point turn (no need if using internal zipper access). 

The Synik is designed to accommodate an optional internal frame. It is made of die-cut .055" thick High Density Polyethylene (HDPE), with a nylon webbing sleeve sewn down the center that encases a 8-1/4" / 210mm tall and 1/2" / 13mm wide 6061 aluminum half-stay.

We include it for you, but if you're not a fan of the extra rigidity, you can remove the internal frame (here's a video tutorial) by sliding it in and out of the back panel through an opening at the top of the panel. You won't see the frame itself unless you're adding it or removing it, and we've tested the bag enough to know that the frame also won't slip out.

The internal frame assists in ensuring a laptop stowed in the laptop compartment is suspended off the bottom of the bag, as well as adds a firm barrier between the laptop and (if you're using one) a rolling luggage handle that's inserted through the luggage pass-through slot.

On the internal frame is also an aluminum half-stay. It allows us to pre-bend the frame at a curve that will be comfortable to the vast majority of people. 

We know many of you like to use our bags as personal items alongside roller luggage when traveling, so we added a pass-through pocket to the Synik, tucked between the back panel and the internal frame.

We recommend making sure that the internal frame is closest to the bag itself and the handle of your rolling luggage is on the outside of the frame. This ensures that there's a barrier between the laptop compartment and the luggage handle.

There are, of course, different sizes of rolling luggage with different handle lengths and widths. If you'd like to place your Synik 22 over the handle of your rolling luggage, that handle will need to be at least 400mm / 15.75" in length and at most 160 mm / 6.25" wide. 

The depth on the shell of the Synik gave us the real estate needed to add a more substantial, padded grab handle (vs. the simpler webbing handle on the Synapse). The padding offers extra support, and the bowtie shape is more ergonomic.

P.S. does our bowtie handle look familiar? It's the beloved side grab handle from our Tri-Star.

Included Removable Sternum Strap + Waist Strap

As with all of our major backpacks, we include the adjustable and removable sternum and waist straps: if you don't like or don't use your waist or sternum strap, remove them!

Note: we slightly lowered the waist strap attachment points on the Synik so that it better fits a wider range of heights and tall folks in particular.

8" Snaphook/Snaphook Key Strap

As with most of our bags, we've included a key strap. 8" long from tip-to-tip, a snaphook on either end. Good for attaching your keys to.

A Set of Black Zipper Pulls

A set of pulls to extend or replace your metal pulls.

Size 1 Handy Little Thing (HLT)

You can attach a Size 1 Handy Little Thing (HLT) to the pair of Cache loops above the open-top pocket, or you can store the HLT in the bottom front pocket of the Synik 22. It is the perfect clamshell organizer pouch for those looking for a lot of organization.

Packing Cube Shoulder Bag

The Packing Cube Shoulder Bag is the perfect 2-in-1 packing cube. It's big enough to store rolled up shirts. Once you reach your destination, attach a shoulder strap and use it as a crossbody. 

Freudian Slip

Love organizing and want even more pockets? The Synapse 19/Synik 22 Freudian Slip adds an additional ten organizational pockets to your bag. One side of the Freudian Slip has two folder pockets that can fit folders/papers horizontally or vertically, as well as three open-top pockets for a small tablet in a Cache or a notebook. The other side has two mesh pockets for bulky items, two pen slots, and a business card slot. 

Cache

The Synik 22 can accommodate a 13" Macbook or a wide range of smaller devices. If you plan on showing your laptop in the built-in compartment, we think there is enough padding to skip a Cache. If you plan on putting a second device directly in the main compartment, outside of the laptop compartment, or in the interior banded open-top pocket, we recommend adding a Cache. 

Upper Back

Spacer Mesh

Back

Closed-cell foam

Straps

Edgeless EV50 1/2” / 12mm shoulder straps (EVAZOTE® OEKO-TEX® foam)

Components

Duraflex®, Nexus, and Woojin buckles and related components

Zippers

1x #10 YKK Aquaguard® water-repellent zipper with metal slider
6 #8 Racquet-Coil water-repellent zippers with metal sliders
1x #5 Coil Zipper with plastic slider

Specs

Weight

Ballistic/200d Halcyon Lining: 2 lb 9.6 oz / 1180 grams
420d Classic Parapack/210d Ballistic Lining: 2 lb 10.2 oz / 1195 grams
X-Pac®: 2 lbs 8.1 oz / 1140 grams


Frame Sheet: 5.1 oz / 145 grams

Included

1x 8-inch Black Webbing Snaphook/Snaphook Key Strap
8x Black Zipper Pulls
1x Sternum Strap Assembly
1x Gatekeeper Waist Strap
1x Internal Frame w/ Aluminum Half-Stay
1 pair Tie-Down Straps

Total O-Rings

10 (1 in the water bottle pocket, 1 in the small middle pocket, 1 in the left pocket, 1 in the right pocket, 2 in the bottom pocket, 4 in the main compartment)

Dimensions

11.4" (w) x 16.0" (h) x 7.1" - 9.4" (d) / 290 (w) x 410 (h) x 180 - 240 (d) mm

Volume

22 liters / 1340 cubic inches (ASTM Standard Measure)

Straps

.5" / 13 mm padded and contoured backpack straps with .75" / 20 mm removable sternum strap with removable 1" / 25 mm waist strap included

Laptop Compartment

Maximum: 12.35” x 8.65” x 0.75” / 314mm x 220mm x 19mm

Choosing an Exterior Fabric

You like choices and we like to give you choices! That's why the Synik 22 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.

X-Pac® RX-30

Weave:
3-Ply Polyester Laminate
Fibers:
300 denier 100% Recycled Polyester Face
Coating:
0.5mm Polyester Film
Made in:
USA

Choose this fabric if

  • You want a lighter weight fabric that has remarkable tear strength and good abrasion resistance.
  • You're looking for a fabric with a modern, "technical" appearance.
  • You want a fully recycled fabric with 0-Chain DWR coating

High Tenacity Ballistic Nylon

Weave:
2x2 “ballistic” weave
Fibers:
630 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.

420d HT Nylon Classic Parapack

Weave:
1x1 plain weave
Fibers:
420 denier type 6,6 (high tenacity) filament nylon
Coating:
heavy urethane
Made in:
U.S.A with U.S.A yarns

Choose this fabric if

  • You want your bag’s fabric to have a soft, smooth hand yet be quite durable and have an interesting backstory.
  • 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.
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479 reviews
  • Kathleen C.
    Verified Buyer
    Bought For Myself
    Product Standouts Thoughtful Design, Comfortable, High Quality Craftsmanship
    1 week ago
    Bought For Myself
    Product Standouts Thoughtful Design, Comfortable, High Quality Craftsmanship
    Rated 5 out of 5 stars
    Synik 22

    I read every review on the Tom Bihn site and watched multiple YouTube reviews before biting the bullet and spending this much on a pack. It’s a lot of money and I had my doubts but I think I am now ready to say that it’s worth it. The 22L fits my 5’2” frame very comfortably. The front pockets are truly spacious - they swallowed up power cords and mice for 2 laptops, iPhone/iPad cords and power blocks, and other desktop bits and pieces in only 2 pockets. I didn’t need to stash anything in the other side pocket, water bottle pocket or front center pocket. The pack carried two 13” laptops ( one in laptop compartment, one in a padded sleeve in main compartment), 3 iPads, and all the files and a couple of books I needed for a project while traveling. The padded handle on top is comfortable and surprisingly useful. I haven’t found the main zipper to be a problem and the zipper pulls aren’t jangling when the pulls are added. This is a really solid, well constructed bag that I can see myself using for tech/desk type projects locally as well as for clothing and travel gear for carry-on only travel internationally.

  • Nicole B.
    Verified Buyer
    Bought For Myself
    Product Standouts Comfortable, High Quality Craftsmanship, Compact, Durable, Good Storage Size
    2 weeks ago
    Bought For Myself
    Product Standouts Comfortable, High Quality Craftsmanship, Compact, Durable, Good Storage Size
    Rated 5 out of 5 stars
    Love the bag

    I love this bag. The only thing missing is a place on the outside for my water bottle. I’m able to secure the zippers well enough with some clips I have to keep hands out that are not mine. I adore all the pockets and the o rings inside the pockets to clip things too as well. I love the multi entry laptop pocket. I carry it for both travel and daily use. I’m likely going to buy another the larger one as well.

    I adore the color.

  • Fred G.
    Verified Buyer
    Bought For Myself
    Product Standouts High Quality Craftsmanship, Comfortable, Compact, Durable
    3 weeks ago
    Bought For Myself
    Product Standouts High Quality Craftsmanship, Comfortable, Compact, Durable
    Rated 2 out of 5 stars
    Simply too small (Updated after previous review)

    I purchased my Synik 22 to serve as my personal item for a trip to Scotland a couple of months ago, and it passed through security and gate agents' scrutiny without pause. However, since returning home and transitioning the bag to an EDC role, I've found it simply too small to be useful.

    Impeccable build quality, but it's truly not worth $330 base price. Final cost was even higher after adding some very necessary accessories that should have been incorporated into the backpack at the list price. I recognize it as a great backpack for tens of thousands of people, but not for me. I would choose a different backpack, given the chance. It would be a Tom Bihn, but not a Synik 22.

  • Martha S.
    Verified Buyer
    Bought For Myself
    Product Standouts Versatile, Thoughtful Design, Compact, High Quality Craftsmanship, Comfortable
    1 month ago
    Bought For Myself
    Product Standouts Versatile, Thoughtful Design, Compact, High Quality Craftsmanship, Comfortable
    Rated 4 out of 5 stars
    Lovely bag…looking forward to the 26

    This is a gorgeous backpack (I got the Deep Blue with Açaí interior) albeit pricey. I love the pockets on the front for organizing my everyday or at-hand items and the clamshell is super helpful for packing. The 22l is the perfect size for my 5’ 4” frame and for everyday use or a weekend visit. I ordered the 26l because I’d like a little more room when using for travel (opted not to get 30l for my height and might be a bit much for an EDC for me). A couple downsides that weren’t enough for me to not keep it are it doesn’t stand up on end and the thick, comfy straps are a bit slippery especially if using just one shoulder so I usually have to use both if going any meaningful difference, even when it’s empty. A comparison note: I also have the Paramour and I like the organization of the pockets on the Synik better, as well as its sleeker profile. The deeper Paramour tends to bump things often when I turn or am squeezing through. If you’re not so concerned about travel packing, however, and just want an EDC for work, etc. and want to save some $, the Paramour is also great.

  • amanda d.
    Verified Buyer
    Bought For Myself
    1 month ago
    Bought For Myself
    Rated 2 out of 5 stars
    super disappointed; luggage pass-through fail

    i am extremely disappointed. i purchased the backpack primarily to use as my personal item during travel. so having a comfortable, sturdy backpack with a luggage pass-through was my most important requirement. while the bag is well made, the luggage pass-through is not functional at all. i have a small roller bag with a standard size handle and it does not fit through the pass-through. when the synik is total empty, the handle will barely go thru but if i have my laptop or anything in the bag at all, the handle will not fit through. i even tried removing the internal frame to see if that made any difference and it did not. i did a lot of research before buying this bag and spent more than i typically would because of all of the great reviews, i was so excited to finally pack the synik for it's first adventure and now i am scrambling to find another backpack to bring before my flight leaves in the morning. again, the materials are solid and the bag seems sturdy, but it is not functional for travel as a personal item if you want to have a luggage pass-through, hence the 2 star rating.

    TB Profile picture for TOM BIHN
    TOM BIHN
    1 month ago

    Thanks for the honest review and feedback, Amanda! We tried to make the S22's passthrough wide enough for as many handles as possible, but the bag is only so big, and there are a lot of handles out there. I'll reach out via email to see if we can help!

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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.

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