What Goes Into A TOM BIHN Backpack?
Description
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Synik 22 Key Features
Everything in its Place
Five external pockets keep your gear organized and your sanity intact — no rummaging required.
Pack Flat, Move Fast
The full clamshell design lets you pack easy, with padded protection and tie-down straps to keep everything secure, even on the bumpiest landings. No digging, no guessing, just grab and go.
Your Laptop's Bodyguard
A padded and suspended laptop compartment with two-way entry keeps your tech safe from the bumps and thumps that come with travel.
Let Your Bag Catch a Ride for Once
No more juggling act. Just slide the Synik onto your rolling luggage and let it ride shotgun. Your shoulders will thank you.
Interior Storage, Simplified
A low-profile banded pocket keeps your essentials on standby, so you can move fast without losing track.
Grab it Like You Mean it
Cushioned grab handle and padded shoulder straps that make schlepping gear feel like a walk in the park.
Everything in its Place
Five external pockets keep your gear organized and your sanity intact — no rummaging required.
Pack Flat, Move Fast
The full clamshell design lets you pack easy, with padded protection and tie-down straps to keep everything secure, even on the bumpiest landings. No digging, no guessing, just grab and go.
Your Laptop's Bodyguard
A padded and suspended laptop compartment with two-way entry keeps your tech safe from the bumps and thumps that come with travel.
Let Your Bag Catch a Ride for Once
No more juggling act. Just slide the Synik onto your rolling luggage and let it ride shotgun. Your shoulders will thank you.
Interior Storage, Simplified
A low-profile banded pocket keeps your essentials on standby, so you can move fast without losing track.
Grab it Like You Mean it
Cushioned grab handle and padded shoulder straps that make schlepping gear feel like a walk in the park.
Everything in its Place
Five external pockets keep your gear organized and your sanity intact — no rummaging required.
Pack Flat, Move Fast
The full clamshell design lets you pack easy, with padded protection and tie-down straps to keep everything secure, even on the bumpiest landings. No digging, no guessing, just grab and go.
Your Laptop's Bodyguard
A padded and suspended laptop compartment with two-way entry keeps your tech safe from the bumps and thumps that come with travel.
Let Your Bag Catch a Ride for Once
No more juggling act. Just slide the Synik onto your rolling luggage and let it ride shotgun. Your shoulders will thank you.
Interior Storage, Simplified
A low-profile banded pocket keeps your essentials on standby, so you can move fast without losing track.
Grab it Like You Mean it
Cushioned grab handle and padded shoulder straps that make schlepping gear feel like a walk in the park.
Reviews
Total 5 star reviews: 469 Total 4 star reviews: 52 Total 3 star reviews: 7 Total 2 star reviews: 3 Total 1 star reviews: 3
534 reviews
- DCDanielle C.Verified BuyerBought For MyselfProduct Standouts Thoughtful Design, Comfortable, High Quality Craftsmanship, Durable, Good Storage Size3 years agoBought For MyselfProduct Standouts Thoughtful Design, Comfortable, High Quality Craftsmanship, Durable, Good Storage SizeReviewingSynik 22Rated 5 out of 5 starsEverything I wanted & more
I truly love this backpack. It's a little ridiculous how much I love it, if I'm being honest. Prior to purchasing the Synik 22, I've carried the Synapse 19 (a little too small for my daily needs), the Synapse 25 (a little too big for my 5'3" petite-ish frame. Gifted to my dad who is now a Tom Bihn one-bag minimalist travel convert), the Paragon (not enough structure & organization for my EDC- plus my teen son "borrowed" it months ago & it's happy with its new owner) and the Daylight Backpack (a fave for stuffing into my Aeronaut 30 when traveling & using as a light day trip bag). While all these other bags have many splendid uses, none fit the bill as my EDC like the Synik 22. I easily fit my laptop, lunch bag, light packable rain jacket (for unpredictable PDX weather), wallet, keys, hairbrush, airpods, hand sani, pens, and 2 cubelets with miscellaneous essential oils, and other small useful things. The larger center pocket is perfect for a 21oz hydroflask. I'm a healthcare worker and have put many miles on this bag. The black 525 ballistic fabric has held up impressively well to daily use in the 6 months I've owned it. The clamshell opening is convenient & I've never had an issue or concern that the main compartment of the bag will accidentally open on its own. The zippers are very strong. The backpack straps are ultra-comfortable as well. I'm so grateful to have found my goldilocks EDC in the Synik 22. Additionally, while I continue to aspire to become a one-bag travel…
- EEmilyVerified ReviewerBought For MyselfProduct Standouts Comfortable, Sewn in USA, Thoughtful Design, High Quality Craftsmanship, Good Storage Size3 years agoBought For MyselfProduct Standouts Comfortable, Sewn in USA, Thoughtful Design, High Quality Craftsmanship, Good Storage SizeReviewingSynik 22Rated 5 out of 5 starsPerfectly perfect!
We went on a trip to Italy in the spring, and after sprinting through Schiphol (twice!!) I decided I needed to upgrade my backpack. So, my search for the unicorn clamshell backpack began and y'all I.Am.Picky. I was so excited to find a company that's local-ish to me to support.
I'm 5'2" and the Synik22 is the perfect size for me when traveling (I think it's a little bigger than I'd like for an EDC). I decided I wanted my backpack to double as my personal item when traveling (I'm not yet leveled up enough to be a one bag person!), and finally got to use it last week. It was stuffed full, but still easily fit under the seat in front of me. It carried a blanket, hoodie, laptop & cables, Nintendo Switch, Bose headphones, Kindle, purse, toiletry bag, small packing cube, wallet, keys, Epipen, 18oz Hydroflask, hair straightener, belt and a bunch of miscellaneous things like Chapstick, mask, etc.
The backpack was super comfortable to carry. The organization is fantastic - everything I brought had a place! The main zipper is clever in that you can open it as little as you want and it'll stay where you put it so you don't have to open the entire clamshell. The waterbottle pocket made me nervous at first, but it couldn't be designed any better. No more stupid mesh ones that snag and tear, it's in the middle so the weight is centered instead of off to one side, and it doesn't take up a bunch of internal space.
I am officially a Tom Bihn convert . . . and possibly addict.
- CTCurtis T.Verified BuyerBought For MyselfProduct Standouts Thoughtful Design, Comfortable, Durable, Sewn in USA, High Quality Craftsmanship3 years agoBought For MyselfProduct Standouts Thoughtful Design, Comfortable, Durable, Sewn in USA, High Quality CraftsmanshipReviewingSynik 22Rated 5 out of 5 starsPerfect size, design, and workmanship
I graduated from a Synapse 19 which I've used for over 6 years to a Synik 22 due to a larger laptop (from a Thinkpad X220 to a T14). The Synik is more comfortable with improved padded shoulder straps and offers better protection with a padded bottom when compared to my old Synapse. One downside is that it is slightly heavier and the main compartment zippers are harder to zip and unzip but hopefully they will break in with more use. Overall, very happy with my purchase.
- KAKim A.Verified BuyerBought For MyselfProduct Standouts Thoughtful Design, Comfortable, Sewn in USA, High Quality Craftsmanship, Versatile3 years agoBought For MyselfProduct Standouts Thoughtful Design, Comfortable, Sewn in USA, High Quality Craftsmanship, VersatileReviewingSynik 22Rated 5 out of 5 starsOn my lifelong quest for the perfect bag, this is a contender
I have several Tom Bihn bags and love every one of them. The Synik 22 is a great addition to my collection. I have taken it on 3 trips so far.
- 3 day 2 night work trip where it was my only bag. Was perfect size for my laptop, clothing, toiletries, snacks. I am a veteran one-bagger and have a work capsule wardrobe that works well with one bag travel. The S22 did not disappoint. The best part of this trip (flew from Bay Area to Seattle) was I got to stop into the TB factory and see where the magic happens!
- 5 day 4 night cross country flight for a beach vacation. I paired it with my fjallraven Totepack No 1 Small and my TB Side Effect. This is the ideal bag combo for me and covers any scenario I could encounter. The Side Effect goes into the Totepack or the Synik for daily carry depending on how much I need with me. I fit both the Totepack and the Synik under the seat on one of the flights. In the other flight, the Synik went into the overhead bin.
- 5 day 4 night beach vacation by car. Since travel was by car and space was not at a premium, I paired the Synik with my TB Pop Tote and Side Effect. The extra space in the Pop Tote allowed me to pack beach towel and warmer clothes for typically chilly West Coast summer beach weather.
I agonized over whether to get the Synik 22 or the Synapse 25. I went with the Synik due to the height of the bag (I am 5.5 115 lbs). While an extra 3 L might be nice to have for a bit more flexibility, since I tend to pair it with a second…
- LALuke A.Verified BuyerBought For MyselfProduct Standouts Thoughtful Design, High Quality Craftsmanship, Compact, Good Storage Size, Durable3 years agoBought For MyselfProduct Standouts Thoughtful Design, High Quality Craftsmanship, Compact, Good Storage Size, DurableReviewingSynik 22Rated 5 out of 5 starsPerfect Family Flex Bag
My third Tom Bihn product after a Cadet and Western Flyer—I’m in love! I’d thought about getting this bag for a long time, and must’ve watched every video that exists about it on YouTube. Finally pulled the trigger before multiple week-long trips, and I’m so glad it did. I ordered both the 22 and 30 since I feared the 22 would be too small based on “numbers” alone, but it’s perfect. Big enough to fit everything I need for a weekend trip, then turn around and be a bag for multiple family members on a hike, then back to a carry-on compatible with my luggage handle, which is an excellent, thoughtful addition. It’s “tame” enough that my wife enjoys wearing it, and isn’t too overbearing/tactical, which is an oft-crossed line in the backpack scene. So pleased I finally pulled the trigger…another heirloom-quality bag acquired!
Quality Designs Since 1972
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.
The BIHN Guarantee
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.