Zeitgeist

I have been waiting and hoping for a small Tom Bihn backpack for years! I was so excited when I found out that the Paradigm and Zeitgeist were being made. I have used my Zeitgeist as my EDC at amusement parks, swap meets, and for travel. I have to say it’s the perfect bag for me. My 18oz water bottle fits nicely in the inside padded pocket. The padding allows enough cushion that I don’t feel it on my back. Inside zipper pocket holds my small wallet, chapstick, and meds. Outside pocket carries my cellphone. Inside can hold anything else I may pickup in my travels or a small jacket.

I love the Zeitgeist (I've sort of gone a little nuts with them - up to four now), but I think this one is my favorite! It's the Taiga/Coyote one, which is a gorgeous color. I think it's become my fave TB colorway, as well. This bag is super light and these are the most comfy small backpacks that I've ever found!

I tested this one out today for a little light hiking at Phinizy Swamp, Augusta, GA (yes, I know, it doesn't have the proper back panel for that, but it's small and light and it was a short hike of about 5-6 miles with a few stops in mild weather in an area with good cell service). I've removed the sternum strap on all four of the bags because the shoulder straps fit solid as a rock, and it's almost like I'm not carrying anything, which is very nice.

It will fit my Black Halcyon SE (packed out as my EDC and in the main compartment vertically), protein bars, an 18oz. wide mouth HydroFlask (vertical next to the SE), Packtowl Nano in a pouch, chap stick, sunscreen stick, cough drops, tissues, hand sanitizer, half-Buff headband, small first-aid kit, a map, keys, and a packable sun hat with no issue! I could have fit a light rain shell or long sleeved tee tucked into the top of the bag, but the weather was so nice today that I didn't need one.

Love love love love love!!! ❤

I am OBSESSED with my Tom Bihn Zeitgeist. I purchased it for an urban every day carry bag and it has been just lovely. Not too small, not too big. To really enjoy this bag, I find that mastering organizing it vertically made it the most functional. It is a slim bag, and I don't carry things like ipads or books, all of my doodads are rather small. After getting them situated in pouches that facilitated everything being organized flat, even when the bag was upright, was the key to success, because yes, the front pocket does use interior space. This doesn't bother me because I love the slim look of this bag. I keep my wallet and a little flashlight in the front pocket, and the rest of my stuff in the main pouch. I usually clip a water bottle to one of the shoulder straps.

I love love love the sternum strap. the shoulder straps are comfy too! The loop at the top (grab handle?) is kinda soft, but super strong. It's pleasant to pick up the bag. The zipper pulls and key strap being included are much appreciated.

Thank you!