Backpacks for Pirates

Discussion in 'Random Thoughts' started by SoupRKnowva, Mar 16, 2016.

  1. Eric_C

    Eric_C Friend

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    @Marvey maybe a bag suited for m4/3 cameras? I've been using an Ona Bowery, it's good for that kind of thing.
     
  2. Dr. Higgs

    Dr. Higgs Boson - Member

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    I've been using a Filson Original Briefcase for years, but thanks to this thread and my bag's increasing weight I just ordered a Tom Bihn Synapse 25. The GoRuck GR1 looked cool, but I would be wary walking around an international airport or a client's office with a military inspired backpack.
     
  3. jelt2359

    jelt2359 Friend

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    LOL. I've been a fan of Tom Bihn bags since forever. I love their geeky passion for good materials. The 25 litre Synapse 25 I carry is 1lb 11oz, and it's probably more indestructible than any of that ballistic nylon stuff out there today. I got mine in a run (doesn't look like it's available anymore) when they were falling in love with this parachute material and started making bags with it. I've now used it every day for the past 4 years, during which time I've probably taken 400 flights (not an exaggeration), and it looks as good as new. It's ridiculous.

    I use this one to carry my m43 camera around: https://www.tombihn.com/collections/travel-bags/products/co-pilot?variant=16396847751

    The Halcyon ones are super super light, but they don't keep their shape when you put it on the floor, for example. Probably not the best idea if you're keeping devices in it.
     
  4. rsnblmn

    rsnblmn Acquaintance

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    Although the man-who-shall-not-be-named-at-CanJam comment makes me sad....I couldn't agree more on Tom Bihn's build quality.

    I have an ancient Brain Bag that I've used every day since the single-digit 2000s (I can't actually tell for sure, because the order doesn't seem to exist in my Gmail, which I know I've been using since I got one of the early beta invites in 2004...so the bag could be even older than THAT...)

    Anyway, absolutely nothing on the bag has ever broken in all that time. I use it daily for work to carry my laptop and assorted random junk (I also like the "brain cell" laptop sleeves and cable organizers that Tom Bihn makes), as well as the occasional weekend out of town trip as it's big enough to stuff in some clothes and toiletries also.

    The Brain Bag is ridiculously big, so I might consider one of their smaller models like the Synapse if I were starting over, but seriously, I can't fault this bag one bit as it has been a tank.

    Maybe their small cafe bag would work as a man-purse, but I don't really see anything smaller than that in their lineup that isn't a toiletry kit or packing cube.
     
  5. jelt2359

    jelt2359 Friend

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    The Brain Bag is way too big for daily use. I rarely use mine. The Smart Alec is better, but ultimately not enough compartments. I was struggling with a Synapse 19 for a while (too small) and then the 25 came out which really nailed it IMHO.

    I also have a Western Flyer which was great in corporate settings because its a convertible briefcase cum backpack, but these days a full on backpack is work appropriate for me and better ergonomically so that's what I go with.
     
  6. rsnblmn

    rsnblmn Acquaintance

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    Hmm...my birthday is coming right up, so maybe I'll leave a Tom Bihn shopping cart up for my wife. :)
     
  7. Ryu

    Ryu Friend

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    I have this exact same bag. It's actually amazing. Fits tons of binders in the middle pouch (second one from the right) and has enough room to fit my massive thinkpad in the laptop pouch as well. All while not being uncomfortable at all because of the padding on the back and on the shoulder straps. Little on the expensive side (~$65 iirc) but worth every penny.
     
  8. SoupRKnowva

    SoupRKnowva Official SBAF South Korean Ambassador

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    Since this thread is seeing some activity might as well update on my Osprey Pixel.

    It's honestly a great bag, looks like new after two terms of college full time. But now that I've been going to school again for a while I've got my load out pretty much set, and honestly this thing is too big. Basically all I take with me is my 12" iPad Pro, a 9.7" iPad Air 2, my TI-89, a single folder with a few papers in it, and then a few pencils and erasers. I wish I could find something similar that was even slimmer, it I doubt it, everything smaller usually doesn't have any structure to the bag, which I really want.

    My only real complaint is that it doesn't have an external water bottle spot, but I just put mine inside the bag since I've got so luck extra space.

    But over all, it's incredibly well laid out bag, with well designed pockets in good places, and reinforcement in the right spots so it doesn't come apart. Would highly recommend Osprey bags.

    Thanks again to Zerodeefex for the rec!

    And if anyone has ideas for something even slimmer that still has some structure and more than 1 pocket I'm all ears, I'm all about taking less stuff with me if at all possible.
     
  9. monacelli

    monacelli Friend

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    This thread is ancient and it looks like you've found a solution you're pretty happy with. If you're still in the market, I've owned this one from 5.11 for about the last 5 years. It still looks brand new. It's a great size, with enough room for a laptop or tablet and a notebook in the main compartment. I've traveled with it extensively and it does great as an airplane carry-on. Since it supports molle attachments, it's easy to add expansion for a water bottle and a cell phone. I especially like this pouch from OneTigris, which I use for my phone, flashlight, etc. It does have a military/police/tactical vibe going on, which may turn some people off. For me the functionality and durability outweigh the aesthetic considerations. Also nice to be able to put whatever patch you want on it, instead of advertising for some goofball company.
     
    Last edited: Aug 4, 2017
  10. sphinxvc

    sphinxvc Gear Master (retired)

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  11. jhaider

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    I use and like this one as one of my two everyday bags:
    https://www.tombihn.com/collections...r-bags/products/ristretto?variant=16396842183

    It fits a laptop (either my MacBook Pro or my firm windows contraption, not both), a Zojorussi coffee cup, HA-2SE, etc.

    The other one is a scotchgrain leather bag from Ludwig Reiter that's a little deeper.
     
  12. lac29

    lac29 Acquaintance

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    Check out carryology.com because they have reviews on the higher end stuff out there. I've been using a GR1 for many years now and despite the high cost I have NOT regretted buying it. It will probably last my lifetime. I have heard their quality has gone down though. I also got it when they actually had good deals. I think I got mine $200 new direct on a Labor Day sale, again, many years back. I've used it throughout college and travel.
     
  13. cizx.6

    cizx.6 Just couldn't stay away...

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  14. Bina

    Bina MOT - Shanling

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    I have my Pixel for two years, still love it!

    If you are looking for smaller, what about Osprey Pixel Port? I know that was smaller version of it, not sure if still available.
     
  15. JustAnotherRando

    JustAnotherRando My other bike is a Ferrari

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    I've got one of these, a monster load hauler (I don't think anything he makes would work too well for a campus bag though). The craftsmanship is insane- heavy duty quadruple stitching, including one or two lines of spectra thread. Velcro of a quality I've never seen anywhere else. Hand-filed and bent aluminium struts. I have been using hiking packs for decades and am hard to fit (super skinny hips that no off the shelf belt has ever worked with), and this is the only pack I've ever owned where the load can get so heavy that my legs will give out before my back does.
     

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