Tom Bihn Folks,
Finally decided to give one of these bags a try after only hearing awesome things all over the place about them. I've had a number of bags over the years, few Timbuk2 ones, and others with the Timbuk2 being what I had liked the most. While I've been happy overall with these bags I've accumulated more than enough just simply trying to meet different needs. I have a larger messenger bag, a smaller one with built in iPad sleeve, a Jansport backpack, a small EDC bag from Kickstarter, and a huge OG Sack that now gets almost no use. I want to try to simplify these down and I feel like either of these would allow for me to sell off these older bags and consolidate. Based off the more modular design, overall quality and made in the USA stamp on Tom Bihn, I thought I would drop the cash. Now, I've ordered both the Smart Alec and Synapse 25 to try both of them out before settling on one. Here are the needs I am trying to meet:
EDC - Mostly bringing to work, as a teacher, including a 13.3" MBP Retina, Lunch box, some cords and chargers, pens, pencils, paperwork, small notebook, other random things that may travel to and from school.
Misc Use - I like to go walking in the woods from time to time, usually bring some water, Frisbee, extra jacket, snack, etc. Also, would be great to bring the same bag to the beach with basic beach supplies - book(s), towel, water, sunscreen.
Travel - Personal Item, not my actual carry on, bring with me just what I would generally need on the plane, book, other entertainment, possibly a tablet, extra clothing, anything else I may try to fit in to save room in other bags.
My understanding of the two is something like this - both may work for what I need, just depends on my most regular need. Smart Alec seems more modular and versatile as I can customize it a bit more and it also has the elastic on the outside for additional storage. S25 seems to be a bit less modular, comes with some more built in storage, but can still have key things added, like a Cache on rails, to allow the bag to shift and evolve with my needs.
Right now, I'm thinking that the S25 will be a better fit for what I need, I'd love to hear other thoughts and suggestions for accessories or any other essentials to make my choice easier and/or simply better. The EDC aspect, bringing the bag to work, will be the single biggest use. I also cycle regularly and will take my bike to work on some days as well.
Oh, and I ordered the Smart Alec in Black/Steel/Iberian, going with my usual for a dark bag. I was thinking about the French Blue on the S25 but opted for the Olive/Ultraviolet. Still may switch to the French Blue ultimately.
Finally decided to give one of these bags a try after only hearing awesome things all over the place about them. I've had a number of bags over the years, few Timbuk2 ones, and others with the Timbuk2 being what I had liked the most. While I've been happy overall with these bags I've accumulated more than enough just simply trying to meet different needs. I have a larger messenger bag, a smaller one with built in iPad sleeve, a Jansport backpack, a small EDC bag from Kickstarter, and a huge OG Sack that now gets almost no use. I want to try to simplify these down and I feel like either of these would allow for me to sell off these older bags and consolidate. Based off the more modular design, overall quality and made in the USA stamp on Tom Bihn, I thought I would drop the cash. Now, I've ordered both the Smart Alec and Synapse 25 to try both of them out before settling on one. Here are the needs I am trying to meet:
EDC - Mostly bringing to work, as a teacher, including a 13.3" MBP Retina, Lunch box, some cords and chargers, pens, pencils, paperwork, small notebook, other random things that may travel to and from school.
Misc Use - I like to go walking in the woods from time to time, usually bring some water, Frisbee, extra jacket, snack, etc. Also, would be great to bring the same bag to the beach with basic beach supplies - book(s), towel, water, sunscreen.
Travel - Personal Item, not my actual carry on, bring with me just what I would generally need on the plane, book, other entertainment, possibly a tablet, extra clothing, anything else I may try to fit in to save room in other bags.
My understanding of the two is something like this - both may work for what I need, just depends on my most regular need. Smart Alec seems more modular and versatile as I can customize it a bit more and it also has the elastic on the outside for additional storage. S25 seems to be a bit less modular, comes with some more built in storage, but can still have key things added, like a Cache on rails, to allow the bag to shift and evolve with my needs.
Right now, I'm thinking that the S25 will be a better fit for what I need, I'd love to hear other thoughts and suggestions for accessories or any other essentials to make my choice easier and/or simply better. The EDC aspect, bringing the bag to work, will be the single biggest use. I also cycle regularly and will take my bike to work on some days as well.
Oh, and I ordered the Smart Alec in Black/Steel/Iberian, going with my usual for a dark bag. I was thinking about the French Blue on the S25 but opted for the Olive/Ultraviolet. Still may switch to the French Blue ultimately.
!
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