The Synapse backpack: Q & A

[Darcy]

I know a lot of you are waiting patiently for the Synapse: the wait is going to be worth it! It's a great bag, and a really nice size.

Below is an update on the Synapse from the January newsletter:

Updates on the Synapse, Smart Alec redesign

Tom writes:

"The Synapse is coming along quite well. I've been tweaking with the
subtleties of the main compartment pattern pieces, and it's close to
perfect in that regard. Next up: Synapse's organizer pockets!

The Smart Alec is almost done too: the new water bottle pocket has
proven to be a little more challenging than I had originally thought,
but we're almost there. Note: those of you who appreciated the
streamlined design of the previous Smart Alec won't be
disappointed."

[Darcy]

The Western Flyer photos look cool. Will we see shots of the Synapse soon?

Sometime soon: Tom is working out the pockets and how they lay, etc.

[timarelay]

Pictures?

I'm sorry to be such a pest about the Synapse, but I've been waiting so long... And I desperately need a new backpack! All I have is my Imago and a backpack that I hate that gives me shoulder pain.

[mrae]

I'm going to buy one for myself for my birthday- assuming it comes out in March. I'm looking forward to a nice Tom Bihn backpack small enough for me and with a place for a water bottle. My dream bag. Meanwhile I'm using my Lux most of the time.

[Darcy]

I'm going to buy one for myself for my birthday- assuming it comes out in March. I'm looking forward to a nice Tom Bihn backpack small enough for me and with a place for a water bottle. My dream bag. Meanwhile I'm using my Lux most of the time.

I think both you and timerelay will be really happy with the Synapse. I've been using a prototype version of it on hikes: it's such a perfect size and the front organizing pockets utilize space in a way I've never experienced before.

No pictures yet, but maybe soon!

[timarelay]

I think both you and timarelay will be really happy with the Synapse. I've been using a prototype version of it on hikes: it's such a perfect size and the front organizing pockets utilize space in a way I've never experienced before.

No pictures yet, but maybe soon!

Ooh, a glimpse of information! What's the holding capacity of it like? I know the theoretical volume but... For example, I use my Imago daily, and it can hold everything I need, but I really need the support of a backpack because my stuff is small but weighs a lot, which is why I really want the Synapse. Would you say it's really comfortable and has good support? And would it fit a 12.1" laptop? ( I don't carry my laptop often. Very rarely, actually. But it does happen).

[Darcy]

Would you say it's really comfortable and has good support? And would it fit a 12.1" laptop? ( I don't carry my laptop often. Very rarely, actually. But it does happen).

The Synapse is really comfortable. I packed it full of clothes, water and other stuff for a 11 mile hike, and never even noticed it. While the front exterior has a pocket that's designed to fit a small water bottle, one can also fit a 1-liter water bottle in the largest of the front exterior pockets, which I found very convenient.

[altano]

The Synapse is likely to have either a 1" or 1.5" removable waist strap, and yes a removable sternum strap too (all of our sternum straps have been removable for some time now).

So this will be similar to an ID with a regular strap, right? Any chance of seeing the Q-AM strap on this, or does that not even make sense?

[Darcy]

So this will be similar to an ID with a regular strap, right? Any chance of seeing the Q-AM strap on this, or does that not even make sense?

No: the Synapse is a backpack. It won't have any shoulder strap attachment points.

[altano]

No: the Synapse is a backpack. It won't have any shoulder strap attachment points.

Oh, duh. Was majorly confused there. Thanks

[Darcy]

Oh, duh. Was majorly confused there. Thanks

No worries! There's no pictures of the bag yet, so it is difficult to picture it. Pictures soon-ish, I promise!

[gmich]

How soon-ish will we be seeing pictures of the Synapse? I'm really anxious to see it (as I know others are as well).

[Darcy]

How soon-ish will we be seeing pictures of the Synapse? I'm really anxious to see it (as I know others are as well).

It could be one week or three (or more.) Don't worry: there's a lot of productive development going on in regards to the Synapse. Everyone's patience will be rewarded.

[slinstar]

It could be one week or three (or more.) Don't worry: there's a lot of productive development going on in regards to the Synapse. Everyone's patience will be rewarded.

I vote for one week!

6 months pregnant now and the strap of my Buzz is running out of room to do its job. But I'm still holding out for a TB backpack

[timarelay]

Is there any estimate yet on how much the Synapse will cost?