The Synapse backpack: Q & A

[Darcy]

Around $100-$120

[mrae]

Any update on the synapse? Pictures? Colors? Due date etc.

[Joy]

Yes, when's it coming!! I need to see it before deciding on the new Smart Alec or not.

[Darcy]

The answers to those questions (and many more) are not far off.

I used the Synapse again recently (on a long snowshoe hike). It's so comfortable, and the pockets are so incredibly useful.

The exterior of the Synapse will be 1000 denier Cordura so possible colors are: Plum, Black, Steel, Navy, Kelly, Olive, Pink, Storm, Crimson, Cocoa, Sapphire.

[slinstar]

Any idea on the rough dimensions and/or volume? Will it have a single-color exterior?

[timarelay]

Any idea on the rough dimensions and/or volume? Will it have a single-color exterior?

Single color exterior would actually be really nice. I've found that a lot of the time it's not that I don't like the individual colors. I just don't like the combinations (for example, I really like steel, but I don't like steel combined with any color but black).


As for dimensions/volume:

Synapse

18 liters/1100 cu.in.

Breakdown:
Main compartment 15 liters/900 cu.in;
Front pocket upper 2 liters/150 cu. in.;
front pocket lower 1 liter/50 cu.in.

[Foggy Morn]

When will we be able to preorder? (Sorry if I missed it in the thread.) I'd like one in plum, please.

(I keep checking these forums just to see if it's been released. I so want one.)

[slinstar]

Single color exterior would actually be really nice. I've found that a lot of the time it's not that I don't like the individual colors. I just don't like the combinations (for example, I really like steel, but I don't like steel combined with any color but black).


As for dimensions/volume:

Thanks for the volume info! Sounds like a good size (decently bigger than my buzz, but 3/4 the size of the smart alec).

I tend to agree about the solid colors, although I think it depends on the backpack design. The 2 colors on the Smart Alec makes sense to me, and having a multi-colored Buzz grew on me, b/c the design does lend itself well to the multiple colors (mine is black, steel, & red; I had wanted just black & steel but it wasn't in stock).

With an upper & lower pocket the way the volume explanation describes, it sounds like the Synapse might be better suited to a single color though (or a single exterior color with a different, lighter interior, like some of the bags have). And I'm kind-of a sucker for Cocoa -- never regretted that color choice for my Cafe Bag, and it might very well be my choice for the Synapse, although I'll have to wait to see pictures. I guess I like kind-of boring colors But mostly that's b/c I feel like I'm already pushing things casual-wise carrying a backpack to work, so having a fairly basic color is important.

[timarelay]

With an upper & lower pocket the way the volume explanation describes, it sounds like the Synapse might be better suited to a single color though (or a single exterior color with a different, lighter interior, like some of the bags have). And I'm kind-of a sucker for Cocoa -- never regretted that color choice for my Cafe Bag, and it might very well be my choice for the Synapse, although I'll have to wait to see pictures.

I would definitely still want a lighter interior color =) My two Tom Bihn bags have very standard outsides, Cocoa (Imago) and Black (Large Cafe Bag), but both have bright Wasabi insides.

I love the Cocoa too, but I think I'd like a new color this time because I use my Cocoa Imago everyday.

[mrae]

I agree about the lighter inside color. I'd also like to know when we can preorder.

[Darcy]

I agree about the lighter inside color. I'd also like to know when we can preorder.

As soon as the proportions of the front pockets are finalized and I can take a picture of the bag, we can make it available for pre-order. Soon!!

The Synapse may or may not be lined with Dyneema.

[Foggy Morn]

Does the Dyneema come in a solid color? I may be the only one, but the idea of trying to find something against that dominant grid pattern makes my eyes cross already.

I still will want one in plum though. (I'm thinking lots of pouches will help.)

Thanks for the info.

[timarelay]

Hm. I'd prefer it to not be lined with Dyneema because I don't like the look, but I'm assuming that if you guys do that, you'll have good enough reason to that I'll accept it =)

[Darcy]

Does the Dyneema come in a solid color?

No: the Dyneema itself is the white part that creates the grid. It can't be dyed, which is why it's always white. The non-white part (we've used grey and blue so far) is nylon and can be dyed.

[slinstar]

Hm. I'd prefer it to not be lined with Dyneema because I don't like the look, but I'm assuming that if you guys do that, you'll have good enough reason to that I'll accept it =)

I'm guessing it would be for durability. Having seen the corner of a plastic folder sticking through the weave of my Buzz more times than I'd care to admit (you'd think I'd learn never to stick them in w/ the pokiest/open side facing in, since that's the only time they manage to poke through) I can see the value in that I could imagine Dyneema lining being really nice at least on the bottom 25% of a bag, where pokey things might otherwise cause harm.