The Synapse backpack: Q & A

[maverick]

hey backpack,

wow! this is a great example of the journey a tom bihn bag takes before it ends up in our hands! thank you for detailing the development process behind the synapse.

i hope that having a better understanding of the hard work that goes into producing a tom bihn bag increases the appreciation for the products we are able to enjoy!

i guess this shatters any illusions that tom wake up in the morning, scratch his head, and say: "hmmmm, let's make a backpack," and then goes into the factory, creates a design, and has a prototype ready before the evening? within a week, it's shipping to excited shoppers the world around. ;-)

-m

[slinstar]

Lightly padded bottom to Synapse?

Too late, I'm sure, but I have a wish-list item to add to the thousands...

I think it would be great if the bottom of the backpack were lightly padded.
It would provide a little protection for people who are sometimes inclined to slip a small laptop into their bag w/o a sleeve, and then cringe when they set the bag down a little too hard. And it would protect the bottom of the bag against wear & tear from sharp textbook corners, etc., especially if the padded part extended an inch or so up the sides/front/back of the bag.

I don't sound like i take very good care of things, do I?

[timarelay]

Ok, now that I've tried the Brain Bag and declared it far too big, I am back to eagerly (desperately? please? how about April? April sounds great to me) awaiting the Synapse.

Also, I ask again that it be offered it slightly more conservative colors. Just because it's a small backpack doesn't mean it needs to be bright. I would love a black one, or maybe olive or maybe even crimson (red is pretty much the one color I will allow myself to be flashy with). Sapphire and me do not get along, nor do I agree with Pink. Storm is beautiful but I'd prefer it as an accent than as the color of the entire bag. Plum... it remains to be seen if I would be okay with a Plum backpack.

[travelwkid]

Have we recently had an ETA on the Synapse?

I am getting very interested in it, as I am always a backpack person. Having read lots of reviews of different TB bags, I like the idea of a water-resistant bag (I walk in the rain quite often) that will last for years and years and years.

Travelwkid
http://www.enjoyingtravelwithkids.blogspot.com

[timothy]

Agreed w/ timarelay re: colors -- but as long as there's a black option, or at least silver, I can accept that some people like plum, chartreuse, seafoam, etc

timothy

[Foggy Morn]

I can totally, definitely, totally accept a Synapse in plum. (Please, soon?)

[Darcy]

The Synapse is still coming. As you know, Tom is a perfectionist, and he isn't entirely happy with the front pocket configuration. I think the organization is amazing, but he believes it can be even better - and I can't wait to see what he comes up with.

As for colors....in the first run, we'll probably try:
Plum
Punch
Sapphire
Olive
Cocoa
Black
Navy

And then we'll narrow it down to four colors after that.

[Foggy Morn]

Is there any way to get notified of when it is available for pre-order? I don't want to miss out on getting a plum one. (In the past, I've found out about a color right after it gets sold out and I've waited so long for the Synapse, I don't want that to happen with it.)

Unless Tom dramatically changes the configuration, it looks like it's going to be just the bag I've been hoping for.

Thanks for the update, Darcy.

[Darcy]

Is there any way to get notified of when it is available for pre-order? I don't want to miss out on getting a plum one.

We'll post on the blog and Twitter as soon as it's available for pre-order. We'll make sure that you get a Plum bag!

[falconea]

As for colors....in the first run, we'll probably try:
Plum
Punch
Sapphire
Olive
Cocoa
Black
Navy

And then we'll narrow it down to four colors after that.

No Kelly? I'm a big fan of green and was hoping for a nice bright green Synapse. Olive is far too dull and boring for me.

Audrey

[Darcy]

No Kelly, I'm afraid. I like it too, but unfortunately, not very many other people do.

[maverick]

second that - the kelly would be nice!

a navy exterior with a kelly interior would be great as well!

the plum and black exterior will look great with a wasabi interior.

No Kelly? I'm a big fan of green and was hoping for a nice bright green Synapse. Olive is far too dull and boring for me.

Audrey

[timothy]

Kelly is one of the only bright colors I would be happy with in a bag (as interior, or exterior: a black out / kelly in Super Ego would be perfect) -- maybe people for some reason *say* they don't like it, but secretly do

timothy

[backpack]

Is the interior going to be Cordura or Dyneema?

Steel is my choice with Plum, Punch and Sapphire unless I can get Plum/Pink or Sapphire/Storm those two together are gorgeous beyond belief.

I don't like green except a very nice turquoise, it can be dark like the interior of the temperate rain forest or light like the southern seas.

Of course Steel and Black would be just great as a second color with it.

[falconea]

Kelly is one of the only bright colors I would be happy with in a bag (as interior, or exterior: a black out / kelly in Super Ego would be perfect) -- maybe people for some reason *say* they don't like it, but secretly do

I am sure that is based on actual sales. I understand the business need, but I still think it's a shame!

I guess I'll have to go for plum or sapphire. Or resign myself to steel.

Audrey