Reigniting discussion of S22 wishlist

[aedifica]

Hi @neonomad, welcome to the Forums!

To answer your question about local etiquette around naming other bag makers, here's a quote from the Forum Rules & Guidelines:

2) Linking to and discussing other bag manufacturers in the right context is perfectly acceptable. If you're trying to decide between different brands of bags, or if you need to ask a whether a different manufacturers bag or accessory will work with a TOM BIHN bag, feel free to discuss or link. Posting a review or starting a discussion strictly about another manufacturers product is best kept to that particular manufacturers forum or website. We try to stay as on-topic as possible, and the topic here is TOM BIHN bags. Speaking of which: TOM BIHN only builds our own original designs and styles, so you needn't bother posting a link to a different manufacturer's design and suggesting that we make it too. It's just not something we do: at TOM BIHN, we make our own designs, which come from our own inspiration. And we assure you: that keeps us plenty busy.

So it would have been fine if you felt like saying "I tried out a 22L bag from Company Name and I like that size," but not good to say "I wish you would copy this bag that Company Name makes." Make sense? If not, feel free to ask for clarification. And once again, welcome!

[neonomad]

Hi all,

I'm new here… I just joined the forum a few minutes ago to add a fervent "yes, please" to the call for a Synapse 22.

I ordered a Synapse 25 and a 19 to check out, and wow, I can really see why these bags have such a fan base. I'm in love… but they may both go back because of size issues. The 19 is way too small for my needs… not really a surprise, since I sometimes need to carry a 15" MacBook Pro, and would also like the bag to work as my only bag for a couple of weeks in a foreign city. The 25 has plenty of room for all my needs, but it looks huge on my 5'8" frame (and yes, I'm trying not to look too geeky to the good folks of Paris).

So I tried my various scenarios with a 22L bag from another company (I'm not sure what the etiquette here is about naming other bag makers), and it was perfect for all of them: my two weeks in Paris combination and the tech set with 15" MBP and peripherals were just right, and it looks like a day pack on me instead of a round-the-world duffle. Of course it's not a quarter of the quality and all-around wonderfulness of the Synapse, so I'm really torn.

So yes, please, a Synapse 22 (soon?) would be a dream.

[haraya]

This is a bit "tomato/tomah-to" - I don't think either side will convince the other of their wisdom, but when I read your comment it reminded me of a backpack I had from another manufacturer. It had both the laptop compartment and a full clamshell zip. I never really used it much - I didn't like the pockets and the straps were uncomfortable - so it looked pristine. But actually the zippers were tricky - they were so slippery that if the pack was half-full, the weight of the load would cause the zippers to slowly open, till all my groceries or books fell on the ground behind me. If I was lucky, a friend would be walking behind me and alert me to the escape, but I stopped using it after the second time this happened.

On the other hand, today I needed to bring my laptop with me. I put it in a padded sleeve and then into my S19. I was in a hurry to pick up my son from school, so I headed out with the zippers open more than half-way. It wasn't till I arrived at school and was waiting for my son to come out that I noticed the zippers were unsecured. But, because the opening doesn't go all the way down the sides, my wallet and computer were still sitting inside. Not sure if I have sticky zippers or the half-clamshell design to thank for saving my stuff, but either way the setup is what I need to protect me from my sometimes-forgetful self!

[agland]

Just chiming in here. Dedicated laptop compartment and a full clamshell zip would make synapse the perfect backpack. It's already the best i've ever used, but I keep finding myself reaching for a different option when I need to pack the bag like a suitcase.

[haraya]

I'm under 5 feet, so I hear ya on the size limitations. What I've realized for myself though is that sometimes the volume measurement is not the whole story. I've not tried the S25, but I like the Smart Alec (18.5"long/26L) as its vertical dimension works for me. I'm still playing with the A30, haven't decided on whether it fits me better with the internal frame or without. Same thing with the lighter backpacks - DLBP (11.8" long/16.5L) fits me better than the PCBP (18.1" long/13.5L), due to their different lengths. (Oddly, the SA is longer than the PCBP, but seems to fit better, perhaps because the greater depth or the different strap construction changes the way it sits on me.)

I’m petite so there’s no way even an under packed S25 or BB would work, and I need something a little bigger than my S19. I love my S19, S25, and BB equally so it doesn’t matter which one it looks like.

** and for those that aren’t keen on the aesthetic of the BB, don’t knock it until you try it! I am constantly amazed how much this thing can swallow. I can only assume a baby BB would behave similarly.

[benh]

I love my S25, and would dearly love one with a bit more capacity. I think that adding a second main compartment with cache rails might be just the ticket...kind of a hybrid between the Brain Bag and the S25.

Part of what I love about the S25 is the versatility. I like that I can pull the cache when I don't need a laptop.

My partner has a Brain Bag, and there's a lot to like about it. The upper pocket is great, and the side pockets are super handy. I actually want a Brain Bag, since I think it could be the ultimate one bag for me for trips to to 5 days, but I really want the internal water bottle pocket. The clip/strap deal on the BB is a no go for me.

[cbmp]

My S19 halcyon is the bag I keep coming back to for my daily use, more so than the S25. I just find that 19L is enough for the essentials. Any more than that and the bag gets a bit too big and heavy for all day carry. If you're using it for travel and will plan on leaving it in your room or for carrying to work, imo just go for a big bag. I think the idea of the S19 is to be light, carryable and functional.

[DeBru]

My druthers are for a 22ish liter mini Brain Bag style vs Synapse style

I would be thrilled with this too! What I would really love to see is a 22L or so bag that came closer to maximizing the personal item dimension limits. I’m petite so there’s no way even an under packed S25 or BB would work, and I need something a little bigger than my S19. I love my S19, S25, and BB equally so it doesn’t matter which one it looks like.

** and for those that aren’t keen on the aesthetic of the BB, don’t knock it until you try it! I am constantly amazed how much this thing can swallow. I can only assume a baby BB would behave similarly.

[G42]

My druthers are for a 22ish liter mini Brain Bag style vs Synapse style

[DeBru]

I love the idea of a S22 and S28 “Tech” version with a built in cache... I know there’s lots of other companies doing bags with built in tech carrying options, but none of them can come close to what I love about my TB.

[UpToNoGood]

Such a worthwhile conversation. I'm trying to get a feel for the Synapse in either model and something's off in both cases. I've tried the S25 as both EDC and international travel, and ended up with a bad back both times. (Oddly enough, it served me just fine for bike commuting - i never figured out why it worked in that situation and not the others.)

In the meantime I just ordered the S19 for what I thought would be the perfect EDC setup. The vision that was in my head did not work in reality. As Lia mentioned, the inside pocket throws me off. Moreover, once I put the FS in it seemed to me I had no room left for anything else. The FS if definitely going back, and bag may, too.

When it comes to TB bags, my fundamental question is "Would it complement my A30?" Obviously my A30 is not my EDC, but when I travel it is THE bag. Then I allow myself one other bag as a personal item and EDC bag at my destination. If a bag can pass that test, then I'll consider buying it. Since I tend to use the A30 in backpack form, the other bag is most likely a shoulder bag (even though my shoulders hate that fact).

[KathyH]

I think the divide might be more between foks who use the Synapse primarily for a computer bag first versus folks who use it for double duty for commute and travel. At least that’s the issue for me. I use my S25 at least 95% of the time as a EDC bag where I’m carrying a laptop, ipad or combo. I just added the S19 and will use it for my smaller load commutes but also on weekends when I’m running around and want to carry my ipad.

[carrot]

Count me as one who's perplexed by the request for a permanent cache or device pocket. There are so many bag manufacturers out there who make these (backpacks with integrated computer storage), why change this quality which is one of the best things about TB? And by that I mean the modular nature of TB bags. Take what you need, leave what you don't. Hence the separate cache, and the removable waist and sternum straps. Plus, if the size of your device changes, you don't need to buy a whole new bag - just swap out the cache part.

When I was traveling weekly for work, I hated my computer backpack. It was ugly and heavy. I never wanted to take it with me when I was traveling for leisure. In contrast, I could totally see carrying my TB bag both for love and money, as it were.

This is exactly what brought me to TB.

I do not travel with a laptop and I leave my work laptop at work as much as possible. I do not want a useless (for me) padded laptop compartment taking up space on my bag.

But I could totally see a Synapse 22 and 28 (maybe with a different name) with a zippered back compartment behind the main one that could hold a cache or internal frame or both that would be useful for both of us laptop-less and laptop-toting fans. For the laptop-free such as myself, an added compartment might be a good place to store a packing cube full of clothes, a tablet, or a handful of papers and maps.

[Rei]

Count me as one who's perplexed by the request for a permanent cache or device pocket. There are so many bag manufacturers out there who make these (backpacks with integrated computer storage), why change this quality which is one of the best things about TB? And by that I mean the modular nature of TB bags. Take what you need, leave what you don't. Hence the separate cache, and the removable waist and sternum straps. Plus, if the size of your device changes, you don't need to buy a whole new bag - just swap out the cache part.
[...]

I understand that some would like a dedicated compartment (if new size laptop, in TB way, a new cache is needed)
but I totally agree with you, first I don't use laptop for leisure, secondly I really like the modular way of TB, it's just right not too much, not too few

well I may wish for smaller GES or GP (cause well, I'm really small, and I love the GP style) (or an apocalypic SG aka submersible main compartment)

[haraya]

Count me as one who's perplexed by the request for a permanent cache or device pocket. There are so many bag manufacturers out there who make these (backpacks with integrated computer storage), why change this quality which is one of the best things about TB? And by that I mean the modular nature of TB bags. Take what you need, leave what you don't. Hence the separate cache, and the removable waist and sternum straps. Plus, if the size of your device changes, you don't need to buy a whole new bag - just swap out the cache part.

When I was traveling weekly for work, I hated my computer backpack. It was ugly and heavy. I never wanted to take it with me when I was traveling for leisure. In contrast, I could totally see carrying my TB bag both for love and money, as it were. It's just brilliant that I can modify my TB bags depending on the situation. Use my Smart Alec for a computer bag. Or use my Synapse, and just move all my accessories over and clip them in. Or use either bag as a weekender bag, and take out the work-related stuff. Or add a modular pocket. Or put my FS in, when I need more organization; take it out when I need to maximize carrying capacity.

(I must say, I have never put a Freudian Slip in the interior pocket. I just put my FS standing up in the middle of the main compartment. It actually acts as a divider of sorts, that way... say, papers in back, snacks in front; or hoody in back, odd-shaped gear in front.)

There are many TB bags, and also many bags made by other manufacturers with a different philosophy or target market. Thank goodness for the plethora of options!!

Agreed. There’s a lot to love with the Synapse but some modest design changes might also improve both Synapses.

I’d like to see a permanent cache pocket. That would cut the bulk of the current cache in half. Next, get rid of the inside pocket in the main compartment or find a way to make it be an add on. Another option would be to tightened it up. I’m sure it pooches out in order to hold a FS but the pooching out gets in the way. Third, redesign the pockets so they don’t dip into the main compartment space.

Dedicated area for laptop cache, GE lashing capability, less 'egging'. And I agree regarding the inside pouch area- I find that it gets in the way more than it provides a use.