Where Did All the Bright Colors Go?

[eric]

When I first visited tombihn.com and saw this beautiful bright blue Brain Bag (sapphire) with great features, I was quickly convinced to spend over $200 to get that bag and several accessories, only to discover a dark/drab color selection while ordering.

Here's why I like bolder brighter colors (and why you should too):

1. Looks: I can't understand how anyone can get excited about colors as subdued as conifer. It's about as "sassy" as week-old grass clippings. (Sorry)
2. Bag Visibility: Whether trying to pick out your bag at a baggage claim or trying to keep an eye on your bag while it's resting on the ground, the best colors for finding and not losing your bag are the bright ones.
3. My Visibility: These bags were made for pedestrians and other people vulnerable to accidents and getting lost. I want my silhouette standing out from the city background, not matching the pavement. (I'm also a big fan of retro-reflective trim and markings for the same reasons at night.)
4. My School Colors: Visibly blue (not "I can't believe it's not black" navy) is not only one of my school colors, it's a school color for lots of campuses. (I would've even taken my chances with my other school color, yellow/gold.)

Speaking of color, it's nice to have an extra bright interior, too, as Tom acknowledges: "Solar is a cheerful yellow that will help you see inside of your bag more easily". But where else can we see this wisdom in his bags? The difference between looking inside my black Brenthaven and the bright yellow interior of my Kata is the difference between night and day.

Am I the only one wishing for brighter colors?

[falconea]

I like the bright colours too, you are not alone.

However, as a business, Tom Bihn has to make the product that will sell.

Audrey

[KarlJ]

I personally couldn't care less about these bright, Fruit-Loop colors... but I do leave them for others who enjoy them.

[backpack]

There is a saying on this forum, if you see a bag in the color you want, grab it!

Like you, I love bright colors.

Over the last 5 years I bought bags in Grape, Sapphire, Punch, Pink, Storm (discontinued) and Plum.


I also have a gorgeous Steel Brain Bag and all but 2 of my Tom Bihn bags have Steel as the second color.

Steel is the most amazing color, it has a silvery shimmer and I can assure you that it won't get lost in a sea of bags.


In the past year or so, Tom has been able to find his beautiful and strong fabrics in more subtle and warm shades.

People love them.

I am not much into warm shades. So it was money saving time to get the next great thing from TB.

I grew to love Crimson when I got a Organizer Pouch in that color, you have nothing to loose ordering a bunch of Organizer Pouches in the colors available and see for yourself how gorgeous the colors are.

Just an idea.

[eric]

Encouraging, but...

...Over the last 5 years I bought bags in Grape, Sapphire, Punch, Pink, Storm (discontinued) and Plum.

I also have a gorgeous Steel Brain Bag and all but 2 of my Tom Bihn bags have Steel as the second color.

Steel is the most amazing color, it has a silvery shimmer and I can assure you that it won't get lost in a sea of bags.

What you say about Steel is encouraging, but it's hard to see that "silvery shimmer" in the still pictures. At the very least it sounds like a fantastic second color, but the only second color I've ever seen in a Brain Bag is black. I might just pick up a cheaper bag elsewhere for now and wait to see if TB gets some more interesting colors by Christmas next year.

[gmanedit]

Hi, eric. It seems (from your italics) that your chief consideration is your school colors, so you should look for a blue or yellow bag with reflective trim. I'm sure it's out there.

[backpack]

Hi, eric. It seems (from your italics) that your chief consideration is your school colors, so you should look for a blue or yellow bag with reflective trim. I'm sure it's out there.

There is always the Synapse in Indigo/Solar

[eric]

Synapse in Indigo/Solar...

"Synapse in Indigo/Solar"?... Oh wow, what a great looking bag! And it's Solar on the inside! (Won't forget to zip up those pockets!) But I don't see in the description that it will protect a 15" laptop. Occasionally I'm trying to carry a 15" MacBook, my lunch bag, 700ml of water, and other stuff. I liked the design of those Brain Cell carriers (also now only in drab colors for my size laptop).

"...chief consideration is your school colors...". Actually, I meant the italics as an afterthought, because I wasn't even thinking of blue as a high visibility color until I saw Tom Bihn's pictures staring me in the face. If crimson were still an option I would've considered that or might have even settled for Kelly (also pictured).