Super Ego??

[tsukemono]

Well, after years of using backpacks I've decided (been chided into) to switch to something more 'mature' (I'm 40).The reason I've been using backpacks is that I tend to carry a lot, always have and probably always will.

I currently work at my aunt's realty office during the day and teach English as a volunteer at night (I live in Japan). On any given day I carry my 15" Macbook Pro, various files, small digital camera, two textbooks, dictionary, white board markers and eraser, various items from the U.S. for 'show and tell', Leatherman multi-tool, cell phone, umbrella, Powerbar and something to drink. All told, I'm pretty much ready for anything that may stumble my way. However, at times my current backpack (38 litre Jansport) can weigh up to 30+ lbs.

I've been debating between the Super Ego and the Empire Builder. While both are great alternatives to a backpack, I'm leaning toward the Super Ego because;
I would prefer a messenger over a briefcase.
Dedicated spots for an umbrella and drink (very important for me).

My questions are;
Is the Super Ego as big as people say it is?
If I'm loaded for bear, will it feel like I'm carrying one even using the Absolute Strap?
Will the stretch on the Absolute Strap gradually fade away reducing its effectiveness?
Can I use the Brain Cell as a stand-alone case?
I'm 5' 3", will the Super Ego make me look like I'm running away from home?

I wish I were stateside to see these in person in order to make a better decision for myself. That being impossible at this time, I would greatly appreciate any advice that you may have for me.

Thanks in advance,
Glenn

[Zephyrnoid]

Glenn

"Is the Super Ego as big as people say it is?"
That depends on what you understand by the term 'big'. When I need volume in a sleek clamshell bag. I reach for the Super Ego It's now my location video camera bag + laptop bag.When I don't need that much space, I pack the ID Bag. When I Need Super Ego volume but a cargo bag form-factor, the Aeronaut becomes the luggage du jour.
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"If I'm loaded for bear, will it feel like I'm carrying one even using the Absolute Strap?
Will the stretch on the Absolute Strap gradually fade away reducing its effectiveness?"
No and again No. So far my weight record with Super Ego has been 30Lbs and compared to other 'carry' luggage I own that gets that heavy, the Super Ego always FEELS lighter because of the design . I don't even have an absolute strap on mine, but I do for the Aeronaut. The absolute strap may eventually stretch out but my understanding of neoprene's molecular structure prevents that from happening.
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"Can I use the Brain Cell as a stand-alone case?"
But of course!
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"I'm 5' 3", will the Super Ego make me look like I'm running away from home?"
Only if you are actually running away from home! No. Seriously, the ClamShell design is actually very flattering to most people, tall or short, thin or portly. I'm 5'7" and carry mine with the strap across my back/chest- messenger style. I am usually running away from home or towards itand so what if everyone knows it ?! LOL!
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"I wish I were stateside to see these in person in order to make a better decision for myself. That being impossible at this time, I would greatly appreciate any advice that you may have for me."
Problem solved. If you wish, you can send me a ticket to Japan, as I've been dying to visit for years. I'll bring you a set of Tom Bihn bags , we can eat Sushi, Nabemono and Robatayaki and I can finally see Japan!
I'm available and my Tom Bihn bags are already packed!
All the best and thanks!

You may wish to search the forum and galleries for pictures!

[moriond]

Glenn

"Is the Super Ego as big as people say it is?"
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"I'm 5' 3", will the Super Ego make me look like I'm running away from home?"
All the best and thanks!

You may wish to search the forum and galleries for pictures!

One way to judge relative bag size is to use the movies that show several bags together. Take a look at the link in this post replying to another forum reader considering the Super Ego. I've left on the red highlighting to direct you to the movies link. I haven't seen the Super Ego in person myself. Hope this helps.

moriond

[tsukemono]

I had no idea...

Thanks for the information. I had no idea that the Super Ego was that large!

Zephyrnoid,
When you say that it feels 'lighter', how much 'lighter' does it feel?
Have you been to Japan before? I live in Hamamatsu in Shizuoka prefecture. Not much here, but there is good food (famous for unagi). Come when you like. You'll have a place to stay.

Moriond,
The link you provided was a godsend
My first words out of my mouth were "Geez Louise"!! I had read other posts/reviews and with the dimensions off the web site, I thought I had a pretty good idea of its size. Man... was I wrong. I was worried about being able to get everything to fit

Darcy,
A video or comparison pictures of the Ego and Super Ego side by side would be immensely helpful IMHO.

Has anyone used the Absolute Strap for any great length of time?
Is it as effective as when you first strapped it on?

[jehingr]

The Absolute Strap absolutely is absolutey the best strap, not only for the way that it provides absolute comfort when carrying a heavy load - but because it absolutely lasts forever.

Or the short answer - yes.

[topperge]

I just bought my Super Ego last week and jokingly had my wife put it on. to be honest its quite large and no matter how you slice it empty or full is wider than she is. I can get her to snap a picture and send it to you if you wish.

Matt

[MikeL]

Thanks for the information. I had no idea that the Super Ego was that large!

Darcy,
A video or comparison pictures of the Ego and Super Ego side by side would be immensely helpful IMHO.

Here's a link to a previous thread on the Ego Messanger Bag. I referenced a website that had a side by side picture of both.

http://forums.tombihn.com/showpost.php?p=3920&postcount=55

[tsukemono]

Jehinger - How long have you been using your Absolute Strap?

Topperge - Thanks for the offer, but after seeing the video of it I have a much better idea of its size.

MikeL - Sorry, I should have been more specific. A comparison shot of the two bags with someone standing next to them would (for me) have been more helpful.

I guess that lugging around as much stuff as I do, I really shouldn't worry about the size of the bag as long as it all fits.

[jehingr]

Over 2 years on the Absolute Straps.

[MikeL]

MikeL - Sorry, I should have been more specific. A comparison shot of the two bags with someone standing next to them would (for me) have been more helpful.

I guess that lugging around as much stuff as I do, I really shouldn't worry about the size of the bag as long as it all fits.

No worries tsukemono, take a look at the review from The Gadgeteer - Tom Bihn Ego and Super Ego.
This review shows both a male, and female with both bags on, and several side by side pictures so you can guage the size.

Note: Although they look the same - the red bag (the Ego) sits higher on her hip (see the distance to her knee from the bottom of the bag).
The steel bag (Super Ego) is quite low, and sits right at her knee. Take a look at the review, and you'll see the remainder of the pictures that illustrate the size of both.



Good luck!

[tsukemono]

Thanks for the timely replies.
I've pretty much decided on the Super Ego with an Absolute Strap out of necessity. I'll be placing an order when I come home for the holidays (too cheap to pay for international shipping and customs duties).

[Vertigo]

MikeL, thanks for posting those links and pics, they really did help me visualize the size of the Super Ego (which I will hopefully be getting in the next few days). It looks like the perfect bag for my laptop/braincell to live in while I'm studying in Egypt!

[iammeiam]

Thanks for the timely replies.
I've pretty much decided on the Super Ego with an Absolute Strap out of necessity. I'll be placing an order when I come home for the holidays (too cheap to pay for international shipping and customs duties).

I know you've more or less made up your mind, but I wanted to throw this out there: Depending on how you're transporting yourself from place to place, it may be worth it to look into the Quick-Adjust Messenger strap.

I recently made the switch from a backpack (Brain Bag, actually) to a messenger bag as my work bag. Since I have a 17" Powerbook, I didn't have a whole lot of choices, and wound up with the Super Ego. I originally ordered it with the Absolute Strap, but wound up going back and ordering the Q-AM strap a week later.

The Q-AM just feels much more stable and solid when walking (My average workday commute involves a 1/2 - 3/4 a mile walking up and down hills), the quick-release feature makes it easy to convert between a high-up method for rushed walking, and a by-the-hip method for easy access to my bus pass and/or wallet.

Which is not to say that the Absolute Strap isn't awesome--I passed mine on to somebody with a gigantic (non-Bihn) computer bag/briefcase thing, and the next time I saw them they mentioned how comfortable it is. Just, in some situations, the Q-AM may be more suited.

[tsukemono]

iammeiam,
Thanks for the suggestion. I do walk a fair distance everyday, but does the Q/A Strap carry the load as well as the Absolute Strap? I ask because my everyday loadout tends to be heavy.

[MarkA]

Hi Glenn,

I've carried a *lot* of weight in my Ego w/ Q-Am and have had nothing but great things to say about it. I'm sure the Absolute is great, but the security of the Q-Am is second to none!

Mark