Tri-Star

[Frank II]

You really think it's easier to stick a pen into a zipper, open it, and then try to close it when the pulls are locked than to open a twist tie?

Pickpockets are opportunists. They look for the easiest mark, the easiest bag to get into. If you make it difficult for them, they're going to move on the someone easier. They don't see bags as "challenges."

Sorry, but locks have proven to deter theft. It just takes too long in public to try to get into them. Twist ties will also deter but can be opened much faster than a locked case. Nothing is 100% fool proof.

How much experience do you have with this? I'm a certified travel goods specialist who has had training in luggage theft deterrence?

I've been to seminars given by former professional pickpockets and thieves. The one thing they stress is the harder it is to steal something from you, the less likely you'll be a victim of theft.

Does it guarantee that you will never be a victim...no. But by being observant and making it more difficult, the less likely your chances of being a victim. There are just too many unsecured bags around for thieves to choose from that they will tend to go towards those than ones who have added an extra obstacle.

But you can believe whatever you want.

[GaryS]

You really think it's easier to stick a pen into a zipper, open it, and then try to close it when the pulls are locked than to open a twist tie?

Whether or not it is colsed back up I was trying to illustrate how easy it is to get into a cloth bag with coil zippers.

Pickpockets are opportunists. They look for the easiest mark, the easiest bag to get into. If you make it difficult for them, they're going to move on the someone easier. They don't see bags as "challenges."

What could be easier than a bag with coil zippers that can be opened with a ball point pen?

Sorry, but locks have proven to deter theft. It just takes too long in public to try to get into them.

But it just takes seconds to bypass them and go straight to the zipper.

Twist ties will also deter but can be opened much faster than a locked case.

I use the twist ties to keep the zipper sliders from separating when the bag is moved around.

Nothing is 100% fool proof.

On that we agree.

How much experience do you have with this? I'm a certified travel goods specialist who has had training in luggage theft deterrence?
I've been to seminars given by former professional pickpockets and thieves.

I'm happy for you.

But you can believe whatever you want.

True

[Maria]

Couldn't help but comment on the advice given regarding theft. Frank II - excellent points. Nothing is guaranteed, but if your things are more trouble for the thieves compared to the next guy - well it's obvious which one they will go for.

As much as I like the Tri-Star, I'm not keen about easy access to the zippered compartments when it is in back-pack mode and out of your sight. Although I feel this way with most any back pack.

- always keep valuables on you and hopefully out of site
- passport and credit card will save the day when all else is lost
- copy of passport and credit card info / consulate numbers, emergency info can be scanned and sent to your own e-mail address.
- the less you carry, the faster you can move. Know your surrounding area, or at least look like you do.
- be discreet, no flashy designer labels. Camera bag that doesn't have the logo on the outside of the bag, nor on the strap around your neck etc.

I've been lucky, but that doesn't mean I haven't been a target. A friend had her expensive watch cut off of her wrist (while wearing a blouse and suit jacket!) while standing in a crowded elevator...the lift was too crowded and the thief couldn't bend down the pick it up off the floor! I wondered - how could you not feel such? But it can happen. If they are professionals - you won't know it until you search for the now missing item.

Cheers!

[GaryS]

I thought I should add:

Please do not construe my remarks above as a condemnation of Tom Bihn bags. Coil zippers are ubiquitous in the luggage industry and have their advantages as well as disadvantages. I own a Tom Bihn Aeronaut that is, in my opinion, the finest designed carry on luggage available in the world today. I also realize that if anyone wants into it bad enough all they need is a ball point pen. I can live with that.

[Just]

If someone wants your stuff bad enough, they can just take the whole bag in the 1/2 a second you're distracted, as well.

[blackfungi]

cable ties.

[Frank II]

cable ties.

Or as Tom Bihn calls them.....STRAPEEZ

[Just]

You can't cable tie your bags to yourself all the time

[Frank II]

What you could do is get a really, really big "O" ring and wear it around your waist. Then attach one end of a Tom Bihn key strap to that "O" ring and the other end to an "O" ring on the bag.

This way, you can do without the really large cable ties.

To be inconspicuous, I would suggest a darker color key strap. Something like Iberian Dyneema might stand out.

This could be a whole new video series for Maverick--"How to Securely Attach Various Tom Bihn Bags To Your Person."

[jjsouth]

Non-traditional Packing List

Hey guys,

I thought I'd send you my packing list for my most recent trip with my Steel/Solar Tristar.

I travel to NC one weekend a month for work. I traveled a little bit lighter on the way out this time because I wanted to go to Trader Joe's to pick up some of my favorite, unavailable in Texas, items.

So here's my list:

Front Zippers:

- Crochet hook, small scissors, travel papers (receipts from trip/rental car paperwork)

Front Compartment:

- Small Tom Bihn packing cube with undies, socks, and one cotton shirt
- Recent crochet project (blanket that's about 3'x2.5' at this point... fairly dense stitching)
- Two 16oz bags of Trader Joe's Pecan Praline Granola
- Three small bottles of Mexican Vanilla beans (four beans in each bottle) (I got these from a friend, not at TJs)

Middle Compartment:

- Four 16 oz bags of Trader Joe's Pecan Praline Granola (we love this stuff)
- Two 12 oz bags of Trader Joe's Omega Trek Mix
- Two 8 oz bags of Trader Joe's Egg Pappardelle Pasta
- One 26 oz container of Trader Joe's Sea Salt
- Quart bag filled tight with my toiletries
- Medium Tom Bihn pouch with iPhone charger and Bluetooth headset charger

Back Compartment:

- Two lady's cotton tops
- One pair corduroy pants
- Two pair LL Bean Perfect Pants
- Eagle Creek Medium packing cube with a few papers and a DVD in it's case

I'm so impressed with this bag. It works well when packed light and when loaded to the brim. The backpack straps were much appreciated with this heavy load and did the job perfectly. And it had no problem whatsoever fitting easily into the overhead compartment.

I did, however, just order my husband an Aeronaut and I think I'll take it next month so I can fit even more Trader Joe's goodies! Looking forward to getting a feel for the Aeronaut!

[Frank II]

I was at Trader Joe's this morning. I never thought of taking my Tri-Star to carry my groceries. Next time, I'll take it instead of my Trader Joe's Freezer Bag.

Now I have to figure out what goes in each compartment. Decisions, decisions.

[adamki]

Tri-Star Packed for 9 Day Trip

I'm in the middle of a 9 day trip and I remembered take some photos as I unpacked my Tri-Star at the hotel.

Here's the Tri-Star fully loaded:


This is the front third packed:


The front third contained:
- A small packing cube containing socks and underwear.
- 1 Pair lounge/PJ pants (packed behind the small cube)
- A 1 quart bag with toiletries
- Standard size Deodorant
- Electric Toothbrush (the gray plastic case)
- Hair Pomade
- Travel Shaving Brush (the black tube)
- The gray pouch (not Bihn) contains other dry toiletries, medications, q-tips, etc.


The middle third of the Tri-Star holds my Packing Cube Backpack:


The packing cube contains:
- Six casual collared shirts
- 5 Tee shirts
- A light/medium weight sweater
- A ScottEVest Q-zip pullover
- A pair of gym shorts



The rear third of the tristar holds three pairs of pants and a couple of travel guides:

[Maria]

Wonderful photos Adam! (That Solar interior looks wonderful - I suspect that shall have to be in my next order!) I like how you show the packing cubes inside the bag, plus photos of what they hold. Well done!

Did you bring another "day bag" or small carry-on bag? Or is the packing cube back pack to be used for that purpose on this trip?

[adamki]

Thanks, Maria. The Indigo/Solar combination is nice (I was sad to see it go).

I'm also traveling with my Super Ego which holds my MacBook and other electronics (maybe I'll do a packing list for that when I pack up to leave). I've been 100% successful carrying both bags on aircraft even though the Super Ego is slightly too large to count as a personal item. The flight on British Airways was so full that they had employees looking for oversize bags at the gate and at the end of the jetway, neither one even looked twice at the TriStart Super Ego combination.

This is a business trip, so I don't need a dedicated day bag. For my weekend sightseeing, I have a ScottEVest Fleece 5.0 which holds everything I need for the day (since the weather here is cool now). In the summer, I would use the Packing Cube Backpack if I needed it.

[Maria]

Thanks for the update Adam. I consider myself a "one-bagger" but will also carry a hand bag with me. I've yet to fly with the super strict airlines such as Ryan Air, and frankly - hope I never have to. Still, it's nice to see how others can pack so well and be organized for that amount of time away from home.

Cheers!