My First Bag Review: Tri-Star

[craigmcclellan]

Hello Tom Bihn Forum Family!

I’m new to forum posting, but have been reading for a long time. I thought it was about time to start contributing. So I wrote up my first trip with the Tri-Star I got for Christmas.

It’s my first bag review, and there are many things I want to do differently next time. However, I also wanted to finally get it posted. So without further adieu:

My First Trip with the Tom Bihn Tri-Star

[bartleby]

Hi craigmccclellan, I enjoyed reading your review! I also like travelling with the Tristar, especially when going on a business trip because as a flat packing bag it's great for business shirts and other more formal clothes.

[G42]

Nice review!

Regarding the clear 3DOC and non-liquids... I use the 3DOC only for liquids and a couple small things (like nail clippers)... my hairbrush, razor case, travel electric toothbrush, etc. go in a small snake charmer, which isn't very full.

It works for me to keep the 311 essentials in the 3DOC in case TSA needs to check (I'm Pre-Check, so this is rare) and in case anything spills (this could happen any trip) and the bulky stuff in the SSC.

Hope this offers another alternative for you to consider

[craigmcclellan]

I hadn’t thought about a snake charmer. Good thought. Thank you!

[aedifica]

Thanks for sharing your review! You said there are things you want to do differently next time--do you mean for the review itself, or just the packing changes you mentioned in the review?

Like @G42, I use a clear 3DOC for my liquids and another small bag for the rest of my toiletries. The other bag I use for toiletries is a mesh-sided 3DOC. I like that they're both the same size, so I can slide them into my luggage side by side. If I needed more separation of my toiletries, though, I'd probably use a small Snake Charmer like @G42 does.

[tress29]

I took "dry" items out of my 3DOC last vacation, so I could fit a row of half and half in those little tubs! My mom only has 1% milk and that doesn't cut it for tea, but I didn't want her to buy a whole box!

Nice review on the Tri-Star...

[craigmcclellan]

Thanks for sharing your review! You said there are things you want to do differently next time--do you mean for the review itself, or just the packing changes you mentioned in the review?

In the review itself. For instance, I never mentioned how gorgeous the burnt orange is. But that’s ok. Hopefully more reviews to come!

Also, I like the idea of a mesh 3DOC too! Thanks!

[imperator]

I used to split the toiletries as well, until I learned the wonders of contact lens cases; now I can fit the 20 different SKUs I travel with, including electric razor, in my 3DOC with room to spare. I'm hoping that with a few other improvements, I can get my emergency kit in there as well(another dozen+ items I keep in a small clear pencil pouch, including sewing kit, first aid, and pharmacy items)

[tress29]

I used to split the toiletries as well, until I learned the wonders of contact lens cases; now I can fit the 20 different SKUs I travel with, including electric razor, in my 3DOC with room to spare. I'm hoping that with a few other improvements, I can get my emergency kit in there as well(another dozen+ items I keep in a small clear pencil pouch, including sewing kit, first aid, and pharmacy items)

Come back and share pictures...

[imperator]

Come back and share pictures...

Though I have a few improvements since, I posted some in my last WF review . For things like toothpaste, a contact case will last about 4 days, while aftershave or Vaseline can last a few weeks.

[tress29]

Though I have a few improvements since, I posted some in my last WF review . For things like toothpaste, a contact case will last about 4 days, while aftershave or Vaseline can last a few weeks.

I'll go check it out. Love packing lists/tips!

[craigmcclellan]

So I’m on my 2nd trip with the Tri-Star, and managed to pack WAY more this time than last (info and pictures to come). At least for me, folding is the way to go over rolling.

I’m still having trouble getting all the pockets and compartments packed. I don’t feel like I’m overpacking, but when one compartment gets packed, it bulges into others making them harder to pack.

Anyone have an order or strategy they’re using for the Tri-Star?

[Cristina]

So I’m on my 2nd trip with the Tri-Star, and managed to pack WAY more this time than last (info and pictures to come). At least for me, folding is the way to go over rolling.

I’m still having trouble getting all the pockets and compartments packed. I don’t feel like I’m overpacking, but when one compartment gets packed, it bulges into others making them harder to pack.

Anyone have an order or strategy they’re using for the Tri-Star?

I don't have a Tristar but here are some posts that might be helpful:

https://forums.tombihn.com/questions-about-bags/12089-packing-tri-star-cubes-etc.html

https://forums.tombihn.com/questions-about-bags/7341-tri-star-packing-questions.html

https://forums.tombihn.com/packing-lists-and-travel-tips/2155-tri-star.html

https://forums.tombihn.com/photos-videos-and-reviews/6176-tri-star-first-impressions-short-trip-packing-list.html

https://forums.tombihn.com/photos-videos-and-reviews/11630-getting-my-tristar-back.html

https://forums.tombihn.com/questions-about-bags/7897-tristar-one-bag-travel.html

https://forums.tombihn.com/packing-lists-and-travel-tips/8072-five-days-tristar.html

[craigmcclellan]

Thank you! I had searched the forums a fair amount, but hadn’t found all of those. I have a plan to try now.