A tote backpack brought me to TB for the first time, in 2016. Nowadays my use case for a convertible backpack is this: I prefer backpacks but I usually switch between a small one and a large one. Instead of swapping all the contents, I could carry a small backpack with essentials on easy days and then convert it and use it as a personal item while the big backpack did the heavier lifting.
I was so excited to hear TB was releasing one! But then, and I have to be upfront on this, I was really really sceptical about the Cambiata when I saw the pics. I didn’t like that it wasn’t a traditional tote but a shoulder bag. I didn’t like that it had higher capacity than an S19 with no waist strap, I was… pessimistic maybe? Could have been the heatwave getting to my brain. (Topped out at 104F/40C on Tuesday where I live). I was quite surprised when I unpacked it yesterday in cooler temps (TB have sent this to me at no charge to review, and as you’ll see, my opinions are my own).
I am going to use this bag as my main bag for the next week and update as is appropriate. Here are my first thoughts.
Constelllation Blue is gorgeous!
I can find logical pockets for most of my daily items, which is very good (if not THE most important test). It has a cavernous space but also it has built in organization.
The shoulder strap isn’t annoying, it is fine, but this definitely DEFINITELY isn’t a tote. It’s a sibling of a Cafe Bag or a Ristretto, not a Shop Bag. I wish TB would offer an optional shorter hand or elbow-carry strap, padded or just folded over in the middle like some of the backpack grab handles have been done.
It is LONG. My 28oz/850ml Contigo insulated water bottle fits in the water bottle pocket so any awkwardness induced by the height of the bag is forgiven.
For a bag that is so cavernous inside it has a surprising number of pockets. I do think there is a design problem with the side pockets, which is that they are back to back with each other and therefore one side has to have flatter items in it if the other side has 3D items. I am very familiar with pocket encroachment on the Synapse and Synik front panels, but it is amplified here because of the boxy shape and the narrow side panels. I think the back to back pockets takes away from their functionality and that a more 3D shape to the outside pockets would help a lot, though I realise there may be other reasons apart from aesthetics that make this an unfavourable choice. Like, maybe the exterior material is too thick to gusset effectively.
Here are some first look pics I am adding as attachments because sometimes I struggle with the forum software. Everything in the bag was moved from my Paradigm.
Cambiata next to Paradigm:
28 ounce Contigo in the bottle pocket. The lid does show through the fabric when zipped, because maybe it’s a little wider than the pocket wants.
Some things in the inside open top pockets, experimenting with 3D and flatter items:
Big bulky UK keys fit in the top outside pocket:
Some shopping bags and first aid kit in the big inside open top pocket:
The inside of the bag and you can see the lid pocket too (lip balm and pens):
I was so excited to hear TB was releasing one! But then, and I have to be upfront on this, I was really really sceptical about the Cambiata when I saw the pics. I didn’t like that it wasn’t a traditional tote but a shoulder bag. I didn’t like that it had higher capacity than an S19 with no waist strap, I was… pessimistic maybe? Could have been the heatwave getting to my brain. (Topped out at 104F/40C on Tuesday where I live). I was quite surprised when I unpacked it yesterday in cooler temps (TB have sent this to me at no charge to review, and as you’ll see, my opinions are my own).
I am going to use this bag as my main bag for the next week and update as is appropriate. Here are my first thoughts.
Constelllation Blue is gorgeous!
I can find logical pockets for most of my daily items, which is very good (if not THE most important test). It has a cavernous space but also it has built in organization.
The shoulder strap isn’t annoying, it is fine, but this definitely DEFINITELY isn’t a tote. It’s a sibling of a Cafe Bag or a Ristretto, not a Shop Bag. I wish TB would offer an optional shorter hand or elbow-carry strap, padded or just folded over in the middle like some of the backpack grab handles have been done.
It is LONG. My 28oz/850ml Contigo insulated water bottle fits in the water bottle pocket so any awkwardness induced by the height of the bag is forgiven.
For a bag that is so cavernous inside it has a surprising number of pockets. I do think there is a design problem with the side pockets, which is that they are back to back with each other and therefore one side has to have flatter items in it if the other side has 3D items. I am very familiar with pocket encroachment on the Synapse and Synik front panels, but it is amplified here because of the boxy shape and the narrow side panels. I think the back to back pockets takes away from their functionality and that a more 3D shape to the outside pockets would help a lot, though I realise there may be other reasons apart from aesthetics that make this an unfavourable choice. Like, maybe the exterior material is too thick to gusset effectively.
Here are some first look pics I am adding as attachments because sometimes I struggle with the forum software. Everything in the bag was moved from my Paradigm.
Cambiata next to Paradigm:
28 ounce Contigo in the bottle pocket. The lid does show through the fabric when zipped, because maybe it’s a little wider than the pocket wants.
Some things in the inside open top pockets, experimenting with 3D and flatter items:
Big bulky UK keys fit in the top outside pocket:
Some shopping bags and first aid kit in the big inside open top pocket:
The inside of the bag and you can see the lid pocket too (lip balm and pens):
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