I'm sort of just brain dumping right now - Internet is out and typing this up at a local coffee shop while still massively jet-lagged, so pardon are begged if I jump around a little. ;)
I picked up a fantastic new Steel/Solar Synapse before a trip to the Isle of Man to spend the holidays with my wife's family (An early Xmas present ... ) and now that I'm back, and have used the backpack extensively with day hikes, short walks, city life and as a carry-on bag, I have a couple photos and thoughts to share!
Cannot believe how much this bag fits. The pockets are VERY well designed, and with keeping to a system finding anything you need is very easy especially when using organizer pouches & key straps. The bag is quite stealthy - I wasn't sure how big it would look or feel, but after using it every day for the past 2 weeks I find it perfect for my intended uses. Comfortable to wear as well, especially when using the sternum/waist straps. I did run into some shoulder soreness when using the bag fully loaded w/o the straps taking some of the weight off, but I found repositioning it with the adjusting side straps helped a little. Always carried a 800mL Klean Kanteen, moleskine, pens, TB organizer wallet, pointandshoot camera, iPhone, with me. Often the bag was used to carry various layers, gloves, etc as the weather oftentimes (and quickly!) changed throughout the day. In addition, carried iPad, wife's pilot logbook & other flying goodies, notes, candy,various cords, battery backup, and other random travel gear while used in carry-on mode. Yep, very full.
That being said, I'm very happy I picked this up over a Smart Alec - size wise. Anything bigger would be overkill and just an excuse to pack it fuller - not something you want when you need to be mobile! The bag is also stealthy. I won't lie, I'm a big fan of techie/outdoor LOOKING bags. Something that you just look at and it screams "Take me on a safari, I will survive anything." I have no doubt that the sleek styling is actually more handy, both in security and in longevity of the bag as well. The bag proved itself in wet British winter weather, keeping my goods dry, something that's always nice when you need to count on it.
Now, with all that - I did get some shots of the bag in action for posterity with some help from my wonderful wife. I'm trying to convince her that she needs one now. The bag was with me along the coast, climbing to the top of the Island on Snaefel Mountain, playing on rocks, sand, and even getting splashed by beautiful seawater as waves broke over the walls during the massive gales that rocked Britian these past few weeks!
Tom Bihn Synapse on IoM by G e o cycle, on Flickr
Tom Bihn Snapse on IoM by G e o cycle, on Flickr
Tom Bihn Synapse on IoM by G e o cycle, on Flickr
Tom Bihn Synapse on IoM by G e o cycle, on Flickr
Over there ... I see ADVENTURE! by G e o cycle, on Flickr
The time with our family was fantastic as well - first chance I've had to travel to the Isle of Man, and I cannot wait to return! (Hopefully for the TT too!) As always, beyond pleased with the workmanship of my Tom Bihn bags, and I look forward to years of adventures with 'em. :)
I picked up a fantastic new Steel/Solar Synapse before a trip to the Isle of Man to spend the holidays with my wife's family (An early Xmas present ... ) and now that I'm back, and have used the backpack extensively with day hikes, short walks, city life and as a carry-on bag, I have a couple photos and thoughts to share!
Cannot believe how much this bag fits. The pockets are VERY well designed, and with keeping to a system finding anything you need is very easy especially when using organizer pouches & key straps. The bag is quite stealthy - I wasn't sure how big it would look or feel, but after using it every day for the past 2 weeks I find it perfect for my intended uses. Comfortable to wear as well, especially when using the sternum/waist straps. I did run into some shoulder soreness when using the bag fully loaded w/o the straps taking some of the weight off, but I found repositioning it with the adjusting side straps helped a little. Always carried a 800mL Klean Kanteen, moleskine, pens, TB organizer wallet, pointandshoot camera, iPhone, with me. Often the bag was used to carry various layers, gloves, etc as the weather oftentimes (and quickly!) changed throughout the day. In addition, carried iPad, wife's pilot logbook & other flying goodies, notes, candy,various cords, battery backup, and other random travel gear while used in carry-on mode. Yep, very full.
That being said, I'm very happy I picked this up over a Smart Alec - size wise. Anything bigger would be overkill and just an excuse to pack it fuller - not something you want when you need to be mobile! The bag is also stealthy. I won't lie, I'm a big fan of techie/outdoor LOOKING bags. Something that you just look at and it screams "Take me on a safari, I will survive anything." I have no doubt that the sleek styling is actually more handy, both in security and in longevity of the bag as well. The bag proved itself in wet British winter weather, keeping my goods dry, something that's always nice when you need to count on it.
Now, with all that - I did get some shots of the bag in action for posterity with some help from my wonderful wife. I'm trying to convince her that she needs one now. The bag was with me along the coast, climbing to the top of the Island on Snaefel Mountain, playing on rocks, sand, and even getting splashed by beautiful seawater as waves broke over the walls during the massive gales that rocked Britian these past few weeks!
Tom Bihn Synapse on IoM by G e o cycle, on Flickr
Tom Bihn Snapse on IoM by G e o cycle, on Flickr
Tom Bihn Synapse on IoM by G e o cycle, on Flickr
Tom Bihn Synapse on IoM by G e o cycle, on Flickr
Over there ... I see ADVENTURE! by G e o cycle, on Flickr
The time with our family was fantastic as well - first chance I've had to travel to the Isle of Man, and I cannot wait to return! (Hopefully for the TT too!) As always, beyond pleased with the workmanship of my Tom Bihn bags, and I look forward to years of adventures with 'em. :)
Comment