Synapse continues to surprise.

[GEOcycle]

TIL (Today I Learned) just how handy those side pockets on the Synapse are, and how much attention went into their design.

After 5 months of ownership, and always taking off the backpack to access the sides (since this is how every backpack I've ever owned had been) I was thinking about the backpack and how I see everyone else here in Japan with their shouldered-bum-bags (fanny packs?) and how they just swing them over and have access.

Today I learned that by swinging the backpack under your shoulder, the side pockets are the EXACT SHAPE to pull open with one hand, grab whatever you need, and close again. Mind = BLOWN.

Really ... 5 months of ownership and I never realized this. This single fact has changed how useful this bag is, how I lay out the potkcets, and just how I approach the designs I see here to begin with.

This fact should be mentioned on the product page, just so people who apparently can't see the obvious don't make this mistake again!

Of course, no post would be complete with out photos ... so I give you: Synapse Side Pocket ... and the train gate.


Using the Synapse by G e o cycle, on Flickr


Using the Synapse by G e o cycle, on Flickr

[Darcy]

Tom says:
"Well of course! Thanks for the great photos demonstrating the how-to."

[nukediver]

Don't feel bad, it took me about two months to see it, and I had the same reaction!

[GEOcycle]

Seriously, the reason why it's so bright in there is because a massive lightbulb went off.

[moriond]

Carry a Small Shop bag in the Synapse side pocket for easy access

In a few earlier forum posts I've mentioned that I carry a Shop Bag in my Synapse, but that I use the side pocket rather than the bottom zipped pocket. The kind of easy access that GEOcycle describes is the reason why. Instead of folding the Shop Bag into a pocket, as shown in Maverick's YouTube video on how to fold the Shop Bag, I fold down the top of the bag so that the carrying handles rest inside the bag, and the top of my fold runs above the Tom Bihn label, but below the black piping for the top of the bag. Then, I roll the bag and slip it into the side pocket that GEOCycle is using.

This works really well with the small size Shop Bag, and it's very easy to pull out the bag when you need it. I usually carry the Small Shop Bag in Sapphire Dyneema (shown in Maverick's video) in my Indigo/Solar Synapse, but I also have this size bag in Solar, Steel, and Ultraviolet. (I'd really like to get a Small Shop Bag in Iberian Dyneema, too, but I don't think they ever made it in this size. And the last time I tried asking for this option, Darcy said they were considering dropping the small size Shop Bag, which really sent me into a panic. Fortunately, they reconsidered this, and even offered their latest Dyneema color option, Ultraviolet, in the small size Shop Bag.)

moriond

[Guest]

I see a Synapse in my future...

[Lani]

Darcy said they were considering dropping the small size Shop Bag, which really sent me into a panic. Fortunately, they reconsidered this...

Oh my goodness, I'm glad they reconsidered, as well!

[Maria]

A Synapse is already on my wish list.

Tom is creative in his engineering and so logical. Then you add the fantastic quality, and the family / staff! What a company!

[Fever39]

In a few earlier forum posts I've mentioned that I carry a Shop Bag in my Synapse, but that I use the side pocket rather than the bottom zipped pocket. The kind of easy access that GEOcycle describes is the reason why. Instead of folding the Shop Bag into a pocket, as shown in Maverick's YouTube video on how to fold the Shop Bag, I fold down the top of the bag so that the carrying handles rest inside the bag, and the top of my fold runs above the Tom Bihn label, but below the black piping for the top of the bag. Then, I roll the bag and slip it into the side pocket that GEOCycle is using.

This works really well with the small size Shop Bag, and it's very easy to pull out the bag when you need it. I usually carry the Small Shop Bag in Sapphire Dyneema (shown in Maverick's video) in my Indigo/Solar Synapse, but I also have this size bag in Solar, Steel, and Ultraviolet. (I'd really like to get a Small Shop Bag in Iberian Dyneema, too, but I don't think they ever made it in this size. And the last time I tried asking for this option, Darcy said they were considering dropping the small size Shop Bag, which really sent me into a panic. Fortunately, they reconsidered this, and even offered their latest Dyneema color option, Ultraviolet, in the small size Shop Bag.)

moriond

LOOOL! you recommended me to the thread I actually read up on before my S19 puchase. and yeah do this all the time(referring to original post's picture)

[Janine]

*facepalm*

Seriously!?!? This is such a simple solution and it would have saved me much frustration if I knew it sooner!

I guess that's just one more reason I need to visit Japan: the Japanese have it all figured out!

[ScottE22]

What?? How did I miss this? Thanks for the tip!

[datagal]

Ahhhhh, such a useful tip! How many times have I taken off the bag to get to my wallet or earphones? Of course now I'll have to rethink which pockets hold what again.....