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Brain Bag for small woman
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Here's the pictures of me. For reference, I'm 5'1" more or less. As I said, a bit wider than I'd like but I'm ok with it. My previous backpack was pretty large too. I need the space for school (laptop in Brain Cell plus lunch plus books/papers/etc and for groceries.
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Originally posted by autumnmist View PostOk, I caved (got tired of having to force/stretch/pull my old backpack over the top of my 4Z Brain Cell).
I'll post pictures later tonight, but I'm keeping the Brain Bag even though i's a bit bigger than I would like (both tall and wide), but it kinda needs to be tall to accomodate my Brain Cell/Macbook Pro, I like the two roomy outer pockets and the mesh pocket to hold my water bottle. The mesh pocket is a lot taller than the average water bottle pocket which usually only comes halfway up my 27 oz Klean Kanteen. The BB mesh pocket reaches above the Klean Kanteen logo.
I'm also pleased to finally own a backpack with a chest strap (much better than being easily pulled backwards by the weight of groceries in my backpack). The compression straps are nice too for keeping the BB to a slightly more manageable size. Love the umbrella strap on the outside (no more dripping on my textbooks!)
Right now, the material/nylon is a bit stiff and rubs uncomfortably right now and I hope to break it in before I switch to short sleeve shirts.
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Ok, I caved (got tired of having to force/stretch/pull my old backpack over the top of my 4Z Brain Cell).
I'll post pictures later tonight, but I'm keeping the Brain Bag even though i's a bit bigger than I would like (both tall and wide), but it kinda needs to be tall to accomodate my Brain Cell/Macbook Pro, I like the two roomy outer pockets and the mesh pocket to hold my water bottle. The mesh pocket is a lot taller than the average water bottle pocket which usually only comes halfway up my 27 oz Klean Kanteen. The BB mesh pocket reaches above the Klean Kanteen logo.
I'm also pleased to finally own a backpack with a chest strap (much better than being easily pulled backwards by the weight of groceries in my backpack). The compression straps are nice too for keeping the BB to a slightly more manageable size. Love the umbrella strap on the outside (no more dripping on my textbooks!)
Right now, the material/nylon is a bit stiff and rubs uncomfortably right now and I hope to break it in before I switch to short sleeve shirts.
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The good thing is that if the Swift doesn't suits you, (I doubt it, it is such a cute and well designed shoulder bag) you can send it back.
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Originally posted by peregrina View PostLooooove the solar shop bag - but then, I love bright colours... As for a purse, I can't recommend the medium cafe bag enough. I love shoulder bags like the swift but for traveling, nothing is better than a purse you can wear across your chest. It's safer, keeps your hands free for handling your camera, and its sturdy buckle should keep the pickpockets away...
When the mini cafe bag comes out however, I almost definitely will buy that.
Originally posted by backpack View PostI second the Cafe Bag/Brain Bag Combo for plane travel, I have used it many times and it is great!
However, I am thinking that next time, I will either place my Cafe Bag in a Swift or a Shop Bag.
There is room to spare under the seat but the Large Cafe Bag has to be lain on the side, or bunched up, which I don't like.
For longer plane trips I plan use a Brain Bag and another TB carryon (to be determined.)
For other travel modes of transportation, I use a Brain Bag, Large Cafe Bag and Swift.
Just like peregrina, many forum members and people who have posted their pictures on Tom Bihn flicker site or blog, I strongly recommend a Cafe Bag of some sort for doing touristy things, long walks and shopping.
I would also recommend adding a Convertible Packing Cube Backpack, it acts as one more long pocket in the Brain Bag and if at all possible a Convertible Packing Cube/Shoulder Bag which is like a long short pocket inside the same bag.
Because they are both made in Dyneema, they weight nothing, yet give you two more removable "pockets" and can also be carried by themselves.
I use The Convertible Packing Cube/Shoulder Bag as an inner zippered compartment on my Swift, one can do the same with the Shop Bag.
Thanks both of you for reminding me that the cafe bags are excellent for traveling! I forget that while my Imago does not sit well over a backpack, smaller across the shoulders bags do! I think I would rather use a Brain Bag + Cafe Bag to travel with than a Brain Bag + Swift...
So I think I'm buying the Olive Brain Bag, a Shop Bag in Steel, sapphire stuff sack, a few more organizer pouches, and maybe a new cafe bag. Whether or not I'll buy a Swift remains a mystery to me. I'm tempted to order one just to see it!Last edited by timarelay; 02-22-2009, 08:30 AM.
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I second the Cafe Bag/Brain Bag Combo for plane travel, I have used it many times and it is great!
However, I am thinking that next time, I will either place my Cafe Bag in a Swift or a Shop Bag.
There is room to spare under the seat but the Large Cafe Bag has to be lain on the side, or bunched up, which I don't like.
For longer plane trips I plan use a Brain Bag and another TB carryon (to be determined.)
For other travel modes of transportation, I use a Brain Bag, Large Cafe Bag and Swift.
Just like peregrina, many forum members and people who have posted their pictures on Tom Bihn flicker site or blog, I strongly recommend a Cafe Bag of some sort for doing touristy things, long walks and shopping.
I would also recommend adding a Convertible Packing Cube Backpack, it acts as one more long pocket in the Brain Bag and if at all possible a Convertible Packing Cube/Shoulder Bag which is like a long short pocket inside the same bag.
Because they are both made in Dyneema, they weight nothing, yet give you two more removable "pockets" and can also be carried by themselves.
I use The Convertible Packing Cube/Shoulder Bag as an inner zippered compartment on my Swift, one can do the same with the Shop Bag.
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Guest repliedLooooove the solar shop bag - but then, I love bright colours... As for a purse, I can't recommend the medium cafe bag enough. I love shoulder bags like the swift but for traveling, nothing is better than a purse you can wear across your chest. It's safer, keeps your hands free for handling your camera, and its sturdy buckle should keep the pickpockets away...
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Originally posted by mrae View PostI love the swift but the shop bag is so light that I use it when I don't have too much to carry. I love the dyneema material. I use the Swift when I have larger loads. I've switched from the Imago to the Swift using the clear quarter packing cube - in solar of course- for extra internal storage.
Originally posted by peregrina View PostI think the Brain Bag would be ideal for traveling. I'm currently trying to decide on a backpack but I think I'll get the Smart Alec instead of the Brain Bag. I'm tall (5'11") but have a very small torso. I'm comfortable with big bags but my problem is that I tend to fill whatever bag I carry so I'm afraid if I had a brain bag, I'd simply carry too much weight around which would not be good for my back. The Smart Alec would make me think twice about the stuff I need to carry around on a daily basis...
My boyfriend thinks I should go with the Brain Bag (in Olive; we both agree on that), and I think I will. Now I just need to decide what else I'm getting. Definitely some Nikwax. Probably a Steel Shop Bag. Probably some organizer pouches even though I have enough... Maybe a Swift in Black/Crimson or Black/Kiwi?
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Guest repliedI think the Brain Bag would be ideal for traveling. I'm currently trying to decide on a backpack but I think I'll get the Smart Alec instead of the Brain Bag. I'm tall (5'11") but have a very small torso. I'm comfortable with big bags but my problem is that I tend to fill whatever bag I carry so I'm afraid if I had a brain bag, I'd simply carry too much weight around which would not be good for my back. The Smart Alec would make me think twice about the stuff I need to carry around on a daily basis...
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Originally posted by timarelay View PostYeah, I'm not planning on using mine as a daily bag. My Imago still works for day to day use, but I need something to travel with and I'm not sure about the actual travel bags because I want something that's really comfortable on my back and designed to be worn on my back.
But we'll see when it gets here! I might find it too big anyway.
You're using a shop bag as your general bag? I'm debating getting one or a swift as a general tote. Wish I hadn't missed the small batch of Saphire ones.
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Originally posted by dclawyer View PostI am a 5' 5" tall man and my Brain Bag just feels too big for me. It's very rugged but honestly it just sits. I keep thinking of selling it on eBay but I admire its workmanship too much to part with it. I like bags. What can I say?
eta: And my tax refund just came through and I'm under budget for the month so I can go ahead and make my order but I'm not sure anymore... Hm.Last edited by timarelay; 02-20-2009, 08:32 PM.
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I am a 5' 5" tall man and my Brain Bag just feels too big for me. It's very rugged but honestly it just sits. I keep thinking of selling it on eBay but I admire its workmanship too much to part with it. I like bags. What can I say?
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Originally posted by mrae View PostI'm about 5' and find my Brain Bag too large for daily use. I mainly use it for weekend trips.
Still planning on getting the Synapse but right now I use my solar bag as a general carry all.
But we'll see when it gets here! I might find it too big anyway.
You're using a shop bag as your general bag? I'm debating getting one or a swift as a general tote. Wish I hadn't missed the small batch of Saphire ones.
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I'm about 5' and find my Brain Bag too large for daily use. I mainly use it for weekend trips.
Still planning on getting the Synapse but right now I use my solar bag as a general carry all.
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I'm 5'3" and planning on buying a Brain Bag as soon as my tax refund comes in/my brother pays me back/I get paid for next month, whichever comes first. Or really soon if my boyfriend finds time to stop by the store while he's Seattle Thursday/Friday. I'll post pictures soon as I have it.
I've hesitated on buying the Brain Bag for two years now, because I was worried about the size, and because I thought they were making a smaller Brain Bag (which turned into the Synpase which I think is too small for what I want). I want a bag for carrying heavy/bulky stuff without hurting my back, and as a travel bag. Yes I could get an aeronaut (which I really want!) or a western flyer, but I want something that is actually designed to always be a backpack. Because I'm small and not very muscular, it doesn't take much weight before things I'm carrying start to stress my back/shoulders.
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