Smaller version of Brain Bag

[gmich]

Are there still plans for a smaller version of the Brain Bag? I've been waiting patiently for the Synapse, but I think it's going to be too small for my needs. I love my Brain Bag--have used it pretty much on a daily basis for two years--but it would be nice to have a smaller version for lighter loads. Any chance?

[Darcy]

Yes! There are still plans for a smaller Brain Bag. Early next year, probably. It might not be exactly like the current Brain Bag, though. But in size it will be close to the Smart Alec.

[marbenais]

Yes! There are still plans for a smaller Brain Bag. Early next year, probably. It might not be exactly like the current Brain Bag, though. But in size it will be close to the Smart Alec.

That would be amazing. And if it came in Plum/Grape/some purple color -- that would be even better!

[gmich]

Sounds good. Thanks for the update, Darcy.

[Walker]

I am very happy for those of you waiting for the large Synapse. But a 20" long bag will be much too long for me.

So I am still hoping for the smaller brain bag. Is it still in the works?

[Walker]

Darcy, is the smaller brain bag still in the works?

The Brain Bag introduced me to TB in 1998. I abused that bag for 5 years - used it to carry a 7-lb Dell laptop, 5-lb overhead projector, 4-lb printer, cords, extra batteries, personal effects, etc., - 25 to 35 lbs, depending on length of trip - on out-of-town business trips almost weekly by car and monthly by plane. I always carried it on the plane. No other luggage except for my purse. On the return trip, I would have gotten rid of all the paper materials I carried, giving me a "lighter" load and room to stuff my purse inside the BB. In all that time, it remained waterproof - it was never subjected to outside elements except for the occasional rain and snow between the parking lot to the office building. I changed jobs - did not travel and opted for desktop so I did not haul a laptop. The BB got put away, only used as carry on luggage on personal trips (I have been one-bagging on air, train and bus travel since 1996).

In 2005, I gave that BB to my brother. He uses it to haul equipment and parts to service clients (travelling by car). I last saw that BB a couple of years ago. I tried lifting the bag to move it out of the way - and literally could not lift it! I had to get down on my knees to push it aside. The BB is a real workhorse.

[Ms. Ferret]

Yes! I've been doing travel with my S19 and carrying my Smart Alec for work, but I think a smaller Brain Bag (with the same features as the normal Brain Bag, just a shorter back length) could be used for both.

I'd love to see:

• Compression straps, because part of the beauty of the Brain Bag is its ability to adapt to changing loadouts. When I travel I tend to bring gifts for friends with me, which means I'm arriving with about 30% more stuff than I will actually be carrying for the rest of the trip.
• About the same capacity as the SA.
• About the same back length as the S19 (I'm 5'0") .
• The outside mesh pocket/straps for umbrellas and water bottles and stuff -- because being able to put wet/dirty items on the outside of the bag, away from my laptop, is a bus-commuter must.
• The ability to secure a vertical Brain Cell, something I can't do with the pear-ish S19.
• Extra loops to attach a bungee cord web to the top part of the bag, like on the SA. And like fifty O-rings.
• While I'm dreaming, I'd like an Azalea/Aubergine 420d exterior and Solar Dyneema lining (and a pony)!

[gochicken]

I second that Azalea/Solar combo. That would be something!

[jelt2359]

I second this. Sometimes I wonder if I'm the only one who looks for backpacks rather than messengers for city use. Well I can actually understand the problem because I used to be a messenger kinda guy too, until my shoulders used their veto vote, lol.

While we dream though I have another suggestion. I also had an SA and a S19 and craved something that had more space like the SA and yet the organisation of the S19.

I found it in the S25.

Still want a smaller brain bag though- for one simple reason. It looks the best! I wonder if it'll turn up on that new Tom Bihn clone... Some dog something site (Scooby Dog?). I think that's where I saw another long rumored Tom Bihn bag, the gym bag!

[Walker]

Agree with Ms. Ferret - just a smaller BB with all the features of the big sibling. If we are dreaming about colors, I would love to see the small BB in single solid colors (well, except for the back understandably) similar to the camo. The olive parapack is a good place to start .

[Ms. Ferret]

While we dream though I have another suggestion. I also had an SA and a S19 and craved something that had more space like the SA and yet the organisation of the S19.

I found it in the S25.

The S25 has great organization and capacity, but its height (20") is still too long for someone with a short torso length. The S19, with its height of 16", is pretty much the only backpack I've ever owned that fits me! I can deal with bags riding low if they aren't too heavy or don't have to be carried too far, but on a multi-week walking-heavy trip it can be kind of a bummer. Which is why a scaled-down Brain Bag with a 16" length would be so fantastic. In Azalea/Solar!

[marbenais]

I agree with Ms. Ferret -- the 19" Synapse fits me perfectly, since I am 5'0" (funny side note : at the last doctor's visit, the person measuring me said, "And your height is five . . . uhh, five . . . " and I filled in, "Zero. It's five zero. No more inches. I haven't gotten taller since I was twelve. It's okay." Apparently I "look taller" than I am.). I can make the Smart Alec or Brain Bag work for short periods of time, but I can't use either on a regular basis (which is sad, because they are otherwise perfect) because I need to lean forward and tuck my head down. A shorter Brain Bag would still be loved!

And, you know, Aubergine exterior and Ultraviolet interior . . . or Steel Dyneema exterior with Ultraviolet interior . . .

[jelt2359]

Argh!! Wondering whether to pull the trigger on a BB, when I know an SA will suit me much better. Will wait for a reply from those in the know

[Grumman]

A smaller Brain Bag sounds amazing. I am loving my Parapack Brain Bag and while the suppression straps do a really good job a slightly smaller Brain Bag would be amazing. I have ordered one of the last Cordura Synapse 25s which I am excited it get my hands on but I do love having two large main pockets.