Husband wants a Tom Bihn bag!

[Bag Lady]

Yeah for me, another reason to think about Tom Bihn bags as dear hubby wants a new bag for work! He's been noticing my Tom Bihns, and is ready to upgrade from his Timbuk2 small gray messenger. He wants a bigger bag that he can carry messenger style, not a backpack. He's also excited about the Absolute Strap as he's tired of his current strap sliding around all the time.

Of course, I'm already thinking Empire Builder or Zephyr. He's tall (6-2) and and big boned. He wants to be able to cart his 15" Dell in it too.

I'd love you all to give me your advice. It's a Christmas gift, so any accessories that you have find useful will be helpful, so I can fill his stocking too. Thanks!

[KarlJ]

I'd love you all to give me your advice. It's a Christmas gift, so any accessories that you have find useful will be helpful, so I can fill his stocking too. Thanks!

Does your husband carry his Dell on a daily basis, or...?
Is he currently using anything in addition to the Timbuk2, or are there other bags he switches up with for work?
Also, does he commute via public transportation?

[Bag Lady]

Does your husband carry his Dell on a daily basis, or...?
Is he currently using anything in addition to the Timbuk2, or are there other bags he switches up with for work?
Also, does he commute via public transportation?

Karl, yes, he tends to bring home his Dell 15-inch more often than not. And the Timbuk2 has been his sole workbag/manbag for about 18 months now. He drives to work (takes him 10 minutes) and walks 2 blocks to his office. We get alot of lake-effect snow in the winter and have mild temperate weather other 3 seasons.

In addition to his laptop, he takes his lunch, the WSJ, big eyeglasses case, average wallet, bank deposit book, a couple work folders and other odds and ends.

[Shiva]

Hi Bag Lady: I would vote the ID or Zephyr. It would seem the Empire Builder would be overkill for his needs. In some ways, even the Western Flyer would be great and double as a getaway bag. It fits the 15inch fantastically well, and easily passes for a briefcase!
And since it can also do double duty when needed, I would think it would be versatile.

Organizer pouches are the most useful. I would definitely get those. I have also loved the packing cube that converts to a backpack...very handy!

[MtnMan]

Just make sure that when you order your bag-and-Brain-Cell combo, they both fit your laptop.

[maverick]

hi bag lady,

both the empire builder an zephyr are briefcases, so they handle a little differently than messenger bags. there is nothing wrong with that - but since you had mentioned a messenger style bag, i wanted to make sure you were aware of the differences.

as far as messenger bags, in terms of accommodating the 15" dell laptop, you can start with the id. slightly larger is the ego, and even larger is the super ego.

all of these messenger bags and briefcases can accommodate a horizontal brain cell for the 15" dell laptop - check the fit list to select the right size. and you can put an absolute shoulder strap on all of them.

[Bag Lady]

Good point, maverick! Thanks for pointing that out!

[rabergnc]

As a former Zephyr owner and a current ID owner - either bag would fit the bill for what you are describing as your husband's needs. The Zephyr is a more structured bag with the padding and the "bellows" design. It is also a bit heavier than the ID. The ID is less structured and a bit larger with a few more/different pockets. For me, the ID turned out to be a better fit for what I carry day-to-day. Both bags are great and you would not go wrong with either bag.

[Bag Lady]

As a former Zephyr owner and a current ID owner - either bag would fit the bill for what you are describing as your husband's needs. The Zephyr is a more structured bag with the padding and the "bellows" design. It is also a bit heavier than the ID. The ID is less structured and a bit larger with a few more/different pockets. For me, the ID turned out to be a better fit for what I carry day-to-day. Both bags are great and you would not go wrong with either bag.

Thanks, rabergnc, your comparisons are very helpful! It's really making me think more ID and less Zephyr, esp. since you noticed that the ID is lighter and bigger than the Zephyr. I think the ID is more up his alley.

[Bag Lady]

Hi Bag Lady: I would vote the ID or Zephyr. It would seem the Empire Builder would be overkill for his needs. In some ways, even the Western Flyer would be great and double as a getaway bag. It fits the 15inch fantastically well, and easily passes for a briefcase!
And since it can also do double duty when needed, I would think it would be versatile.

Organizer pouches are the most useful. I would definitely get those. I have also loved the packing cube that converts to a backpack...very handy!

Thanks, Shiva, as always, I value your opinion. I think you're right about the EB being overkill for his needs. And since I am asking Santa for the WF, I'm inclined to vote for the ID, esp. with rabergnc's comparisons of the ID with the Zephyr.

[BPritchard]

I looked at both the ID and EGO when I was selecting a bag for everyday use.
Both would have been ok for me. I selected the EGO because of the water bottle pockets to use on vacations. I take it to work everyday.

The ID fits better in a "business" environment. Being a programmer, I'm business casual, so the EGO fits right in.

[ex machina]

Hi Bag Lady, If the messenger bag style is your husband's by choice and not default then I think that the Id would be the best fit for him. The Zephyr is more a briefcase that can do messenger bag things, and the Id is more a messenger bag that can do briefcase things. Either bag is a fine choice, so you have no bad moves here.

[Bag Lady]

The Zephyr is more a briefcase that can do messenger bag things, and the Id is more a messenger bag that can do briefcase things.

Well put! ID it is!

[KarlJ]

Hi Bag Lady... I didn't mean to pose those questions to you and then bail out. Fortunately, the others offered up valuable insight. So chalk me up for the ID as well.

[ex machina]

Well put! ID it is!

Glad to help!

Just make sure that when you order your bag-and-Brain-Cell combo, they both fit your laptop.

all of these messenger bags and briefcases can accommodate a horizontal brain cell for the 15" dell laptop - check the fit list to select the right size. and you can put an absolute shoulder strap on all of them.

Great point MtnMan, and maverick! Also, I forgot to mention suggestions for the stocking stuffers you were asking for, Bag Lady. Now as for accessories, I think the following are worth looking at for this purpose:

Shop Bag (small) This is a great item to have for those times that you need a second bag, albeit temporarily. It is a squishable, foldable (that's the key element, it gets small enough to have with you always), super durable bag that is real comfortable on the hands. I keep one with me in my Large Cafe Bag at all times and use it when I go food shopping and such.


Clear Quarter Packing Cube as a lunch box.


Horizontal Freudian Slip, is just a real nifty add-on that is removable. You can add file folders to the rear side, and it has zippered compartments and open pockets on the front. I have one and its excellent. You can pull it out of the bag and hang it by the loop on top from a hook or door knob. Stuff your files in, then return it to the bag. Real easy, real convenient. This could easily handle the average wallet, bank deposit book, the couple of work folders and additional odds and ends that you mentioned. That would leave the pockets of the bag itself free for new stuff!

I agree with Shiva about using the Organizer pouches. I use the Large Clear Organizer Pouches as project containers. For example, each of my classes has one assigned to it, and I usually can fit all my notes and sometimes all the texts in one. This allows me to easily configure my bag for the day. It helps in keeping me tidy and organized, breeding efficiency.

If your husband carries a lot of accessories with his laptop (mouse, power supply, USB cables, etc.) the Snake Charmer can be a real aid. I don't have one (not a laptop guy - though I am considering those new netbooks ) so no need for it at present. But the reviews for it have been excellent and I would get one if getting a laptop/netbook.

The Kit is in transit to me (Indigo) and I am getting it to have a nice bag to keep odds and ends contained controlled, and easily transferable. I will be trying it out in various roles I am sure, but I can see already this bag will be used regularly. This could be a solution for your husband's odds and ends as well.

The Clear Organizer Wallet. For the first time, I stopped carrying a wallet on my person and now keep one in my bag on a keystrap. No longer having a wart on my leg, I didn't realized what an imposition it was until I had it removed. I keep my college ID in the front window; makes it so easy dealing with security. If your husband has to use an ID for work, this could be a nice feature to add.

Padded Organizer Pouches for any gizmos (iPods, flash drives, etc.) that are carried. I use them for my camera, USB flash drive, and voice recorder for example.

Keystraps: a must - several in both sizes. Never drop a pouch!

Cordura pouches. Because pouches are so much fun.

Cork pouches. Because they are sooo cool.

Any of these would be a great stocking stuffer.