Imago vs ID need please

[nan]

What a great thread! I'm torn trying to decide which bag is right for me also. Right now I'm carrying a Manhattan Portage small DJ bag, which can only hold my MacBook. I need/want something bigger since I'm in school and lug everything everywhere, but I'm petite (5'1") and am afraid that the size of the ID will overwhelm me and encourage me to over-pack.

I found these pictures of someone carrying the Imago:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/arestocracy/289242097/

and a line up of bags:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/sparktography/317531412/

But it's still hard to get an idea on the size difference between the bags. I know someone above said that the ID bag is not much bigger, but these photos make me think otherwise:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/tombihn/389644074/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/kelake/97929428/

What do y'all think?? Moose, how are you liking the ID bag? Anyone have BOTH the Imago & ID bag? The Zephyr looked kind of cool to me, but it looks like the space inside isn't quite as flexible for my use.

[Moose]

What a great thread! I'm torn trying to decide which bag is right for me also. Right now I'm carrying a Manhattan Portage small DJ bag, which can only hold my MacBook. I need/want something bigger since I'm in school and lug everything everywhere, but I'm petite (5'1") and am afraid that the size of the ID will overwhelm me and encourage me to over-pack.

I found these pictures of someone carrying the Imago:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/arestocracy/289242097/

and a line up of bags:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/sparktography/317531412/

But it's still hard to get an idea on the size difference between the bags. I know someone above said that the ID bag is not much bigger, but these photos make me think otherwise:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/tombihn/389644074/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/kelake/97929428/

What do y'all think?? Moose, how are you liking the ID bag? Anyone have BOTH the Imago & ID bag? The Zephyr looked kind of cool to me, but it looks like the space inside isn't quite as flexible for my use.

Hi Nan,
I ended up getting a Synapse. That does NOT mean an ID or Imago or both are not in my future. Here's what made me make that decision. First, I thought the Imago would be good. My regular every day (during 9 months of winter) bag needs to hold an extra pair of shoes. I don't carry a computer at all. After much searching and photo comparing I decided it was too small.

Then I moved on to the ID, it zips, that's important to me. The Imago does not include that feature. Anyway, after reading everything I could find and looking at every photo out there, twice, I decided the foam insert would just be too stiff. I decided the ID was just not quite right for what I wanted.

I've always carried a backpack so started looking at the Synapse. It zips, and, oh my the plum color, is wonderful. I will admit after having it a few days it could be a smidge bigger but no way am I sending it back. Its mine, all mine. Did I mention I LOVE the plum color? It will hold everything, including my shoes. It just makes me plan a bit better when it comes to getting out the door in the morning. I almost never use both backpack straps. The straps are comfortable enough, I do wish they were a little more "sticky." I seem to have a bit of trouble keeping it on my shoulder. That may change once everything finds it proper place in the bag and is evenly loaded.

The side pockets, once I found them easily hold my daytimer, checkbook, pens, pencil, eraser, two snack bars and reading glasses with room left over. I've been keeping my keys in the front short pocket and that works really well. The front long pocket is still empty as is the internal pocket. I've kept my water bottle and klenex in the bottom pocket. It keeps the bag from tipping forward.

That's a very long winded way to not answer your question about the ID. I do hope it will give you some idea of what I think of my Synapse. One more thing, you've indicated you're about five one. the Synapse would probably be about the right size for your frame. I'm five eight and it is one of the smaller looking packs I own. I doubt YOU would be overshadowed by the bag.

Glad you've enjoyed the thread. Everyone on the forum has been wonderful and so willing to share experiences and advice.

Take care,
Moose

[gmanedit]

Hi, Moose.

Have you tried buckling the waist strap on the Synapse? It seems to keep a single shoulder strap pretty well seated.

[Moose]

Hi, Moose.

Have you tried buckling the waist strap on the Synapse? It seems to keep a single shoulder strap pretty well seated.

Hi gmanedit,
I haven't tried hooking the waist strap. I took it off first thing. It'll be going back on today for a test run. Thanks a lot for the tip. I really do love this bag. I didn't mention it earlier, but, the dyneema fabric is much tougher and more sturdy than I had expected. I wasn't sure about it in the photos but it turned out to be great. Mr. Bihn's bags are quality all the way.
Thanks again for the tip,
Moose