Oh no! Co-pilot stock. Color ?

[autolycus]

Oh no! I was planning to order a co-pilot and some more pouches in preparation for a trip to Europe in April. I was going to decide between my synapse and the co-pilot as my personal item and for carrying around while sightseeing. But now I have a huge dilemna... The three colors I was most likely to pick are either no longer made or are out of stock until "early May". So, anybody have thoughts on the available colors--forest and cardinal? I have a Navy/Iberian aeronaut and a steel synapse. I was planning on most likely going with a black co-pilot so it was discreet. Cardinal seems like it would stand out way too much. I'll have an iPad and camera in it for at least the flights and don't want something that jumps out to potential thieves. Navy or steel would have been my next choices because they're also subtle and don't stand out too much. But alas, steel seems to be gone forever, except the dyneema one. I think the white grid on the dyneema also stands out a bit more than I want when it's the whole bag. But maybe I'm wrong about that?

I do not care too much about matchy-matchy, so I'm open to other colors. I guess it's between forest and steel dyneema or possibly wait and just go with the synapse until the black is back in stock? Such decisions are always hard. I lucked out with the aeronaut since that was the combo I wanted, and my wife picked the steel synapse which I like a lot.

Now I'm really babbling....

[Shiva]

The Forest is excellent. I got one to give as a gift to my friend, and it is a lovely color. it is very subtle; not loud; and will not draw attention at all. It looks really cosmopolitan. So I think you would be fine with that. It matches steel really well; and it is a rich saturated color. I do have a steel co-pilot; so if you want nothing but steel, happy to send you this and pick a different one up later on!
It is a great every day bag --especially if you are going to be on public transport.

[kmcg]

I was at the factory store last week, intent on buying an Iberian dyneema Co-Pilot to coordinate with my new TriStar (black with Iberian). I left with the steel dyneema instead. I think it's relatively subtle - at least compared to the Iberian, which has a bit more shine to the fabric. Steel dyneema looks like a fairly low key black bag with a bit of extra dimension from the tatersall plaid weave. I still don't know which color to go for - there's a decent chance I'll go back and get the Iberian, because I love bright colors! (I want both, but that would be absurd, right?) But you might be pleasantly surprised by the steel dynema.

I'm pretty set on the dyneema - I really like how much lighter it is, in addition to the visual interest. To me, the ballistic looks more like luggage, and I wanted something that could also be sort of handbag-like (not a concern for you, I imagine). In the ballistic, I think the cardinal is really beautiful. I'm not sure why a thief would be more inclined to steal a red bag than a black one. But again, I love color

I thought there was a navy copilot in the store. Maybe even a black, though I don't recall specifically. You might want to call to make sure, before giving up on that.

[dorayme]

I completely understand color dilemmas. I like my bags to have certain color combinations and it is very frustrating when I can't get it like I want it.

Before making any decision to write off an option, I would call Customer Service to ensure that they don't have any lonlies in the store. Steel/UV was showing out of stock when I placed my order, but Katy found one for me at the factory!

Unless your though process on color selection for this occasion also carries over to what you want to carry daily, I would consider choosing the one you like/love the most. And if that is something that is currently backordered until a future date and you don't mind carrying your Synapse, choose the one you really want, it's not as though your stuff has to ride in a plastic bag in the mean time.

Also, Shiva also said she could send you her steel one. . .

[Badger]

Also, have you seen the colors of European knapsacks? It's not uncommon to see grown men carrying pink/purple/green (all together!) backpacks. And hip packs. (shudders)

I agree with the others: call TB to make sure there aren't any black CPs around; but failing that, the Steel Dyneema, Forest, and Cardinal are all very nice, so pick the one that speaks to you.

[backpack]

I completely agree, contact the Wonderful Tom Bihn Crew before making a decision.

I think a phone call is worth it when you have such a dilemma with color and have a trip coming up shortly.

Sometimes, production goes faster than anticipated, new stuff like the Camera Insert, are most probably being produced right now but one never knows.

[autolycus]

I do have a steel co-pilot; so if you want nothing but steel, happy to send you this and pick a different one up later on!

That's a very generous offer. I could never accept it though. I'd probably end up carrying the bag wrapped completely in plastic so there was no chance I would damage someone else's stuff!

[jmachats]

I have an indigo I'd be willing to trade. It's been used only once, for an afternoon. I like the color but like the newer colors a little more. The indigo is very dark, almost black.

[autolycus]

OK, I called, and they definitely do not have any black exterior co-pilots and early May does look like the best estimate based on production schedule, so... I think I'm going to order both a forest and a steel dyneema and see which I prefer--and either return one or gift it if I can think of someone who would like the particular style of the bag. There have been enough positive things said about both colors to make me think I should see how they look in person... if only the factory store were in the SE somewhere instead of Pacific NW!

Now I just have to decide what size, material, and color organizer pouches I need/want to add to the order... It's always hard for me to envision what I'll put in each size and what pouches I need for the stuff I need to carry until I have it all in front of me... More of everything, on the way!

Thanks for everyone's thoughts!

[Badger]

Now I just have to decide what size, material, and color organizer pouches I need/want to add to the order... It's always hard for me to envision what I'll put in each size and what pouches I need for the stuff I need to carry until I have it all in front of me... More of everything, on the way!

Dyneema is great for OPs because it's light and the fabric gives a little bit. I'd definitely recommend at least one mini size to accommodate all the Euro coins you'll amass. Whenever I go to Europe I always end up with an insane quantity of coins weighing down one of my pockets. Makes me all lopsided. The OP really helps with that wardrobe issue.

[darbs]

I've got a few pouches and I swear as soon as the box gets here, I think of about 10 more that I need for various reasons. You can never have enough pouches! I'm making a list so I can order ALL of them with my next order.

[WhiteStar]

I've got a few pouches and I swear as soon as the box gets here, I think of about 10 more that I need for various reasons. You can never have enough pouches! I'm making a list so I can order ALL of them with my next order.

I try to order one or two each time I place an order. I dont' even really consider what I need it for, I always find a use!

[kmcg]

auto - glad you have a plan. I think you can't go wrong with that approach. (And I think you need an Iberian dyneema medium size pouch for your Aeronaut, FWIW)

[autolycus]

auto - glad you have a plan. I think you can't go wrong with that approach. (And I think you need an Iberian dyneema medium size pouch for your Aeronaut, FWIW)

Already have one of those.

[kmcg]

Hey auto, I was in the store today (getting myself an Iberian pouch!) and noticed they do have a Navy/Solar Co-Pilot. So if you're not crazy about your options, there's always that.