TriStar or Aeronaut?? The decision is making me crazy!!!

[AVService]

Welcome and it sounds like we are in the same boat workwise?

I have/had exactly the same requirements and choices to make but I already had and used a Brain Bag for a while.
I also have a Super Ego and an Empire Builder that I will usually carry one of with whatever bag I use for my clothes.

I ended up with the TriStar for exactly the reasons you suggest.
I can have 2 computers and an iPad in there and enough other stuff to last 3 or 4 days but it can get heavy and puffed out if I do.
I have really been carrying an additional bag too and the combination is about perfect depending on what I decide to leave home. I always wish I had packed something that I decided not to take which is why I prefer driving to flying most of the time.
Well that and I hate flying!

What is more practical for me though depending on the nature of my trip is a Pelican case and the TriStar.

If I bring a Pelican 1510 which is their maximum carry on then I don't worry if I end up being forced to check it as luggage.
It will hold standard Tool Pallets(Platt,Jensen,etc.)and is truly indestructable and when locked very secure being checked too.It is wheeled and has a handle but is very manageable as a carry on.

If I don't plan on trying to carry tools on then I use a Pelican 1610 because it is bigger than the 1510 but still has wheels and handle and is not too huge still.

So then I need something to carry my more fragile items and the TriStar is great for that. I find the built in organization makes all the difference and the bag will retain its shape and proportions all of the time where the Aeronaut seems like it will conform more easily to odd shaped stuff inside and beg me to overpack it too?

If I don't need the TriStar's space I bring the Super Ego and if that is too much the Synapse is ideal.

I have a feeling this may not help clear it up for you?
I will say that every Bihn Bag I own holds a LOT more than it looks like it would.

Ed

[dmauder]

This is killing me.... I've been researching and reading reviews now for WEEKS trying to decide on a new bag. My #1 requirement is the bag needs to be born & bred in the good ol' USA (Tom Bihn -- CHECK! ) #2 is I really want a convertible bag (w/backpack straps) so I have as many carry options as possible. #3 is I don't want to ever check a bag on a flight - no matter what.

I'm a tech/business traveler so I need business casual clothes and a good bit of tech gear. That includes, not only a laptop, power brick and various cables, but also sometimes the need for a screwdriver, a cable labeler, cable ties, velcro and other such things. I'm not opposed to carrying a 2nd bag as a "personal" item for tech stuff, but I'd rather not whenever I can help it. My typical trip is 2-4 days, I'm rarely away from home for a week or more. I drive a lot, and fly maybe 2 or 3 times a month.

Having said all that, I REALLY REALLY love the Aeronaut, but it doesn't seem like it would be as flexible/versatile for my needs. For instance, looking at the TriStar, it seems like I could just carry that into a customer site with me, and nobody would think I was just carrying my luggage around with me (especially if it was black or steel). Or, I could check into my hotel, hang up my clothes in the closet, and then carry the TriStar as my computer briefcase. With the Aeronaut, it seems like I would need some other means of carrying my laptop and tech gear with me after I've checked into the hotel. I don't think the Aeronaut seems like a good "briefcase"/tech bag to lug into a business casual situation with a customer.

I really wish I could justify spending the money on BOTH bags right now , but I can't. And I just read the TB blog post yesterday about the Aeronauts selling out, and being on back-order! C'mon folks, I'm dyin' over here!!!

So, for all you folks out there with experience using both bags, can you help me make this crazy tough decision?? Am I wrong on my thoughts about the Aeronaut?? Can it double as a tech/computer bag in a pinch? I really like the style and extra space of the Aeronaut, and I worry that I won't be able to get everything I need in the TriStar.

I never thought buying a new bag would be such a hard decision.....