Sling bag in the works

[Darcy]

Tom is busy designing and testing a new sling bag, and so far, it looks pretty cool (unlike most sling bags.) He's been testing it on his trips to Canada and Seattle - and one of the nicest features is a cell phone pocket on the strap.

If you're interested in a sling bag, reply to this thread - tell us what features would be most important to you.

[Kudra]

sling bag picture

So....I'm REALLY excited about a stylish, high quality sling bag from TOM BIHN!!!:D
Most all the sling bags out on the market now are really, well, UNATTRACTIVE, or they just don't last for more than a month.

Is there a way to post a picture of it so all the fans can oohh and ahh...? (and maybe suggest colors?:p )

Thanks for keeping us posted about new products!:D

[Tom Bihn]

This product is still in a pretty rough prototype stage - I'll post pictures when it's ready to be a debutante.
I'm calling it the Buzz because it can buzz around you from to back for easy & quick access, but maybe the "Fly" would be better? the "Skeeter"?
Questions:
does it need to have simple padded sleeve for a small laptop?
what colors might be cool?

[Goetz]

Laptop Sleeve

Hi Tom,

Questions:
does it need to have simple padded sleeve for a small laptop?

YES, this sling bag should have a well padded sleeve for an Apple iBook and PB 12".
The bag should also have a organizer area like the Eclipse briefcase.

Goetz

[Tom Bihn]

Thanks for the feedback.
Yes, a padded sleeve for smaller laptops is do-able, and an organizer is also in the plan.
I'll keep the forum posted as the sling pack advances!

[Goetz]

Organizer

Hi Tom,

that's great!
The Organizer should have the same no. and size of the pockets as the Eclipse.

Goetz

PS: I got an Eclipse for my TiBook back in 2001 and really love it, it's the best back I own. Thanks! :)

[Goetz]

iSight

Hi Tom,

another feature suggestion would be a dedicated pocket for an iSight webcam.

Goetz

[Tom Bihn]

Cool - do you have dimensions for that item? I try to make pockets that are multi-funtional.

[Goetz]

iSight Dimensions

Hi Tom,

Cool - do you have dimensions for that item?

The camera body is stored in a clear plastic cylinder with a diameter of 40mm/1.58" and a length of 95mm/3.74" plus a FW-Cable and a fixation clip (~60x45x40mm) for display attachment.

Goetz

PS: When du you think the bag will be ready?

[Tom Bihn]

No exact schedule yet - I am working on the new bigger messenger style bag and the sling bag is next, I promise.
Probably a few months!

[threemoons]

On the sling bag...ideas/suggestions

Would this be worn on one shoulder or across the chest?

I don't see why it would need a laptop sleeve if it's meant as a replacement for those hideous, ugly "healthy back" crescent bags.

I vote for lots of optional stuff on the strap itself--and a snap-down tab for the main zipper/compartment, to prevent curious or felonious fingers from exploring the bag's interior without your consent (as I supposed said opening would be out of your line of sight when the bag is worn).

A slip-on sleeve for a digital camera would be great, as I have now started carrying my cheap Kodak EasyShareWhatever with me.

Also, don't forget a secure, zip-shut interior pocket for Really Important Personal Stuff.

Another thing I wish that my favorite bag had was a key lanyard on the STRAP--maybe something like a keystrap INSIDE a little pouchy thing on the strap? So that you could get your keys out WITHOUT going into the bag, BUT not have them flapping in the breeze like Morris bells either? I for one always forget to get my keys out before getting to the door.

I'm starting to have visions of lots of Tiny Slip-On Pouches for Important Stuff--almost like the pouches on amno belts.

A small interior loop/pocket for a MagLite may be a good idea also...I never leave home without one, after 9/11 and the NYC Blackout (I was especially glad for my habit after the latter event, when it actually came in handy).

Just free-forming here, but that's what comes to mind. Hope it's helpful.

[Harry]

Large Msng Bag and new strap

Mmmmm a nice, new, larger messenger type bag and strap that will hold my iPod... when might this holy grail of bags and straps be available? I've got cash burning a hole in my now dead Timbuk2 bag and a Tidbits coupon that really does burn up on the 16th! I carry my 12" powerbook, an iPod, my textbooks (heavy management and finance stuff), lunch, and my work stuff with me everyday. It would be fantastic to have my iPod handy on the strap instead of on my hip. I've looked at the Brain Bag and the Empire Builder and they look cool, I'm just partial to messenger bags. They're the slick in-between bag and being a bank drone I have to sorta look like a professional. Since I ride a bike to work I can get away with having a cool messenger bag... ;)

[Darcy]

Great idea about the iPod. I just got on iPod myself. What do you think of a pocket on the strap for a cellphone/iPod that could also detach so you could use it as an iPod case as well?

I've seen the latest version of the Sling Pack and it's really handsome. I've been not very enthused about the idea of a sling bag because, in my opinion, they're all horrifyingly ugly, but this one is very good looking.

[Harry]

Oohhhhhhh:p A case for the iPod when it's off the strap too? Wow that would be cool!!! I've been using an iSkin and they work really well, but I've either got to carry it or attach it to my hip. I've got a couple because they have such cool colors I couldn't make up my mind, so I bought the two I liked. They've kept my iPod from getting beat up from the daily trips to work while I ride my bike or take BART.

I've only got about 15 gigs on it so far, that's half full, and I'm always lookin' for more music or other things to put in it. I like the idea of not having to hear the same song twice for 8.5 days... if only the battery would last that long!

I just wish I could make up my mind on which bag to get. Too many choices. I'm torn between the Empire Builder or the ID. I'm just not sure the ID will hold all my stuff and a briefcase just seems too worker like. I need some feeling of freedom from being a bank drone...:rolleyes:

[Tom Bihn]

thanks to all for the continued feed back on the sling bag. Right now we are leaning towards to lightly padded divided space on the inside for a small laptop (14" G4 & smaller, maybe 14" iBook).
I like the idea of optional/removable pockets on the strap, as not everyone has a camera or iPod/mp3 thingy (freakin' everyone seems to have a cell phone - have you read about the Swedish health studies recently released?) - but I haven't yet figured out how to do this (but I will).
Morris Bells? who else knows what they are?
How much can this sling-pack thing cost? if I add everybody's dream feature, it will be pretty pricey.
What if we have to take production to Mordoor, abondoning our hard factory workers to keep the price down? Does anyone care?
(this is a trick question.)