Thanks to all the Synik reviewers for their thoughtful posts. I have enjoyed reading the approach everyone has taken to reviewing the backpack to assist the rest of us in determining if it would work for us.
I own a newer S25 and like many Tom Bihn products, it is a fantastic pack with tons of life left in it (probably decades of life given it is a Tom Bihn product). In considering whether the Synik would work better for me (and work so much better as to justify the likely high $200s/low $300s price tag), I have a couple of questions/requests that I would love to hear feedback on from the various reviewers.
1. What is the relative improvement of the backpack straps? Very few people on the forum had any disparaging comments about the quality and comfort of backpack straps on the S19/S25. That all changed with the Synik. Every reviewer has commented on the improved backpack straps, some stating that the difference is very significant. I understand the straps have improved and I understand the improvement now changes the grading scale, but a quantifiable relative improvement would be helpful. Something like: “On a scale of 1-10 the synapse straps are a X and the Synik is an X+”.
2. How much of an improvement is the clamshell opening compared to the opening of the Synapse? Search this forum and many people supported Tom BIHN’s decision to not provide a clamshell opening on the Synapse. The decision has obviously been re-considered with the introduction of the Synik. I understand that the clamshell opening makes it easier to access all of the pack’s contents, but does it make going back to the opening of the Synapse frustrating/miserable? Or with the use of packing cubes is the difference minor?
3. Are there any cons to a clamshell opening? I am curious as to why Tom Bihn held out for so long?
4. Could you show a video using the luggage pass through on the Synik, especially with a full (not stuffed, just full) Synik? Many reviewers have said it is tight, so I wanted to get a sense from a video how it is.
5. Pics or videos showing a person wearing a Synik that is full vs a Synik that has almost no contents in the main area of the bag would be useful.
6. Please provide us with a sense for how much can fit in the main compartment. For example, 4 t shirts, 2 pairs of pants, one pair of running shoes, etc. I know clothing sizes and packing styles are different, but I’m trying to get an estimate for what it can carry.
Thanks again for all the reviews. The creativity and approach to each review has been so unique and fun to read.