Tom bihn 19 & 25 are masterpieces, esp amongst minimalists. Now, they decided to make it even more flawless (many improvements made, OMG !), great review man, thnks !
@@PackHacker2 I had an aer travel pack but lost it 😔 so in the meantime now I'm using the thule accent 28l. Amazing design and very well thought through but quality isn't amazing. But at 60£ on amazon, can't beat that.
😮😍 I'm so glad I came across this video and discovered the existence of the Synik! I've been very close to buying a Synapse 25 for some time now, and until this video, the only thing stopping me was my preferred colourway being out of stock/in production (Nebulous/Northwest... but I'd actually love Nebulous/Ultraviolet to exist!). I think the Synik 22 is going to be perfect for my everyday use, though I might be tempted by the 30 so it's more versatile for longer trips... though it might tip the balance past the sweet spot of also being small enough for everyday. Hmm! I need enough room for a jumper/big water bottle/umbrella/10.5" iPad/lunchbox/occasionally 13" Macbook Air (plus various other bits, but those are the biggest). I'm just about getting by with an allegedly 13L right now, even though its dimensions are slightly bigger than the Synapse 19, though some days it's a very tight squeeze. Those new straps are killer - I don't want textured mesh on my straps because it's uncomfortable against bare skin, and is the main reason I just sent back a Samsonite GuardIT 2.0, so that alone is immediately enough to change my mind from Synapse to Synik! I like the larger non-mesh area at the back as well, because I've found my full mesh Osprey daypack has been seriously abrading all of my clothes. Excited for the Synik's release!
Hey Emma, that's awesome to hear. Thanks for sharing your thoughts with us. Keep us updated and let us know what pack you decide to pick up. 😊🙌 - Rebecca
I like a lot about the Tom Bihn bags - they seem to be of good quality, and I like the pocket situation I've seen on a lot of them - but good LORD the aesthetic just is not for me 😅
I feel you. I use a Synapse for my EDC and every couple of years I spend *way* too much time trying to find a bag that does the same thing but looks sleeker/hipper/more professional. I'll finally settle on one, wear it for a few weeks ... and then go back to my Synapse. Part of getting older is finding out just how much you're willing to sacrifice appearance for comfort and usability, and it's always a slippery slope. The Synapse is to backpacks what cargo shorts are to pants (and I still won't wear cargo shorts).
@@R4TL1FF - our thoughts are similar John. It's just such a solidly designed pack, which is why the Synapse scores so high on our site. When we polled folks on whether or not they like the look on our Instagram, it was a pretty even 50/50 split. I personally don't like the look, but some do. It's definitely got a polarizing look. - Tom
@@R4TL1FF Haha, yeah, it's a real struggle to find quality ergonomic stuff that actually looks, you know, nice 😅 I struggle with that with most things tbh - I have a lot of physical issues (feet/joints/muscles primarily), so if it's not ergonomically sound I don't even bother looking at shoes or bags. I've never been super into fashion or anything, but it's a bit of a bummer sometimes to always have to settle, you know? But I also can't go back to "normal" shoes, because once you discover the godo stuff the difference in comfort it's kind of mind-blowing. In the 25-30 volume category of backpacks, though, I feel like there are a lot of alternatives I prefer the aesthetics of compared to Tom Bihn bags. It might well be because I don't know what I'm missing but, well, I don't know what I'm missing so I don't actually mind 😂
@@PackHacker2 The entire look of it, tbh - it just makes me kind of sad to look at 😂 I am a HUGE fan of functionality and ergonomics, but at this price point I'd definitely want something that didn't look so drab and dreary. I've got some fairly colorful bags and a lot of very minimalist (think "Scandinavian") black bags, I don't necessarily want a rainbow color scheme to be happy with a bag or anything (despite what the neon pink hair in my profile pic might make you think 😉), but I've never seen a Tom Bihn bag that actual looks like the designers actually exerted any effort in the bag's appearance. If they were cheaper bags I'd not mind so much, but they're expensive enough that I expect more from every aspect of the bag.
i think it would be good for people to know that Synapse/Synik are designed to be part of a personal modular system approach to EDC& Travel. Its like a house, buy the most beautiful house in the world but without furniture you will hate living in it. I have an S25 and a GR1 27L this bag really has my attention.
Hey james Truscello - thanks for sharing your thoughts with us. It sounds like you have a great system going on, we're glad to hear you've found some packs that work so well for you. Let us know if you decide to pick up the Synik! 😊🙌 - Rebecca
Tom, great quick review of the new/different features. From a practical perspective, how much more will it hold than the S25? It would be great to see you actually pack it out. My S25 carries bigger than 25L, but was never quite enough for longer trips. I go back and forth between my PD Travel Bag and my Heimplanet Transit (liking the Heimplanet more right now). But, if the Synik 30 packs bigger, like the S25, that could be the ultimate answer because nothing I've used beats the organization of the S25. Thoughts?
Nice collection of packs you've got there! For liter space, this is a great question. It definitely feels larger for a couple of reasons: 1. Objectively, the Synik 30 is wider and has more depth than the Synapse 25. 2. When we were testing the Synapse 25, we were using the frame sheet and laptop cache. With those 2 elements, I always felt like I was jamming things into the main compartment - even with a slimmer Medium Tri-Star Packing Cube from them. With the Synik, the frame sheet is outside of the compartment and the laptop compartment is more integrated with the pack. I don't know exactly how much it will pack compared to the S25 (have only had it for a day!) but will take note of that for the eventual full review. Do you use the laptop cache currently? The Synik laptop compartment makes things a lot more streamlined. - Tom
Gorgeous bag. I would love to see you pack this out with some packing cubes to help give an idea of what it can handle. On the negative side, it is an ounce heavier than the brain bag and when dealing with a 7kg limit, every ounce matters. Any idea when it might go on sale?
August 6th it will be added to their website, August 13th pre-orders go live, August 20th pre-orders close and then late October is when the pre-orders will be shipping.
@@PackHacker2 I am excited for your full review. I am also curious if you see significant difference between this new Synik 30 and the Brain Bag. Aside from perhaps a "sexiness" factor. Maybe the Brain Bag is Grandpa and the Synik is the grandson. :)
@@PackHacker2 Your quick hit preview lists the bag at 3 lbs. THis is true with most of their fabric choices. However, they state that if you choose the Halcyon option the weight drops to 2 lb 13.7 oz. :)
Used to own both a synapse 25 and aeronaut 30, and always wished I had the capacity of the aeronaut with the organization of the synapse. I sold both bags to get an Aer travel bag 2, might need to come back to the TB flock when released. I'm scared what this bag will cost though
Yeah - the larger Synik is a nice addition to the line. Always felt like the Synapse 25 is a tad small, too. We're not sure what it'll cost yet! Time will tell. - Tom
@@PackHacker2 Thanks for the picture. It looks like the medium in the picture is in its compressed state and not super packed out. If it was at full capacity and compressed, or almost full and uncompressed, would the clamshell close pretty easily or would it be tough to get it closed? Put another way, does the non-bucket side of the clamshell have some dimension such that it can handle some volume that sits above the upper limit of the bucket?
Great review!!! Would you mind considering the Alchemy AEL022 as your next bag to review? It's a 30L and there are very limited reviews out there for it considering how well it appears to be made. Thanks!
Hey ss2miraitrunks - the style of these packs are pretty different, but the Aer Travel Pack 2 can fit more due to it being more rectangular, however, the Synik can still fit a lot of stuff too. Hope this helps! 😊👍 - Rebecca
Nice video. I use the S25. No issues with it. The Synik, for an extra 5lt, looks wider. What are the dimensions compared to the S25 & what's the difference in weight?
Hey MrJimJD - you can find out more info on the sample we have here packhacker.com/travel-gear/tom-bihn/synik-30/ but we're still waiting for the official word from Tom Bihn, so stay tuned! 😊 - Rebecca
Are the weights for the Synik 30 and Synik 22 really 3lbs and 2.65lbs respectively? That seems like a sizable jump up from the Synapse 25 and Synapse 19 (2lbs and 1.65lbs respectively) >_o Is the weight difference noticeable?
Our measured Synik 30 weight includes the frame sheet, waist belt, and sternum strap. It's 2.45 lb (1.11 kg) for the pack and sternum strap only :) - Tom
Just tested - a 15" Macbook Pro will not fit into the dedicated laptop compartment of the Synik 22, although, it will fit into the bag outside of the laptop compartment. - Tom
Do you have an “elastic keeper” you would recommend for the straps? The clamshell opening and improved padding is sweet...30L is a bit much, and I didn’t care for the off centered logo placement.
thanks for the great review. Still my least favorite bag I ever owned was the Synapse. The Synik will not be under consideration for me. Horrible bag - extremely overly bulky, shoulder straps that don't stay one, etc. etc. My LL Bean in high school was a better designed bag
If only it weren't emanating that geeky basketball look and were more narrow/rectangular/elegant! The 22 liter could be perfect notebook edc/notebook personal bag when flying (it also has the airport carrier handle luggage pass-through, right?)
Hey Dixit - we just tested this out and a 32oz bottle does not fit, as it's too tall. While you can put it into the compartment, it sticks out about halfway. Hope this helps! 👍 - Rebecca
Is there any strap or something to stop the clamshell from opening all the way without wanting it to? I have the Boundary supply errant that has a magnet to stop it from accidentally flopping open and dropping all of my stuff
Hey Nicole - there isn't a feature to specifically stop the clamshell from opening all the way, but by optimizing the main zipper you can adjust it to stop it opening right up and dropping your items. Hope this helps! 😊 - Rebecca
That's the EXACT reason I think I'll pass and just get the synapse, and I've tried the "just don't open the zipper all the way" thingy on another bag I have and it doesn't work all the time. The way the bag is designed and the way you're gonna fill it, the front WILL be heavier and drag the zippers open. It's going to happen when you're in a hurry, not when you have a little bit of time to deal with it.
Hey Austin - we currently do not have the iPad Mini to test this out, but from comparing the dimensions of both, (an iPad mini is 8in x 5.3in and the pocket is 9.5in x 7in) the iPad mini should fit in that pocket. 😊👍 - Rebecca
August 6th it will be added to their website, August 13th pre-orders go live, August 20th pre-orders close and then late October is when the pre-orders will be shipping.
Hey Chris - on the Tom Bihn blog it says the release date for the descriptions will be August 6th and pre-order will be available on August 13th, but this may still change. 👍 - Rebecca
Am I the only one that sees a clamshell opening as a con? I have used it before and it isn't useable as a day bag once you do that. And a dedicated laptop sleeve is a con for us that loved that we got to choose if we used the space for a laptop or not as we all don't travel with a full computer all the time. Still waiting for TB to make a bag that actually has exterior pockets for my electronics and tablets. Those exterior pockets are still pretty much useless to me.
Hey LivingAsLynn, we get what you're saying, clamshell designs are not for everyone, which is why we think it's so important to find a bag that's right for you and your travel style. What's your current go-to pack? We'd love to hear what works for you! 😊 - Rebecca
@@PackHacker2 nothing right now. I am an eternally frustrated packer. I have a Tortuga Air and a Riut 15, but neither are the bag I'll always grab. I am over these square bags that look like suitcases on your back. They never look good and I can't use them as day bags. I love the idea of a backpack that just looks normal like a Synapse, but the front panel lacking any sense of tech pockets makes it useless. I've been leaning towards a North Face Recon at this point which I'm not 100% sure of, but at least it can be used as a day bag and still fits all my stuff, though once packed the laptop sleeve is too tight to be used. I like TNF Pivoter, but can't get my hands on one to see if it is made as cheaply as the Jester or not. I prefer at least the Borealis or nicer but then they get too big. My left arm (I'm left handed) for a 30 liter bag that is made from solidly thick nylon, prefferably with a luggage pass through and a simple tech pouch.
Thanks for sharing your experience with us LivingAsLynn, keep us updated with which pack you decide on. We also recommend checking out our Daypack Guide packhacker.com/guide/how-to-choose-the-best-travel-daypack-for-you/ where we take you through the different considerations and give you pack recommendations for each style. Hope this helps! 👍 - Rebecca
Hey Tan sin haw - it's 3lbs (1.4kg). You can also find out more info on this pack here packhacker.com/travel-gear/tom-bihn/synik-30/ - hope this helps! 😊 - Rebecca
Pack Hacker Quick Hits I’m using GR1 21L now, but do have synapse 25 for a few years. I like it, but in a Goruck mood recently. The placement of the TB label on the new bag is disconcerting. Maybe just not used to it.
Hey Eddie - our sample of the Synik 30 is made from Ballistic Nylon and Ripstop Nylon, you can find out more info here packhacker.com/travel-gear/tom-bihn/synik-30/ 😊 - Rebecca
I really wish they would’ve made a Synik 25...
Same dude.
@@welshreconcoming out later this year!
Damn can't wait @@CastleRockKing
Great review. Love the bag. 30L and full clamshell opening? Yes please!
AND WHY AM I ONLY JUST NOW FINDING OUT ABOUT QUICK HITS!?!?!??!
We got you Francisco! Welcome to Quick Hits - and glad you're digging that FULL clamshell.
- Tom
@Francisco, this is my first time seeing this channel too! As far as the new 30L pack 🙈🙉🙊.....before I order one😭
@@GlobalAdventurer - welcome to Quick Hits!
- Tom
@@PackHacker2 Thank you 😊
Tom bihn 19 & 25 are masterpieces, esp amongst minimalists. Now, they decided to make it even more flawless (many improvements made, OMG !), great review man, thnks !
Glad you're digging it The Pondering Minimalist! Is the Tom Bihn Synapse your go-to pack? 😊
- Rebecca
@@PackHacker2 I haven't yet personally digged into the Tom Bihn, however my folks do use one..It's great ! This new iteration makes me go for one !
Thanks for sharing The Pondering Minimalist, let us know what you decide on! 👍
- Rebecca
Solved all the weakness of the synapse. Seriously considering it now
Glad you're digging it Takahashi R, what's your current go-to pack? 😊👍
- Rebecca
@@PackHacker2 I had an aer travel pack but lost it 😔 so in the meantime now I'm using the thule accent 28l. Amazing design and very well thought through but quality isn't amazing. But at 60£ on amazon, can't beat that.
@@GolgoSixty - ah bummer about losing the pack 😭 Thule Accent is a great sub though 👍
- Tom
😮😍 I'm so glad I came across this video and discovered the existence of the Synik! I've been very close to buying a Synapse 25 for some time now, and until this video, the only thing stopping me was my preferred colourway being out of stock/in production (Nebulous/Northwest... but I'd actually love Nebulous/Ultraviolet to exist!).
I think the Synik 22 is going to be perfect for my everyday use, though I might be tempted by the 30 so it's more versatile for longer trips... though it might tip the balance past the sweet spot of also being small enough for everyday. Hmm! I need enough room for a jumper/big water bottle/umbrella/10.5" iPad/lunchbox/occasionally 13" Macbook Air (plus various other bits, but those are the biggest). I'm just about getting by with an allegedly 13L right now, even though its dimensions are slightly bigger than the Synapse 19, though some days it's a very tight squeeze.
Those new straps are killer - I don't want textured mesh on my straps because it's uncomfortable against bare skin, and is the main reason I just sent back a Samsonite GuardIT 2.0, so that alone is immediately enough to change my mind from Synapse to Synik! I like the larger non-mesh area at the back as well, because I've found my full mesh Osprey daypack has been seriously abrading all of my clothes.
Excited for the Synik's release!
Hey Emma, that's awesome to hear. Thanks for sharing your thoughts with us. Keep us updated and let us know what pack you decide to pick up. 😊🙌
- Rebecca
I like a lot about the Tom Bihn bags - they seem to be of good quality, and I like the pocket situation I've seen on a lot of them - but good LORD the aesthetic just is not for me 😅
Hey FaerieDust - that's interesting to hear, thanks for sharing! Is it the material, shape or just the overall look of the pack?
- Rebecca
I feel you. I use a Synapse for my EDC and every couple of years I spend *way* too much time trying to find a bag that does the same thing but looks sleeker/hipper/more professional. I'll finally settle on one, wear it for a few weeks ... and then go back to my Synapse. Part of getting older is finding out just how much you're willing to sacrifice appearance for comfort and usability, and it's always a slippery slope. The Synapse is to backpacks what cargo shorts are to pants (and I still won't wear cargo shorts).
@@R4TL1FF - our thoughts are similar John. It's just such a solidly designed pack, which is why the Synapse scores so high on our site. When we polled folks on whether or not they like the look on our Instagram, it was a pretty even 50/50 split. I personally don't like the look, but some do. It's definitely got a polarizing look.
- Tom
@@R4TL1FF Haha, yeah, it's a real struggle to find quality ergonomic stuff that actually looks, you know, nice 😅 I struggle with that with most things tbh - I have a lot of physical issues (feet/joints/muscles primarily), so if it's not ergonomically sound I don't even bother looking at shoes or bags. I've never been super into fashion or anything, but it's a bit of a bummer sometimes to always have to settle, you know? But I also can't go back to "normal" shoes, because once you discover the godo stuff the difference in comfort it's kind of mind-blowing.
In the 25-30 volume category of backpacks, though, I feel like there are a lot of alternatives I prefer the aesthetics of compared to Tom Bihn bags. It might well be because I don't know what I'm missing but, well, I don't know what I'm missing so I don't actually mind 😂
@@PackHacker2 The entire look of it, tbh - it just makes me kind of sad to look at 😂 I am a HUGE fan of functionality and ergonomics, but at this price point I'd definitely want something that didn't look so drab and dreary. I've got some fairly colorful bags and a lot of very minimalist (think "Scandinavian") black bags, I don't necessarily want a rainbow color scheme to be happy with a bag or anything (despite what the neon pink hair in my profile pic might make you think 😉), but I've never seen a Tom Bihn bag that actual looks like the designers actually exerted any effort in the bag's appearance. If they were cheaper bags I'd not mind so much, but they're expensive enough that I expect more from every aspect of the bag.
Wow! This is how it should have come a few years ago. The 25 should be the exact same too. Glad to see them moving forward.
You got it Nick!
- Tom
This is perfect. As a Synapse 25 loyalist, this is almost the perfect bag. I just wish it had the attachment points of my guide edition.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts with us Joshua! 😊
- Rebecca
As a fellow GE owner, what do you attach to those attachment points?
i think it would be good for people to know that Synapse/Synik are designed to be part of a personal modular system approach to EDC& Travel. Its like a house, buy the most beautiful house in the world but without furniture you will hate living in it. I have an S25 and a GR1 27L this bag really has my attention.
Hey james Truscello - thanks for sharing your thoughts with us. It sounds like you have a great system going on, we're glad to hear you've found some packs that work so well for you. Let us know if you decide to pick up the Synik! 😊🙌
- Rebecca
Very very nice. Tempted to grab this for those times when I need a smidge more room than my GR1
Solid use case Andreas 👍👍
- Tom
Tom, great quick review of the new/different features. From a practical perspective, how much more will it hold than the S25? It would be great to see you actually pack it out. My S25 carries bigger than 25L, but was never quite enough for longer trips. I go back and forth between my PD Travel Bag and my Heimplanet Transit (liking the Heimplanet more right now). But, if the Synik 30 packs bigger, like the S25, that could be the ultimate answer because nothing I've used beats the organization of the S25. Thoughts?
Nice collection of packs you've got there! For liter space, this is a great question. It definitely feels larger for a couple of reasons:
1. Objectively, the Synik 30 is wider and has more depth than the Synapse 25.
2. When we were testing the Synapse 25, we were using the frame sheet and laptop cache. With those 2 elements, I always felt like I was jamming things into the main compartment - even with a slimmer Medium Tri-Star Packing Cube from them. With the Synik, the frame sheet is outside of the compartment and the laptop compartment is more integrated with the pack.
I don't know exactly how much it will pack compared to the S25 (have only had it for a day!) but will take note of that for the eventual full review.
Do you use the laptop cache currently? The Synik laptop compartment makes things a lot more streamlined.
- Tom
Gorgeous bag. I would love to see you pack this out with some packing cubes to help give an idea of what it can handle. On the negative side, it is an ounce heavier than the brain bag and when dealing with a 7kg limit, every ounce matters. Any idea when it might go on sale?
Hey Jeffrey - it should be up on the Tom Bihn site soon. Stay tuned for more info on this pack in our full review! 😊🙌
- Rebecca
August 6th it will be added to their website, August 13th pre-orders go live, August 20th pre-orders close and then late October is when the pre-orders will be shipping.
@@sac916jared Very exciting news. I may be ordering. I wish they could shave 6 ounces off it. :)
@@PackHacker2 I am excited for your full review. I am also curious if you see significant difference between this new Synik 30 and the Brain Bag. Aside from perhaps a "sexiness" factor. Maybe the Brain Bag is Grandpa and the Synik is the grandson. :)
@@PackHacker2 Your quick hit preview lists the bag at 3 lbs. THis is true with most of their fabric choices. However, they state that if you choose the Halcyon option the weight drops to 2 lb 13.7 oz. :)
I always thought that this was too small for what I use to carry. But with 30 liters... It may be it
Yeah - the Synik is wider and deeper than the Synapse 25. The main compartment just feels "bigger" as well.
- Tom
Wow nice upgrade to already great bags! Thanks!
You got it Allen! 😊👍
- Rebecca
Used to own both a synapse 25 and aeronaut 30, and always wished I had the capacity of the aeronaut with the organization of the synapse. I sold both bags to get an Aer travel bag 2, might need to come back to the TB flock when released. I'm scared what this bag will cost though
Yeah - the larger Synik is a nice addition to the line. Always felt like the Synapse 25 is a tad small, too. We're not sure what it'll cost yet! Time will tell.
- Tom
Pack Hacker Quick Hits
Do you think you could comfortably fit both sizes of the peak design packing cubes in the main compartment?
@@Antiflagcanuck - just tested for you Austin - it'll fit, but "comfortably" is a stretch! www.dropbox.com/s/jp1xtmueez4w42s/IMG_8368.HEIC?dl=0
- Tom
@@PackHacker2 Thanks for the picture. It looks like the medium in the picture is in its compressed state and not super packed out. If it was at full capacity and compressed, or almost full and uncompressed, would the clamshell close pretty easily or would it be tough to get it closed? Put another way, does the non-bucket side of the clamshell have some dimension such that it can handle some volume that sits above the upper limit of the bucket?
@@ctdefender110ct5 - made a quick video for you so you can get an idea on size 🙂 www.dropbox.com/s/cih6aa4dme4mttt/synik-30-pd-medium.MOV?dl=0
- Tom
Great review!!! Would you mind considering the Alchemy AEL022 as your next bag to review? It's a 30L and there are very limited reviews out there for it considering how well it appears to be made. Thanks!
Hey Drew-g-b - we currently have no plans to review the Alchemy AEL022 in the immediate pipeline, but we'll check it out! 😊
- Rebecca
Does this fit under the seat of airlines like United and Southwest?
I am curious to see how this looks loaded out. Hopefully less turtlely...
Yo Ivan! It may be just as turtley, if not more (due to the larger size). Will be sure to cover this in our full review 👍👍
- Tom
Definitely feel like a GORUCK GR1 Lite. I love it!
Glad you're digging it KnowYourHistory! 😊
- Rebecca
how does the size compare to the aer travel pack 2?? which one can fit more? now that this bag is in existence, i dont know which one to get!
Hey ss2miraitrunks - the style of these packs are pretty different, but the Aer Travel Pack 2 can fit more due to it being more rectangular, however, the Synik can still fit a lot of stuff too. Hope this helps! 😊👍
- Rebecca
Really love your reviews. Keep it up!
Glad you're digging them A C! 👍
- Rebecca
Nice video. I use the S25. No issues with it. The Synik, for an extra 5lt, looks wider. What are the dimensions compared to the S25 & what's the difference in weight?
Hey MrJimJD - you can find out more info on the sample we have here packhacker.com/travel-gear/tom-bihn/synik-30/ but we're still waiting for the official word from Tom Bihn, so stay tuned! 😊
- Rebecca
It’s a big price jump from the previous version.
Hey R Ww - is the Tom Bihn Synapse your current go-to pack? 😊
- Rebecca
Agreed. TB bags were already at the top of my price range... Now what?
Pack Hacker Quick Hits I’ve had a synapse 25 for years, using it on and off. This is priced too high for me though.
We get what you're saying R Ww, thanks for sharing! 👍
- Rebecca
Are the weights for the Synik 30 and Synik 22 really 3lbs and 2.65lbs respectively? That seems like a sizable jump up from the Synapse 25 and Synapse 19 (2lbs and 1.65lbs respectively) >_o Is the weight difference noticeable?
Our measured Synik 30 weight includes the frame sheet, waist belt, and sternum strap. It's 2.45 lb (1.11 kg) for the pack and sternum strap only :)
- Tom
@@PackHacker2 Thanks for the quick update - makes a lot of sense :) Thank you so much!
@@pure5152 you also lose or gain a few ounces depending on material selection
Could the smaller version of Synik hold a 15 inch laptop?
Zhijia WANG According to the forums, the Synik 22 can hold a 13” laptop and the Synik 30 holds a 15”.
I am curious as well. I want to see someone test this.
Just tested - a 15" Macbook Pro will not fit into the dedicated laptop compartment of the Synik 22, although, it will fit into the bag outside of the laptop compartment.
- Tom
@@PackHacker2 I wish Tom Bihn bags weren't so Mac-centric. Some of us cart around slightly larger PC laptops.
Do you have an “elastic keeper” you would recommend for the straps? The clamshell opening and improved padding is sweet...30L is a bit much, and I didn’t care for the off centered logo placement.
Hey sportsbriefcase - we currently haven't tested any elastic keepers yet, but we'll keep an eye out! 😊👍
- Rebecca
Whoa, cannot wait to order it!
👍👍
- Tom
thanks for the great review.
Still my least favorite bag I ever owned was the Synapse.
The Synik will not be under consideration for me.
Horrible bag - extremely overly bulky, shoulder straps that don't stay one, etc. etc.
My LL Bean in high school was a better designed bag
If only it weren't emanating that geeky basketball look and were more narrow/rectangular/elegant! The 22 liter could be perfect notebook edc/notebook personal bag when flying (it also has the airport carrier handle luggage pass-through, right?)
Hey riesemma - the Tom Bihn Synik 22 does have a pass-through sleeve. 😊
- Rebecca
can you fit in a 32 oz Wide Mouth hydroflask inside the middle water bottle compartment of synik 30?
Hey Dixit - we just tested this out and a 32oz bottle does not fit, as it's too tall. While you can put it into the compartment, it sticks out about halfway. Hope this helps! 👍
- Rebecca
Is there any strap or something to stop the clamshell from opening all the way without wanting it to? I have the Boundary supply errant that has a magnet to stop it from accidentally flopping open and dropping all of my stuff
Hey Nicole - there isn't a feature to specifically stop the clamshell from opening all the way, but by optimizing the main zipper you can adjust it to stop it opening right up and dropping your items. Hope this helps! 😊
- Rebecca
That's the EXACT reason I think I'll pass and just get the synapse, and I've tried the "just don't open the zipper all the way" thingy on another bag I have and it doesn't work all the time. The way the bag is designed and the way you're gonna fill it, the front WILL be heavier and drag the zippers open. It's going to happen when you're in a hurry, not when you have a little bit of time to deal with it.
Hey Tom, can you confirm if an iPad mini will still fit in the water bottle pocket?
Hey Austin - we currently do not have the iPad Mini to test this out, but from comparing the dimensions of both, (an iPad mini is 8in x 5.3in and the pocket is 9.5in x 7in) the iPad mini should fit in that pocket. 😊👍
- Rebecca
Sounds great! Now to just wrap my head around the $300 price tag 😭
Any idea of what the MSRP will be for this?
We're not sure yet, but we'd imagine it'll be something around the price of the Synapse!
- Tom
Will the synik 30 work as a daybag or is it way too big for that?
Depends on how tall/big you are. I think I'd prefer the 19 for a smaller firm factor day pack.
I couldn't find the synik 30 on their website! Is it not available yet?
Hey Jeremy - the Synik 30 is a new release, so it should be up on their website soon. Stay tuned! 😊
- Rebecca
August 6th it will be added to their website, August 13th pre-orders go live, August 20th pre-orders close and then late October is when the pre-orders will be shipping.
@@PackHacker2 thanks for the quick response! I'll stay on the lookout 😊
@@sac916jared thanks for the detailed response! 🙏🙏🙏. Are you planning to get one as well?
Jeremy Vo Yes! I love my Synapse but this solves every nitpick I have with it.
Any info on a release date and cost?
Hey Chris - on the Tom Bihn blog it says the release date for the descriptions will be August 6th and pre-order will be available on August 13th, but this may still change. 👍
- Rebecca
@@PackHacker2 thank you for taking the time to reply
You got it, Chris! 😊
- Rebecca
Am I the only one that sees a clamshell opening as a con? I have used it before and it isn't useable as a day bag once you do that. And a dedicated laptop sleeve is a con for us that loved that we got to choose if we used the space for a laptop or not as we all don't travel with a full computer all the time. Still waiting for TB to make a bag that actually has exterior pockets for my electronics and tablets. Those exterior pockets are still pretty much useless to me.
Hey LivingAsLynn, we get what you're saying, clamshell designs are not for everyone, which is why we think it's so important to find a bag that's right for you and your travel style. What's your current go-to pack? We'd love to hear what works for you! 😊
- Rebecca
@@PackHacker2 nothing right now. I am an eternally frustrated packer. I have a Tortuga Air and a Riut 15, but neither are the bag I'll always grab. I am over these square bags that look like suitcases on your back. They never look good and I can't use them as day bags. I love the idea of a backpack that just looks normal like a Synapse, but the front panel lacking any sense of tech pockets makes it useless. I've been leaning towards a North Face Recon at this point which I'm not 100% sure of, but at least it can be used as a day bag and still fits all my stuff, though once packed the laptop sleeve is too tight to be used. I like TNF Pivoter, but can't get my hands on one to see if it is made as cheaply as the Jester or not. I prefer at least the Borealis or nicer but then they get too big. My left arm (I'm left handed) for a 30 liter bag that is made from solidly thick nylon, prefferably with a luggage pass through and a simple tech pouch.
Thanks for sharing your experience with us LivingAsLynn, keep us updated with which pack you decide on. We also recommend checking out our Daypack Guide packhacker.com/guide/how-to-choose-the-best-travel-daypack-for-you/ where we take you through the different considerations and give you pack recommendations for each style. Hope this helps! 👍
- Rebecca
I'm wondering how much this bag weight is.
Hey Tan sin haw - it's 3lbs (1.4kg). You can also find out more info on this pack here packhacker.com/travel-gear/tom-bihn/synik-30/ - hope this helps! 😊
- Rebecca
Pack Hacker Quick Hits do you know the weight of the 22 version?
Hey David, you can find more info about this pack here packhacker.com/travel-gear/tom-bihn/synik-22/ - hope this helps! 😊
- Rebecca
Only reason they’re bumping it to a 30L is to accommodate the new 16” MacBook Pros.
Hey Justin - we'll have to wait and see. We're interested to find out if/when this rumoured MacBook will be on the market. 😊👍
- Rebecca
I think I like the previous generation better.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts with us R Ww - is the Synapse your go-to pack? 😊
- Rebecca
Pack Hacker Quick Hits I’m using GR1 21L now, but do have synapse 25 for a few years. I like it, but in a Goruck mood recently. The placement of the TB label on the new bag is disconcerting. Maybe just not used to it.
@@RealMuperSan - nice - I think the placement of the logo will grow on us eventually ... maybe ... 😉
- Tom
is the Synik 30 made of the parapack material?
Hey Eddie - our sample of the Synik 30 is made from Ballistic Nylon and Ripstop Nylon, you can find out more info here packhacker.com/travel-gear/tom-bihn/synik-30/ 😊
- Rebecca
For pre-production there is a parapack variety, I assume it will make it to production since there is so much demand for that material.
We currently don't have official word on what the materials or colorways will be, so stay tuned! 😊
- Rebecca
Eddie There are some 525 Ballistic, one Halcyon and a couple of Parapack versions.
Thank you. How is the Parapack material different from Ballistic? @@tuskegee7294
please fix the moire in your videos or wear different materials. it hurts my eyes.
Hey! Thanks for the feedback, we're constantly working on developing and creating more content, so stay tuned for our new videos.
- Rebecca
I don't understand. This bag looks ugly. Why are people buying it?
Hey Agga - more info in our full review ➡ ruclips.net/video/8iEr5R6nAEQ/видео.html
- Tom