Assessory review: Tom Bihn backpack ... Last month I decided that it was time to upgrade from my 2+ year old C840 to a 9100. I've tried using briefcase type com ...

Dana D · 10-29-2004, 08:24 PM

Last month I decided that it was time to upgrade from my 2+ year old C840 to a 9100. I've tried using briefcase type computer cases and within just a few days I realized the ergonomics of that type of bag causes backaches for me - so to the backpack style I went. A pack with a 'steal me' lable on it worries me too. Face it, most people know that Targus specializes in laptop assessories. So, a known backpack company that isn't usually associated with computers makes sense.

I soon discovered that the new computer doesn't fit quite as well in my old Eddie Bauer laptop backpack. After much research and reading recommendations here and elsewhere, I settled on a Tom Bihn Brain Bag backpack. It helped that he has a store right here in downtown Seattle a couple miles from my office.

The Brain Bag is his largest. I like to be able to carry all my urban survival gear; Canon SD10, Samsung i700, Nomad Zen Xtra, Sure-fire E2, all their associated assessories, various office supplies, files, Clif Bars and thermos of french roast. This holds it all without letting out the compression straps! The design, materials and construction is absolutely top notch. The few days using my EB bag I was worried about a strap breaking whenever I slung it over my shoulder. No worries with this one, mate. Note that a Monolith (size 2) is also recommended/needed to be purchased for securely protecting/holding the 9100. Warning - it's probably one of the most expensive out there, but considering the fiscal and emotional investment we have in our computers - it's worth it. My life is in that pack!

I highly recommend this pack.

Website

KevDA · 10-29-2004, 08:39 PM

That rocks. Pricy, though...

I don't travel much with the laptop these days, so I can't really justify it. But if that changes, seriously looks cool.

Sebach · 10-30-2004, 11:51 PM

I have a Tom Bihn Monolith sleeve, I think it's bloody awesome for my purposes (University student, biking 25km/15mi round trip everyday). I use the Monolith as a sleeve, fitting perfectly into my Eagle Industries A-III assault pack. I suppose I could have gotten a Bihn backpack but I love my old A-III pack so much, I couldn't give it up. This sleve is awesome for me because I carry it in vertical position like 99% of the time. I've thrown my bag off my shoulder (5'10) a few times, thinking I only had books in there but of course my 8600 was in there too and it came out perfectly. The padding is awesome for vertical carry because it's "slung" within the case and is generously padded throughout. It is made to be vertically tough, so the I wouldn't want to "crush" it from the big face sides but it can handle any bump I might likely encounter in day to day moving about. The only downside is that with a 8600, the bag is a pretty big one but I personally don't mind at all because it fits in my bag so nicely (my friend thought that it was built into my bag it, it fit so perfect). Highly recommended if you have a fave backpack already that you would use often and don't mind dropping a nice penny on a sleve to protect your lappy.

http://www.tombihn.com/Merchant2/mer...ct_Code=TB0330

10-29-2004, 08:24 PM	#1
Dana D Registered User Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Pacific NW, USA Posts: 33 Credits: -340	Accessory review: Tom Bihn backpack Last month I decided that it was time to upgrade from my 2+ year old C840 to a 9100. I've tried using briefcase type computer cases and within just a few days I realized the ergonomics of that type of bag causes backaches for me - so to the backpack style I went. A pack with a 'steal me' lable on it worries me too. Face it, most people know that Targus specializes in laptop assessories. So, a known backpack company that isn't usually associated with computers makes sense. I soon discovered that the new computer doesn't fit quite as well in my old Eddie Bauer laptop backpack. After much research and reading recommendations here and elsewhere, I settled on a Tom Bihn Brain Bag backpack. It helped that he has a store right here in downtown Seattle a couple miles from my office. The Brain Bag is his largest. I like to be able to carry all my urban survival gear; Canon SD10, Samsung i700, Nomad Zen Xtra, Sure-fire E2, all their associated assessories, various office supplies, files, Clif Bars and thermos of french roast. This holds it all without letting out the compression straps! The design, materials and construction is absolutely top notch. The few days using my EB bag I was worried about a strap breaking whenever I slung it over my shoulder. No worries with this one, mate. Note that a Monolith (size 2) is also recommended/needed to be purchased for securely protecting/holding the 9100. Warning - it's probably one of the most expensive out there, but considering the fiscal and emotional investment we have in our computers - it's worth it. My life is in that pack! I highly recommend this pack. Website Last edited by Dana D; 10-29-2004 at 08:47 PM.

10-29-2004, 08:39 PM	#2
KevDA Can't we try to rep along Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Return me home for a reward Posts: 1,596 Credits: 55	That rocks. Pricy, though... I don't travel much with the laptop these days, so I can't really justify it. But if that changes, seriously looks cool. __________________ KevDA Inspiron XPS Gen 1 - P4 3.4 GHz HT Northwood \| 1 GB RAM \| 60 GB 7200 RPM HD \| MR9800 256 MB OC'd 425 - 400 \| Audigy2 ZS-Notebook \| XP Pro SP2 \| Lacie D2 200 GB, Lacie Pocketdrive 40 GB, Western Digital 250 GB 7200 rpm external 1394 drives * 2, total 740 GB external drive space (that enough..?)

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10-30-2004, 11:51 PM	#3
Sebach Registered User Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Ottawa, Canada Posts: 24 Credits: -343	I have a Tom Bihn Monolith sleeve, I think it's bloody awesome for my purposes (University student, biking 25km/15mi round trip everyday). I use the Monolith as a sleeve, fitting perfectly into my Eagle Industries A-III assault pack. I suppose I could have gotten a Bihn backpack but I love my old A-III pack so much, I couldn't give it up. This sleve is awesome for me because I carry it in vertical position like 99% of the time. I've thrown my bag off my shoulder (5'10) a few times, thinking I only had books in there but of course my 8600 was in there too and it came out perfectly. The padding is awesome for vertical carry because it's "slung" within the case and is generously padded throughout. It is made to be vertically tough, so the I wouldn't want to "crush" it from the big face sides but it can handle any bump I might likely encounter in day to day moving about. The only downside is that with a 8600, the bag is a pretty big one but I personally don't mind at all because it fits in my bag so nicely (my friend thought that it was built into my bag it, it fit so perfect). Highly recommended if you have a fave backpack already that you would use often and don't mind dropping a nice penny on a sleve to protect your lappy. http://www.tombihn.com/Merchant2/mer...ct_Code=TB0330