Tom Bihn Synapse 25

by Tom Bihn
Capacity 25 L
Weight 0.8 kg 1.8 lbs
Dimensions 51×34×23 cm 20×13.4×9.1 in
Airline fit 71 % of airlines
Front facing view of the Tom Bihn Synapse 25
Deeper stats
Capacity-to-weight 31.3 L/kg 13.9 L/lb High
Cubic space 39.9 L 2439 in³
Rated vs. shell 14 L14 L High
Airline Compatibility

✈️ 71% (134/189)

This bag is within the published carry-on limit of 71% of the 189 airlines that publish one.

Link to Manufacturer

Our thoughts

The Synapse is on the small side with only a 25L capacity but should do well on shorter and warmer trips. The warmer the weather, the smaller the clothes can be. People generally don't pack big clothes during the summer months.

One feature that some people overlook is that the Synapse 25 has a lot of O-rings all over the place which makes customizing for more adventurous travel easy. With extra O-rings, you can easily clip on water bottles or other things you want to keep handy but don't want to be loose inside your pockets. I always throw copies of travel documents inside a plastic bag and attach that to an O-ring.

Internal Frame

The Tom Bihn Synapse 25 has a removable internal frame which will keep the bag much more sturdy. I like the inner frame because it gives you the option of a nice and soft quicky bag for quick trips or a rigid frame for when you need to maximize space.

My biggest question about the internal frame is if it feels comfortable on your back. Remember when you were a kid with heavy backpacks with a billion books? I remember the backpack I had was always loose and floppy, but it was always comfortable. Some of the more rigid packs are uncomfortable.

I've only worn the Tom Bihn for short periods of time, so I'm not quite sure what the verdict is.

Reasons to buy

  • The overall organization is top notch and truly functional.
  • The interior fabric is of great quality.
  • Highly durable materials are used in creating this bag plus it comes with a great warranty.

Things to consider

  • The divider pocket can get in the way considering the main compartment is already small.
  • Can be quite hard to slide things out when the bag is fully packed.
  • Quite expensive but it's an excellent backpack.

Reviews from around the web

Tom Bihn Synapse 25 Review
packhacker.com
For a bag with a bunch of internal organization, it’s hard to beat.
Tom Bihn Synapse Review
www.gearhacker.com
There is no doubt that the build, material, and organization quality is world class. The exterior organization is great, and with some added Tom Bihn accessories, this pack can really be used for any activity—indoor or outdoor.

Features

Storage
Compression No
Expanded Capacity None
Opening Other
Passport Front
Passthrough No
Carry
Backpack Yes
Hip Belt Removable
Sternum Strap Removable
Inside
Laptop 15in
Main Compartments 6
Organizer Yes
Outside
Hard Shell No
Rain-fly No
Water Bottle Holder 1 (front)
Water Resistant Yes
Material:
200 denier Halcyon/nylon ripstop fabric lining 400 denier nylon lower back

Fits the carry-on limits of 134 airlines

Adria Airways Aegean Airlines Aer Lingus Aeroflot Aerolineas Argentinas Aeromexico Air Asia Air Astana Air Canada Air Caraibes Air Europa Air France Air India Air Koryo Air Macau Air Mauritius Air New Zealand Air Nostrum Air Tahiti Nui Air Wisconsin AirAsiaX Alaska Airlines All Nipon Airways Allegiant Air American Airlines ANA Atlas Global Austrian Avianca Azerbaijan Airlines Azul Airlines Azul Linhas Bahamasair Bangkok Airways Biman Bangladesh Boliviana de Aviacion British Airways Brussels Airlines Cambodia Angkor Air Caribbean Airlines Cathay Pacific Cayman Airways Cebu Pacific China Airlines China Southern CommutAir Conviasa Copa Airlines Croatia Air Cubana de Aviacion Czech Airlines Delta Airlines Dragonair EL AL Ethiopian Airlines Eurowings EVA Air Fiji Airways Finnair Flair Air Frontier Airlines Garuda Indonesia Gol Linhas Aereas Hainan Airlines Hawaiian Airlines Hong Kong Airlines Iberia Indigo Interjet Iran Air Iran Aseman Air Island Air Japan Airlines Jet Airways Jet2 jetBlue Airways Jetstar Airways Jetstar Asia Kenya Airways KLM Korean Air Kulula Kuwait Air LATAM LOT Polish Lufthansa Mahan Air Malaysia Airlines Mango Mesa Airlines Middle East Airlines Monarch Airlines Norwegian Oman Air Onur Air Peach PenAir Philippine Airlines Porter Airlines Qantas Airways Republic Airways Royal Air Morocco Royal Jordanian SAS Scandinavian Saudi Arabian Airlines Scoot Sichuan Airlines SilkAir Silver Airways Singapore Airlines Sky Airlines Skywest, Inc. South African Airways Southwest Airlines SpiceJet Spirit Airlines SriLankan Airlines Sun Country Swiss Int'l Air Lines TAAG Angola TAM Airlines Thai Airways Tiger Airways Trans States Travel Service Airlines Turkish Airlines United Airlines Ural Airlines Uzbekistan Air Vietnam Airlines Virgin America Virgin Atlantic WestJet WOW Airlines

Packed in a Tom Bihn Synapse 25

Packing list: Packing List for a 5 Day Trade Show
Packing List for a 5 Day Trade Show
📆 5 days
📜 40 items
Carry-On Travel Backpack:
Tom Bihn Synapse 25
Packing list: Packing List for 4 Months through Mexico and Central America
Packing List for 4 Months through Mexico and Central America
📆 120 days
🌎 Mexico, Central America
📜 35 items
Carry-On Travel Backpack:
Tom Bihn Synapse 25

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