Timbuk2 Parkside vs. Tom Bihn Synapse 25
Two carry-on travel backpacks, compared spec for spec.
Feature by feature
| Timbuk2 Parkside | Feature | Tom Bihn Synapse 25 |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| N | Compression | N |
| None | Expanded Capacity | None |
| 0 | Opening | 0 |
| front | Passport | front |
| N | Passthrough | N |
| Carry | ||
| Y | Backpack | Y |
| N | Hip Belt | removable |
| removable | Sternum Strap | removable |
| Inside | ||
| 15in | Laptop | 15in |
| 4 | Main Compartments | 6 |
| Y | Organizer | Y |
| Outside | ||
| × | Hard Shell | × |
| N | Rain-fly | N |
| 2 | Water Bottle Holder | 1, front |
| N | Water Resistant | Y |
| Material | |
| 200 denier Halcyon/nylon ripstop fabric lining 400 denier nylon lower back | |
Tom Bihn Synapse 25
| Capacity | 25 L |
| Weight | 0.8 kg |
| Dimensions | 51×34×23 cm |
| Airline fit | 71% |
| Price | $250 |
Key differences between the Timbuk2 Parkside and Tom Bihn Synapse 25
- Hip belt: No on the Timbuk2 Parkside; Removable on the Tom Bihn Synapse 25.
- Main compartments: 4 on the Timbuk2 Parkside; 6 on the Tom Bihn Synapse 25.
- Water bottle pockets: 2 on the Timbuk2 Parkside; 1, front on the Tom Bihn Synapse 25.
- Water resistant: No on the Timbuk2 Parkside; Yes on the Tom Bihn Synapse 25.
Both have: passport pocket, backpack straps, sternum strap, laptop sleeve, built-in organizer.
Which airlines take each bag as a carry-on
We checked both bags against the carry-on size limits of 189 airlines. 134 accept both. 44 accept only the Timbuk2 Parkside, and 0 accept only the Tom Bihn Synapse 25.
Only the Timbuk2 Parkside fits
Air Baltic, Air China, Air Malta, Air Niugini, Air Serbia, Air Seychelles, American Eagle, Asiana Airlines, ATA Airlines, Belavia, Blue Air, Bulgaria Air, China Eastern, easyJet, Emirates Airlines, Enter Air, Etihad Airways, flybe, Icelandair, InselAir, Juneyao Airlines, Liat Airlines, Luxair, Meridiana Fly, Nordwind Airlines, Pakistan International, Qatar Airways, Ravn Alaska, Regional Express, Royal Brunei Airlines, Ryanair, S7, Shandong Airlines, Shenzhen Airlines, Sun Express, TAP Air Portugal, TAROM, Tianjin Airlines (A320 & E190), TUI, Ukraine International, VIM Airlines (Closed), Virgin Australia, Volotea, Xiamen.
Timbuk2 Parkside vs. Tom Bihn Synapse 25: which should you pack?
The Timbuk2 Parkside carries the same capacity as the Tom Bihn Synapse 25 (25L vs. 25L), while the Timbuk2 Parkside is the lighter pack at 0.7kg (vs. 0.8kg). For carry-on flexibility, the Timbuk2 Parkside fits 94% of the airlines we track — the higher of the two. If you prioritise packing volume, choose the Timbuk2 Parkside; if you want to travel lighter, the Timbuk2 Parkside is the better call.