Timbuk2 Never Check Expandable Backpack vs. Tom Bihn Synapse 25
Two carry-on travel backpacks, compared spec for spec.
Timbuk2 Never Check Expandable Backpack
| Capacity | 25 L |
| Weight | 1.2 kg |
| Dimensions | 48×29×15 cm |
| Airline fit | 93% |
| Price | $210 |
Feature by feature
| Timbuk2 Never Check Expandable Backpack | Feature | Tom Bihn Synapse 25 |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| 2 | Compression | N |
| 28L | 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 |
| 3 | Main Compartments | 6 |
| Y | Organizer | Y |
| Outside | ||
| × | Hard Shell | × |
| N | Rain-fly | N |
| 1, side | Water Bottle Holder | 1, front |
| Y | 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 Never Check Expandable Backpack and Tom Bihn Synapse 25
- Compression straps: 2 on the Timbuk2 Never Check Expandable Backpack; No on the Tom Bihn Synapse 25.
- Hip belt: No on the Timbuk2 Never Check Expandable Backpack; Removable on the Tom Bihn Synapse 25.
- Main compartments: 3 on the Timbuk2 Never Check Expandable Backpack; 6 on the Tom Bihn Synapse 25.
- Water bottle pockets: 1, side on the Timbuk2 Never Check Expandable Backpack; 1, front on the Tom Bihn Synapse 25.
Both have: passport pocket, backpack straps, sternum strap, laptop sleeve, built-in organizer, water resistant.
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. 41 accept only the Timbuk2 Never Check Expandable Backpack, and 0 accept only the Tom Bihn Synapse 25.
Only the Timbuk2 Never Check Expandable Backpack fits
Air Baltic, Air China, Air Malta, Air Niugini, Air Serbia, Air Seychelles, Asiana Airlines, ATA Airlines, Belavia, Blue Air, Bulgaria Air, China Eastern, Emirates Airlines, Enter Air, Etihad Airways, flybe, Icelandair, InselAir, Juneyao Airlines, Liat Airlines, Luxair, Meridiana Fly, Nordwind Airlines, Pakistan International, Qatar Airways, 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 Never Check Expandable Backpack vs. Tom Bihn Synapse 25: which should you pack?
The Timbuk2 Never Check Expandable Backpack carries the same capacity as the Tom Bihn Synapse 25 (25L vs. 25L), while the Tom Bihn Synapse 25 is the lighter pack at 0.8kg (vs. 1.2kg). For carry-on flexibility, the Timbuk2 Never Check Expandable Backpack fits 93% of the airlines we track — the higher of the two. If you prioritise packing volume, choose the Timbuk2 Never Check Expandable Backpack; if you want to travel lighter, the Tom Bihn Synapse 25 is the better call.