Tom Bihn Synapse 25 vs. Osprey Flapjack
Two carry-on travel backpacks, compared spec for spec.
Tom Bihn Synapse 25
| Capacity | 25 L |
| Weight | 0.8 kg |
| Dimensions | 51×34×23 cm |
| Airline fit | 71% |
| Price | $250 |
Feature by feature
| Tom Bihn Synapse 25 | Feature | Osprey Flapjack |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| N | Compression | |
| None | Expanded Capacity | None |
| 0 | Opening | 0 |
| front | Passport | side |
| N | Passthrough | N |
| Carry | ||
| Y | Backpack | Y |
| removable | Hip Belt | removable |
| removable | Sternum Strap | |
| Inside | ||
| 15in | Laptop | 15in |
| 6 | Main Compartments | 3 |
| Y | Organizer | Y |
| Outside | ||
| × | Hard Shell | × |
| N | Rain-fly | N |
| 1, front | Water Bottle Holder | |
| Y | Water Resistant | Y |
| Material | |
| 200 denier Halcyon/nylon ripstop fabric lining 400 denier nylon lower back | 600D Polyspun |
Key differences between the Tom Bihn Synapse 25 and Osprey Flapjack
- Passport pocket: Front on the Tom Bihn Synapse 25; Side on the Osprey Flapjack.
- Main compartments: 6 on the Tom Bihn Synapse 25; 3 on the Osprey Flapjack.
Both have: backpack straps, hip belt, 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. 0 accept only the Tom Bihn Synapse 25, and 2 accept only the Osprey Flapjack.
Only the Osprey Flapjack fits
Etihad Airways, Qatar Airways.
Tom Bihn Synapse 25 vs. Osprey Flapjack: which should you pack?
The Tom Bihn Synapse 25 carries 4L more than the Osprey Flapjack (25L vs. 21L), while the Tom Bihn Synapse 25 is the lighter pack at 0.8kg (vs. 0.9kg). For carry-on flexibility, the Osprey Flapjack fits 72% of the airlines we track — the higher of the two. If you prioritise packing volume, choose the Tom Bihn Synapse 25; if you want to travel lighter, the Tom Bihn Synapse 25 is the better call.