Tom Bihn Synapse 25 Review | Innovative Minimal One Bag Travel Backpack With Accessories

0:00 - Intro
0:35 - Material & Aesthetic
3:47 - External Components
5:47 - Inside the Pack
11:18 - Durability & Testing
11:51 - Pros & Cons
12:23 - The Verdict

The Tom Bihn Synapse 25 is a travel pack that consists of a classic design that has lasted through the ages plus a whole bunch of innovative thinking. It’s made by a reputable brand that comes highly recommended from friends and folks in the backpack space, so we’ve been excited to get our hands on this particular pack and give it a good test run.

At the time of this review, the Synapse is available in two sizes—the original 19-liter version and the 25-liter version that we’ve been testing. Overall, there are a lot of similarities between the two bags, but we're going to be more focused on the 25-liter version for this review.

Tom Bihn puts a ton of care, effort, and detail into the decisions they make when creating packs, and the Synapse 25 is no exception. They've continuously made minor improvements over the years that add up to huge gains that you can really feel when you're using the bag. Although we have a couple gripes within the main compartment and don't love the look of the pack, the overall benefits greatly outshine these gripes. We think this system could work perfectly for you with the right gear and a bit of strategic planning.

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SHOW NOTES:
In this video, Tom Wahlin of Pack Hacker reviews the Tom Bihn Synapse 25, an, innovative minimal one bag travel backpack. Plus, we’ll be taking a look at some of the accessories available too.

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TERMS

[PackHacker]

How annoying are dangling straps on a backpack to you?

[RamonLBarrosIII]

My go to everyday carry backpack for the last two years and 7 months and still strong and going. Love the backpack. My Medium cafe bag also going strong.

[olimyles]

I bought this bag, partly because I think its unique yet utilitarian design looks really cool.

[cdgerston]

I've used a couple different iterations of the Synapse 25, overall my favorite pack of all time (though I sometimes stray to other packs). It's versatility is definitely it's strength (and I don't mind the look).


The best use for me is as a daily carry AND camera pack: to do this I got a simple camera insert that just fits the front bottom pocket. It carries a mirrorless camera and 2-3 lenses easily. The rest of the pack is then free for excellent daily carry options. I've tried a lot of camera-oriented packs that try to also include some daily carry...none of them are close to what the Synapse can do. Love that pack.

[Antiflagcanuck]

Fun fact, that water bottle pocket is perfectly sized for an iPad mini, and the stretch pocket in the main compartment is great for flipflops

[christineh]

also not totally in love with the aesthetic, so purchased the solid black (so the zippers aren’t so in-yer-face) then added hot pink reflective paracord zipper pulls, which i find extremely helpful because these zippers are hefty and take some use to loosen up. Now have three of these! LOVE LOVE LOVE this pack for work (non tech), travel and fun. don’t use this for hiking, though, as i prefer a suspended frame backpack with better ventilation. Very comfortable wear, great organization, and Tom Bihn has other awesome travel bags (check out the Aero 30 for travel and The Truck/Pop Tote for shopping)!
Thanks for the great review!

[KerenWang]

My synapse is how I imagine having an ugly child is like. You love him, you think he is the smartest, but deep down you know he ain't getting all the ladies.

[victoriadiaz]

Nice review. I’m a HUGE Tom Bihn fan and have several of their bags and organizer pouches including the Synapse 19 which is the best all around backpack that I own.

[Pseudochick]

Take a look how Chase Reeves on youtube is getting his laptop in the pack. He actualy put it into the sleeve, so he can get a lot more space in the main pocket.

[MrBelongings]

I find if you put a rectangle sized packing cube sidewise. So it's short end is facing up, my s19 is pretty well utilized. It stretches tthe bag from left to right (making it less round and egg shaped) and leaves you a good amount of space up top

[amicussantana]

The osprey comet is a great alternative, 25 liters, great grab handle and function

[jenniferharris]

Would you please review the Tom Bihn Aeronaut 45?

[TheXtofer]

If you are gonna spend $200 for this bag then I recommend saving up for the frame(which I have not done yet). Without the frame this backpack is so uncomfortable as an everyday carry walking commute backpack. It has lots of great space but I can feel everything rub against my spine.

[maysdogus]

Good review Tom! I must be one of the few that thinks this is the best looking pack out there, lol. Some interesting thoughts in the video. I actually removed the frame sheet on my GE version right away. I found it extremely uncomfortable. I sorta test-packed it for a trip with the sheet in and I couldn't get everything to fit right and be comfortable. Perhaps I'm just so used to going without it with my EDC pack (the regular synapse 25 version) for the last 2+ years. I don't use the internal sleeve for anything, so I can't really comment on that. Don't believe it's ever gotten in the way though. The cache works great for me too and at airports. Also hoping you guys snag that new Guide Pack Shadow Edition, or whatever it's called. Looks pretty sweet.

[kmed]

Any chance of reviewing the Tom Bihn Aeronaut? I just picked up the 45 liter version myself and it's great. Would love to know what you guys think of it.

[christopherpunsalan]

I was just literally searching for your review of this bag :)

[dougquesnel]

I wonder what your thoughts / comparison would be with the Brain Bag

[AyuK-jmqo]

Which backpack do you recommend? I want something not heavier than 1kg, with enough space but also with organisational pockets. I have patagonia refugio 30l. I like the bottle holders and that its lightweight, but there is no organization.

[pcproff]

Ok you have sold me on the goruk after watching this.

[michaelc]

Hello. Good review! Last month I bought a Synapse 25 and either they undid many of the features you covered - grab handle and shoulder straps specifically - or I got a 5 year old bag. Have you seen one recently? Look like the one here, or older? Thanks.