Tom Bihn Aeronaut 45 Review | Maximum Sized Carry-On Travel Backpack

0:00 - Intro
0:47 - Material & Aesthetic
2:02 - External Components
6:11 - Inside the Pack
9:59 - Durability & Testing
10:48 - Pros & Cons
11:19 - The Verdict

Is it a duffle, a messenger bag, or a backpack? The Tom Bihn Aeronaut 45 can't decide—so it toes the line between all three.

Made by the reputable Seattle-based brand also known for its Synapse 25 and Synik 30, the Aeronaut 45 is Tom Bihn's version of a maximum legal carry-on sized bag. It's a big, durable, workhorse that boasts versatility from trail to train station and beyond.

We've been testing the Tom Bihn Aeronaut 45 for the last three weeks around Detroit, Michigan and on a weekend getaway to Northern Michigan.

Overall, we like that the Tom Bihn Aeronaut 45 offers a no-nonsense workhorse design with some versatile and customizable organization options. Although the separate modes of carry are not ideal, this bag handles them well enough to get the job done for those who value multiple carry options. It’s a solid, durable bag that's great for maximized carrying and travel, especially if you're a fan of Tom Bihn.

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In this video, Tom Wahlin of Pack Hacker reviews the Tom Bihn Aeronaut 45 Review, a maximum sized carry-on travel backpack.

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TERMS

[PackHacker]

What’s your preferred travel bag carry style?

[tonypc]

I bought my aeronaut 45 two years ago when my partner and I had a baby. I can travel will all my things, plus diapers, blanket, books and stuffed animals, it's massive! I got the lighter fabric (reduces weight by half a pound), it did come with a frame sheet, my zippers broke in nicely and I don't notice them sticking anymore.

[someguynj]

I thought the internet was spying on me again when I saw this, because I just broke out my A45 for a 3-night business trip this week. I added the optional frame sheet and hip belt last year to give it the max flexibility, but I don't use the hip belt unless I have a pretty long walk ahead. (think JFK terminal 4) There's a lot to love including the perfectly-sized compartments for things like packing cubes, toiletry kits, and shoes. My favorite part is the fact that the backpack mode is excellent for hands-free balanced carrying through giant airports and streets, but I can stow the straps and go to hand-carry or duffel mode while boarding a crowded plane which definitely keeps me off an overzealous gate agent's radar for unwanted gate checks. Having no good spot for a laptop, I typically find myself using this as part of a 2-bag combo with the other being a small laptop backpack or messenger bag. The frame sheet makes a huge difference in the backpack mode usability, but if I had one wish I'd love to upgrade the straps to the new Synik edgeless ones that are starting to make their way to other Tom Bihn bags.

[ianleex]

Loving everything you guys are doing here. Really informative and makes my life soooo much easier. Thank you for existing lol appreciate all your hard work

[bruceelliott]

Tom Bihn dose offer both a frame sheet and a hip belt as an extra cost option. I don't how well they work.

[krishsat]

Frame sheet and padded hip belt are available. They make a world of difference carrying in backpack mode; no more sagging from my experience.

[Antiflagcanuck]

The A30 is the one to buy, plus a frame sheet

[OwenWagoner]

I would love to see your channel do a review of the Tom Bihn Western Flyer. Hard to find good reviews for it, but it looks like a really good overnight bag. Love your reviews, good work as always!

[rydmerlin]

I own this bag and the frustrating thing with it is when you have a laptop with you it’s not very practical as a carry on bag.

[kangsterizer]

Put the laptop in the back pocket where the straps go. No more buckling, more protection and more space.

[lindabenson]

I have several Tom Bihn bags that I love. You say that if you're going into a bag eco-system, Tom Bihn is "not a bad choice." Is there a better choice to recommend?

[mominhaq]

Both framesheet and side hips belts can be purchased separately.for the 45 as an add on.

[jeffhemming]

Thanks for the review. Looking at this and the Tom Bihn Tristar. Would be interesting to see a review of that or even a comparison (possibly with the Aeronaut 30).

[Scotta]

I’m looking for a large travel bag that can carry my Cpap in its own compartment. Is the end compartments large enough for a Resmed Airsense 10?

[carmiej]

You can use Vaseline on the zippers to get them to work right.

[riesemma]

Does the 1050 d ballistic nylon cause any pilling on your woolen tshirts or clothes?

[rexregum]

Have you guys considered the osprey farpoint 55

[jonathanbellows]

Would this be suitable for a gym to work bag really like to find a bag for the gym that can hold five days with the clothes and some shoes size 13 sounds simple enough but actually it’s very difficult

[pmw]

which one has more space? tombihn aeronaut 45 or peak design travel bag?

[Miguel-gvyw]

What is the back pack on the top left hand side of the wall?