The TL;DR: The Tom Bihn Techonaut 30 is the bag I carry everywhere that doesn’t require a purpose-built backpack. And sometimes even then.What It IsThe Techonaut is Tom Bihn’s take on a multi-purpose travel bag that can function as a duffel, a backpack, or a shoulder bag. It comes in two sizes: 30 liter and 45. Both are supposedly carry-on compliant, though in my experience, the 45L can push that limit, even on domestic US airlines. But I rarely use it anyway. The 30L is my go-to, because it will fit just about anywhere on even the smllest of planesIt is not the world’s most comfortable backpack, but it is reasonably comfortable over short to medium distances and even for a few hours at a time. Its back panel is well-designed for breathability and comfort, and the straps are edgeless and nicely padded. The straps also stow away, when you want to present a less outdoorsy appearance. That’s a more significant asset than it might at first sound. Not having backpack straps flying around and snagging on things is one of the primary reasons I don’t like traveling with a backpack. And having the option to pull out just one strap and carry the bag over just one shoulder is very nice.Challenging terrain is not its forté though, because there are limits to how much you can stabilize it, even with the modest hip belt accessory. But remember, this is not intended to be a “carry-everything-you-need-for-ten-days-into-the-wilderness” bag. It’s a traveler’s bag, built on the assumption that you’re probably not carrying a bedroll, stove, tent, etc. 😉 It’s intended to help you carry your stuff from one location to another, at which you are presumed to have some access to civilized amenities.The padded grip is very comfortable, but remember that this is essentially an unstructured bag. If you put bricks in it, it will sag. But in my experience, even fully loaded with a week’s worth of clothes and camera equipment, it keeps its shape very well.How It’s MadeTom Bihn [though not owned by Tom any more] still makes their bags in Seattle. A lot of fabric comes from overseas, as you can imagine, but that’s life in the global lane. I’ve been buying their bags [and lots of others] since the 90s, but they are hands-down my overall fave. The bags are made from a variety of materials, the specs and weights of each of which are detailed on every item. Several of my TB bags are made in Night Walk Halcyon 400d, a fabric sadly discontinued. Everywhere. I believe the factory in Japan that made it experienced a catastrophic fire, and it is one of the fabrics that has never been restored to production. Many of the bags that TB makes are also offer color and fabric choices on the interior as well. My T30 has a Northwest Sky Halcyon 200d interior; it’s light enough so that it is easy to see what’s inside, a real asset [note to other bag makers who put dark interiors in their bags: you’re idiots]. Here are examples of the detail provided by TB about their bags:
And here are specs on each bag and its available materials:
And even some handy advice:
Naturally, the TB folks will be happy to help you out via email or telephone. But if you really want detailed advice, go to the forum. It’s amazing how passionate TB customers are about the product and the company.What Goes InA lot. Yes, it’s just a 30 liter box, not much different from a whole lot of other such boxes. In one respect, they are all alike: a space with a box around it. This one just happens to be very well thought out. Below is a pic of everything I took for a recent workshop in Chicago. Off to the right is the TB Pilot, also in Night Walk, that I use for a very compact personal item when my main bag is “backpack-able” [not much point in having two backpacks]. It has a carry strap so it’s easy to wear over a shoulder or cross body. It’s great for all the little electronics, maybe some emergency supplies, snacks, etc. All that stuff you want to get to on the plane without having to get out of your seat. It’s also good for a single clothing change, just in case you somehow get separated from your main bag, or for some reason, you are forced to check it. For me, it’s not a necessity, but it’s a definite convenience. I don’t always carry it though; a lot depends on how many plane flights I will be on during a trip. Everything you see in this pic, that’s not the Pilot itself, went into the T30.
Is It Perfect?In a word: no. But it’s so close that I can taste it. On the 2023 TB wish list posting, here’s what I asked for:I’m still looking for that perfect one-bag-travel pack from TB. I read your detail in the other post under the Addax review. The T30 comes close. So does the TriStar. I had high hopes for the Trinity Project, but . . .. Anyway, something in the 33-35L range, true backpack, though it can “look” like either a duffel (Techonaut) or a briefcase (TriStar) as far as I am concerned. I like both. The briefcase form facto attracts less gate agent attention, with the backpack second best there. I don’t need excess pockets or prescriptive organization either. I love my Syniks and Synapses, but they are pickpocket magnets. And I don’t need/want a water bottle pocket either. Make a T35, put a real storage space at the top; doesn’t have to have two pockets like the Aeronaut, but that storage should not be on the bottom when wearing the pack or setting it down. And skip the external side pockets. More internal O-rings.In the meantime, this will do.