Gear Tested: Tom Bihn Synapse 25
Original Review Date: May 11, 2013
Status: Out of Rotation (see below)
Update: For a period of time, the Synapse 25 was my work EDC bag and personal go-to option on family holidays. However, after my new job stuck me with a heavier laptop and a tablet, the Synapse became a less favored carry option because, without a framesheet, it doesn’t handle heavier loadouts as well as some of my other packs.
As I moved onto other options, my teenage son claimed the Synapse as his own. In less than a year, he literally shredded his previous school bag (a Jansport) and needed a replacement for the second half of the school year. I thought it would be a great torture test of Tom Bihn’s legendary build quality since nobody on earth, outside of the Military, abuses gear worse than high school aged boys. So far, so good. After several months of being thrown around, dragged through god knows what, and stressed in every way imaginable, the bag still looks almost new.
Tom Bihn Synpase 25
Pictured below is the only flaw/damage I could find – a tiny pulled thread and some initial fraying of the YKK Aquaguard zippers, which Tom Bihn says is normal wear. Pretty impressive.
Overall, my son really likes the Synapse 25. He loves the layout and thinks it’s more comfortable than his Jansport. He also says that the zippers don’t stick, which is huge because he’s in and out of his bag all day long.
Pro’s: Tough as nails build quality, EDC friendly layout, Dyneema Interior, Quality YKK zippers
Con’s: Ability to handle heavy loadouts (unless you have the body of a 14 year-old then it might not matter)
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