Tom Bihn Synik 30 Backpack: It's Time To Grow Up!!

[@auntkaz422]

The very deep front pocket is specifically designed for a water bottle. I really love this because it is designed to keep the weight in the center of the pack, not unbalanced off to one side. I saved up for this pack and really love it. I'm a total fan of the organizational aspect and the ability to further customize your organization by Tom Bihn add ons. I really like that there is so much that can be accessed from outside of the pack without ever having to open the main compartment and dig through the items you have stored there (especially when traveling). I'm also a big fan of clamshell openings for the main compartment: it makes for ease in packing, accessing everything you have and seeing what you have. This backpack was totally worth the wait!

[@MrDiPY]

I've Bihn wondering when you might review one of these 😁

[@sivur]

Nice!

[@Seanonyoutube]

TOMorrow

[@douglasschlesser320]

My man. So nice to see another big guy reviewing a bag. Also - you do the best job at showing the inside and all it's functions. Many thanks.

[@Misterion25]

That big deep front center pocket is for your water bottle. Thanks for the review of this bag, it is one of my favorite bags that I own.

[@cameronfeezee4989]

the water bottle holder like that is a concern for me vs being on the sides; I've heard the reasoning behind but wanted to talk to an actual user. Do you like that? My son who this is for (going to college) will be carrying glass bottles that could sweat so... ????

[@Misterion25]

@@cameronfeezee4989 Not sure I would trust a glass water bottle in any bag. My wife went through two in college, both times they broke because she banged her bag/purse against something. It had a rubber grid sleeve around it, still broke two. Maybe look for a BPA free metal or plastic one, IMO. Either way the Synik water bottle pocket is pretty awesome. I put a 750 ML Camelback Chute in it and a 20 oz hydroflask sometimes. No issues with either.

[@cameronfeezee4989]

@@Misterion25 THANK YOU for your kind reply! When I say "glass" I mean bosciliate (sp?) to I am hopeful that will not be as prone to breakage. I'm torn between the synik and the greenroom rainmaker. the rainmaker can't be returned if he doesn't like so... . To me, a backpack is like shoes/clothing, you just have to lay hands on it and put it on to know. This may not be a question you are able to answer but would you think the synik would be good for loaded down books/binders? All the reviews mention business and travel. Heavy books are far heavier than clothes or tools for work etc. Thank you again

[@Misterion25]

@@cameronfeezee4989 My wife broke two Borosilicate glass bottles. The Synik can handle heavy loads and would work well as a college bag. It is very comfortable to carry due to frame sheet and edgeless straps. I have the larger waist belt and use it on long hikes, it helps a bit. The handle on top is comfortable to lug it around when it is packed out. The pockets are very good for organizing stuff that a college student would need. If you need more org, I have the Freudian Slip and several other pouches to help with that stuff. I have also had good experience returning items with them, only paid for shipping.

[@cameronfeezee4989]

@@Misterion25 I can't thank you enough! I reached out to the perfect person! This is exactly what I needed!!!!

[@lorielundgren7169]

Maybe I'm un-cool because I really like the looks of the TB Synik 30 bag. For a 1 bag carry, it is just about perfect. Great organization, plenty of outside and easy to access front pockets which do not reduce the space of the main compartment (huge deal to me), comfortable carry and high-quality materials. I also appreciate that the bag's not flashy...it will not attract attention from would-be pick-pockets or flash in the pan trend followers. I love to blend in when I'm travelling. Great review! Thank you...

[@pamelacastro32]

I have the Tom bihn synapse 19 and have been using it for over 10 years. I use it for work. I’ve been thinking of getting a Synik 22 for weekend trips.

[@goingtobed]

I do one bag traveling and for a long time, I tried other companies just because the look of Bihn bags was .. well, ugly. I picked up the 19 liter synapse (older version of the synik, for anyone reading) with some extra pouches for $125. Half the new price. I jumped on it and although I've sold that bag, I have about 20 other Tom Bihn bags. EXCELLENT company with great designs. Function, ethics, and longevity are unparalleled. Glad to see you review this bag. Stay safe during covid and God bless!

[@mindbendernine]

"Undeniable" is a great way to describe this bag. Great review

[@jcpalermo2576]

No frills, no fluff, just function. $300 is no joke, but it’s hard to argue with so many rave reviews. I wish they had sales, but that’s not really how TB rolls. I’ll keep this one the “some day” list. Thanks brother, great work as usual!

[@martina.taccetta9299]

The front middle upper pocket is for a water bottle 👍

[@John-fk3rv]

I think that it looks perfect.

[@kidbach]

A very humble man once said, "some backpacks look like the leftover bags on a store shelf the night before the new school year starts." I really like the hi-vis material inside. The 2 negatives for me is, 1) the price and 2) sometimes so many outside pockets either intrude on the other pockets or inside the main compartment. Thanks for sharing. One.

[@lorielundgren7169]

This bag is specifically designed so the outside pockets DO NOT interfere with the main inside compartment. That is why I dished out the big bucks for this bag. My 1-bag travel supreme!!!

[@richardbalcerzak5455]

Excellent review! You answered all my questions and was very thorough. Thanks!

[@mochipengin]

great review! Tom Bihn bags can def be a “if you know, you know” kind of thing. that said, i use a Synapse 25 as a go-to weekender/carry-on for the last three years of travels. too big/ugly for my EDC lol but i can def vouch for the Synik’s functional external organization since it doesn’t displace volume in the larger part of the bag. if the Synik didn’t have a laptop pocket, i’d be sold on a new one-bag travel bag. appreciate your humble take on form vs function. thanks for sharing!

[@lorielundgren7169]

I travel without a laptop. I use the laptop compartment for flatter items that I might want easy access to, without actually entering the main compartment. Win-win!

[@JGard10207]

I wish this bag was taller. 40l at least. I like the taller bags.

[@nickiluzada4341]

I also have the black/blue halcyon one and it carries SO WELL. The looks are...something, but I find myself reaching for it over my gr2 and wandrd prvke a lot, mostly bc of how good the straps are! great vids man.

[@avidwhittler]

Thanks for the excellent review. Your positive and honest assessment is refreshing and informational!

[@kealiilomalanzilotti635]

I meant to add. ... I have this and it’s great. Worth the price becaue it will last for a long time.

[@Kingling11]

Great video of a great bag. Ordering as same exact bag as soon as it's available ( pre-order in February!). Also, you should be able to put your water bottle in the deepest front pocket! Thanks George!

[@jeffro512]

gotta love the "Paid in Full" album cover in the background (Eric B & Rakim) - great review, thanks!

[@DavidRodriguez-ou9fy]

Excellent review! I have this bag in gray.

[@billrom795]

Great review George, I'm sold

[@jennifercorrea8890]

Nice review! Im new to TB. I just bought a TB Synik 30 in Black Ballistic and absolutely love it for work, travel, and EDC. I came from Evergoods and I’m so glad I made the switch. BTW, what model is your watch in this video? Thank you!

[@VWBrah]

that inner lining is really appealing to the engineer in me. It's like graphing paper

[@scott9739]

Dude, pass it along if you don’t like it. I will give it the love it deserves!

[@jonNH123]

I love your vids. Thanks for posting!

[@Bullsnation6]

I was interested until I saw the price. I’ll have to stick to Jansport, but great review!

[@Regord117]

One of my favorite things about Tom Bin is they even sell their buckles and other attachments separately from their packs. This way I can mix, match, and transfer to other bags

[@jillianwalton4449]

Thanks for the review! I used to use a Synapse and I think ill be trying out the Synik this time. Expensive but will last forever.

[@_rxa]

Awesome review as always. Thank you!

[@josiahdurrell4323]

Great review! I looking at getting one of these soon

[@marrngtn]

Good job on the review Sir!!! I’ve had the Tom Bihn Night Flight Duffle on my radar. Yeah I know it’s discontinued but I still want one.

[@FranciscoAfricano]

Another great review, George. I see others already commented on the water bottle pocket, but one other thing I wanted to touch on are the "wings" on the back of the pack. They're flexible and adjust to how much the bag is packed. If it's not packed out, they can lay flat. Once you start filling that bag up, they curve around and contour to the contents of the bag. I have the Synapse 25 and absolutely love it - it took me a bit to appreciate all of the thought that went into this bag (and the Synapse). Thanks!

[@georgeseriani2482]

I wonder if Amazon carrys it

[@jeffro512]

and yeah these bags definitely have a "Dad Vibe" that I had to get over but now I LOVE their stuff (plus I'm a Dad, lol)

[@jesseallen4184]

for the last couple of years I've been looking for the perfect EDC bag. I had a Maxpedition Riftpoint which had fantastic organisation, wasn't squishy but unfortunately it wasn't very comfy. Couple of weeks ago I purchased a Mystery Ranch Urban Assault 21 and an Osprey Quasar. Love the comfort and the tri-zip of the US21 but the lack of organisation means it'll never be my EDC bag. The Quasar is super comfy, the most comfortable pack I've had. But the organisation and squishy (doesn't keep its shape) nature of it rules it out as my EDC pack. But the Synik 22 looks to hopefully meet my EDC needs.

[@mburkhart41]

This old man likes that backpack. Thanks for the great review! Would be a slam dunk at $200 price point but has me thinking.

[@Brutus0o]

The "grown up" look is definitely one of the reasons I haven't picked one of these up haha

[@Seanonyoutube]

Let’s be honest: it’s straight up ugly

[@jackbray3554]

Outstanding review. The exact breakdown that the regular (grown up) user is looking for. I don't subscribe to many channels but I'll definitely follow yours for more reviews. Great content, keep it coming. +1 for Paid in Full on your wall there.

[@jesseallen4184]

I wish Spyderco did more stonewash finishes on their knives. They do a great stonewash.

[@GeorgeDEFINED]

I agree

[@afunnything5246]

2023 Synik 30 is now $320.00 Great review,thank you!

[@sacosec]

$340 in 2024 but worth every penny!

[@gabrielpennington4813]

I have that exact knife!

[@mightyoss]

You’re definitely too cool for that bag dude..

[@liam9455]

Did you end up keeping? I’m looking for the Guide’s edition in black

[@KarlHeindel]

That big front pocket is for your water bottle

[@GeorgeDEFINED]

Thanks!

[@ashleybryant5000]

Hey George, great review as always. Synik 30 or alpha one niner evade 1.5 if you could only pick one?

[@GeorgeDEFINED]

Awwh man.. the Evade 1.5

[@pauldisselhorst971]

This is super tough. The Synik pocket access is superb and the large bottom pocket is invaluable. So nice to stuff things you want out of the way but need (like your laptop charger, cables pouch etc) and not clutter main compartment. But at same time the main compartment of the evade is sooo much better. Seems pretty even but if im planning on using this bag for more travel too, I’d go Synik. More EDC prob evade, but both stellar bags

[@kealiilomalanzilotti635]

Great review

[@stevetang3105]

I skipped so many videos about this bag due to its look, but finally decided to take a peek at what the fuss was all about it's cult following.

[@GeorgeDEFINED]

What do you think?

[@stevetang3105]

It's all about functionality, that's it. Not a cool looking bag, it looks cheap, like one viewer commented, a junior school bag, surprised it cost usd300. I'm from Malaysia.

[@auntkaz422]

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Maybe if you saw it in person you might feel differently (maybe not). I have seen many "designer" or popular name brand bags that people spend an obscene amount of money on and rave about and I think are ugly and you could not pay me to carry. To each his own.

[@stevetang3105]

@@auntkaz422 " 'Designer' or popular name brand bags that people spend spend an obscene amount of money on and rave about and I think are ugly and you could not pay me to carry " With all due respect, that's what I meant.

[@cameronfeezee4989]

I THINK you are the reviewer I saw talking about the Greenroom Rainmaker. If not, stop reading :) If so, which do you feel is better for a college student loaded with books/binders, laptop etc and needs to be comfortable mainly- RAINMAKER OR SYNIK 30?

[@GeorgeDEFINED]

If you like the style of Tom Bihn?? That's the way I would go.

[@TracyJordan2122]

I just discovered you because I love backpacks. Love your videos! Just curious, what do you do with all those knives every day?

[@GeorgeDEFINED]

Cut!! Lol It's just a tool to me. I have a small collection.

[@JonFlores275]

It's functionality looks great, but its aesthetics reminds me of the bags you see at Office Supply stores. I love my Tom Bihn mask, but I think I'll stick with Vanquest for my backpacks

[@didierdog1110]

Great video! I did laugh a little bit when you were talking about the water bottle pocket with your water bottle on the desk the whole time though lol Just a heads up that it's the deep pocket on the front. Tom Bihn says they put it in the middle to help balance the weight :)

[@GeorgeDEFINED]

Thanks!

[@ErykBahla]

Hey George! Great content! If you had to pick between the Osprey Nebulus or Synik 30 for everything (hiking, laptop/work, everyday), which one would you pick? Thanks man!

[@cynthiaenglish2736]

Another killer review with an objective perspective and all sides covered. George does it right!

[@jamiemeyer2718]

Good review. Subscribed. 👍👍👍

[@GeorgeDEFINED]

Thanks for the sub!

[@johntang2554]

Have to give you the credit for making this video so interesting though I won’t be buying it any time soon

[@themightyapefish]

Size compared to GR2 34 L ?

[@GeorgeDEFINED]

I don't have one to compare..

[@themightyapefish]

@@GeorgeDEFINED Okay.. another question.. the zippers.. aquaguard, many people say that they have too much resistance when they open and close them.. what are you thoughts on that?

[@kcr.go1fxr507]

who won the sling bag giveaway

[@GeorgeDEFINED]

Jedifire11.. I always post the winners on the community page. See ya

[@auntkaz422]

People are harsh, man. Different things work for different people.

[@thedachmo]

The bigger one has weird proportions. The smaller one looks much better. I actually thought the same re the looks but it's the one bag my wife likes the look of 🤣

[@BobSylvester-py2qw]

Is it too big for a personal, under seat bag?

[@Seanonyoutube]

No way you can pull this off. Nope, you’ve got way too much swag.

[@dotslashdotslahsdotslash]

Functionality aside, I must say that bag is ugly on the outside, gorgeous in the inside.

[@Frumious_Jabberwocky]

You don't get it right! It is not an ugliness, it is a steal repellency.

[@willburdette8065]

it is worth noting that the Synik also comes in a 22liter which is much better for EDC.

[@GeorgeDEFINED]

I hope to get that one as well..

[@kstew9060]

Never grow up. This looks like a nice bag and something I would probably carry except for the price. I’ve always carried things that don’t stand out to much. Probably why I carry a Timbuk2 classic messenger in muted colors for work.

[@FatMenace]

The brand is pronounced “rookie”. Great review. The S25 is my favorite bag of all time.

[@jcoon182]

Looks like a diaper bag

[@jasontsai7354]

This looks like a school kids bag, people will think you are going to school with this bag on you

[@GeorgeDEFINED]

They were talking about holding me back in 7th grade..🤔

[@928ruf]

Please George, give the dimension in metrics and weight in kilograms as well....you have viewers outside USA.

[@whemmas]

$300 dollars???? hard pass on that. good lord...

[@highswithlowe]

Their masks are the best, but that bag, naw man. That ain't that drip.

[@GeorgeDEFINED]

The Drip...😬

[@scootermcgoot]

Its too damn ugly, cant walk around with this thing on

[@survivalvidsb-roll6321]

Dont mean to be a cynic (BIG PUN) but not feeling it. Bag looks terrible on the inside. If being corny, mediocre and over-priced means growing up then im good. It's the arrogant beta-male of bags pretending to be humble. Not trying to walk around looking like a hungry 6th grader. LOL

[@GeorgeDEFINED]

Well tell me how you really feel man.. 😂

[@survivalvidsb-roll6321]

@@GeorgeDEFINED LOL

[@dirtdiver8504]

Breaks my heart he has to review such an ugly bag

[@GeorgeDEFINED]

Damn..

[@alexsika7160]

Awesome review