Tom Bihn Synik 30 vs Synapse 25 Comparison

[@aramyth]

Just for anyone else searching around maybe I can just provide extra info. I bought all three bags - Synik 22, Synapse 25 and Synik 30. I am 5'8" and female. The Synik 30 was just too big on me to justify the extra 5L - it was about about ~.5cm wider on my back on either side. I don't carry a laptop and I didn't like the clamshell opening as much as I thought. I wanted to carry more the Synik 22 allowed even though the size was just a little more appropriate on my back than the Synapse 25. I ended up choosing the Synapse 25 - it was a better balance to what I wanted to carry for travel and size/appearance on my back and I don't carry a laptop and don't 1 bag travel. (2 bags usually).

[@aramyth]

Clarifying, the Synik 30 was .5cm wider than my back so it stuck out on my sides. It looked ridiculous on me full or empty. If you're female, and smaller than me, I suggest not choosing it unless you really need a big back for reasons.

[@simplymarbelous]

Thank you SO much for this analysis. I’m thinking of an S25 although I already have the S22 as I’d like to carry a bit more AND I don’t need a laptop section. Like you, I first purchased the S30 but found it both too long (despite my very long waist) and wide for my relatively narrow 5’4” frame. It’s good to hear the S25 wasn’t as wide on you…I could make “long” work but the width was really a problem that carried over to how the straps fit. PS I’m female.

[@GoodDaySir]

For those watching this review these days, the straps on the Synapses are now the 1/2" thick edgeless too.

[@matthewmurphy3395]

I have both of these bags. The Synapse is a great EDC bag. The Synik is my go-to travel bag for all flight travel, even international.

[@chenmunn]

any improvements to the synapse since this video was made 4 years ago?

[@kevinluu2003]

like the thoroughness of the review!

[@SS-dl6ng]

I don’t really like the clamshell opening as i feel it takes the edge of a backpack and makes it feel like a suitcase. I think i prefer the synapse more for it’s size and looks especially for EDC

[@nobeanchili]

The full zip is convenient but I don't think it's automatically an advantage . I have a Brain Bag from many, many, many years ago , back when snap in monoliths were a thing, one of the zippers failed in the middle of a trip. That bag doesn't have a full zip and it has compression straps so I was able to make do until I got home. In the Synik everything depends on that zipper, everything . I have no plans to replace my Synapse.

[@Yowzoe]

Would that be a warranty repair situation? Have you pursued that?

[@iamrishio]

Great Review! The only thing you missed is the weight difference between both bags.

[@MyTomBihnReviews]

Rishi Ó you’re totally right! I won’t forget next time I shoot!

[@Coolzy7]

@@MyTomBihnReviews so do you think the weight difference is worth it ? I am more hesitating between synik 22 and synapse 25. And on your video which material is it ? thanks

[@michelleailan22]

Hi, I am debating between these two. I will use it as mainly EDC and occasional travel (but not exclusive one bagging). My biggest concern with the Synapse 25 is if the bag is "droopy" or lacks form. EDC I carry a laptop which might give me structure in the Synapse however when I travel I only take a tablet and don't want a soft bag which constantly have things poking me in the back. However I don't know how bad it really is. There are bags without a frame or so but are not droopy and super shapeless soft.... what are your thoughts? I'm a boxy 5'6 female.

[@slick_slicers]

I’ve been a TB user for 12 years and have 9 main bags. The smaller Synik would be great, but my Founder’s Briefcase is still in perfect working order even after three years of everyday use. Slick aka Fat Crip

[@raquelsierra6646]

I never liked the Synapse 25 because wasn't a clamshell opening. Now with the Synik 30 my issue is that it may be a little big for me and i don't think it will work as an EDC. What do you think of the Synik 22? Could i fit the same stuff in a Synapse 25 and in a Synik 22? Great review

[@MyTomBihnReviews]

The Synik 22 is closer to the Synapse 19 in terms of stuff it can carry. What kind of laptop do you carry, if any? If it's greater than 13", you might not be able to use the internal laptop compartment on a 22. The Synik uses space a little more efficiently than the Synapse, so I would expect that the 22 would carry similar amounts of stuff. I've always felt like the S19 was a little tight for me.

[@raquelsierra6646]

Thanks for your quick answer. My laptop is 13" and I'm looking for something a can use for a short trip and EDC at same time. I'm not very tall, thats why the Synik 22 is better for my type of frame. But I'm worried that the capacity is too small. I wish they had a Synik 25,jejejeje

[@kev14609]

Raquel Sierra to me the Synik is definitely more of an over night bag or a personal item bag when traveling.

[@willburdette8065]

Still pissed I missed the pre orders for the Guides Edition of the Synik.

[@swanhtet1]

What is the material of the synapse and synik in this video? They look different. If they are, which material do you prefer and why?

[@MyTomBihnReviews]

They're the same material - 525 Ballistic. It might be the lighting that makes them look different. :)

[@swanhtet1]

My Tom Bihn Reviews Thank you.

[@cameronfeezee4989]

I have backpack overload haha. It seems this brand is the Rolls Royce. Every review I see though never mentions "school". I am wanting for my son who is starting college. He will carry books and laptop primarily. These seem more for clothing or office, true?

[@Yowzoe]

They’re really for people who are into the particulars of bags. Some people are into violins, or phones, or bowties, etc. It’s a niche thing, so people will pay top dollar. I wouldn’t recommend getting something like this for your son without him first trying several himself, you know what I mean?

[@cameronfeezee4989]

@@Yowzoe thank you!!!

[@brumels1570]

​@@cameronfeezee4989it's for people more into bag specs and aesthetics than just bag functionality that frankly a Jansports backpack can provide.

[@TJAskren]

If you don't have either bag, would you wait for the Synik or would you get the Synapse? (I just don't want to wait that long for a bag)

[@MyTomBihnReviews]

TJ Askren great question! Really depends on what you’re looking for. I’d get the Synapse still if I didn’t need every last available liter. Plus they’re pretty cheap since more are coming on the secondhand market!

[@rohanisaacs]

Is it water resistant....? Snow... rain....

[@MyTomBihnReviews]

Yes, the zippers and material are definitely water and snow resistant. I wouldn't submerge them though! 😂

[@navusx]

Thanks for the comparison, I have a lot of Tom Bihn's bag incl the Brain Bag since high school and they're still going strong even after round the world trip. Def won't be selling my Synapse but I can't really see Tom will produce the Synapse for the long term, they're just too much alike and I don't see any advantage in having a Synapse over the Synik. And for those who love Tom Bihn's product, price prob won't be a major determining factor.

[@david78212]

You measure a 25L bag and seem surprised when a 30L bag is bigger... I'm confused. A lot of people that use it for travel a lot will love that it clam-shells... when you're in a hurry and don't have much space to work with you won't like it... I do have a bag now that clam-shells and I don't use it as an EDC simply because it does clam-shell...and I have done the "don't zip it all the way open" thingy, and most times it doesn't work.

[@jadesluv]

David Cote: This should be an editable parameter of your brain function, whether or not how far to pull down a zipper tab, but if not, you could put a dab of hot melt glue in the teeth at your desired opening stop.

[@georgeseriani2482]

Deems like a great bag but I won't buy one that does not come with the load bearing waist belt unless its 20liters or less I would put the suspension system on my vanquest. Ibex 35 aganist any back pack on earth!!

[@darkroomzen]

there is no L in the word BOTH

[@MyTomBihnReviews]

“Bolth” wow my Midwest accent has betrayed me! 😂

[@Frip36]

Always funny to me how everyone likes to throw in the word "aesthetics", when "looks" suffices. Great review though. Truly great. (I'm a dick).

[@Yowzoe]

If you’re afraid of sounding sophisticated, I guess you’d want to avoid using “aesthetics”. They mean slightly different things

[@MybeautifulandamazingPrincess]

i respect the fact that you're not going to sell a gift that you received. even if it's a pair of socks i would never sell something somebody gave me as a gift

[@MybeautifulandamazingPrincess]

what does tom bihn have against watter bottle pockets, non of their backpacks have them. the location of the water bottle compartment in this backback is f stupid, only fits one and takes space in the backpack. why didn't they just use normal water bottle pockets like everybody else

[@Joujou246]

Weight distribution. Way better in my opinion. Tom Bihn is one the most successful bag companies in the world. I'm sure they've put some thoughts into this 😂

[@Re-ii4gb]

My beautiful and amazing Princess I believe they can actually hold two. Check the forums, I saw a post about it