Tom Bihn Techonaut 30 + Techonaut 45 Review | OneBag Travel Masterpieces

[@ofthetraveler]

Thanks for this, Andy. Your review really put this bag at the top of my list as a potential one-bag travel bag.

[@AndyModellBackpacks]

Glad to hear it helped! I’ve definitely liked using this one.

[@AThirstyPhilosopher]

I appreciate the detailed review. Thanks!

[@AndyModellBackpacks]

You’re welcome!

[@alredalred]

Between the two sizes, which would you recommend? I am currently using the Cotopaxi Allpa 35L and it is nice but leaves much to be desired. Carrying it, there is no good load bearing and feels less like a backpack and more like carrying a duffel on your back. Looking at these two bags but hard to decide on which size!

[@AndyModellBackpacks]

I tend to favor the smaller size here. The 45l fits it all, but I rarely want to carry that much on my back, and I frequently travel with 30l or less

[@alredalred]

@@AndyModellBackpacks Thanks for the info. I am leaning towards the 30L as well and then something like a cafe bag as a personal item if I need any more room for tech stuff.

[@TheCauscg]

Hi Andy. What’s the oNordic bag hanging to your left?

[@AndyModellBackpacks]

It’s a co-pilot, I think.

[@Yan-athan]

Thanks for the reviews! Ended up purchasing this (used) for my one travel bag. Just wondering, would a Synik 22 or Synapse 19 be able to fit into the 30L for a "packable" daypack?

[@AndyModellBackpacks]

The synapse 19 is likely a better option there since it doesn't have the built-in frame sheet and is a bit smaller.

[@winniea5115]

Thank you for such detailed review on these two bags. It is exactly what I am looking for. I wonder if both of them or at least the smaller size will fit under a seat on the plane.

[@AndyModellBackpacks]

These are tight to fit under the seat in front. The TN45 definitely won’t on most airlines, and the TN30 can but it depends on the plane and how full you’ve packed it.

[@joycem2795]

Great review! I’m wondering if the padded hip belt will really transfer the weight of the bag to the hips. I’m an older woman looking to get the 45L with a padded hip belt, but unsure if the detachable style hip belt works as well as an integrated hip belt. Any thoughts?

[@AndyModellBackpacks]

I think it transfers a lot of the weight, but it’s not as perfect as a bag with a sturdier frame sheet. Using the padded hip belt definitely helps for me, but I think the size of one’s body is a significant factor

[@sarikahshres8835]

This was great. Could you also do a video comparing the techonaught 30 with the synik 30? This is where I’m struggling to choose. I’m curious what they both look like packed with the same peak design packing-cubes. Would love to see a video on that. Thank you!

[@AndyModellBackpacks]

The main difference is that the synik has the dedicated smaller compartments on the front with their own volume, and the laptop space shares the main compartment volume while the techonaut has its own laptop compartemnt volume but the smaller pockets eat volume from the main compartment. If you like packing lots of smaller things, the synik may be the way to go, but if you like larger things, the techonaut is what I'd use. I'll probably end up taking the techonaut on my next one bagging work trip.

[@tarunsharma9475]

Great review. How do you compare it to Synik 30. Which one would you choose in both of them?

[@AndyModellBackpacks]

Synik is nice because it hybrids between travel and edc. I used a Synik at the office before the lockdown, and it worked well. The Synik has a lot of smaller pockets, but it wouldn’t fit much with depth like the techonaut does. While the T30 isn’t huge, I’d still likely rock a smaller pack able backpack for edc, like the packing cube backpacks I used in Boston, or a Tom Bihn daylight for the office.

[@nicolasmarin7292]

Awesome video! I am doubting between the evergoods CLP 24 and the Bellroy transit Workpack. I really like both designs, the Bellroy has water bottle pocket, seems to be more comfortable, but the CPL seems to be more weather resistant, which is a key feature for me. What do you think about it? Thanks!

[@AndyModellBackpacks]

For what it’s worth, the transit workpack is significantly smaller than a cpl24. I wouldn’t say that one bag is better than the other for weather resistance, the Bellroy uses aqua guard zippers, and both bags are coated with a water resistant coating

[@bladerealm124]

Great video! How was the comfort of the T45 without the hip belt and frame sheet? Did you or her use the hip belt at all? Did you feel like a frame sheet would be beneficial for longer carries combined with the hip belt or is there enough structure with just the skeleton back panel?

[@AndyModellBackpacks]

My girlfriend, who was using the T45, found that the straps and back panel were really comfortable. I used the hip belt with the T30 and while a frame sheet _may_ have helped a bit, I didn't have any trouble shifting the weight to my hips.

[@kevinonthank]

@@AndyModellBackpacks this is really great to know as I got the T45 😀

[@JamesHarris-ou9nc]

Andy, How much weight in each bag? We have a couple of Synics, Western flier in Halcyon, and lots of other stuff. I like TB products but wearing the bags without a frame structure, the bags tend to sag. I'm 6'3" and as you add more weight to the bag, the more the sag issue and the carry is not great. The hip belt in most cases are not adequate for me especially if it is just a simple strap. TB makes high quality products but there are other manufacturers that have a better carry when weight is increased. Your thoughts?

[@AndyModellBackpacks]

You can get the padded hip belt and a frame sheet sold separately. If you’re looking for stuff that’s built to hold weight, GoRuck and Mystery Ranch are some other brands I like.

[@JamesHarris-ou9nc]

The Mystery Ranch is a great carry. I own the 2 day assault pack and it is one of my favorites. Good review of the Technaut! We purchased one on the pre-order in the same color as your 30.

[@ev8681]

Since you have both the halcyon Techonaut and the ballistic Aeronaut, which fabric do you prefer?

[@AndyModellBackpacks]

My Aeronauts are also in halcyon, the only ballistic bag I have from TB is a Synik 22. They’re both nice materials, but for me, unless I’m checking a bag or worried about somebody else who might rough it up, I don’t think I need whatever added durability the ballistic would have over the halcyon. I prefer the light weight and flexibility of the halcyon, so that’s what I get most often.

[@ev8681]

@@AndyModellBackpacks Thanks! Didn't see the grid when you held up the Aeronaut, guess due to watching the video on a small mobile screen. Have a preorder in for the Night Walk T45 because I love the color but started doubting my choice a bit since I only bought ballistic bags so far and I really don't want to baby my bags. Video was helpful, thank you for posting!

[@AndyModellBackpacks]

I think you’ll be fine. I really like the night walk halcyon

[@number8pencil]

Great review. Thank you.

[@AndyModellBackpacks]

Glad you liked it!

[@kevinonthank]

Hi Andy, do you feel that the Aeronaut bags keep their shape better than the Techonaut bags as to utilize the space under the seat in front of you in a plane? I have the T45 but have not used it yet. I do love the new zippers

[@AndyModellBackpacks]

I think the t45 and a45 are both bigger than must underseats. The a30 is a bit less deep than the t30, so that would likely fit best, but it does take out more of the foot space

[@aka9156]

nave

[@marymonastesse1954]

If I understood the video correctly, the girlfriend had 2 raincoats and 2 carrying straps. Is she carrying your stuff? If so, wouldn’t it be better if she had the lighter bag, since she’s presumably smaller?

[@AndyModellBackpacks]

She chose to use the bigger bag.

[@covathetech]

awesome Review!

[@AndyModellBackpacks]

Thanks!

[@Basman59]

How many handles do you really need...that is being really picky. There's no way the 45L can be a carry on simply based on weight. 7kg bit the 45L is a definite choice even at US$390 now.

[@AndyModellBackpacks]

A lot of US airlines don’t weigh carryons, and at this price point, I think it’s valid to have feedback on the handles.

[@paleblue6385]

First, thanks for the great review of BOTH sizes. this is exactly what someone like me who is OCD about details and information was looking for! That said I have 2 questions: 1. Can the 30 handle a 17" laptop like an XPS 17? 2. Is the 30 a good choice if I'm looking for an eBag / Gym bag for every day carry? I'd also like to take it on week long vacations where I might need toiletries, 5 changes of clothes, as well as my mobile computing set up. 3. is the 30 carry on approved in the US? Thank you for your videos and all the great info :)

[@AndyModellBackpacks]

1. I don’t have a 17” laptop to test with. I would see if there are details on the product page for that. 2. It’s a bit big for edc, but it would probably work well for edc+gym. You’ll need pouches or something to fill the inner space with edc items, though. 3. “Carryon approved” doesn’t really mean anything, but it will likely fit within a sizer bin as a carryon for the big three us airlines. You may have trouble with the ultra low cost carriers though, and it’s not personal item sized.

[@aaronselya9855]

How many canollis fit in each bag?

[@AndyModellBackpacks]

Impossible to test. They don’t make it to the bag before I eat them.

[@BoarderX]

You casually say: "Oh, I have a lacrosse ball and an extra cable". LOL!! Why do you have a lacrosse ball? I have to know!

[@AndyModellBackpacks]

Massaging my shoulders

[@poetic.voyage]

Good content, but the video needs stabilization.

[@dalt45onico]

Im not a fan of Tom Bihn designs, to me they look a little bit like an old Timbuk2. But this Aeronaut and the Phantom are really nice bags and a little bit more minimal.

[@AndyModellBackpacks]

Especially in black, it's not so hard to see the lines and zippers on this one.

[@hugopua]

Hi. May I know how tall is your gf?