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Tom Bihn Luminary 15 Backpack review

REVIEW – To all the day trippers and travelers out there: I have a bag that should be on your short list. The Luminary 15 comes to us from the legendary Tom Bihn, and it’s good. Really, really good. To the review!

What is it?

It’s a 15 liter daypack that will also accommodate your 13″ laptop or tablet.

Hardware specs

  • 11″ by 16.5″ by 7.9″ deep
  • 1 pound 8 ounces total weight
  • 15 liter capacity
  • 525 denier 2×2 ballistic nylon exterior
  • 210 denier 2×2 ballistic nylon interior
  • #8 YKK Aquaguard zippers
  • Duraflex, Nexus, and Woojin hardware

Design and features

I am loving the modern, stealthy profile of the Tom Bihn Luminary. The teardrop shape is sleek and composed, with a bit of accent piping and gentle contours that accentuate the curved form. It’s a great looking bag.

Here’s a side view. You’d never guess that that stealthy shape has a 15 liter capacity.

It also has a structured base panel, which helps when packing the bag out. Your gear won’t collect at the bottom in a big olds mass of confusion.

You’ll find two exterior pockets for small stuff. The left pocket measures roughly 4″ by 7″, sized for your assorted small bits. You’ll get a bigger phone in there as well. My iPhone XS Max in its case fits perfectly.

The right pocket is a bit taller at 4″ by 9″. This will fit a small water bottle, a small tablet, or your sunglasses. And see that accessory strap? Both front pockets feature one of Tom Bihn’s O-rings as attachment points, tucked up on the inside corner (towards the center of the bag) for hanging accessories.

This bag also features an integrated padded laptop/tablet pocket, something you don’t see in all of Tom Bihn’s bags. The space is roughly 10.5″ by 14″, with an 11″ external zipper for access from the back left side of the bag. This will fit a 13″ laptop or a 12.9″ iPad (with case and keyboard), with room for a notebook.

The backpack is a top loader, with double zips that run about 6″ down the sides of the bags. See that sleeve in the center of the chamber? That’s for your hydration bottle, or to separate the main compartment into three sub-pockets. If you don’t need it you can unzip that sleeve, allowing the whole interior to be open for packing. Two additional O-rings are found at the top of the chamber.

When you open the main compartment, you’ll also find another 4″ by 7″ storage pocket. While the sides of this pouch are secured to the liner, the bottom is not. This means that pocket will expand as you fill it out.

Moving to the rear of the bag, you’ll see some enhancements to Tom Bihn’s already excellent carry system. The rear panel is padded but is not ventilated, which is typical for daypacks that won’t see extended duty with heavy loads. The top carry handle is made from a new softer material that’s much more comfortable than a stiff piece of vinyl.

A removable sternum strap is included. The strap length is generous and can also be adjusted vertically on that anchor strap, allowing it to accommodate all kinds of body types.

The shoulder straps are 2″ wide and about 3/8″ thick, made from closed foam materials. You won’t find any grippy material on the underside, which makes for easy removal on the go.

You’ll also get a waist strap for stabilizing the bag, which attaches with two loops tucked under the shoulder strap attachment points. I don’t know that you’ll need a waist strap with a bag this small, but it is completely removable if you won’t want to use it. It’s nice that Tom Bihn includes it if you’re planning on more rigorous outdoor activities.

Performance

Tom Bihn bags are at their best when they focus on simple, flexible designs. The Luminary 15 hits all those marks. This is truly a bag that you can take for day trips, outdoor activities, and the office commute. This is a bag that carries a reasonable amount of stuff, looks good in just about any environment, and does a great job of staying out of your way as you go about your business.

Here are a few shots of your Humble Reviewer during a recent day trip wandering the shops of Doylestown, PA. For day trips I really like the lean profile. I don’t feel like I am going to knock stuff off shelves every time I turn around, and the carry system is so well balanced that I barely feel it on my shoulders.

I love the flexibility that the Tom Bihn “O-rings” deliver. My keys tuck neatly away in one of the front pockets, ready for action. I’ve collected a bunch of their attachment straps and accessory bags in different sizes over the years that can serve custom duty depending on what I am carrying that day. Cable bags, medicines, contact lens accessories, charging cables, change for parking meters… just swap out the pouches you need and you’re good to go.

I’ve been a huge fan of the Luminary 15 as a lean & mean work commuter. The look is great for business casual environments, and I can load up my 13″ MacBook Pro with room to spare in the padded compartment. Note that the opening is not as deep as the length of the bag, which requires a three-point-turn to get your laptop in there. I’m OK with that, because it adds a bit of extra security. You won’t get a bigger laptop in there though.

Here’s a shot of my work loadout. I have two of those Tom Bihn accessory bags tethered to the “O-rings” in the main compartment for all my work accessories (power bricks, mouse, cables, etc.) My hydration bottle is in the middle sleeve, and those pouches tuck nicely in the side pockets. They’re still easily accessible with a quick tug.

Tom Bihn works magic with maximizing space in the design of their bags. I have my laptop, notebook, hydration bottle, and accessories loaded in and I still have all kinds of space available. Look at that vertical space in the main compartment! I’ve got room for a lunch or a light jacket, and a bit more. And this doesn’t even touch the front pockets. I have 20L+ messenger bags that don’t optimize space like this. It really is impressive.

On that day trip, I unzipped the bottle sleeve in the main compartment to make room for treasures gathered during the day. I’m about 1/3 full here with room to spare.

If you’re thinking about incorporating outdoor activities into your daily adventures, you’ll love the simplicity and durability of this bag as well. The materials are bomb proof and water resistant; add the Aquaguard YKK zips throughout and you’ve got a nice watertight package to manage against sudden downpours. The carry system is super comfortable despite its simple design, and the whole rig is easy to clean.

For travelers, this is a perfect carryon. Not only will it fit under the airline seat, but it has the flexibility and durability for some sightseeing mayhem when you get to your destination. And the stealthy design won’t advertise what you’re carrying.

Overall usability is just outstanding. Simple, effective, and very easy to live with on a daily basis. It’s so easy to use that I don’t want to give it up no matter where I am going. And that, my friends, is a sign of really good design.

If there is one flaw to be had, it’s a minor one. The straps throughout are generous to accommodate a variety of body types, but there’s no built-in solution to wrangle those dangling straps. A lot of bag makers now include an elastic loop or clip for this purpose, and I’d love to see that here. But that’s a thing I can live with.

What I like

  • Simple, effective design with excellent usability.
  • Sleek, minimalist look.
  • Layout maximizes every square inch of space.
  • Excellent, comfortable carry system.
  • A flexible multitasker that supports customization.
  • It’s a Tom Bihn bag. It’s built to last forever.

What I’d change

  • Won’t fit bigger laptops.
  • Would like some way to manage the extra strappy bits.

Final thoughts

The Luminary 15 exemplifies the best to be found in Tom Bihn designs. Like a great pair of jeans, it’s just perfect for so many different situations. The usability is excellent, the build is exceptional, and it carries more than you would expect from a 15 liter pack. If you’re looking to add a smaller multitasker to your arsenal, the Tom Bihn Luminary 15 absolutely should be on your short list for consideration.

Price: $140.00
Where to buy: Go to the Luminary 15 page on the Tom Bihn web site.
Source: The sample of this product was provided by Tom Bihn.

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Tom Bihn Luminary 15 Backpack review originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on July 21, 2019 at 9:00 am.

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Solo Parker Parker Hybrid Backpack tote bag review

REVIEW – Tote bags can be great for tossing a bunch of stuff into and walking from point A to point B. But what if those two points get really far apart, or if you’re needing your hands to, say, walk a child or a dog or even sip your coffee? Having the ability to strap the bag on your back may make a simple tote more versatile. This is exactly the philosophy behind Solo’s Parker Hybrid Backpack tote bag. The idea is this: an upscale tote bag you’re not embarrassed to carry into work, but also can use as a backpack or even a sling bag, should the occasion demand. I enlisted the help of my younger daughter, who carries a tote to work and back every day, for testing.

What is it?

The Solo Parker Parker Hybrid Backpack tote bag is a stylish bag with internal organization that can be carried as a tote, a backpack, a sling, or on a roll-aboard extension handle.

Design and features

The Parker tote is a nylon/polyester/faux-leather bag 16″ tall x 11″ wide x 4″ deep. The first thing you notice is that there are few little hits of branding (a single gold logo and an embossed “SOLO New York” brand on the rear pocket.


On the reverse side, there are two sewn-in padded backpack straps that terminate in buckles. Lengths of 1″ webbing attach to sewn-in D-rings at each lower corner. The straps can be unclipped and placed in a purpose-built full-length pocket behind the zippered pocket. You can also attach the left strap to the lower right hand (or vice-versa) and wear the bag as a sling over either shoulder. While the inward curve of the straps makes this a bit awkward, it’s still not a bad way to carry things if you’re needing to swing the bag around front to access the contents.


Cross-stitched and fully sewn into both side of the bag is a one-inch thick double tote-type handle. The center few inches of each handle have been doubled over and stitched to form a comfortable grip and there’s a leatherette snap-on strap to hold them together. (This was one of our only complaints – there’s no way to hide or stow the tote straps when you’re carrying the bag with the backpack straps.)

The lining in all pockets is a grey and white mattress-ticking pattern striped vertically. The light color makes it easy to see things in the depths of the pockets. The webbing is a fine-grain nylon seatbelt material that feels like butter. All the hardware is a gold metallic that isn’t too gaudy, but it is not subtle. The zippers are very free-working, but not weather-proof.


The top of the main compartment is closed with a single-pull zipper 16.25″ long. Within this main area is a separated sleeve that will hold laptops or tablets up to 16″ wide by 11″ tall and maybe 2″ thick. (We couldn’t find anything to overfill it! Her 12.9″ iPad rattles around in it.) The other pocket matches it, but has a series of organizational pouches down one side. There are two medium-diameter pen loops, two card slots that could hold maybe 5 cards each, and a center patch pocket that could fit a Moleskine chair, but not a full-sized pocket notebook. They are pretty tight. Earbuds can fit into one of the card-sized pockets. (See picture) Above these is a zippered pocket that can hold quick-access items. My daughter uses this for her keys/ID for work.


On the outside, there is a zippered pocket on both front and back. These measure about 6″ across by 12″ deep. Perfect for a Plus-Sized iPhone and car keys with the requisite wad of loyalty cards, hair ties, and gym access tabs. Below the pocket opposite the metal logo is a 3″ wide band made from the same material as the main body of the bag. When placing the tote over your roll-aboard handle, the zippered pouch on this side is very handy for boarding documents, foreign currency, or other travel needs.


Final verdict? “I like it in general. I wish the main pocket was a little bigger (there’s only room for my wallet really). I don’t really use the backpack straps but they tuck away nicely. The smaller pockets on the inside are nice to separate headphones, chapstick, etc.”

What We Like

  • Multiple carry options
  • Stylish look with quality materials
  • Inner pockets keep everything from going to the bottom

What We’d Change

  • Wish the central pocket had a bit more room
  • Wish the tote handles could be somehow tucked away while wearing as a backpack.

Final thoughts

As usual with Solo bags, the fit and finish of the Parker Parker Hybrid Backpack tote bag are first-rate. While the backpack straps are rarely needed in my daughter’s case, the tote straps not being easily hidden made it odd looking on the few times using them. She’s happily using it as her daily carry currently. I’m interested in her update after her next trip!

Price: $69.99
Where to buy: Company website and Amazon
Source: The sample of this product was provided by Solo.

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Solo Parker Parker Hybrid Backpack tote bag review originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on July 9, 2019 at 11:00 am.

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Targus CityLite Pro Compact Convertible Backpack review

REVIEW – Continuing in the trend of “commuter packs that can hold any screen, so long as it’s skinny”, we’ve got a new contender from an old friend. Add to the required main large, narrow screen sleeve a flexible set of pockets and versatile straps, and you’ve got a winner. This one is from Targus, one of the oldest laptop case makers I’m aware of. Presenting their CityLite Backpack.

What is it?

Streamlined on-the-go style, laptop protection, and backpack-to-briefcase carrying for wherever your day may take you. That’s the website’s tagline, and it fits. You can carry this as a tote, a briefcase, a sling or wear it as a backpack. Let’s dig in.

What’s in the box?

Just the bag.

Hardware specs

  • Works With 16″ Laptops and Under
  • Capacity – 13 Liters
  • Weight – 1.94 lbs
  • Dimensions – 12.60″ x 17.31″ x 4.32″ (W x H x D)
  • Laptop Compartment – 9.84″ x 13.78″ (W x H)
  • Tablet Compartment10.50″ x 11.50″ (W x H)
  • WarrantyLimited Lifetime Warranty
  • Multi-fit cradle fits 12” – 15.6” laptops
  • Tablet pocket fits up to 12.9″ devices
  • Tuck-away shoulder straps to convert backpack to briefcase
  • Contoured, padded shoulder straps & air mesh pack panel for comfort
  • Hideaway bottle pocket
  • Interior file divider and two zippered compartments
  • Trolley pass-through luggage strap
  • Metal hardware with soft-touch zipper pulls

Design and features

The CityLight is a minimal pack with maximal yearnings. There’s only a sleeve back pocket, a central pocket that zips around 70% of the opening with a dual zipper plus a slender front pocket, but you can carry it any way you want.
The outer shell is a grey ripstop nylon, but the texture is almost a linen feel. It’s a much thicker fabric than a parka or sleeping bag ripstop. Across the bottom of the front, there’s a darker coloring, which looks like some protectant has been applied. There is no seam, and it doesn’t feel different, but the fabric is many shades darker.


The outermost pocket is a generous size, and there’s enough dimension to put in things like a power supply, gloves, or all the stuff from your pants pockets when you’re going through security.
The center section is very accessible and has sides all around like a packing cube. There’s a slash pocket across the back that could hold a magazine or some files. It’s not too tight, as these things tend to be. The cover that zips out of the way has a net pocket with a zipper that could hold cables, wallet, or an iPad mini in a case. Behind that is a larger zipper pocket that goes all the way down to the fold (where the outside zipper stops).


The rear pocket has a three-part sleeve divider that is trimmed across the top in royal blue elastic. The two outer pieces are double thicknesses of the inner material. The center section is a very soft stretch material. A 1.5” webbing security strap extends from the top center and attaches to the divider’s center with a generous patch of hook-and-loop fabric. In front of this is another thin area that would hold a tablet, a portable keyboard, or a sheaf of papers. It’s not thick enough for, say, an umbrella or clothing.

Performance

The flexible nature of the CityLite lends itself well to shifting between a backpack, a sling, a tote, or a briefcase. The straps disconnect individually from the lower corners and can be stored in a panel behind the vented mesh back. For a sling, just connect one of the straps to the lower corner opposite. The briefcase handle, opposite the net water bottle pocket on the right side, as you wear it, pulls out a bit, and has mesh padding underneath, while being stitched and attached flexibly at each end. This makes the load bounce a bit, which makes things seem lighter. The haul loop, which offers tote-bag style carrying is probably the least comfortable of the four carry methods. The handle is 1″ webbing with no padding and no give.

What I like

  • Generous cradle holds everything from gamer laptops to iPads
  • Laptop and tablet space available
  • Straps can be used in several ways
  • Flexible hidden net pocket for a drink bottle, small items, phones, etc.

What needs to be improved

  • Front pocket is kinda small, for those wanting longer days.

Final thoughts

I’ve used Targus cases off and on for decades. Their guarantee and customer service is first class. (I’ve had 3-year-old bags be replaced for no charge for customers.) This kind of support over the long haul is rare among bag manufacturers

Price: $74.99
Where to buy: Targus and Amazon
Source: The sample of this product was provided by Targus. You can visit them on Facebook and Twitter too.

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Targus CityLite Pro Compact Convertible Backpack review originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on June 11, 2019 at 8:00 am.

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WaterField’s new Tech Rolltop Backpack expands when you need it to and doesn’t when you don’t

NEWS – The new Tech Rolltop Backpack from WaterField Designs combines good looks with functionality. This backpack is available in two sizes and three colors. It comes in a blue or brown waxed canvas for a casual look or black ballistic nylon for a more professional look.

Besides the expandable main compartment, the Tech Rolltop Backpack offers a lot of extra storage options on the outside of the bag including two large water bottle pockets on the sides, a zippered pocket for chunkier items like power bricks, a magnetic closure pocket for smaller items like your phone, passport, earbuds, etc., and a zippered padded pocket next to your back for your laptop. Inside is another pocket for a larger laptop.

The Tech Rolltop Backpack is priced at $229 for the compact size and $249 for the larger size. They are both available now from sfbags.com

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WaterField’s new Tech Rolltop Backpack expands when you need it to and doesn’t when you don’t originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on May 23, 2019 at 8:24 am.

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TravelFusion Anti-Theft backpack review

REVIEW – Travel. Just the word can conjure up images of past adventures, or dreams of those events yet to come. These days, however, technology needs to be considered when planning your travels, whether for your daily commute or your global wanderings. I was recently sent the TravelFusion Anti-Theft backpack, and want to show you how it can help ease this possible stressor on your next outing.

What is it?

The TravelFusion Anti-Theft backpack is a single large opening pack with dedicated screen sleeves, internal wiring for on-the-go charging, accommodations for wet or soiled items apart from the rest of your items, and a few ways to secure your goods while on the move.

Hardware specs

  • ANTI-THEFT DESIGN – Retractable high strength metal coil and TSA approved combination lock.
  • EXTERNAL USB CHARGING PORTS – Easily access your power bank with external USB (type A and C) charging ports.
  • INSULATED LEAK PROOF INTERNAL POUCH for hot and cold storage. Also ideal to store wet clothing or umbrella. (10 in x 4.3 in x 5.5 in)
  • DURABLE RUBBER CARRY STRAP
  • SUPERIOR COMFORT AND DESIGN – Premium padding and breathability in shoulder straps with horizontal chest strap to reduce load and stress.
  • PADDED INTERNAL POCKET for 15.6 inch laptop. Water resistant polyester exterior and burst proof zippers
  • 18 LITER STORAGE CAPACITY with secure pockets for electronics, important documents, clothing, and more.
  • FULL ACCESS BACK PANEL for easy packing
  • SATISFACTION GUARANTEED. If you’re not satisfied for any reason, we’ll refund your order within 6 months of purchase.

Design and features

The TravelFusion Anti-Theft bag is mostly a single large pocket, sealed by a double-pull zipper. At the top center, there is a 3-digit TSA-compliant combination lock that you click the metal zipper pulls into with a satisfying click.

Overall, the bag measures about 17″ x 6″ x 13″. The two straps meet near the combination lock at the top center and are sewn into tabs at each lower corner. There’s a 1″ wide silicone hand grip that goes from each top corner across the lock area. It has enough play to allow unencumbered access to the lock and zipper without being too loose.


On either lower small side, there is a double-zipped 10″ x 6″ pocket. On the right (when you’re wearing it) is a weather-sealed power port with a USB-C and a USB-A jack.

This feeds through the side of the pack into the interior, where you can insert a battery pack (or two!) to power them. There is enough room inside for a phone, gloves, or a passport, but it’s not secured. You could easily store coiled cables here as well.


The other side pocket opens to reveal a folded up 8″ x 4.5″ x 4.5″ pocket that can be pushed inside-out into the interior of the pack through an internal zippered access portal.

It’s made of foil-lined material, so would keep your lunch cool, or prevent your water bottle from leaking into the main compartment.


Opening the main zippered area reveals the entire interior in a single compartment. There are two rear flaps against your back, and two on the upper part of the small sides, but these are all very flat.

There are a few zipped and mesh flat pockets in the inside cover, so you could unzip and reach into the top of the inner sanctum for items fairly easily, but the mesh isn’t very stretchy, so anything with more dimension than a wad of keys, your cables, or earbuds are going to be too bulky. Field glasses, cameras, or over-the-ear headphones will need to be stored elsewhere.


The top side pockets will be good for your computer power supply, power banks for your USB charging needs, and a mouse, if you need one. The rest of the space is totally open (unless you have the foil pocket pushed through). I packed it out in several different configurations and never wanted for space.

The outside of the flap is a grey tight woven-feeling fabric that the company says is water resistant. The lower back, sides, and bottom are all a rubbery-feeling material. It seems very water resistant, but the main zipper isn’t weather-proofed.


The back and the inner part of the straps is covered in breathable mesh and is nicely padded for comfort and breathability. There is no luggage pass-over strap for your roll aboard.


The final superpower of this bag is a coiled plastic-covered steel cable in a sleeve where the left strap attaches. You can quickly pull this out, pass it around something immovable, and snap it into the combination lock. At first, this bothered me, thinking you couldn’t use both slots for zippers, and add the tether to the mix. Then I found you could fit in the tether. This makes the bag much more secure if you’re in a crowded or notorious zone for snatch-and-grab crimes. Be careful out there, folks!

What I like

  • Plush laptop compartment will easily hold large laptops or two full-sixed tablets
  • Foil-lined leak-proof pouch is a great place for your lunch or your sweaty running shoes
  • Locking zippers and steel coil prevent thefts of opportunity

What needs to be improved

  • The lock has two places to place zipper pulls/hooks. If you lock the cable tether there, it’s a tight fit to add the tether to the zipper.
  • It would be nice to remove the waterproof inner pouch for cleaning.
  • The Sternum strap pulled out of the adjustment ridge whenever it got a little tight. I finally removed it.
  • There is no luggage pass-over strap for your roll aboard.

Final thoughts

The look-and-feel of this bag is top-notch. The single large opening made getting to items easy, and the many smaller pockets were large enough for actual use. Having a side power port that sports both USB-C and USB-A is quite handy for on-the-go charging. Being able to remove the battery from the bag is mandatory for some TSA checkpoints. And sometimes, a day takes more than one power bank.

Price: regular price $199.99, on sale for $139.99
Where to buy: Amazon
Source: The sample of this product was provided by Travel Fusion.

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TravelFusion Anti-Theft backpack review originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on May 3, 2019 at 10:25 am.

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