Your Guide to Finding the Perfect Travel Companion

Maia Hamilton
2024-11-01T11:12:53-07:00

Imagine: You’re weaving through a crowded airport, balancing a coffee and boarding pass, only for your backpack to snag on your rolling suitcase. Or maybe you’re presenting at a work conference, and it feels like every last pen and paper has somehow disappeared into the depths of your bag. Or perhaps you’re halfway through a forest hike, and your backpack straps are digging into your shoulder – making the last three miles feel like thirty.

Whatever your travel endeavors have in store for you–whether it be a weekend getaway, a business trip, or a family adventure–different people need different bags to suit their needs. Our range of bags at TOM BIHN are thoughtfully designed and curated to fit every type of traveler.

Whatever scenario you are in, having the right travel bag can make or break your trip. This guide is here to help you find your perfect travel companion for every journey life throws at you.

The Weekend Warrior: Short Trip, Big Essentials

Weekend warriors know how to make the most of a short trip, whether that means a quick escape to the mountains or a weekend of city exploring. And for these trips, compact versatility is key. You need enough room for a few changes of clothes, your toiletries, a few necessary electronics, and maybe a souvenir or two.

Our Picks: Synapse 25 and Aeronaut 30

Synapse 25: Just the right size for two or three days of essentials. Pack it out for a full weekend or use it for day trips on the go—it’s designed with intuitive pockets that make everything accessible without overloading you with extra bells and whistles that a day trip doesn’t need. (Need even less wiggle room? Try out our smaller size, the Synapse 19.)

Aeronaut 30: The champion of adaptability. It’s a backpack, duffel, and shoulder bag all in one, ready to handle your changing plans with ease. (Not enough space for souvenirs? Check out the Aeronaut 45.)

Many of our bags are designed to accommodate a variety of packing styles, perfect for those always on the go.

The Digital Nomad: Work from Anywhere

For those who bring their work (and tech) wherever they go, a bag that can function like a portable office is invaluable. Whether you’re in a bustling cafe, a quiet library, or catching up at an airport lounge, organization and comfort are non-negotiables.

Our Picks: Synik 30 and Nomad Tote

Synik 30: Built with ample compartments to keep your laptop, notebooks, and even your chargers in place. This backpack is all about function without sacrificing comfort, so you can grab that Red Bull and dive right into the day. (Too big? Check out our other two sizes, the Synik 26 and Synik 22.)

Nomad Tote: Sleek and streamlined, this tote offers minimalist organization for the essentials. Perfect for quick access to tech and small accessories, whether you’re setting up a mobile workstation or breezing into a meeting.

Our bags offer a wide selection of organization options–whether you prefer internal pockets or modular designs fit for packing cubes, we are sure to have something that meets your tech guru needs.

The Minimalist Traveler: Carry Less, Experience More

You know them—the travelers who make you wonder, “Is that really all they packed?” They’re the ones gliding through security and taking only what’s absolutely essential for a short trip or overnight stay.

Our Picks: Daylight Backpack and Yeoman Duffel

Daylight Backpack: Perfect for those who’ve mastered the art of packing light. Lightweight, foldable, and easy to store when not in use. This backpack can be packed down when you need to streamline, and it’s perfect for short bursts of adventure.

Yeoman Duffel: Don’t let the clean design fool you—this is a Mary Poppins bag reinvented – it’s relatively modest on the outside but can handle a lot more than it seems, perfect for those who want to look and travel light but still carry more than meets the eye.

These bags hold true to a minimalist design: simple paneling, clean designs, and minimal to no external pockets.

The Family Traveler: Ready for Anything (and Everyone)

When you’re traveling with kids, you need a bag that’s a little bit of everything: spacious, organized, and built for comfort. From snacks and toys to diapers and spare clothes, plus all the ‘just-in-case’ items, having a reliable, roomy bag makes all the difference.

Our Picks: Techonaut 45 and Parental Unit

Techonaut 45: Our biggest carry-on option, the T45 has the space for family trips, with multiple carry options to keep things comfortable. It’s your go-to bag for maximum organization without bulk. (The Techonaut 30 is also a great option if you’re looking for a more compact option.)

Parental Unit: Originally designed as a diaper bag, this one goes above and beyond, keeping everything (from baby gear to family necessities) within reach, ensuring no pacifier will go missing – no matter where you go!

Our bags are thoughtfully designed with comfort and ergonomics in mind. Adjustable straps, removable frame sheets, and padded shoulder and back panels ensure a comfortable travel experience for you and your loved ones.

What Sets TOM BIHN Bags Apart

Since 1972, we’ve committed to crafting bags that last through every adventure, using a unique approach that values quality over quantity. Here’s what makes our bags different:

Designed & Made in-House: Located in the heart of the Pacific Northwest, Seattle is home to our headquarters, factory and showroom. Our team puts heart and soul into every stitch, with attention to detail that can’t be matched by mass production. Come by, meet our team, try on a few bags, and see where the magic happens.

Materials You Can Count On: We source materials from OEKO-TEX® and bluesign® certified suppliers, ensuring the highest degree of safety for the consumer, manufacturing with the lowest possible impact on people and the environment, and responsible use of resources. From abrasion-resistant Ballistic Nylon to lightweight Halcyon fabric, our materials ensure your bag looks and functions beautifully, year after year.

Durable Construction: From the strongest zippers to our tear-resistant fabrics, each bag is crafted to withstand the wear of daily life—and then some. Our fabrics ensure the most durable travel bags come out of our factory into your hands.

When you choose a TOM BIHN bag, you’re getting more than just a travel companion; you’re investing in a piece of gear that’s been thoughtfully designed, tested, and sewn to keep up with you, no matter where your journey takes you.

Find Your Travel Companion

Buying a travel bag that lasts a lifetime is a big deal. This bag will be with you throughout all of your travel adventures and wherever life takes you.

Everyone’s journey is different. Whether you are looking for a bag to last you through grad school, or that one backpacking trip you’ve been planning for years, or maybe a bag that will see your kids go from crawling to walking. Whatever it looks like, we can’t wait to be a part of that journey with you.

Next time you’re browsing for a bag, remember this guide. However, don’t be shy to break molds and invent your own unique travel style (because whatever that is, we are sure to have your back!)

Whether you’re a Weekend Warrior, Digital Nomad, Minimalist, Family Traveler, or some mix of them all, we have a bag designed to meet your needs. (And lucky for you, we got travel bags o’ plenty!). We invite you to explore our selection and find the perfect travel partner that’s ready for every mile, memory, and adventure.

So, what kind of traveler are you?