Why are Tom Bihn bags so popular, are they actually the best?” are questions that some folks want answered.
If you also want answers to these questions, you need not wonder no more.
Why? Because in this blog, we have taken a close look at Tom Bihn to find out what makes their bags stand out from the competition. We also discuss their pros and cons to help you decide if they are worth the hype.
Table of Contents
Tom Bihn bags are so popular because they are high-quality bags that are guaranteed to withstand the demands of frequent use. And yes, in my view, Tom Bihn is one of the best backpack makers in the industry.
This is a wholesome brand with loyal customers.
Their bag designs and colorways are unique and well-thought-out such that they are perfect for both urbane and outdoor settings.
The bags come with efficient storage and organization options, efficient including easy-access pockets, O-rings, and add-ons.
Tom Bihn bags are known for their functional design and thoughtful details that make them versatile for work, trips, and even the outdoors.
Most Tom Bihn bags are comfortable to wear and are highly customizable to fit your needs and taste.
Tom Bihn stands behind the quality of their bag with a lifetime warranty.
They have an excellent reputation for customer service.
Tom Bihn is ethical and transparent with its production and offers a variety of color designs to choose from.
Their bags tend to have lots of positive reviews.
Here is a complete list of reasons why a Tom Bihn bag is the way to go:
Tom Bihn makes high-quality bags that are guaranteed to withstand the demands of frequent use and stand the test of time.
The fabrics used which are usually durable ballistic nylon, are not only hard-wearing but also resistant to tear and scuffs such that your bag maintains its cool feel over time.
Even better, the hardware used is not only durable but also made with environmentally and socially responsible materials that are bluesign® approved.
Plus, their bags come with a lifetime guarantee, maintain a great look after years of use, and hold their value if you want to resell later on.
So if you’re looking for a bag that will last you for years to come, Tom Bihn is a brand worth considering.
Related – The Tom Bihn Synapse 19 is one of their best-selling and most popular backpacks.
Tom Bihn is a wholesome brand that seems to have a very loyal, cult-like following.
Since 1972, Tom Bihn has been producing sturdy, efficient, and comfortable travel bags, slings, backpacks, and briefcases that please their many customers.
Their products are built to last, and they have a reputation for being one of the most reliable bag brands out there.
Tom Bihn designs and manufactures all its bags and accessories from its warehouse located in Seattle, Washington, making them one of the very few brands that make all its bags in the USA!
Related: Tom Bihn is my top recommendation for one of the best backpack brands you can trust for quality, longevity & style.
3. Their designs and colorways are pretty unique
Tom Bihn bags are unique and well-thought-out.
The company pays attention to the smallest details, from the design of the bag to the colorway and hardware. This attention to detail is what makes their bags perfect for city settings as well as outdoorsy activities like hiking or camping.
Each bag spot the brand’s wordmark and red airplane signature- a proud logo to flaunt courtesy of the Tom Bihn quality trademark.
Plus, people always take notice when you’re carrying a Tom Bihn bag – it’s clear that you’re carrying a well-made bag!
4. Efficient storage and organization
Another outstanding feature of Tom Bihn bags is the efficient organization it affords.
Most of their bags come with unique external storage options including easy access pockets, O-rings, clips, and separate add-ons to enable you to have an optimal organization of your items.
In their backpacks, O-rings are designed into almost every compartment, you can clip items like pouches and other accessories sold by Tom Bihn to make you pack more and more easily.
Related – The Tom Bihn Brain Bag is one of their best-selling and most popular backpacks with great organizational features.
5. Functional with thoughtful details
Tom Bihn bags are known for their functional design and thoughtful details. Whether you’re using it as a work bag, taking it outdoors, or packing it for a trip, a Tom Bihn bag is a great choice.
The company’s attention to detail ensures that each bag is packed with features that make it versatile and convenient to use.
The bags come with plenty of compartments and pockets to store all your essentials, so you can easily organize your belongings and grab what you need without having to dig through everything.
For example, the Synapse 25 backpack contains a dedicated laptop sleeve and compartments for all of your other necessary tech accessories, making it perfect for the modern professional on the go.
Tom Bihn bags are designed with comfort in mind, so they don’t feel ungainly or unwieldy.
This is thanks to edgeless straps, removable waist, and chest straps, as well as a solid harness system that is common in most of their large-sized backpacks.
Related – The Tom Bihn Brain Bag is one of my top recommendations for the 20 Best Everyday Carry Backpacks!
7. They can be customized to taste
Tom Bihn bags are highly customizable to fit your needs and taste. In some cases, you can choose the fabric, color, and style of your bag, as well as add on additional features like a cache for your laptop.
Tom Bihn also offers a wide range of additional accessories to enhance your bag’s functionality, including straps, pouches, and organizational tools.
With so many options available, you’re sure to find the perfect bag for your lifestyle.
8. They come with a lifetime warranty
Tom Bihn stands behind the quality of their bag with a lifetime warranty.
If your bag gets damaged as a result of manufacturing defects, the brand will fix it, at no cost to you. And if the damage is not the fault of the brand, Tom Bihn will repair it for you at a reasonable charge in their factory located in Seattle.
You can learn more about it here.
9. Good customer service
Tom Bihn has an excellent reputation for customer service.
Many reviewers on Reddit claim to had nothing but good experiences with them.
Their products are high-quality and they’re always willing to listen to feedback and make changes. They’re very transparent about what goes into their products and how they’re made, which customers appreciate.
10. Tom Bihn is ethical and transparent with their production
Tom Bihn is a great brand for so many reasons!
Their values are excellent, and they prioritize the well-being of their workers. They’re constantly innovating to ensure that their products are top quality, and they’re extremely transparent with their production process, which instills confidence in their customers.
Being a certified B Corporation, their production and work ethics meet environmental standards. They are also a member of the 1% For The Planet, which donates 1% of their gross sales to environmental non-profit groups working on sustainability, renewable energy, reforestation, and wildlife issues.
Just take a lot at their About Us page to see what I’m talking about.
11. Color varieties
Tom Bihn offers a variety of color designs to choose from, including discreet-looking black and vibrant, bright color designs. You can also find their bags in a variety of materials, such as sturdy ballistic nylon or lightweight but durable organic cotton.
No matter what your style or needs may be, there is sure to be a Tom Bihn bag that fits the bill. And with so many colors and fabric choices available, it’s easy to find the perfect one to express your style.
12. Lots of positive reviews
Tom Bihn bags have consistently high ratings and reviews on Trustpilot (4.3 out of 5), and other review sites.
On Reddit, there is an entire subreddit (r/tombihn) dedicated to Tom Bihn products, which tends to have good reviews.
Users praise the durability and quality of the bags, as well as the company’s excellent customer service. Many people say that Tom Bihn bags are worth the investment, as they last for years and stand up to heavy use.
Some of the most popular Tom Bihn bag models include the Synapse 25, Synik 30, Aeronaut 30, and Smart Alec, among others.
Drawbacks of Tom Bihn bags
Even though Tom Bihn bags are good, there are still a few drawbacks you should know about:
Tom Bihn bags are not particularly stylish
From my research, this is one of the aspects that some people are less pleased with. Subjective opinions on the look and aesthetic design of Tom Bihn bags vary, with some viewers saying they give off a “dad bag” vibe. Others find them unique and timeless.
While you won’t be drawn in by its aesthetic, the fact that it is indestructible and utility focused is its selling point.
If you are after a bag that is fashionable, you may have to look somewhere else.
Related – Here are 18 Bestselling Aesthetic Backpacks You’ll Want to Wear Everywhere
Not for those on a tight budget
Tom Bihn bags are not for those on a tight budget. The bags themselves are quite expensive, and if you want to add any additional accessories, (like a laptop cache or extra organization pockets), that just adds to the cost.
Now, I will say that the Tom Bihn bags are very sturdy and well-made. If you’re looking for a bag that will last you for years and years, then this might be worth the investment. But if you’re just looking for something to get you through school or your daily commute, there are more affordable options out there.
Related – Here are the 10 best High Sierra backpacks for those on a budget.
Extra accessories required
To get the most out of Tom Bihn bags, it’s advisable you purchase extra accessories, which translates to extra cost for you.
For the Tom Bihn Brain bag, for instance, to have optimal organization and protection of your gears, you may need to buy a few accessories like the Freudian slip, Snake charmer, Cache, Padded hip belt, etc.
Related – you can get more detail in my Tom Bihn Brain Bag Review!
Other Backpack Brand Alternatives
There are other backpack brands out there that can be compared to Tom Bihn bags in terms of innovation, design, durability, and other cool features.
Let’s take a look at these three;
GoRuck
Like Tom Bihn, GORUCK is another brand with an amazingly loyal following and a reputation for creating some of the toughest US-made packs on the market.
A difference however would be that the American brand in 2019 moved a majority (but not all) of its bag production to Vietnam to better control costs, while Tom Bihn still has all of its production in the USA.
GORUCK bags are built to last. They’re made from military-grade materials and construction methods, so you know they can take a beating. And with a Scars Lifetime Guarantee, you’ll be able to use your GORUCK bag for years to come.
Beyond just being tough, GORUCK bags also have a great balance between urban style and their military roots.
Related- The GR1 is one of GORUCK’s staple products that has made it into my list of best everyday carry backpacks.
AER
AER is quite similar to Tom Bihn in the sense that they both make durable, and minimalistic backpacks with clever features.
This San Francisco-based brand makes functional and sleek bags that cater to the need of a modern traveler.
Their bags usually have special compartments and pockets for your tech while serving the purpose you need – be it as a work bag, gym pack, or travel backpack.
Although relatively newer to the industry compared to Tom Bihn since it was founded in 2014, AER is quickly becoming a go-to thanks to its functional design.
In terms of how the AER differs from Tom Bihn bags, I guess the most apparent difference is the type of products they have.
Their product lineups include not just travel backpacks, but also gym packs, duffel, totes, and briefcases made for the urban setting.
However, Tom Bihn offers more color options, unlike AER which only tends to work with muted colors like black, olive, and gray. And Tom Bihn bags are generally more durable.
Related –AER is another top recommendation in my review of the best backpack brands for work.
EVERGOODS
EVERGOODS bags are another alternative to Tom Bihn bags.
Their bags are designed to be durable enough for outdoor use but with the ease and appeal of everyday wear.
EVERGOODS also uses high-quality materials that can withstand years of use.
The company makes several different models, including backpacks, hip packs, slings, and more. Prices are very reasonable, especially when compared to other high-end brands.
Plus, the bags come with a lifetime warranty, so you can be confident in their quality.
Closing Thoughts – are Tom Bihn bags worth it?
So why are Tom Bihn bags so popular, are they actually the best?
In our opinion, they certainly are.
Tom Bihn bags have been around for over 45 years, and they continue to be one of the best bag brands on the market. Their products are durable, with a variety of features that make them appealing to their customers.
In this article, we have analyzed the pros and cons of these bags, and as you can see, the advantages outweigh the disadvantages.
Do you think Tom Bihn bags are worth all the hype? Let me know in the comments below!
For any other general luggage-related questions, you are sure to find some answers in my Ultimate Guide to Carry-on Luggage and the Ultimate Guide to Checked Luggage posts.
3 thoughts on “Why are Tom Bihn bags so popular, are they actually the best?”
Hi Femi,
Thank you for your thorough analysis of Tom Bihn bags. I too am attracted to quality products and especially in bags this is critical. I think you have presented some great Tom Bihn bags pros and cons to enable all readers to make a fully informed decision. This as well as Tom Bihn bags alternatives are most helpful to all readers. Bravo Femi.
Hi Femi,
Thank you for sharing another great article on bags, I didn’t know there were this many bags being made all over the world. Goes to show how important luggage is to a person.
Tom Bihn bags do look amazingly accessible, and are obviously very helpful to the walker or the traveller. Especially when they are facing challenges of extreme weather.
I have friends who do these kinds of challenges and they could really do with a Tom Bihn bag. So I am going to share this with them…again. They have had so many of your articles from me 🙂
Keep sharing your amazing knowledge on luggage my friend.
All the best,
Tom
I’ve only recently come across this brand of backpack… It looks like a good quality and versatile range to meet almost everyone’s needs. I actually think they look quite sleek and good for professionals…
Thanks for the insights…