Tom Bihn Synapse 25
My Review
One of the most ubiquitous bags made by Tom Bihn, the Synapse 25 is their most popular backpack – and for good reason. With lots of organization built-in, the Synapse 25 is a perfect backpack for those who carry a fair amount of stuff in their EDC. It’s equally at home carrying for the office professional as it is for students and a host of other folks.
The Synapse 25 is a joy to carry – during extended carry sessions, the cushioned back is both comfortable and breathable, while the padded straps are great on the shoulders. My back does tend to get sweaty while carrying it a long time, but the breathable mesh padding on the back helps. This is one of the most comfortable bags when carrying it full - the weight is strangely almost unnoticeable. If you own the internal frame, you'll find it to be that much more comfortable!
My only complaint about this bag – and it’s a minor one – is that it’s not the most handsome looking bag you’ve ever seen. I’d describe it as more of a “classic” and/or “muted” style. There are simply most stylish bags out there. What it lacks in style it makes up with pure functionality – it’s perhaps the most pragmatic bag you’ll ever own. And it’ll last you a lifetime!
What I Like 👍
- Tons of organization - there are pockets for everything, including a water bottle.
- The shoulder straps are very comfortable.
- Did I mention the water bottle pocket?
What I Don't Like 👎
- Not the most stylish bag you've ever seen.
Use This If
- You want to maximize organization but still have a sizable main pocket.
- You want one of the most comfortable backpacks on the market, filled or not.
- You need to carry a 15" laptop, like I do :)
What others have to say... Add a review!
The S25 was the first bag that I invested money into. $200 is a lot to spend as a college student, but I hoped that it would live up to everything I was hearing in my research. The organization is incredible, and the pockets are larger than you think. I'm not a huge fan of free-floating items so that bag helped alleviate that. (Trying to keep this condensed, I'm running out of characters.) One note - it does not fit a 17" laptop, at least not comfortably, it is edge to edge with the zippers.
Used primarily for: EDC
Yes, I would recommend this product!
Best thing about this bag is the storage space. You can store way more than it appears and everything's organized, all the time. Two downsides. The laptop compartment is not included and sometimes if you stuff too much, the back bulges. Both can be remedied with purchasing additional accessories.
Used primarily for: EDC
Yes, I would recommend this product!
Can’t beat the organization options available in this pack. Everything has it’s place and all the add on pouches etc make it so much fun to own and travel with. I’m 6’2 and the 25 was a perfect fit..the Goldilocks of pack...not too big and not too little.
Used primarily for: EDC
Yes, I would recommend this product!
First TB purchase and far, far, far from the last (pretty much the gateway drug). An excellent companion for graduate school: Plenty of space for a laptop (with the cache system) and the front pockets are great for any all tools needed. For 2+ day/night travel the smaller front pockets makes things a bit difficult depending on the particular trip. When packed to the gills the shape is a little funky especially before the frame sheet was a thing. The frame sheet is pretty much a must-have.
Used primarily for: EDC
Yes, I would recommend this product!
I’m always on the hunt for my next great bag! I usually EDC with a S19, and I thought, “Hey! Bigger must be better, right?” No so much for me. I’m not a slight person by any means (5’8” and stocky) but I felt overwhelmed by the 25. Too big on the outside, and too much space on the inside. However, I’ll never fault all the great pockets and organization of either the 19 or the 25. I would recommend it, but perhaps for me just for an airline personal item...
Used primarily for: Travel
Yes, I would recommend this product!
Simply put, this is the best backpack I've ever owned. I bought it for an EDC for work, and it's turned into so much more. I now have abandoned an Osprey travel pack and use the Synapse 25 for 1-bag travel. It's built so well, and is a joy to use.
Used primarily for: EDC
Yes, I would recommend this product!
I've had my S25 for nearly a year now and as another reviewer said, it was my 'gateway drug' into Tom Bihn. The optional 15C cache is big enough for my Dell XPS 15 (home computer) but also does the job nicely for my Dell XPS 13 (work computer). I've also used it for one-bag travel for up to a week at a time. On Delta and Spirit airlines, it fits the size requirements for a 'personal' item (no charge on Spirit), even packed full, and fits under the seat for easy access to my stuff in flight.
Used primarily for: EDC
Yes, I would recommend this product!
I seem to be in the minority, but I really like the look of this bag. The materials and built quality are fantastic, as is the organisation. With this Synapse by my side, I’ll always have everything I need where I need it.
Used primarily for: EDC
Yes, I would recommend this product!
This is our go to park bag. Family of 4 we pack snacks,drinks,ponchos and still have room for purchases. Also a great personal item for frontier airlines
Used primarily for: Travel
Yes, I would recommend this product!
I've used my Synapse 25 for the past four years, mostly as an EDC work bag, but I've also used it on cheap vacations where I only get one personal item for a flight. The S25 fits under a plane seat, holds enough clothes if you're up for washing them while traveling, and has the best external organization of any pack I've used. All that said, I plan on upgrading the Synik 30 soon to get the dedicated laptop space, luggage passthrough for business travel, and 5 extra liters of space. 9/10
Used primarily for: EDC
Yes, I would recommend this product!
I used to use a small wheeled carry-on for plane travel, but with airlines crowding the seats closer and closer (we're going to end up in each other's laps by next year), even my 17-inch often doesn't fit under the seat. Synapse 25 to the rescue! 5 stars for value -- still looks like new after 3 years! 4 starts for style -- color combinations in the Halcyon fabric I love are quite limited. 4 stars for organization! Love that water bottle pocket!
Used primarily for: Travel
Yes, I would recommend this product!
I use the synapse 25 for traveling with only one bag. It’s been in multiple countries and swallows packing cubes in the main compartment. My Tom Bihn side effect fits perfectly in the bottom most front organizational compartment!
Used primarily for: Travel
Yes, I would recommend this product!
This is a great bag for those who like spacious compartments on the outside for organization and quick access needs when on the go. This works well for one bag travel and EDC. Main compartment is spacious enough for larger packing cubes and can fit a ton inside depending how you pack. However it is not a clamshell opening. Drawbacks can be having to add on organizational pouches, a frame for greater structure, and a protective sleeve for your laptop, which all add to an already heftier price.
Used primarily for: EDC
Yes, I would recommend this product!
I was looking for a new bag to carry a flute, piccolo. The Synapse 25 does that and an orchestra folder and my K&M Music stand. In addition to various small fiddly bits. It's comfortable with the internal frame.
Used primarily for: EDC
Yes, I would recommend this product!
My 14 year old daughter has been carrying the S25 for one bag travel since she was 11. She typically carries 1 medium and 1 small packing cube with clothing, Tom Bihn clear 3D organizer cube of toiletries, flip flops, drumsticks, drum practice pad, notebook, drawing pencils, and an assortment of other small items. She can even stuff a sweatshirt in when needed. It works so well for her that I’m not even made that she “stole” it from my bag stash. :-)
Used primarily for: Travel
Yes, I would recommend this product!
Great backpack with a couple of minor issues. Organization - I find that there's actually too much organization in the front pockets, I'd prefer a bit more free form organization. Style - I'd prefer a slightly cleaner look but this is a taste issue. Overall a great bag
Used primarily for: EDC
Yes, I would recommend this product!