I love backpacks. Always have, hopefully always will.

I’ve tried a lot of backpacks over the years and have, as many others, changed my preferences over time.

Backstory

In the early 2000’s, when I was riding my motorcycle to school daily, I preferred Chrome Bags. Riding a motorcycle in Florida means getting wet and (especially at that time), Chrome Bags were one of the only truly waterproof backpacks available.

Quick digression…

There’s waterproof and then there’s really waterproof. Anyone that’s lived in Florida and seen the rain knows that there are few things on this Earth that are truly waterproof. I’ve ridden through HEAVY downpours with the backpack remaining completely waterproof.

I was a huge fan of Chrome Bags for years and was excited to visit their store in San Francisco. The people at that store treated me so horribly, that I lost all respect and desire for their products.

I do not like Chrome Bags anymore, but I won’t take away from their excellence in waterproofing.

…end digression.

For a while, I really liked 5.11 bags… and had many. Yeni and I both traveled to Germany with their Rush series, traveled to Ireland with their Covrt bags, I daily carried their AMP line, and even used the briefcases they had.

After using 5.11 for years, I discovered Patagonia. I still don’t understand how they can create a bag so versatile that weighs so little. I have no idea why Patagonia discontinued their Paxat backpack. It remains one of the best bags I’ve ever owned.

About two years ago I discovered Tom Bihn. Although the company started in 1972, I hadn’t really known about them until 2020 or so. All Tom Bihn bags are made in Seattle, and although that translates to a higher price, their dedication to creating quality products from quality materials shows in every bag.

In 2023, after months (and I mean just shy of a year) of research, I finally ordered a Synik 30. I wanted a bag that was great for everyday carry but also great for travel. I wanted a bag that would last me decades. Something with good storage, a good look (if it’s going to last, it needs a style that will last), and good organization.

I wanted something that was good with a laptop, could handle some rain, and would look good in a professional setting as well as on a trip to Disney.

I knew I wouldn’t find something as lightweight as the Patagonia Paxat (under 2lbs), but I also didn’t want something as heavy as the 5.11 Rush 24 (almost 4lbs). I also wanted something in the 30L (or there about) range.

I kept coming back to the Synik 30. At just over 3lbs, I had hoped it would be slightly lighter, but after months of looking felt it was worth a try.

Synik 30

After a year plus with the Synik 30, I can without hesitation say this is the best backpack I’ve ever owned. And, when I say the best, I mean that it’s so awesome, Yeni has already sold off many of my old Chrome Bags and 5.11 bags on eBay.

Although my other similarly sized bags had more potential volume (the Patagonia is 32L, the Rush is 37L), the Synik 30 is so well designed that I can accommodate more.

Yeni calls it a Mary Poppins bag.

Tom Bihn incorporates O-Rings and other organizational aids that really make for an excellent daily carry. And when traveling (domestically or Internationally), the bag holds everything needed for what surprises the airport may bring.

I’m 6 foot and have a big frame. Shoulder straps on most other bags become uncomfortable after some time; especially on heavy load. As much as I love the Paxat, the shoulder straps (for me) is a killer. This said, others have no problem.

The Synik 30 uses “Edgeless” EV50 1/2in. / 12mm shoulder straps made from Evazote (Oeko-Tex certified) foam. Again, this goes to the cost… but is a great material that you know doesn’t have anything inside you need to worry about.

Even under (very) heavy load, the shoulder straps help carry the load without complaint. The back id designed in such a way that I simply don’t have “pack sweat.”

From the zippers to the ballistic nylon, the pack is well built for even the Florida weather and I have no worries of my electronics getting wet.

I’ve loved this bag so much, I’ve also added some Tom Bihn briefcases to my collection. =)

My only drawback is that since I bought my pack (in black) they came out with an amazing blue/orange combo… very difficult for any Gator to resist.