TOM BIHN® ALTERNATIVE

With all the work and travel bag choices out there, it can be overwhelming to sift through the universe of possible alternatives to Tom Bihn®. To help make the process easier, the chart below compares Tom Bihn® key features to similar best-selling competitors (this information comes from each brand’s website so you don’t have to go looking for it yourself).

Tom Bihn® Backpack Alternatives

Accurate as of 02/27/2023

Brand Name
KNACK® KNACK® Tom Bihn® Tom Bihn®
Series 1 Medium Knack Pack Series 2: Large Expandable Knack Pack Synik 22 Synik 30
Series 1 Series 2
Price
$235 $295 $310 $320
Primary Use
Every day + Travel Every day + Travel Everyday Travel
Size and Weight
Exterior Dimension - Unexpanded
19"H x 12"W x 4.5"D 19"H x 12"W x 4.5"D 16"H x 11.4"W x 9.4"D 20"H x 13.4"W x 10.8"D
Exterior Dimension - Expanded
19"H x 12"W x 9.5"D 19"H x 12"W x 9"D Does Not Expand Does Not Expand
Capacity Unexpanded
27L 24L 22L 30L
Capacity Expanded
39L 35L Does Not Expand Does Not Expand
Weight
2 lbs. 11oz 3 lbs
400 Denier Halcyon: 2 lbs. 2.8 oz
525 High-Tenacity 2x2 Ballistic Nylon: 2 lbs. 4.5 oz
420 Denier HT Nylon Classic Parapack: 2 lbs. 5.1 oz.
400 Denier Halcyon: 2 lbs. 8.6 oz
525 High-Tenacity 2x2 Ballistic Nylon: 2 lbs. 11 oz
420 Denier HT Nylon Classic Parapack: 2 lbs. 11.9 oz
Expansion Function
360° Full Perimeter Expansion Zipper 360° Full Perimeter Expansion Zipper None None
Materials
Exterior Materials
Water Resistant, 1200 Denier, Hi-Twist Polyester With Cire Coating Water Resistant, 420 Denier, Hi-Twist Nylon with 840 Denier Ballistic Nylon Bottom With Double PU Coating
Water-Resistant, 400 Denier, Halcyon/420 Denier Nylon Ripstop
Water-Resistant, 525 High-Tenacity 2x2 Ballistic Nylon
Water-Resistant, 420 Denier HT Nylon Classic Parapack
Water-Resistant, 400 Denier Halcyon/420 Denier Nylon Ripstop
Water-Resistant, 525 High-Tenacity 2x2 Ballistic Nylon
Water-Resistant, 420 Denier HT Nylon Classic Parapack
Lining Material
150 Denier Anti-Microbial Nylon with Water and Satin Resistant Treatment 150 Denier Anti-Microbial Nylon with Water and Satin Resistant Treatment
200 Denier Halcyon/Nylon Ripstop
210 Denier Cerylon High-Tenacity Nylon Ripstop
200 Denier Halcyon/Nylon Ripstop
210 Denier Cerylon High-Tenacity Nylon Ripstop
Compartments
Front Organization Compartment
Main Everyday Compartment
Front Organization Compartment
Main Everyday Compartment
 Front Organization Pocket Hidden Expandable Suitcase Compartment
. Main Compartment . Main Compartment
Compartment Openings
Main Everyday Compartment: Clamshell Opening
Suitcase Compartment: Book Opening
Main Everyday Compartment: Clamshell Opening
Suitcase Compartment: Book Opening
 Main Everyday Compartment: Clamshell Opening Main Everyday Compartment: Clamshell Opening
Features
Laptop Size
Up to 15.6" Up to 15.6" Up to 13" Up to 16"
Laptop Protection
Padded Laptop Compartment With Suspension Sling Padded Laptop Compartment With Suspension Sling Suspended, Padded Laptop Pocket Suspended, Padded Laptop Pocket
Luggage Handle Attachment
Horizontal Trolley Sleeve Horizontal Trolley Sleeve Vertical Trolley Sleeve Vertical Trolley Sleeve
RFID Pocket
Yes Yes None None
Water Bottle Pocket
Hidden Exterior Zip Pocket Hidden Exterior Zip Pocket Hidden Exterior Zip Pocket Hidden Exterior Zip Pocket
Lockable Zipper Pullers
Yes Yes Yes Yes
Tuck Away Shoulder Straps
Yes Yes No No
Sternum Strap
Adjustable, Removeable Adjustable, Removeable Adjustable, Removeable Adjustable, Removeable

Other Backpack Alternatives

Other Helpful Resources for Selecting a Work or Travel Bag
5 stars

"It has room for everything I need to take it from the office, to the road, to the hotel, to the field, and back again" -Martin

  • Slim and lightweight for everyday use
  • Everyday compartment with tons of organization pockets
  • Easy-access side laptop compartment with protective padding and sling
  • Separate hidden suitcase compartment that expands when you need it

"The versatility of an everyday commuter bag with the convenience of a travel backpack."

The Gadgeteer

“The best travel backpack for business travelers.”

GQ Recommends

"Its secret weapon is the patent-pending hideaway travel compartment that expands when you need it, and zips away when you don’t. And it packs flat like a suitcase."

Carryology

"The best backpack for when you don’t want to look like a backpacker."

Fodors

"If you love traveling light and brilliant design, the Knack Bag is for you."

Forbes

"The Knack Pack has garnered a lot of admiration in the carry community thanks to its adaptable EDC and travel-ready design."

Men's Journal

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