Tom Bihn Synapse/Synik Review
"Dad Bag Epic™"
One of the internet’s most beloved backpacks due to its accessibility, organization, build quality and capacity. Dad-bag looks tho.
Now available in two styles:
The “Synik” available in 22L and 30L, clamshell opening, new edgeless straps.
- 22L is PERFECT for my daily carry needs (a little tight, I gotta get a little funky on the laptop setup, but it’s perfect for me). Highly recommended.
- 30L is quite large for daily carry (larger framed people and folks with bigger loads to carry may not think so, tho), solid for travel (although I’d like something that’s a little smaller as a daily carry once I arrive).
The “Synapse” available in 19L and 25L, not clamshell opening, older straps. (Watch the Synapse Video.)
More on the Tom Bihn Synapse/Synik
What I like
- The 'turtle shell' front. Every front pocket has its own volume, pulled up off the main compartment, so all that organization doesn't eat your inside space.
- That bottom front pocket is one of my favorite pockets ever. Huge.
- Side pockets are surprisingly spacious and useful.
- Water bottle pocket sits in the center back of the bag, so the weight rides in the middle. Fits a big bottle.
- Tom Bihn's straps changed the game. Edgeless, stretch mesh all around, the lingerie of backpack straps.
- O-rings all over for leashing accessories, so your headphones pouch can sit out at the cafe without wandering off.
- Synik adds a built-in laptop compartment with a curved back zip and opens clamshell. It carries way more than it looks like it will, even in the small size.
- Everything's external and accessible. I rarely open it all the way, just in at the top.
- Made in the USA, in Seattle. A classic that's been around 15-20 years. If you're drawn to this bag, it probably works the way you do.
Watch for
- My 16" MacBook Pro won't go in the smaller Synik at all, and won't go through the back laptop zip on either size. It fits perfectly in the Synik 30 through the main compartment. Great for 13" and smaller laptops.
- The Synapse has no built-in laptop sleeve. You add one of their accessories.
- The smallest size is quite tight (that's honestly my favorite way to carry it).
- A big 36 oz bottle pokes out the top of the bottle pocket.
- Dad-bag looks. Some people love it, some don't.
Specs
- Synik: 22L and 30L. Synapse: 19L and 25L
- 400D Halcyon / 420D nylon ripstop (also Ballistic or Parapack), YKK Aquaguard zips, Duraflex/Nexus/Woojin hardware
- Made in Seattle, USA
Where I've covered it
- 15 Incredible Tech EDC Backpacks of 2026 at 30:08
- Tom Bihn Synik: Chase Reviews at 0:00 (full review)
- 15 Best Small Laptop Backpacks at 14:28
- 26 Perfect Laptop Backpacks at 35:27
- 14 Excellent Diaper Bags for Dads at 15:16
- Tom Bihn Techonaut Review at 16:16
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