The Tom Bihn Synik 22: Your New Travel Companion

I have to tell you, I am in love with this company, they have a pouch called a “ghost whale.” GHOST WHALE. Amazing. Sorry, I needed to get that out of my system. We aren’t here to talk about that pouch, but the Tom Bihn Synik 22.

You know how we all want our hands free? Well, this is the new hands-free device you are going to want for travel, commuting, or EDC (everyday carry I looked it up so you don’t have to). The Synik 22 is the smaller sibling of the well-loved Synik 30 and is perfect for any woman (or anyone else, I just focus on a woman’s travel experience) looking to travel light and stay organized.  

Why Choose the Synik 22? Unpacking the Features

Compact Yet Spacious

The Synik 22, with its lean dimensions and a total volume of 22 liters, is deceptively spacious. You might look at it and think, “Is this a magic trick?”  You’re not alone, one of the reviews I read referred to the Synik 22 as a “clown car” in the most loving way possible. Thanks to intelligent design, every inch is used wisely. 

The main compartment opens fully, clamshell-style, which means you can pack and unpack without having to summon a search party for your socks. Unless you forgot to pack them, you know who you are.

Organization: A Place for Everything

With five external pockets, each with its own volume, this backpack ensures that smaller items have a spot. The pockets are crafted to maintain their shape, looking good whether they’re stuffed or just carrying your travel essentials. 

The centered water bottle pocket balances the weight, making your load easier to carry without sacrificing aesthetics. The other four pockets have spots for pens/pencils or small tools, sunglasses or first aid kit, and o-rings for attaching any of the optional organizational pouches they sell (shout out to the ghost whale one more time), or things like key rings.

Behind the clamshell opening main compartment there is a built in laptop compartment that can fit up to a 13″ laptop. This compartment is suspended to protect your laptop and has a second side opening so it can be accessed without taking the backpack all the way off your back.

They spent a long time not only thinking about aesthetics, and what you pack, but how you pack and travel.  The storage options are very intuitive and can help almost anyone stay organized.  

Comfort on the Go

The edgeless shoulder straps are a stand-out feature, designed to mold to your shoulders rather than digging in like a bad habit. Made from EV50 1/2″ foam, these adjustable straps are robust enough to handle a heavy load, making the Synik 22 ideal for long days of travel or city exploration. Plus, with adjustable sternum and waist straps (which are removable), you can customize the fit to your liking.

Built to Last

Tom Bihn doesn’t skimp on quality. The exterior materials range from 100% recycled RX30 X-Pac® to various forms of nylon (including, my favorite, ballistic nylon), all certified for their high tenacity and environmental friendliness. This backpack is not just built for travel but built to last through travels.

They back up these quality materials with a stellar warranty and excellent customer service. The people at Tom Bihn truly stand behind their products. All of the backpacks are designed and sewn in Seattle, WA and most are made out of materials sourced from within the United States, meaning they can keep quality control high.

Travel-Smart Features

From a suspended laptop compartment that can accommodate up to a 13″ MacBook Pro to a rolling luggage handle pass-through, every feature in the Synik 22 is thought out with the traveler in mind. The added internal frame and tie-down straps ensure that everything stays in place, no matter the turbulence.

Options, You Know You Love Them

“You like choices and we like to give you choices!” Is proudly written in the exterior fabric section. The Synik 22 has three exterior fabric options, and they provide a helpful table to help you pick the correct fabric for your needs. If the thought of fabric choices doesn’t do it for you, they also offer at least 5 colors you can pick from. They truly do love giving us choices.

Customer Opinions Matter

In the design story for the Synik 22, the people at Tom Bihn tell the story of how customers started making requests starting in 2009 after they started selling the Synapse 19- using the bag for more than what the company saw for its uses. Asking for features and sizes, to quote the website:

“Maybe a 22-liter Synapse, or a 30-liter version, and what if we added more travel-specific features, like a full clamshell zipper opening? How about a dedicated laptop compartment? A luggage handle pass-through on the back panel? Done, done, and done: meet the Synik.”

Traveling Light: How the Synik 22 Makes It Easy

The Synik 22 isn’t just about carrying your belongings; it’s about doing so efficiently. The thoughtful design allows you to pack smart, not hard. Its features encourage a minimalist packing style, ideal for those who subscribe to the philosophy of traveling light. Perfect for a weekend getaway, a personal item on a long-haul flight, or a multi-city trip.

Quick Highlights from Reviewers

Here are the key points and snippets from users who have experienced the Synik 22 firsthand, providing a snapshot of their thoughts:

Review 1: The ‘Clown Car’ Effect

• Nickname: Referred to as “the Clown Car” due to its surprising spaciousness.
• Value: Considered worth the investment despite initial price hesitation.
• Design: Streamlined profile; comfortably fits users under 5’3″.
• Functionality: Appreciated the feature allowing attachment to rolling luggage handles.

Review 2: A Welcome Upgrade

• Loss and Replacement: Chose the Synik 22 after losing a previous Tom Bihn backpack.
• Upgraded Features: Enhanced protection for devices, stronger zippers, and opens fully flat.
• Satisfaction: Noted significant improvements over the previous model, validating the purchase decision.

Review 3: Perfect Size and Functionality

• Size: The right size for personal needs, an upgrade from the larger Synapse 25.
• Comfort: Shoulder pads and waist straps make it feel very light, even when fully loaded.
• Material: Bonus points for getting one made with Halcyon fabric.
• Minor Issue: The front pocket is slightly too shallow for an iPhone, best fits car keys.

Reviewers are overall very satisfied with the Synik 22, emphasizing its functionality, comfort, and design quality. Each reviewer highlights different aspects that might appeal to potential buyers, from its unexpected capacity to its ergonomic features.

The Ideal Travel Backpack for Women

Why is the Synik 22 particularly suitable as a travel backpack for women? Its design accommodates a range of body types, from 5′ to 5’10”, without compromising on comfort or functionality. The removable waist and sternum straps offer customization that can adapt to different body shapes, ensuring that the backpack doesn’t wear you, but rather, you wear it confidently.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• High-Quality Materials: The backpack is made from durable fabrics like 525 ballistic nylon or 400d Halcyon, which are both rugged and lightweight, ensuring longevity and ease of use.

• Well-Organized Compartments: It includes well-thought-out compartments and pockets, including a dedicated laptop compartment that’s easily accessible, making organization a breeze.

• Comfortable Design: The ergonomic design features padded straps and a back panel, designed for comfort even when the bag is fully loaded.

• Versatile Use: The size and design make it suitable for a variety of uses, from daily commuting to short trips, blending functionality with an urban aesthetic.

• Water-Resistant: The materials offer good resistance to water, protecting your electronics and other essentials in different weather conditions.

Cons:

• Price: The backpack is relatively expensive, which might not fit everyone’s budget.

• Limited Capacity: While 22 liters is adequate for daily use, it might not be sufficient for those who need to carry a lot of items for travel or extensive equipment.

• Style Specificity: The aesthetic, while sleek and modern, might not appeal to everyone, especially those who prefer a more traditional or less structured look.

• No External Water Bottle Pocket: The lack of an external water bottle pocket can be inconvenient for some users.

• Weight: Despite its high-quality materials, the backpack is slightly heavier than some other options in the same category, which could be a downside for those looking for an ultra-lightweight option.

Frequently Asked Questions

My Take

The Synik 22 is a high-quality travel backpack, and while I highly recommend it, it might not be the best choice for some travelers.  

The main drawbacks are the relatively high price and the small laptop compartment- it can fit a 13″ laptop, which is about the size of a Think Pad or a Chromebook, not a proper laptop. Not the end of the world, but something to keep in mind if you are looking to pack a laptop in this bag, or use it as an EDC.  At the time of writing this review the price was $330, which might make this backpack out of some travelers budget.

I can’t tell you if those drawbacks are deal breakers for you, only you know your needs and budget, but I can tell you that the quality, features, customer service, and warranty make the price well worth it in my opinion.

Conclusion: Your Go-To Backpack for Light Travel

If you’re in the market for a travel backpack that’s as versatile as it is stylish, the Tom Bihn Synik 22 should be at the top of your list. With its robust build, thoughtful features, and sleek design, it’s designed to be your go-to choice whether you’re traveling light or just on the go in your daily life. So, ready to travel smart and stylish? The Synik 22 is ready when you are!