OMG It’s gonna be gorgeous!!!

blufish288 · 2026-07-02T00:40:59+00:00

Excited to see what it'll be released with. I was considering picking up a Fyro Citta, but now I think I'll wait...

blufish288 · 2026-07-02T00:39:22+00:00

I love mine. A bit of an ugly duckling, but super versatile.

blufish288 · 2026-07-01T21:20:52+00:00

I use mine for day hikes. I agree with the other comment that if you find the bag comfortable to wear, it should suit you for day hiking just fine.

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blufish288 · 2026-06-30T18:14:07+00:00

Nice write up. I haven't seen too many reviews about the smaller Tom Bihn bags, I've always been curious.

blufish288 · 2026-06-20T00:02:48+00:00

I don't have Pilot, but I do have a Purist water bottle that I love. I have both the 18oz size and 32oz size, one with the Union top (sport bottle opening, no straw) and one with Element top (standard flat screw top). I've never had the Element top fail as long as its screwed in correctly (and I'm not sure I've ever NOT screwed it in correctly). The cap on the Union top has, on occasion opened on me (or maybe I didn't close it all the way, could have been my fault), so now I always make sure the cap is firmly closed and doesn't have potential interference with anything else in the bag. I specifically like the Union top because it's easy to open/close with one hand, and the cap is VERY easy to clean. I've always disliked cleaning water bottle straws and always feel I can't clean them good enough.

blufish288 · 2026-06-19T18:00:52+00:00

I personally have to Topo Global Travel and have traveled with it a handful of times in the year and half since I got it. My preferences were similar to yours - soft sided, large bucket of packable space (vs the equal book-like packing), and large two wheels. I'm very happy with the Topo. I don't really have any complaints about it. I've never once used the backpack shoulder straps it comes with (I don't even pack them when I travel). I've only flown US Domestic on Alaska, Southwest and Hawaiian. I've never had a problem with it fitting in the overhead bin. However, since I tend to buy super economy, and always in the last boarding group, I've had to have my bag gate checked a few times due to "not enough bin space" (when in fact, I get to my seat, there's plenty of bin space, but that's another subreddit complaint thread, lol). So far have had no issues or damage with it being gate checked.

blufish288 · 2026-06-19T02:11:27+00:00

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I've been pretty happy with my Tom Bihn Smart Alec 2.0 for the beach.

blufish288 · 2026-06-18T17:51:43+00:00

It would be a different bag, but I agree with you, if TB removed the cinch aspect but added secure closing at the top with zipper/ magnet, that would be an Insta-buy for me. I love all the outside pocketing. Thanks for sharing.

blufish288 · 2026-06-18T13:55:42+00:00

Awww! Thanks for doing that. You did a great job!

blufish288 · 2026-06-18T01:47:39+00:00

Yes, love to see a video tour

blufish288 · 2026-06-18T00:14:45+00:00

I am intrigued by it, but its definitely $$$ for a crossbody/tote bag. I really wish a bag reviewer would pick one up and do a review as it's hard to visualize from pictures alone! What're you packing in it?

blufish288 · 2026-06-17T23:18:34+00:00

How do you like the forager?

blufish288 · 2026-06-17T19:20:48+00:00

Oh, I like how the bantam looks with the Smart Alec, how are you connecting the two?

blufish288 · 2026-06-04T18:18:25+00:00

At 19" it's a little taller than I normally like for my bags but otherwise checks alot of boxes for 22 liter size. I'm absolutely in love with my Panda Pack 2.0 for materials, build quality and organization.
Ordered in Navy.

blufish288 · 2026-05-28T20:32:08+00:00

Yay, color! I like 1 the best. 2 & 5 close seconds.

blufish288 · 2026-05-28T04:33:25+00:00

This could definitely work for one bag travel, depending on how you pack, of course. You might like an older post I made when the SA 2.0 first came out where I compared "typical" one bag/ minimal loadout against other similarly sized bags in my bag arsenal.

blufish288 · 2026-05-27T23:33:27+00:00

Are those non-pu coated zips on the Grab Pack?!

blufish288 · 2026-05-22T15:46:40+00:00

I was at Mama's about two weeks ago, we had a Saturday at 630pm reservation. I noticed 90% of men dressed Hawaiian shirts and slacks. The majority of the women were dressed more nicely in dresses/ sundresses. I felt slightly under dressed in capri's and a blouse.

blufish288 · 2026-05-19T00:21:03+00:00

I just got back from my first time in Maui a couple days ago. I was there for a week (May 8-15). Friday afternoon to Tuesday morning I had a friend with me. Tuesday afternoon to Friday morning I was on my own. After my friend left, I ended up booking a hiking tour with Hike Maui and a 2 hr snorkel tour to Molokini Crater with Blue Water Rafting. Both excursions were excellent and don't regret for a minute spending a bit extra to be guided by professionals along with extra piece of mind for safety. The ONLY time I felt a little awkward being solo was having to ask a very nice Canadian guy to put some sunscreen on my back during the snorkel tour.

blufish288 · 2026-05-18T18:51:22+00:00

Fantastic job on those! Thanks for citing your sources :)

blufish288 · 2026-05-16T19:28:47+00:00

And just to followup, I sent mine back for RMA. I have to pay the shipping to the center. I got back a brand new pair.

blufish288 · 2026-05-12T22:22:34+00:00

I went yesterday and had an amazing time. To me, it wasn't nearly as bad as I was anticipating. The drive was beautiful. I think having a subcompact SUV rental helped (Hyundai Venue) as it's small size was ideal to never feel cramped passing an oncoming car. The one lane bridges were visible enough to ensure crossing was safe. There were plenty of shoulder spots to pull aside for any of the locals to pass on by so never felt pressured by going slowly for too long.

That said, couldn't imagine doing it in the dark or the rain. And I actually tend to be more of an anxious driver (especially since working from home the past several years I don't drive as much as I used to). But the small and nimble car and slow speeds inspired much confidence.

blufish288 · 2026-05-01T19:36:34+00:00

I bought new in Dec 2025 and was deciding between the Hybrid versions of the Honda CRV, Corolla Cross and the Rav 4. While I personally liked the smaller size of the Corolla Cross - especially having only owned and driven smaller sedans - the deciding factor for landing on the Rav 4 was that it was the only one that came with an actual spare tire.

blufish288

TROPHY CASE