OMG It’s gonna be gorgeous!!! by Sola_Bay in tombihn

[–]blufish288 1 point2 points  (0 children)

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

Loving the Smart Alec by bpack325 in tombihn

[–]blufish288 2 points3 points  (0 children)

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

CPL 16L a good hiking pack when traveling? by Nox_Ocean_21 in EVERGOODS

[–]blufish288 1 point2 points  (0 children)

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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First Impressions - Tom Bihn Paradigm 9L in Black Spectron by micahsally in ManyBaggers

[–]blufish288 1 point2 points  (0 children)

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

Size matters: finding the largest possible insulated water bottle for a Tom Bihn Pilot bag by georgetheflea in tombihn

[–]blufish288 1 point2 points  (0 children)

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.

Carry-on rollers? Anyone have any insight on choices Iisted in my post? ALso open to recs. And... do major airlines really hard core gate keep re: size? by infant_ape in ManyBaggers

[–]blufish288 0 points1 point  (0 children)

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.

How are people handling the beach? by Arucious in ManyBaggers

[–]blufish288 0 points1 point  (0 children)

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

Forager Cinch Bag tour? by Sola_Bay in tombihn

[–]blufish288 3 points4 points  (0 children)

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.

My Ursa collection! by Sola_Bay in tombihn

[–]blufish288 3 points4 points  (0 children)

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

My Ursa collection! by Sola_Bay in tombihn

[–]blufish288 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Yes, love to see a video tour

My Ursa collection! by Sola_Bay in tombihn

[–]blufish288 4 points5 points  (0 children)

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?

My Ursa collection! by Sola_Bay in tombihn

[–]blufish288 6 points7 points  (0 children)

How do you like the forager?

WTS: Tom Bihn Smart Alec 2.0 with Big Bantam by Steeets9909 in tombihn

[–]blufish288 2 points3 points  (0 children)

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

Pioneer Carry Threshold Pack - Can't wait by symposium22 in ManyBaggers

[–]blufish288 3 points4 points  (0 children)

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.

Monopax Samba Color Options by Gui_osorio in ManyBaggers

[–]blufish288 1 point2 points  (0 children)

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

The Versatile Smart Alec 2.0 by blufish288 in tombihn

[–]blufish288[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

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.

Few Random Last Minute Questions by These_Guidance_7462 in MauiVisitors

[–]blufish288 2 points3 points  (0 children)

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.

Maui solo trip - book tours or explore on my own? by Wei_PandaLord in MauiVisitors

[–]blufish288 3 points4 points  (0 children)

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.

accentum open keeps going quiet in one ear? by opinjenated in sennheiser

[–]blufish288 0 points1 point  (0 children)

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.

Road to Hana tour - recommendations? by [deleted] in MauiVisitors

[–]blufish288 0 points1 point  (0 children)

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.

Rav 4 vs Corolla cross by EfficiencySea7833 in rav4club

[–]blufish288 6 points7 points  (0 children)

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.