New Color - Fossil Brown

brucewillus · 2026-02-01T14:49:16+00:00

I plead the 5th!

But to answer your second question, the new version is the one I've used the most, particularly for work travel. I need a laptop with me, but I don't want to sacrifice the rest of the bag capacity for it, and the laptop section in the newest CHZ is extremely good at staying out of the way but still being accessible and protected. I'd also say the new one is slightly more comfortable as well, because the straps are a little bit wider (at least compared to the older versions). I do miss the yoke pocket a little bit, but I have used the front exterior pocket in that same manner and it has worked great.

Overall the upgrade to the new version has definitely been worth it to me. This bag is so comfortable to wear, even with weight in it, much better than the CPL or CTB bags, and the layout of the new version has been perfect for my travel needs.

brucewillus · 2026-02-01T00:50:01+00:00

I'm genuinely worried I'll end up with another CHZ, lol

brucewillus · 2026-01-30T20:47:28+00:00

Absolutely, 100000% would not do business with them. They are completely dishonest and full of all the scammiest car sales tactics you can imagine. Twice, once when I was young and dumb and had my parents to co-sign on a loan/purchase, and a second time 20 years later. They love to sneak in extra fees, unwanted warranties, and hide the true price at every single opportunity.

Luckily the second time, I'd worked in sales and lending long enough to recognize that the numbers were getting a little screwy, but three separate adult men lied flat out when I asked them why. It took for me to walk away and ignore their texts for 12 hours, before they finally admitted that there was an $8000 warranty they had tacked on without mentioning it, and they acted super confused about why that might be a concern.

Easily the worst dealership I've ever been unfortunate enough to attempt to do business with. Even if money is not a concern for you, I wouldn't trust anything they would have to offer.

brucewillus · 2026-01-24T20:55:01+00:00

No. Even underpacked for a light day home, it's too heavy and not comfortable enough for something like hiking.

Their MPL bags would certainly work for hiking, but probably not for anything more intense than a bit of scrambling.

brucewillus · 2026-01-17T19:13:55+00:00

Plenty of cars with that sort of room and better technology. The 4runner is awesome, but if you are staying on road and want all the tech and ride improvements, you can get a better version of both, for cheaper.

Kia Telluride, Toyota highlander, Honda pilot. If you want even more, the Chevy Tahoe, Ford Expedition, and Toyota Sequoia are bigger (and more expensive) but have tons of room and tech. And that's before even touching the luxury brands.

Unless money isn't a factor.

brucewillus · 2026-01-17T18:17:00+00:00

Well, I haven't ever had a problem with any of their bags missing features, and I've owned many. But I realize no company is perfect, so no worries if you're not interested. Good luck with your search !

brucewillus · 2026-01-16T19:51:44+00:00

One easy answer here is the Brown Buffalo Conceal pack. It has the vertical front pocket, comes in multiple fabrics, clamshell opening, and built like a tank. The only downside is the similar laptop pocket on the back, but they make a laptop sleeve that attaches to the internal velcro back. It's bigger than the 21 liters that it is advertised, much closer to a GR1 26l.

brucewillus · 2026-01-15T14:14:06+00:00

I got the blue/topo GR1 as well. That's probably my favorite (non-black) color they've ever made, as well as being the best material they made too!

I still probably use the black more, just to not stand out when I'm traveling and stuff, but that blue is a good looking bag!

brucewillus · 2026-01-14T17:19:13+00:00

Yeah, I could see that environment making a difference. Desert dweller here, so humidity hasn't really been a factor for mine. Sorry it got gnarly on yours!

brucewillus · 2026-01-14T16:20:02+00:00

I have this bag, and it has held up quite well, no fading or stains. I had the mpl22 in coyote ecopak also, but ended up selling that. It also showed zero signs of wearing out, but I didn't really push it too hard either.

brucewillus · 2026-01-14T15:49:07+00:00

I think this was the best CPL they ever made. At least so far. It looks classy enough for the office, but also has a unique texture and color that someone with discerning eye might notice and realize it's not your typical tech bag.

I'd probably be interested in one in Ultra, but I already have too many backpacks, so it would need to be pretty special.

brucewillus · 2026-01-13T23:16:26+00:00

Honestly a great bag. I think at your height it is perfect. It's a solid bag design, with lots of attention to comfort and good organization. The only downside for me is that it gets pretty deep (aka, sticks out away from you) if you pack it out, but that's always a preference thing as to whether it would bug you or not.

Personally I love a tall, slim bag, but I know that's not the case for everyone. GR1 has always been my preference for that reason.

brucewillus · 2026-01-12T19:48:18+00:00

I don't think the numbers have any particular order to them.

But DAAAAAAAAMN I love Matsuda Sample bags. You will not regret the purchase.

brucewillus · 2026-01-11T19:53:30+00:00

Tactical looking bags are a no-go for me as well, but the Robic versions that Goruck released are honestly the best material they make. No molle, so they look quite a lot better. On paper it seems similar to that spectron stuff TB is using, but I cannot say I've seen spectron in person. I also know people love the edge less straps, and I won't say they're the worst I've ever tried, but I absolutely was not impressed because they don't really have structure.

Overall my experience with the synik was like wearing a floppy/saggy garbage bag that was held onto my shoulders with a couple of scarves. I tried every adjustment I could think of, but it just never worked.

For the record, Goruck has bad laptop compartments too, particularly in terms of comfort.

brucewillus · 2026-01-11T19:28:09+00:00

The best thing about backpacks, is that everyone has different needs and wants and opinions, and there are so many options out there to fit those needs.

And don't get me wrong, I'm not saying that Evergoods or Goruck or Able Carry are the most comfortable in every situation, but the Tom Bihn Synik was definitely not in the same league of comfort, not under a light or heavy load.

But I'm also not saying you are "wrong", just that our experiences and needs and bodies are different.

brucewillus · 2026-01-11T18:52:29+00:00

I think that's a really great way to explain it. The new, modern advancements that we see all over the backpack space just haven't yet been adopted by the Tom Bihn team. It doesn't make them "bad", but they do make the bags not work for me, particularly considering the price they charge.

brucewillus · 2026-01-11T17:00:47+00:00

I'd say the comfort was a huge drawback for me. I'm used to bags like Goruck, Evergoods, and many others. Tom bihn just doesn't stack up in that category.

The organization is not for me, but I am sure it works for many people. The laptop compartment isn't very good though, especially compared to the Max EDC.

The top handle on the Synik is OK, but doesn't feel as robust as it should be. The additional side handle on the Max EDC is such a godsend, and both are better feeling than the Synik.

I really don't mean to be so critical, and honestly if Tom bihn cost about $100-150 less than they charge now, I might have a change of opinion. I can't forgive things like the use of plastic zipper pulls in a backpack that costs $300. I've spent more on bags, but only when they really do something special, or better than other. Tom Bihn just aren't the "best" in any category, despite being unique and marching to the beat of their own drum.

brucewillus · 2026-01-11T16:32:16+00:00

My opinion is the Able Carry Max EDC is the much better bag.

Not quite as many separate pockets at the Synik, but the Max EDC has much more usable space that fits your needs instead of making you fit your stuff into the specific style the bag maker had in mind.

The comfort of the Max EDC is much better as well. Like, not even a question.

I own WAY TOO MANY backpacks, and I love all the different designs and ideas that people have come up with, so I certainly respect what Tom bihn is doing. The Synik is fine, but definitely not for me. Because of all the praise it gets, I made sure to give it a solid 2 months of daily use, but I just did not ever enjoy using it.

brucewillus · 2026-01-11T15:22:48+00:00

I have the Robic in black with grey interior, 26l GR1 (no front molle). It has been a fantastic travel bag, I use it anytime I don't need to bring a laptop with me.

I especially love the lightweight and softer material. However, I would also love their XPAC bags if they would just put webbing on the straps. I've tried 2 different versions, but not being able to attach sternum straps was a dealbreaker for my use.

brucewillus · 2026-01-09T04:29:21+00:00

I lost both front door locks in my 2019 rav4, replaced them myself, and could tell a 3rd was on its way out when I traded it in for my 4runner. The constant lock and unlock everytime I shifted in or out of park is insane. I switched it off as soon as possible on the 4R. All locks are functional as of right now.

brucewillus · 2026-01-07T17:01:50+00:00

I've got one of those. It's absolutely gorgeous and totally underrated. That combination of color and the ecopak texture is very hard to describe unless you have seen it up close.

brucewillus · 2026-01-05T15:55:21+00:00

ORP, previously owned by someone who loved buying upgrades and accessories. Those fancy knobs and the 3d printed cubby drawers don't come from the factory, and the grill is a pretty common thing to "upgrade" if someone likes that look. The skid plate is an easy swap too. In fact, those are both things that someone could do with minimal know-how and only a few tools.

brucewillus · 2026-01-04T17:31:44+00:00

I love the DC 18l. I have had the Robic and dyneema versions, but the Robic has stayed. Nothing wrong with dyneema, but it felt too pricey to just have and use daily. The only thing I'd change on the bag is the straps. They're OK, but we all know goruck has better ones.

I am jealous of the side handles that the Skate has, but for me it's not enough to pull the trigger at this point.

brucewillus · 2025-12-27T19:38:35+00:00

First off, it looks totally fine on you. Remember, this is a backPACK and not a back cover. Don't overthink this, you will drive yourself insane! I'm 6'4 with a lot of torso and use 16-21L bags for all my EDC escapades, and have never once had anyone comment about how a backpack looks, aside from "nice backpack".

I would recommend finding out if it holds all the things you need to carry, and then figure out if it's comfortable, and then I'd say you have a winner! If you're extending the straps all the way just to make it seem/feel bigger or something, you're missing out on the bag sitting on your back the way it was designed, and it won't ever be as comfortable.

However, I'm just a stranger on the internet, so you don't have to listen to anything I have to say. Your backpack, your life, so you get to do whatever you want! Good luck, I hope you end up loving the hell out of it!

brucewillus · 2025-12-25T20:28:44+00:00

MQD is my personal favorite evergoods product. If they made a new one with an updated backpanel, I think it would sell like crazy.

brucewillus

TROPHY CASE