Hi Geoff, Angela from TOM BIHN here! I loved your review of the Techonaut, was super straightforward, clear, and thorough. We'll definitely take notes on adding strap keepers to the bag. I can't wait for the videos on the Aeronaut and thanks for stopping by the factory!
First, thanks for concise reviews that cover all the important features without irrelevant comments. Second, re: the Techonaut, at $400 for the 30L, Tom Bihn is really testing customer interest in paying even more for small stuff such as strap holders, waist belts, and other options. Too bad as I tend to like Tom Bihn's storage designs.
I agree, I understand that they don't want everyone to pay extra for something only some people will want/use like the shoulder strap, but strap keepers seem like that should just be part of the pack.
@@OneBagTravels It's just not supportive, like it doesn't do a good job of transferring the weight to your hips/legs (especially without a frame sheet). I do a lot of backpacking so I know hip belts pretty well.
The travel tray is one of my most used pieces of gear. I have both sizes. I once had a tentmate when we went camping who scoffed at it, but by the end of the trip was wanting one for themselves.
That thing is pretty great, I wasn't sold on it at first either but now I have one and it's a great little bag. I use it as a bedside stand with keys wallet etc and easy transfer between locations.
The Tom Binh accessories and internal O-rings make all the difference in choosing their bags as my go-to when traveling. My only problem with the Technonaut is that you HAVE to lock the zippers on the two main compartments, otherwise they gap open. Not a problem with the four other external pockets.
If you leave the bottom compartment divider unzipped you still get some independent space in the bottom zipper, I always just leave mine unzipped & am able to stuff in a rain jacket & sandals even when the main compartment is completely full
That's a good point, unzipped it kind of turns into a variable-sized pocket, like you could stuff it full or leave it mostly empty and the divider will move to accomodate wherever you have your gear.
Thanks for the complete review. I have been eyeing this bag for a while but have not purchased it yet because it is sooo expensive. Do you like it better than the Patagonia Black Hole Mini MLC?
Both are great bags and very similar designs. I like the Techonaut better, but Mini MLC is still a great pack for the money and a great option that's much less expensive than the Techonaut.
Thanks for the review, it makes me want to pick up one. I'm glad they offer a different fabric type. I have a Tom Bihn briefcase/messenger style bag with the ballistic nylon. It's really well made and feels bomb proof yet it's hefty even when empty.
They had it when I bought the bag but I don't see any Halycon options on their site right now, hopefully they bring it back soon or find an alternative.
@@OneBagTravels Tom Binh replied to me saying the factory that produced the halcyon closed down. They are currently looking for similar lighter weight fabrics for future bags. So they won’t have anything soon.
I've been looking for a 30L bag that doesn't have (or take up much room) a laptop compartment, so this video came just in time for me. Looking forward to your packing the Aeronaut vid soon!
Great review! I’ve been on the fence between the Technonaut 45 and Osprey Fairview 40. Significant weight difference between the two bags with Technonaut being the lighter bag, versus supportive backpack carry, with Fairview being a more comfortable carry. As an older woman traveler I may have to choose support over weight. I have a few TB items and their quality is impressive.
I really like my Fairview 40. It can also convert to a duffle carry with the handle or a strap (bought separately). Fairview is a feature rich pack. It's soooo comfy as a backpack. The challenge is not to overpack it as you might exceed the carry-on dimensions if too thick (yeah I did that). For shorter domestic trips (US), I still reach for the Samantha Brown Essential Carry-All.
That's fair, I think Techonaut is comfortable for what it is, haven't tried the 45 liter pack though, but it's hard to beat the adjustable carry straps on the Fairview.
This bag looks nice but that price seems tough to justify. I like that they’re a B corp but $400 is hard to justify. I’d likely rather get a 36l ULA dragonfly for $300. But I got the mini MLC and for half the price of the techonaut and think it’s a better value for the money.
I agree that price seems hard to justify. I thought the same thing for years. Until I got this Techonaut30 a few months back. Some of the best quality bags I’ve ever bought. And I have bought plenty from AER, Evergoods, TAD, and Goruck. I love the weight to capacity ratio on this one. Most same capacity bags ranges from 3.5 to 4.5lbs, this TB at 2.4lbs is golden for Air travel.
Thanks for another great review! I like this style of bag but the price tag is out of my range. Do you think the Osprey arcane duffel is as comfortable as something like this?
This bag rocks with the high walled, main compartment. I pack in an Aer Go Pack 2, as an EDC on location, and use the compression straps to flatten it. Even with it, you can add the packing cubes on top of it. The shoe/dirty laundry compartment is also great.
That's a good deal for the SEG, it's a great pack. Similar style but more and smaller compartments on the SEG, larger on the Techonaut. Personal preference in packing style I think would determine which style works best for you.
Great review but I have a question about the material. I am looking at the website for the 45l version and unless I’m nuts, I don’t think I see the same material that your bag has. Is that correct or can you tell me the name of the material that they list for those bags? I like the ultra light like yours. Thanks
What I have is called Halcyon 400, I don't see either size of the Techonaut with that fabric right now, only the ballistic. They put out new batches fairly often and are always switching the colors and fabric choices. They may not have any of this fabric in stock right now, or possibly they ran out. They only had a limited supply when I bought my bag. You could email them and ask, they're pretty responsive.
I have this bag in ballistic nylon, and unfortunately, it doesn't work for my frame. I'm 5'2", and when the bag is full and heavy, it sags too much. The straps don't cinch up enough for me, and when cinched all the way, they don't sit flat on my shoulders. I'm disappointed because I love the features and quality.
Yeah, I've actually owned the Tristar since 2016 and have taken it to Morocco, Spain among other places. It's a great bag but a little bulky and heavy for minimalist international trips like that. I much prefer packs like the Techonaut because it's much lighter, large and easy to pack. Tristar I think is better for a short business trip where you want a briefcase-type bag with lots of exterior access, easy to get to laptop sleeve, but you don't need to carry a lot, or you could take it as a personal item with another larger bag.
@@OneBagTravelsI don't bring a laptop. usually an 11 inch ipad pro. Not sure I need a laptop compartment taking up too much space. you can fit more in the Techonaut or Aeronaut 30 than the Tristar? btw You live in the NW? I live in Portland, OR. 😎
@@AllenMarkel Techonaut and Aeronaut are technically the same size, and Tristar is actually listed as 33 liters, but Techonaut seems bigger for some reason. Yes I live in Southern Oregon 😃
You might want to compare the tech 30 to the new Bixi 32. I just bought the Techonaut 30 an now might have a little buyers remorse- so let us know what you think. Thank you.
Thank you for measuring the interior. Just exchanged the Halcyon Taiga for the ballistic black as it sags less and the black makes the Techonaut 30L appear smaller and less noticeable. Yes, the T 30L seems to be a larger bag than stated, (unlike the TomToc : a flat-out lie that it's 40L!). The Techonaut 30L should work out fine for international carry-on measurement requirements. And please do a T 30L packing video ASAP. Also, pretty pathetic that Tom Bihn, after charging $400 for the bag couldn't supply strap keepers.
It's hard to measure the volume on bags like this becaue you could probably stuff 35 liters in there if you really tried but it would be overstuffed way over the measurements. I'd say 30-32 is more realistic. And yes, I got something like 35L in my peanut test on the Tomtoc 40.
