Company Profile: Tom Bihn

Sometimes it's the individual bags that are really interesting, sometimes it's a company that puts out a lot of interesting bags. Finding these companies is like finding a reliable source, you might not like every bag but often if you like their style and quality, you'll like a lot of these bags. Over time I've found some speciality manufactures who's products I love, and I'll do a little profile on these companies. First is one that's my all time favorite, Tom Bihn.

Now, you'll notice I've got two bags of theirs reviewed, and I have many more. I probably sound like a salesman for them sometime but they have not paid me off in any way, I just love their stuff. Let's get down to it:

Tom Bihn

A small manufacturer based in Seattle, Washington, all bags are made in their factory in Seattle, and their care and craftsmanship shine through. I like the fact that the bags are made by locals, no outsourced manufacturing, and you can feel the love and attention they have for design and manufacture of their bags. Most of their bags are nylon based so it's kinda the more sporty look though the actual designs, I think are elegant and understated. They tend to target a more "travel" person with lots of carry-on and day bags, though also lots of briefcase style bags.

I was first introduced to them by their Brain Bag, (review upcoming) which has been my main backpack for close to 10 years now. It barely shows any wear and it's been good for so many situations.

Right, so the price is a bit high, but it's going to be like that for any of these specialty manufacturers, and you get what you pay for. Excellent quality, thoughtful design, and something that can be used for a lifetime.

You can actually visit their factory in Seattle and meet with the people who make your bags!

Europe 2011

So, another trip to Europe and another chance to use some of my travel bags. This time, I've got three weeks in Europe going between the UK (London), Luxemburg, Sweden (Stockholm), and Finland (cabin in the woods). With a wedding in London, and possibly light hiking in the Finland, it was a little tricky to pack. In the end I went with my trusty Tom Bihn Aeronaut  (see my review of the Aeronaut here) as my main bag, and Tom Bihn's Co-Pilot (review forthcoming) as my day bag.

Got pretty close to the weight limit, at 8 kilos or around 18 pounds, I got just up to the limit with my main bag. Add in the small bag with my laptop, I was at 23 pounds.

The reason for the co-pilot was that it was small enough that it squeaks in as a "personal item" for just about everybody. Would have liked a small backpack but sometimes the airlines get picky about the personal item. Also in a pinch, the co-pilot fits into the Aeronaut, I like the ability to have only one bag when I travel.

More musings as the trip continues.

A beginning of bags

So, what is this blog about? Well bags of course! I'm Charlie, and I love bags.

Yes, this could be an intro given at a recovery clinic on one addicted to bags, but that's me. I love bags and I collect them, all types. After complaining to a friend that somebody really should have a good bag blog, he responded with, "You should write it".

So here I am. Mostly I'll cover backpacks, and travel bags as that's what I use the most. But I'll venture into all different type of bags. Being a guy, I'll mostly cover bags that guys would use, though if I see something really nice for a women's bag, I'll be happy to write about it. My fashion sense isn' the greatest though, that's mostly what will keep me from talking about women's bags too much. There will be reviews, random thoughts, anything really anything else I want.

How often will this be updated? I honestly don't know but I'll try to keep it up to date. I've got a lot of bags that I own that I want to photograph and review, and always more bags to get.

Enjoy!