I think your criticism about the water bottle pocket is fair but I prefer it over the dedicated side pocket mostly for the weight distribution and the width it would add to the bag since it's my personal item when flying. Any wider than it currently is and it would have issues sliding underneath the seat in front of you on domestic (US) flights. No issues flying international yet as well but only Air France. Been on over 40 flights so far this year in August 2022 with the bag. I use a hydro flask 40oz wide mouth with straw lid and it can fit in two ways: 1. The side pockets are under half full and you can zip the water bottle pocket shut (tight fit) 2. The side pockets are over half full and the 40oz still fits but with the pocket unzippable, but this isn't a gripe for me. I also have a number of smaller Tom Bihn accessories I use (HLT2, snake charmer, freudian slip, etc) which add to organization I needed. Regarding the zipper lock for the main compartment, yeah that is something Tom Bihn could/should have added but I would have also then needed a way to lock the side zipper accessing the laptop compartment, as that will most likely be the most prized possession. Personally though is backpack is a 9.5/10 for me and other than some other minor gripes (tips forward when pockets are filled, my Tab S8 Ultra [14.6 inches] barely fits through the side but the laptop compartment itself is massive).
You could still lock the two zippers together if you really want to by putting a lock through the hole that's at the end of the metal part of each zipper handle.
i use the "water bottle holder" for books and that sort of stuff. works well for me because i rarely carry a water bottle around. if i did itd probably bother me too, but i only care if im hiking in practice. the thing is, for non-bottle this pocket is actually really really nice because it does have its own space (just not "nalgene girth" space if that makes sense), vs most bags where ecen fitting a book in a front pocket is annoying
Nice to see more of that color. Got the same combo on the way! Do you think it’s too bright irl? I’m hoping for a somewhat muted, rusty orange. Worst case I just need some miles in it and it will fade eventually ha.
![Tom Bihn Synik 30L Long Term Review [2019]](/img/n.gif)
I think your criticism about the water bottle pocket is fair but I prefer it over the dedicated side pocket mostly for the weight distribution and the width it would add to the bag since it's my personal item when flying. Any wider than it currently is and it would have issues sliding underneath the seat in front of you on domestic (US) flights. No issues flying international yet as well but only Air France. Been on over 40 flights so far this year in August 2022 with the bag.
I use a hydro flask 40oz wide mouth with straw lid and it can fit in two ways:
1. The side pockets are under half full and you can zip the water bottle pocket shut (tight fit)
2. The side pockets are over half full and the 40oz still fits but with the pocket unzippable, but this isn't a gripe for me.
I also have a number of smaller Tom Bihn accessories I use (HLT2, snake charmer, freudian slip, etc) which add to organization I needed.
Regarding the zipper lock for the main compartment, yeah that is something Tom Bihn could/should have added but I would have also then needed a way to lock the side zipper accessing the laptop compartment, as that will most likely be the most prized possession.
Personally though is backpack is a 9.5/10 for me and other than some other minor gripes (tips forward when pockets are filled, my Tab S8 Ultra [14.6 inches] barely fits through the side but the laptop compartment itself is massive).
Both your comment and this video was very helpful in talking about water bottles. It was super helpful to see the Nalgene bottom deep in there.
You could still lock the two zippers together if you really want to by putting a lock through the hole that's at the end of the metal part of each zipper handle.
So you bought a bag without water bottle side compartment and then complained about it not having a side compartment.
LOVE that color!
i use the "water bottle holder" for books and that sort of stuff. works well for me because i rarely carry a water bottle around. if i did itd probably bother me too, but i only care if im hiking in practice.
the thing is, for non-bottle this pocket is actually really really nice because it does have its own space (just not "nalgene girth" space if that makes sense), vs most bags where ecen fitting a book in a front pocket is annoying
Is this really Synik 30? I was going to buy it, but I could not find the one with this color.
Orange looks fire though
Nice to see more of that color. Got the same combo on the way!
Do you think it’s too bright irl?
I’m hoping for a somewhat muted, rusty orange. Worst case I just need some miles in it and it will fade eventually ha.
Great/ fair critique about the water bottle holder
speak up!