Putting It All Together
Hardcore travelers will like having two large compartments for two separate laptops, but once again, you will probably want to invest in a Brain Cell (or some other similar sleeve) for each notebook; the compartments are heavily padded like most other notebook bags.
If you are only bringing one laptop with you, though, the second compartment can be a great place to stash other accessories and a change of clothes, making the Brain Bag a great option for a short jaunt that’d get you away from home for a couple of days.
Back Straps, Waist Bands, and Overall Comfort
What about comfort? Tom Bihn has done a few things in this department too. The back straps are made from a stiff foam-like material. Personally, I would have preferred some slightly softer padding, as this is generally more comfortable. Softer edges would help too.
Depending your perspective, you may like the lateral straps. There are two of them: one that goes across your chest and another just above your waist. Yes, you’ll look like a dork if you use them, but your back will thank you if you happen to be carrying a heavier load. The good news is that both straps can be easily removed.
Overall, the Tom Bihn Brain Bag is reasonably comfortable, particularly with heavier loads and using both of the horizontal straps. There are all sorts of straps along the sides too, in case you want to tighten up that load or attach other doo-dahs to the exterior.
Closing Thoughts
If you want a backpack that is not only well made but hand made with love, durable, and versatile, you can’t really go wrong with something like the Brain Bag from Tom Bihn. You get four exterior pockets, two large compartments, high quality materials, and excellent craftsmanship. Most importantly, it’s completely customizable for your needs.
While it’s certainly not the most compact of laptop backpacks, but it was never meant to be. After all, its two major compartments are designed to accommodate up to two separate laptops; two brains if you will. It is a little strange to find these compartments relatively barren of pockets, but that’s how they upsell you into the various accessories. But at the end of the day, you get a bag that is customized for your needs.
By the time you pack in a Brain Cell, a Freudian Slip, and some other add-ons, you’re well into the $200 US range with this backpack solution. This is far from being the cheapest option on the block, but you do get great hand made quality compared to some of the other mass-produced bags on the market. It’s definitely worth every penny if you can afford it.
Pros
- High quality materials and quality hand construction
- No shortage of accessories
- Ample storage space for up to two notebooks
- Robust and versatile design
Cons
- Relatively expensive
- Almost forced to buy some accessories
- Lack of loops for connecting accessories
- Not checkpoint-friendly
Overall Rating: 8.5/10.0
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