Consider the following scenario – you’re leaving town on a quick business trip and arrive at the airport. Travelers are bustling to get through the security checkpoint, kicking off their shoes while they fumble with their laptops that must be removed from the bag before being scanned. As you watch the person in front of you nearly drop their laptop on the floor, you simply step up to the security checkpoint, open two convenient clips, unfold your laptop bag and step through. That’s right – no need to remove your laptop from your bag. How is that possible?
As of August 16, 2008, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) allows laptops to remain in bags meeting “checkpoint friendly” guidelines. Fortunately, the people at TOM BIHN are aware of these guidelines and designed a bag with the frequent traveler in mind. In addition to all the gadgets that travelling techies should have, the TOM BIHN Checkpoint Flyer Laptop Briefcase could be the bag to hold them all, while getting you in and out of security in a flash.
Features and Specifications
As a quick bit of background, TOM BIHN is located in Seattle, Washington and manufactures all of their bags in their own local factory. With a focus on creating a superb finished product, they use fine quality materials and components for each bag. Futurelooks has reviewed their products in the past and definitely feel that they stay true to this philosophy with every product. While that means their bags are not the cheapest, they believe the quality of the product justifies the expense, and the Checkpoint Flyer is no exception.
The Checkpoint Flyer is a configurable solution for transporting your laptop and offers plenty of storage for other equipment, or even a change of clothes for an overnight trip. The Checkpoint Flyer consists of the main Checkpoint Flyer briefcase, as well as a Checkpoint Flyer laptop case that clips securely to the briefcase. The laptop case is available in multiple sizes (consult their Laptop Bag Fit Guide for assistance), which is great as it allows you to replace just that one component without having to replace your entire bag if you buy a new laptop.
The Checkpoint Flyer has the following specifications:
- Dimensions: 18.5″ x 13″ x 6″ (overall dimensions, empty bag)
- Total Volume: 950 cu.in. / 15.5 liters
- Weight: 2.6 lbs / 1.19kg
- Laptop Compartment: 13″ size; 14″ x 10″ x 1.8″ (other sizes also available)
- Material: 1050 denier ballistic nylon and 500 denier Cordura nylon, lined with Dyneema/nylon ripstop
Once you have the Checkpoint Flyer in your hands, it is easy to see that TOM BIHN pays attention to details and builds a quality bag using quality materials, including the 8mm-thick thermo-molded closed cell foam laptop case designed to protect your precious machine from the rigors of travel and the YKK splash-proof zippers that keep everything secure. The Checkpoint Flyer is available in one of three color combinations: black and steel (as shown), black and crimson, or all black.
First Impressions
Tasteful. Elegant. Trendy. Rugged. Those were just a few words that came to mind when the Checkpoint Flyer from TOM BIHN arrived at my door – and that was before I had even opened the box, as the box itself comes nicely decorated with the attractive, yet unassuming, TOM BIHN logo. Once I actually opened the box, I was pleased to find that the Checkpoint Flyer was even more impressive.
After a quick once-over on the bag, I was quite impressed at the quality of the construction and the attractiveness of the design. From a design perspective, I found the black and steel color combination to be a great choice and the TOM BIHN logo can be found in a variety of locations, including a simple, circular patch on the front of the bag. The feel of the 1050 denier ballistic nylon quickly tells me that this bag is likely going to last quite awhile, meaning the ability to swap out the indivudual laptop case will come in handy as this bag should see at least a few laptop replacements.
With features such as the comfortable Poron foam padded handles, sturdy YKK zippers, and an assortment of pockets for storing your gear, I was certainly impressed. However, there are times when actually using a product simply cannot live up to those first impressions so it is time to see how the Checkpoint Flyer survives the day-to-day demands.
Our Checkpoint Flyer came ready for duty with a couple of optional accessories, including the Absolute Shoulder Strap, the Horizontal Freudian Slip, and the Clear Quarter Packing Cube.
Practicality and Functionality
There is nothing more frustrating than a product that claims to have all of the bells and whistles yet fails miserably when it comes to real-world use. That is not something that you will have to worry about with the Checkpoint Flyer, as the design team clearly understood the importance of creating a laptop bag that was practical.
The Checkpoint Flyer has a trifold design with the laptop case fitting securely between the front flap and the main compartment. On the front flap, you will find two contoured pockets that are secured with the familiar YKK splash-proof zippers. Inside each pocket you will find one of the “o-rings” that are designed to use a variety of clip-on accessories, such as the key strap that you will find included in the larger of the two pockets. The top-to-side zipper design allows for easy access and makes these pockets a great place to store items such as a small book to read on the plane, power cord and mouse for your laptop, and your cell phone. However, these pockets are not padded so be sure to use caution when deciding what items you will keep in these front pockets.
On the back side of the main compartment, you will find two pockets that provide a convenient place to store items that you need to access quickly. The larger pocket will comfortably fit a magazine, newspaper, or file folders. The bottom of the larger pocket is equipped with a zip-open slot that allows you to secure the bag over the handle of your other luggage. To the right of the large pocket, you will find a narrow pocket that provides a convenient location to hold your boarding pass, iPod, cell phone, or other small items.
One of the more practical design elements of the Checkpoint Flyer is the fact that you can easily access the inside of the main compartment without having to unclip the front flap, as it can become quite frustrating to have to unclip the front flap when you need to retrieve something from your bag.
Inside the main compartment, you will find two additional “o-rings” and two large Dyneema pockets. When coupled with accessories such as the packing cubes, you can even use this compartment as your overnight travel bag. In my daily use, I found the main compartment perfect for stashing my work laptop along with the Horizontal Freudian Slip that kept all of my papers organized.
On the front side of the main compartment, under the front flap and behind the laptop case, you will find two additional zipper pockets. Each pocket is lined with the Dyneema nylon that you find inside the main compartment, as well as one “o-ring” in each pocket. Being tucked away behind the laptop case means these pockets are not entirely convenient – it would be nice to see zipper access from inside the main compartment – but do make a nice place to store small computer-related items, such as a mouse, USB cables and VPN token.
Have Laptop Will Travel
With the design of the Checkpoint Flyer intended to satisfy the TSA “checkpoint friendly” guidelines, it should come as no surprise that much attention has been given to the removable laptop case. As mentioned earlier, the laptop case comes in a variety of sizes and you need to be sure to order the correct size for your laptop. As you can see here, I have a 13″ MacBook and it fits perfectly inside the laptop case. The unique design of the laptop case offers a soft brushed tricot lining and a padded lip that protects your laptop from being scratched by the zipper.
As noted, the laptop case is completely removable; held in place by two clamps that are somewhat difficult to unhook. At first I was somewhat frustrated with the difficulty of unhooking these clamps, although in hindsight I have to say that is probably a good thing, as you wouldn’t want the clamps to accidentally pop open and your laptop to become unsecured.
By offering the ability to remove the laptop case, you are given the flexibility of carrying the bag without the laptop (or carrying the laptop in the main compartment for quick access, although not recommended as there isn’t the same level of padding) but you also have the ability to have (and use) different sized cases for different laptops. While not all of us have multiple laptops, many of us will likely replace our current laptop in the next two to three years. With the removable laptop case, you simply need to purchase a new case to fit your new laptop and the rest of the bag is still functional. This makes the initial outlay for this product easier to swallow as it will be with you for quite some time.
Potential Missing Link?
One thing that might turn some people off is that the Checkpoint Flyer does not come with a shoulder strap. When you are spending a couple of hundred dollars on a bag, you would think it would not be too much trouble to include a basic shoulder strap. However, rather than include a free strap that is lower in quality or include a high-quality strap at an increased cost, TOM BIHN has opted to make this an optional accessory. In addition, since many of their customers have more than one bag, they can now interchange the shoulder strap without incurring the cost of a new one with each bag.
Included with my Checkpoint Flyer was the Absolute Shoulder Strap. While this strap has a somewhat hefty price tag of $30.00, I have to say that it is worth the additional cost. Compared to the strap on my OGIO bag, the soft neoprene padding with a unique stretch backing of the Absolute Shoulder Strap was extremely comfortable. The feel of the strap made me think of the soft gel inserts that some people use in their shoes – are you gellin’?
Accessorize Your Bag
As nice as the Checkpoint Flyer is all by itself, you have the option of adding accessories to really make this a bag that fits all of your needs. Within each pocket, you will find the “o-rings” that are designed as a convenient way to clip in accessories such as the clear organizer pouch or the key strap, which does come included with the bag.
The Horizontal Freudian Slip, with a cost of $35.00, is an additional accessory for the Checkpoint Flyer and is an insert that provides an additional 11 pockets to further organize your bag. One side of the Freudian Slip provides two staggered pockets that is perfect for files and folders. On the flip side, there are two zippered pockets featuring the same Dyneema fabric found in the main compartment. In addition to these zippered pockets, there are seven open-top pockets ranging in size for holding items such as pens, business cards, or note pads. As a nice finishing touch, the Horizontal Freudian Slip has a handy loop on the top that provides a convenient way to remove it from the bag.
The last accessory that was included with my Checkpoint Flyer was the Clear Quarter Packing Cube. With a cost of $25.00, the clear quarter packing cube features two separate compartments, each with one clear vinyl side to allow easy access to the contents. You’ll notice common elements such as the Dyneema fabric and the handy top loop that make this a convenient place to store computer cables and accessories. For the frequent traveler, this can even be used as a toiletries bag as it is see through and should adhere to TSA rules.
Final Thoughts
With an expensive price point and the need to add basic accessories such as a shoulder strap, I had lofty expectations for the Checkpoint Flyer – and it did not disappoint. The Checkpoint Flyer is a high quality bag that has been designed with the frequent traveler in mind. Even if you do not travel frequently, there are enough quality design elements that still make this bag a great choice.
With the optional Absolute Shoulder Strap, carrying the bag through a crowded airport or on a long walk from the train station to your office will be a breeze. The wealth of convenient pockets keep the things you need within reach and the Checkpoint Flyer offers a variety of configurations to fit just about any situation.
The Checkpoint Flyer has become my laptop bag of choice for every day use and not once have I been disappointed with any aspect of the bag. Whether you are looking for a bag to ease the security screening process at the airport or you just need a quality bag to protect your laptop, the Checkpoint Flyer would make a great choice. The initial price might scare some people away, but when you consider that this bag has been designed with high quality materials and superb craftsmanship, the Checkpoint Flyer is an investment that will last for many years.
Pros
- Well constructed with high quality materials
- Quantity and convenience of pockets
- Detachable laptop case
- Designed to be TSA “checkpoint friendly” for ease at airports
Cons
- High price
- Lack of standard shoulder strap may turn some people off
Overall Rating: 9.5 / 10.0
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