TLDR
With 30% more volume than the Synapse 19, the Synapse 25 is an everyday backpack designed with ultimate utility in mind.
- Main compartment with 2 O-rings
- Interior, banded open-top pocket
- 5 exterior front pockets with independent volume
- Comfortable, durable, edgeless shoulder straps
- Breathable back panel
- Removable sternum strap and waist strap
- Webbing loop on exterior bottom of bag to hook items on the outside
- Meets the personal item size requirement on most airlines
- Generally fits folks between 5'6" and 6'6" comfortably
Full Description
Main Compartment
The main compartment closes with #10 YKK® Racquet-Coil zipper and is designed to fit large, flat items like notebooks. On the front interior side of the main compartment, there is a banded open-top pocket. It's spacious enough to fit a wide range of items, such as books, tablet, pair of sandals or our Clear 3D Organizer Cube. Above this open-top pocket is a set of Cache lops where you can secure a device as large as the 16" Macbook Pro in a Cache.
On the back interior side of the main compartment are an additional set of Cache loops and two O-rings for tethering additional pouches.
5 Front Exterior Organizational Pockets
The Synapse 25 has an abundant amount of organization for your everyday essentials, big and small. The exterior of the bag has five pockets with independent volume, meaning that the pockets are designed and patterned in such a way that they don't steal space from each other and they look good (not too caved in, not too bulgy) whether full or empty.
The water bottle pocket is intentionally centered in the bag, allowing one of the heavier objects in your bag to be balanced in the middle, resulting in a more comfortable carrying experience while maintaining a clean, straight-forward exterior aesthetic. We've found that most standard 32 oz / 1 liter water bottles can comfortably fit in the water bottle pocket.
Below the opening for the water bottle pocket is another small zippered pocket that is just deep enough for keys, a wallet, glove liners, or a small camera.
The side pockets are generously sized for sunglasses (in a case or alone), a first aid kit, or even a light Windbreaker-type jacket or down vest compressed in a Travel Stuff Sack. The right side pocket has a small organizational pocket; the left pocket has one pen slot and two wider slots for tools or more pens.
The bottom pocket is a great spot for extra clothing or snacks and will easily accommodate a thin sweater, light down jacket, or Windbreaker-type jacket. If you care to add organization, we recommend storing a Size 2 Handy Little Thing here.
Each of the top four pockets has its own O-ring, and the bottom pocket has three O-rings. You can use them to attach our mini or small Ghost Whale Organizer Pouches or Mystery Organizer Pouches.
Edgeless EV50 1/2" Shoulder Strap
Conformity is overrated — except, perhaps, when it comes to shoulder straps. The edgelessness of this strap allows it to more softly conform to your shoulder; we find that this increases comfort. Yet the straps aren't too soft: the 1/2" thick foam means the strap is robust enough to carry a heavy load.
There's enough length on the shoulder straps to accommodate a wide range of body types. If you need to tighten the straps to the maximum amount, don't worry about having dangling ends — we've included sewn-in strap keepers to help keep those at bay.
Breathable Back Panel
The back panel of the Synapse 25 is padded with 1/4", high quality, closed cell-foam with an exterior of Spacer mesh and 210 denier nylon. This combination of mesh and smooth nylon is designed to provide maximum breathability while still being gentle on your clothing.
Webbing Loop on Exterior Bottom
On the exterior bottom of the bag is a 1.5" / 38mm webbing loop. Originally, the Synapse was designed for hiking, so the intended use of the webbing loop was for hooking on a flashlight (highly recommended if you ride a bicycle or walk in the dark). If you're planning on using the Synapse for travel, we've found the webbing loop serves as an extra grab handle, allowing you to easily pull the Synapse from under the seat or the overhead compartment no matter which direction you stowed it on your flight.
What's Included
Included Removable Sternum Strap + Waist Strap
As with all of our major backpacks, we include adjustable and removable sternum and waist straps: if you don't like or don't use your waist or sternum strap, remove them!
8" Snaphook/Snaphook Key Strap
As with most of our bags, we've included a key strap. 8" long from tip-to-tip, a snaphook on either end. Good for attaching your keys to.
A Set of Black Zipper Pulls
A set of pulls to extend or replace your metal pulls.
What's Optional
Size 2 Handy Little Thing (HLT)
You can attach a Size 2 Handy Little Thing (HLT) to the pair of cache loops above the open-top pocket, or you can store the HLT in the bottom front pocket of the Synapse 25. It is the perfect clamshell organizer pouch for those looking for a lot of organization.
Packing Cube Shoulder Bag
The Packing Cube Shoulder Bag is the perfect 2-in-1 packing cube. It's big enough to store rolled up shirts. Once you reach your destination, attach a shoulder strap and use it as a crossbody.
Freudian Slip
Love organizing and want even more pockets? The Synapse 25/Synik 30 Freudian Slip adds an additional fifteen organizational pockets to your bag. One side of the Freudian Slip has two folder pockets that can fit folders/papers horizontally or vertically, as well as four open-top pockets for a small tablet in a Cache or a notebook. The other side has two mesh pockets for bulky items, two large zippered pockets, four pen slots, and a business card slot.
Cache
The Synapse 25 can accommodate a wide range of devices. If you plan on putting a laptop or smaller tablet in the interior banded open-top pocket, we recommend adding a Cache.
The main compartment closes with #10 YKK® Racquet-Coil zipper and is designed to fit large, flat items like notebooks. On the front interior side of the main compartment, there is a banded open-top pocket. It's spacious enough to fit a wide range of items, such as books, tablet, pair of sandals or our Clear 3D Organizer Cube. Above this open-top pocket is a set of Cache lops where you can secure a device as large as the 16" Macbook Pro in a Cache.
On the back interior side of the main compartment are an additional set of Cache loops and two O-rings for tethering additional pouches.
The Synapse 25 has an abundant amount of organization for your everyday essentials, big and small. The exterior of the bag has five pockets with independent volume, meaning that the pockets are designed and patterned in such a way that they don't steal space from each other and they look good (not too caved in, not too bulgy) whether full or empty.
The water bottle pocket is intentionally centered in the bag, allowing one of the heavier objects in your bag to be balanced in the middle, resulting in a more comfortable carrying experience while maintaining a clean, straight-forward exterior aesthetic. We've found that most standard 32 oz / 1 liter water bottles can comfortably fit in the water bottle pocket.
Below the opening for the water bottle pocket is another small zippered pocket that is just deep enough for keys, a wallet, glove liners, or a small camera.
The side pockets are generously sized for sunglasses (in a case or alone), a first aid kit, or even a light Windbreaker-type jacket or down vest compressed in a Travel Stuff Sack. The right side pocket has a small organizational pocket; the left pocket has one pen slot and two wider slots for tools or more pens.
The bottom pocket is a great spot for extra clothing or snacks and will easily accommodate a thin sweater, light down jacket, or Windbreaker-type jacket. If you care to add organization, we recommend storing a Size 2 Handy Little Thing here.
Each of the top four pockets has its own O-ring, and the bottom pocket has three O-rings. You can use them to attach our mini or small Ghost Whale Organizer Pouches or Mystery Organizer Pouches.
Conformity is overrated — except, perhaps, when it comes to shoulder straps. The edgelessness of this strap allows it to more softly conform to your shoulder; we find that this increases comfort. Yet the straps aren't too soft: the 1/2" thick foam means the strap is robust enough to carry a heavy load.
There's enough length on the shoulder straps to accommodate a wide range of body types. If you need to tighten the straps to the maximum amount, don't worry about having dangling ends — we've included sewn-in strap keepers to help keep those at bay.
The back panel of the Synapse 25 is padded with 1/4", high quality, closed cell-foam with an exterior of Spacer mesh and 210 denier nylon. This combination of mesh and smooth nylon is designed to provide maximum breathability while still being gentle on your clothing.
On the exterior bottom of the bag is a 1.5" / 38mm webbing loop. Originally, the Synapse was designed for hiking, so the intended use of the webbing loop was for hooking on a flashlight (highly recommended if you ride a bicycle or walk in the dark). If you're planning on using the Synapse for travel, we've found the webbing loop serves as an extra grab handle, allowing you to easily pull the Synapse from under the seat or the overhead compartment no matter which direction you stowed it on your flight.
Included Removable Sternum Strap + Waist Strap
As with all of our major backpacks, we include adjustable and removable sternum and waist straps: if you don't like or don't use your waist or sternum strap, remove them!
8" Snaphook/Snaphook Key Strap
As with most of our bags, we've included a key strap. 8" long from tip-to-tip, a snaphook on either end. Good for attaching your keys to.
A Set of Black Zipper Pulls
A set of pulls to extend or replace your metal pulls.
Size 2 Handy Little Thing (HLT)
You can attach a Size 2 Handy Little Thing (HLT) to the pair of cache loops above the open-top pocket, or you can store the HLT in the bottom front pocket of the Synapse 25. It is the perfect clamshell organizer pouch for those looking for a lot of organization.
Packing Cube Shoulder Bag
The Packing Cube Shoulder Bag is the perfect 2-in-1 packing cube. It's big enough to store rolled up shirts. Once you reach your destination, attach a shoulder strap and use it as a crossbody.
Freudian Slip
Love organizing and want even more pockets? The Synapse 25/Synik 30 Freudian Slip adds an additional fifteen organizational pockets to your bag. One side of the Freudian Slip has two folder pockets that can fit folders/papers horizontally or vertically, as well as four open-top pockets for a small tablet in a Cache or a notebook. The other side has two mesh pockets for bulky items, two large zippered pockets, four pen slots, and a business card slot.
Cache
The Synapse 25 can accommodate a wide range of devices. If you plan on putting a laptop or smaller tablet in the interior banded open-top pocket, we recommend adding a Cache.
Still Have Questions?
- emailus@tombihn.com
- Call 1-800-729-9607
- Ask in our Forums
Materials
Exterior
bluesign® and OEKO-TEX® certified Ultralight 400 denier Halcyon
— or —
bluesign® certified 630 denier High-Tenacity 2x2 Ballistic nylon
Interior
bluesign® and OEKO-TEX® certified 200 denier Halcyon/nylon ripstop
bluesign® certified 210 denier High-Tenacity 2x2 Ballistic nylon
Upper Back
Back Pad
Closed-cell foam
Shoulder Straps
Edgeless EV50 1/2” / 12mm shoulder straps (EVAZOTE® OEKO-TEX® foam)
Specs
Dimensions
13.4" (w) x 20" (h) x 9.1" (d) / 340 (w) x 508 (h) x 230 (d) mm
Weight
400d Halcyon/420d nylon ripstop: 1 lb 13 oz / 822 grams
X-Pac®: 1 lb 13.1 oz / 825 grams
630d Ballistic: 1 lb 15.8 oz / 900 grams
Volume
25 liters / 1526 cubic inches (ASTM Standard Measure)
What's Included
1x 8-inch Black Webbing Snaphook/Snaphook Key Strap
1x Black Zipper Pulls w/ Plastic Ends (8-Pack)
1x Sternum Strap Assembly
1x Gatekeeper Waist Strap
Straps
.375" / 10 mm padded and contoured backpack straps with .75" / 20 mm removable sternum strap
Total O-Rings
9
(2 in the main compartment
1 in the top center pocket
1 in the small center pocket
3 in the bottom front pocket
1 in the left side pocket
1 in the right side pocket)
- Nathaniel J E.Verified BuyerBought For MyselfProduct Standouts Thoughtful Design, Sewn in USA, Versatile, Good Storage Size, High Quality Craftsmanship1 month agoBought For MyselfProduct Standouts Thoughtful Design, Sewn in USA, Versatile, Good Storage Size, High Quality CraftsmanshipRated 5 out of 5 starsMy new backpack
I researched for months for a new backpack that suited my style and needs. This was one of my best decisions. I had a sling pack by Tom Bihn in the late nineties, that was stolen. Glad I remembered the brand name. This was an excellent purchase. Fits my coffee, water bottle, and glasses case. While the books I’m reading and notebooks in the bottom pouch, leaving the whol main compartment for jackets not needed in the later part of the day, laptop, and whatever else. Classy and simple, a great asset for my life.
Was this helpful? - Daniel A.Verified BuyerBought For MyselfProduct Standouts Thoughtful Design, Comfortable, High Quality Craftsmanship, Sewn in USA, High Quality Finishings3 months agoBought For MyselfProduct Standouts Thoughtful Design, Comfortable, High Quality Craftsmanship, Sewn in USA, High Quality FinishingsRated 5 out of 5 starsBest bag ever!
Love my Synapse 25. Great material, awesome zippers, plenty of room. It's the bag I've been looking for!
Was this helpful? - Michael O.Verified BuyerBought For MyselfProduct Standouts Comfortable, High Quality Craftsmanship, Sewn in USA, High Quality Finishings, Durable3 months agoBought For MyselfProduct Standouts Comfortable, High Quality Craftsmanship, Sewn in USA, High Quality Finishings, DurableRated 5 out of 5 starsThe More You Use It, The More You Love It
Thought the Synapse was a bit "dad basic" at first but I've really come to love it the more I use it. Tom Bihn really makes high-quality products, and the Synapse is super comfortable and functional! Very happy with this backpack. +
Was this helpful? - JCVerified BuyerBought For MyselfProduct Standouts Thoughtful Design, High Quality Craftsmanship, Sewn in USA, High Quality Finishings, Durable4 months agoBought For MyselfProduct Standouts Thoughtful Design, High Quality Craftsmanship, Sewn in USA, High Quality Finishings, DurableRated 5 out of 5 starsMy 3rd Synapse 25
This is my 3rd Synapse 25. First one was stolen many years ago, had my second one since then, and this third one is just an upgrade for me that I very recently purchased. I wanted the black color and the ballistic nylon fabric. I did not like the metal zippers that would clang loudly and incessantly, so I switched them out to these paracord zippers. Tom Bihn sells these separately but I didn’t like the two colors available at the moment (too happy-lookin’), so I bought these dull green colored ones on Amazon. I already had the plastic end pieces with the Tom Bihn logo on them so I used those to close the ends off and they worked perfectly (see picture). Some videos online show people looping the paracord through the holes in the zipper pulls, which ends up extending the total length of the zipper pull, and makes the design feel more cluttered to the eye in my opinion. What I did was cut the metal zipper pulls off (was very sad and stressful to do this to such a beautifully made product) then completely replaced them with the paracord pulls. I am very happy with the reality of my vision aesthetically, and also no more clanging.
Some things I wish were different with the bag would be a more firm/solid bottom and back side to help the bag stand up straight more. I can also sometimes feel the bag’s backside folding too much, and/or feel the items inside of it too much on my back, like poking it, or just generally feeling lumpy. Part of this supposedly improved back side would…
Was this helpful? - JOSHUA W.Verified BuyerBought For MyselfProduct Standouts Comfortable, High Quality Craftsmanship, High Quality Finishings, Thoughtful Design, Durable4 months agoBought For MyselfProduct Standouts Comfortable, High Quality Craftsmanship, High Quality Finishings, Thoughtful Design, DurableRated 5 out of 5 starsGreatness
I've had a Synik 30 for awhile and fell in love with the TB fit and finish immediately. It's such an amazing and comfortable pack, I had to try the smaller brother, Synapse 25. I'm just as impressed with this most recent purchase as I was with my first! The quality and comfort is just out of this world. IF you're on the fence about buying one, just do it and thank me later.
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Sewn in Seattle
Our bags are designed and sewn right here in Seattle, Washington, U.S.A.
That allows us to be control freaks in the best way possible; we have direct control and oversight of the quality of our materials, our products, and the jobs and working environment that we help create. It also offers us a unique spontaneity: when we have an idea for a new product or accessory, we can design it, figure out how to build it, add it to our website and be ready to ship it out our front door all within just a few weeks. How cool is that?
Intrigued? You can find out more about the unusual way we do business on our Company Philosophy page.
THE BIHN Guarantee
Everything you buy from us here at TOM BIHN is satisfaction guaranteed. We’ve been in business since 1972 and we stand behind what we make.
If something goes wrong and it's our fault, we'll fix it for free. Repairs due to normal wear and tear or due to other things that are not our fault will be performed, when possible, at a reasonable charge right here in our Seattle factory where your bag was made. Defects in materials or workmanship are uncommon and almost always evident while the product is still new. Keep in mind that bags and packs are often subject to extreme wear in everyday use: do not expect them to last forever. Only true love lasts forever! You can expect a TOM BIHN product to give years and years of hard service.