Patagonia Atom Pack vs Tom Bihn Synapse 25

The straps are a pain point if the bag becomes too overloaded or the user is wearing a tank top (I did both this summer, and I ended up with rashes and sore shoulders). Like most backpacks, the weight is concentrated in the shoulders, instead of being more evenly distributed like larger packs (this killed me when I went up to Snow Lake the first time).

enough said...the only REAL thing that i would complain about is the skimpiness of the shoulder straps

- Deuter Travel Belt. I thought I could make this work by adding some organization and a padded shoulder strap, but the water bottle pockets are pretty useless, and the buckle is too big and hits right at the shoulder, so it’s really uncomfortable.

It's also been on probably 50, 60, maybe 70 different trips with me, so it's been kind of all around the country. day in and day out carrying laptops ...

5L bottle nestled in the 750ml pot, the other side I have my 1L squirt top bottle(s). In the pocket above I stick my first aid kit. The top depending on how the bag is packed can trap down my sleeping pad (otherwise I use a strap system), the hip belt is big but I feel its just right for what I like to keep in it.

For my own uses I needed a large main compartment. The Kitchen Sink had very similar stated dimensions as the Drifter II. The problem is, the bottom of the Kitchen Sink is large but it tapers up to a narrower opening at the top of the compartment. Adding to that, that the computer’s "front organizer panel" is inside the main compartment

I bought this bag for commuting and short (1-2 night) trips, and absolutely love it! I got it to replace my old Jansport, as I wanted something smaller and with more breathability.

Three brands of buckles for some reason - Duraflex, Nexus, and Woojin - all solid brands for plastic and metal hardware. EVA foam for comfort - there'...

I own a Refugio 28 but it was too big for day hikes this is pefect. only complaint is the pack does not breath that well on my back and gets warm.

I tried several other bags but continued to return the Porter. I switched to a Tom Bihn Synapse 25 for organizational features and smaller size. After \~5 years I sized up to a Synik30 because several of my recent trips required a suit and outdoor hiking gear appropriate for nasty weather and sub-freezing temps.

The laptop sleeve fits my 13" macbook air like a dream and would fit the 13" pro, both in a protective case. I like using this pocket, being able to pull out the laptop without opening the entire bag is great.

But that means it's also more of a hassle for you to get inside. However, I really like the easy side-zipper access for the rear laptop pocket. My 13-inch MacBook Air slides in and out easily and quickly. The smaller front pocket where you're likely to keep pens, gum, and other supplies is under a flap that's not the easiest to open

Too small for my needs. I bought a similar Mountainsmith bag that accompanied my water bottle.

You just have the one tum bin logo on the front and then down at the bottom. You have this nice loop, where you can attach something like a bike light...