One-Bag Travel: The Tom Bihn Techonaut 👍👍

The TL;DR: The Tom Bihn Techonaut 30 is the bag I carry everywhere that doesn’t require a purpose-built backpack. And sometimes even then.What It IsThe Techonaut is Tom Bihn’s take on a multi-purpose travel bag that can function as a duffel, a backpack, or a shoulder bag. It comes in two sizes: 30 liter and 45. Both are supposedly carry-on compliant, though in my experience, the 45L can push that limit, even on domestic US airlines. But I rarely use it anyway. The 30L is my go-to, because it will fit just about anywhere on even the smllest of planesIt is not the world’s most comfortable backpack, but it is reasonably comfortable over short to medium distances and even for a few hours at a time. Its back panel is well-designed for breathability and comfort, and the straps are edgeless and nicely padded. The straps also stow away, when you want to present a less outdoorsy appearance. That’s a more significant asset than it might at first sound. Not having backpack straps flying around and snagging on things is one of the primary reasons I don’t like traveling with a backpack. And having the option to pull out just one strap and carry the bag over just one shoulder is very nice.Challenging terrain is not its forté though, because there are limits to how much you can stabilize it, even with the modest hip belt accessory. But remember, this is not intended to be a “carry-everything-you-need-for-ten-days-into-the-wilderness” bag. It’s a traveler’s bag, built on the assumption that you’re probably not carrying a bedroll, stove, tent, etc. 😉 It’s intended to help you carry your stuff from one location to another, at which you are presumed to have some access to civilized amenities.The padded grip is very comfortable, but remember that this is essentially an unstructured bag. If you put bricks in it, it will sag. But in my experience, even fully loaded with a week’s worth of clothes and camera equipment, it keeps its shape very well.How It’s MadeTom Bihn [though not owned by Tom any more] still makes their bags in Seattle. A lot of fabric comes from overseas, as you can imagine, but that’s life in the global lane. I’ve been buying their bags [and lots of others] since the 90s, but they are hands-down my overall fave. The bags are made from a variety of materials, the specs and weights of each of which are detailed on every item. Several of my TB bags are made in Night Walk Halcyon 400d, a fabric sadly discontinued. Everywhere. I believe the factory in Japan that made it experienced a catastrophic fire, and it is one of the fabrics that has never been restored to production. Many of the bags that TB makes are also offer color and fabric choices on the interior as well. My T30 has a Northwest Sky Halcyon 200d interior; it’s light enough so that it is easy to see what’s inside, a real asset [note to other bag makers who put dark interiors in their bags: you’re idiots]. Here are examples of the detail provided by TB about their bags: