Tom Bihn Brain Bag : The Only Bag for Me

There are a lot of nice looking computer bags out there today, but how many of them actually hold enough gear AND protect that gear?

Flimsy little bags, or minimalist bags are not for me. When my PowerBook and I travel, we take a lot of accessories with us, such as, power cords, a cable modem, cables, our iPod and its charger, our digital camera and its charger, iPod speakers, notebooks, an address book, a day planner, pens, and a big bottle of spring water. The only bag we use is Tom Bihn's Brain Bag, a cavernous backpack with enough pockets and pouches to hold my portable office.

Here's how I use this bag:

First, I place my PowerBook in the Brain Cell, a removable nylon carrying case made out of hard shell plastic and dense padding that provides amazing support and protection. Then I attach the cell into one of the two main compartments , where it hangs securely with the bottom of the cell suspended a few inches away from the bottom of the bag. I love how Tom Bihn makes this bag's compartments deep enough. Too many bags I've used start to stretch at the seams once I load them with gear. Not so with my Brain Bag; it's designed to accommodate a Brain Cell in either (or both) of the two main compartments. Cool.

Next, I fill the second main compartment with my accessories, modem, etc. (all enclosed in padded carrying cases from Eagle Creek), my notebooks, and my Bose headphones (also in its carrying case).

Finally, I use the two large front pockets for my iPod, address book, and other items I need to use during my flight (inner pockets keep my pens in place and my boarding pass safe). There's even room in an outer mesh pouch for my water bottle. I use the smallest top pocket for my wallet, digital camera, and keys. For extra safety, there's a key hook in that pocket to hold my keys and wallet. Perfect.

Once I've loaded up my Brain Bag, I use the compression straps on the sides to tighten up the pack. I can carry it like a backpack (it's got a padded back, wide straps, a sternum strap, and a wide lumbar strap) or like a bag. Because the bag is quite deep once filled, there are two nylon handles that can be enclosed by a snap on handle for easier carrying. Nice touch.

Tom Bihn's bag and Brain Cell are well-made products for people who demand high quality and protection. The nylon is tough, the zippers are all enclosed by protective flaps, and the backpack straps are wide and padded. This heavy duty combo is also versatile since I can use the Brain Cell alone when I'm in a rare minimalist mood.

Bottom Line: I love everything about this bag. And so does my PowerBook.--E .D. (Mar 06)

Price: $140 (bag) $50 (cell)

Manufacturer's Site: www.tombihn.com

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