With the holidays just around the corner, we’ve found ourselves daydreaming a little more than usual around the factory. It starts innocently – a color we miss, a pocket we’d change – and before long we’re deep in “what if” territory, with plenty of opinions from people who aren’t technically designers, but are just as passionate.
So we asked the TOM BIHN team what they’d want if anything were possible. An upgrade to a favorite design, a new material, or something entirely new – these are the ideas currently living rent-free in our heads.
José, Design
“My dream bag is a Black reverse X-Pac Guides edition Synik 26.”
Cindy, CEO
“I would love to see the Trinity redesigned for women, more tote-shaped. The centered laptop compartment is so clever and the clamshell opening is so convenient for packing, but I will never use a briefcase-shaped bag!”
Maia, Marketing
“MY dream Tom Bihn bag: I'm a very loyal fan to the Pop Tote, but it's not always the best for carrying around my laptop and other gear! My dream TB bag would be something in line with the Pop Tote, but with a vertically oriented laptop sleeve to fit my smaller laptop, and if we're REALLY dreaming, I'd love to have it in Spectron in our upcoming color....oh and maybe some larger side pockets please."
Bella, Marketing
“I’d love a hobo-style bag – The slouchiness of the Pop Tote, but crescent-shaped, and in a fun ballistic or Spectron! Ideally, I’d like this to fit a few organizer pouches, whatever book I’m reading, maybe even my laptop?? But that might be getting a little ambitious…”
Matthew, Documentation
“My dream bag is a revamped Buzz that can hold my (admittedly large 16") laptop. Bring back Alphaviolet for the exterior and Kiwi for the interior. Make the front pocket more like the admin panel from the Bixi.”
Matt, Operations
“Guides Edition Daylight Backpack.”
Jack, Operations
“My wife and daughter are both ballet dancers and they really like the Parental Unit as a dance bag. They wish it had some vented storage for their shoes and mostly they want a "blush pink" option with the pink lining.”
Shelby, Customer Service
“My dream bag is a reverse Sunglow Big Bantam >.>”
Cody, Customer Service
“I'd love for the Paragon and Paramour to get smooshed up - the shape and pockets of the Paramour, with the mesh back and interior pocket of the Paragon.”
These wish lists are just a snapshot of the conversations happening around the factory right now – the kind that pop up between holiday plans, half-finished mugs of coffee and one too many baked goods. As we look toward the new year, we’re curious what’s been on your mind, too.
A small tweak, a long-lost favorite, or something entirely new – what’s on your TOM BIHN wish list this season? Happy holidays from all of us at TOM BIHN!
A 16 to 20 Liter big brother to the Maker’s Bag as a “personal item” for travel – love the Maker’s for daily running around but it’s always a little bit awkwardly overstuffed when packed for a flight. In a dark teal outer fabric with Kelpie lining.
I bought the new Marathon Messenger in Aubergine/Dusk – so happy to see that combo back, it’s what I have in my Maker’s. I think it’s a really promising candidate as a travel crossbody, but I am fond of the style of the diagonal front flap with a single clasp.
Cody and I share the dream! Would love to see a Paramour 2.0 as he describes, bringing over the mesh back and flip pocket of the Paragon 2.0. And maybe a tablet slip pocket on the front of the laptop sleeve?
I’d like to see an expandable bag, slightly larger than a typical messenger bag, with an expandable zipper on the bottom. Closed the bag could be a daily driver for laptops, tablets, books, folios, etc., and when the zipper is opened the bag has an enclosed bottom that could allow it to be used as minimalist travel bag, weekender, etc. I had a bag like this several years ago and it was incredibly flexible. Alas, it fell apart from use and was discarded. Tom Bihn has all the fabrics and technical know-how to recreate this bag with modern features. I’d buy one in a heartbeat.
Please just pick 2 and make them….then next year 2 more etc. Great ideas. I LOVE Tom Bihn and so does my grandson
Would love a women’s travel back pack for the plane with an exterior pocket for a tall water bottle , interior for iPad or small computer , food , book and small stash of clothes in case they loose my bag !
