It’s already been a few trips with my Pakt Travel Backpack. Last July I added a new bag to my collection: the Techonaut 30 from Tom Bihn.
This 30 liter bag is much lighter and easier to haul around than my 34 liter Pakt bag (2.6 lbs vs. 4.5 lbs, respectively). I chose the Halycon 400d fabric as the exterior material which cuts down the weight dramatically.
Further, and by recommendation of Taylor of Carryology from his personal pack list, I’ve switched to a few Nite Ize Runoff Pockets and their 3-1-1 Pouch. These pouches are flat so they are so much easier to store and remove from your bag pockets or they can be squeezed in tight spaces between your packing cubes if needed.
Since this bag doesn’t hold a firm upright shape when empty, it reinforces the need to use packing cubes to add rigidity. However, having a one main compartment design is much easier to control how you position your heavier items versus the two separate ones in the Pakt Bag.
I have yet to take this on a trip < 7 days, but since it is 4 liters smaller than my Pakt backpack I have to pack a bit smarter ensuring I am wearing the bulkier items on the plane if they are necessary for my destination. Having a personal item (1.5 bags vs one bag) can help alleviate the load in the Techonaut.
Tom Bihn is often part of recommendations from the travel community and after finally giving in, I am a now a supporter. The price point of their catalogue might deter you, but if you give them a chance you’ll appreciate your purchase from a buy it for life perspective.
graveyard shiftin 