Trying to decide.....Tom Bihn Synapse VS. Vertx Gamut......

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d.weglarz13

Joined
Jun 4, 2008
Messages
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Okay, I am really torn between the Tom Bihn Synapse and the Vertx Gamut. They both are really cool in their own ways.
I am really going for something that will work well for carrying all my crap like my knives/flashlights/firearm/other EDC gear, as well as usually my 13" macbook pro and accessories/chargers/wires/magic mouse/ and a couple books.

Obviously I want something that doesn't scream Tactical Military like a 5.11 bag, but still want to have the ability to be a great EDC bag, even BOB bag in a temporary emergency situation.

I just love how the TB bags have a lot of "more than you expect to fit" room from what I hear, and I also love the hook and loop interior with the hidden molle of the Vertx.

Of course, if I am missing anything else that is VERY similar to these two, please tell me but I don't think I really am. I have been looking through countless threads and pages here and other places trying to decide. For me, I am very much split down the middle.

I am also 5'11" and thin to medium build, so still unsure of which Synapse if I go with the TB. Both sizes look like they will work I guess.

Just to add, I have like 40 bags now, mostly single strap bags and messenger style backpacks. I really need something that works better for me, because the single strap really don't do it for me anymore. But, to be honest and I hope I don't offend anyone....I just always felt like whenever I see a grown man wearing a back pack, it always looks very silly to me. Thats why I always went one shoulder bags. Always felt like it was more appropriate for a guy after the childhood high school years. So, any opinions on this matter I would like to hear also. I do want to get a good 2 strap backpack now, one that doesn't look like a manhattan bike rider, since I have out grown that stage, and am an older guy now. Work is not an issue with the bag, so right now I am just leaning more towards these 2 bags.


So, please guys any suggestions or opinions will really help. Which would you choose? And of course Why?


Thanks very much in advance for any help.

Dave
 
I have the Tom Bihn Synapse 19. Prior to getting it I got a Max Sitka, Max Falcon 2, 5.11 MOAB 6, 5.11 rush 24 and 5.11 rush 12. This bag beats them all for EDC gear.

Load out:
Main pocket:
Small roll of gorilla tape
max beefy pocket with a battery pack Sunglass cleaning kit polishing cloth bic lighter Benchmade wrench kit
Max mini; power kit; iPhone 5 charger charger block 4 cr123's 4 aa's 4 aaa's mini USB aux cord lifeproof headphone jack
Plus a lot of room in main pocket

Front left: Kershaw cqc 1k large Oakley hard case for shades notebook and extra pen. Right pocket Bk 11 eagletac t200 and bandana
top middle: first aid kit + room for more stuff
Middle wallet pocket: wallet, case Copperlock, fm transmitter for the work truck
Middle lower: 100 ft paracord and jawbone jambox.

All of that and it doesn't bulge at all sits very comfortably and I got the small version, I'm gonna assume you were planning on getting the larger one being 5'11" and wanting to carry a laptop, I highly recommend this bag and besides, you get to customize what color! I got black outside with red Dyneema inside.

Oh ya and the bag itself is light as a feather I likes the organization of the MOAB 6 but I have everything and more in the synapse and it weighs less for sure.
 
Wow, thanks for that. Good to know it will work great for my edc gear!

Actually, Im still undecided between the two sizes Synapse. I really don't want another huge bag, so it may even be the Synapse 19. Still thinking about it. And, I am going to stay away from the vertx for now. It seems its really large, which won't work for my edc...

Just hope the 19 doesn't look too tiny on me, but again I have a thin build also, so I don't know.

thanks so far

dave
 
At over 40 and traveling with family I didn't want to look like a highschooler, but I needed a way to keep both my hands free for other stuff without holding/adjusting my pack. After reading a reviewer who said that the 19 fits his petite wife well, as soon as the Synapse 25 was released I picked one up. Mine's the checkerboard Dyneema. Love it. Fits like a glove. Not too big by any stretch, but I think the 19 would look ridiculously small on me - as well as not holding all my stuff. I'm 6' 180lbs.
I don't have a particular load-out for it. I've taken it camping, hiking, biking, vacationing and visiting relatives. I've been known to stuff it full of lights, knives, headphones and sweatshirts - or 3 days worth of clothes.

The water bottle pocket is great, but when they say it'll hold 2 they mean the standard 17oz bottles. I can stuff one of those in with my 24oz camelback, but it won't close over the cap-cap on my 40oz Hydro Flask.
 
I am a small guy at around 5'6" and it fits perfect, as in if I was any bigger it would probably be a little small.
 
great thanks a lot guys. i appreciate the help. I can't wait to get it. I think I may have to go with the grey checker board, or the olive green.

I always seem to over analyze things before a new gear purchase.
dave
 
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