Review – Remember when Ebeneezer Scrooge was visited by three ghosts in a Christmas carol? Well, I got the Tom Bihn version of that story from their new winter release! We have something from the past (Old School Carryall), something from the present (Truck Tote, now using new organic materials) and something from the future (the new Tray Bien). Even the most grumpy person can provide everyone with something warm during the holidays. To the comment!
What is it?
Tray Bien is an organizer of a desk or drawer. Organic Cotton Truck is a multifunctional tote bag. Old School Carryall is a duffel bag suitable for traveling, staying overnight or going to the gym.
From the past: vintage handbags
Tom Bihn originally provided this bag design according to customer requirements for fitness bags in the 90s, but Old-School Carryall will provide you with good service in various tasks. The shape is interesting… I call it Pierogi shape to commemorate my Polish tradition.
This is a seemingly large bag that looks small, measuring 17.5 inches long, 9.3 inches high, and 11.6 inches wide. As Tom Bihn expected, the build was perfect. Depending on the color scheme you choose, you will see a combination of high-tech fabric ballistic nylon, halcyon ripstop nylon or Cordura fabric. You will also get YKK waterproof zippers and sturdy hardware. It is ready to rumble.
The total capacity of the bag is 22 liters. My main compartment is stuffed with my sneakers, sportswear and a 28-ounce Yeti, and there is room.
This design also has two side pockets that extend along the length of the bag. Tom Bihn calls these “3D pockets” because they are not only large, but they also don’t take up space in the main compartment. The pocket on one side is solid, and the pocket on the other side is mesh, in case you need to hide some wet, smelly things (such as those sports socks, ew) after exercise.
This is the previous introduction. See how all the compartments have double zippers. You will also see the loop (under the zipper), which can be used as a handle to hang the bag around. See the plastic label on the top of the zipper? It has a companion on the back to add shoulder straps. There is also a webbing loop (opposite the shoulder strap attachment point) through which you can slide the carabiner to connect more things.
(Side note on the shoulder strap: You can buy it on the Tom Bihn website. I have an absolute shoulder strap. I bought it with my first Tom Bihn bag years ago, and I use it for all my bags now.)
No shoulder straps? no problem. The handles are padded and comfortable, and will not increase the volume/weight of the bag.
Then there is the O-ring. Tucked into the septum, Tom Bihn enthusiasts are talking about how useful these connecting points are as key belts and tissue attachments. There are ten O-rings on this bag (four in the main compartment and three in each side pocket). The key strap (shown above) that Tom bought with you will get you started.
My son recently stole this bag from me overnight, and I had to work hard to get it back. Its size is very suitable for gym bags, tool bags, carry-on luggage, performance bags… all kinds of things. I like that it keeps things in the trunk of my car organized.
(Side note 2: These zipper pulls are also included in your purchase. You will get a set of cords and pulls that can be installed in many different ways. For more information, see the Tom Bihn website.)
So we returned to the past with the reissued Old School Carryall. Let’s use our next project to fast forward to now…
From now on: Organic Cotton Truck
Truck Tote is a relatively new product launched by Tom Bihn, designed as a multi-purpose open tote bag. If you like trucks, you can now buy organic cotton sourced organically in the United States. Mine is a natural color, but there are other colors too. I found the classic Tom Bihn logo on Old School Carryall.
This bag is 17.3 inches long, 12.5 inches high, 11 inches wide, and has a total capacity of 25 liters. It adopts a three-cavity design, with plastic reinforcement ribs in the central space, which can make it stand independently for easy loading.
This is a top view. The padded handle is located in the middle of the chamber, and when you haul groceries, the weight distribution can vary greatly. You will also get O-rings and key chains with purchases in all three compartments, so you don’t drop your keys in a lobster jar in the grocery store.
There are two additional side pockets (one on each side) to store smaller items that you might carry on your trip.
We are all committed to bringing our own bags for shopping trips. I really like this design for groceries. Due to the way the handle is designed, the side compartments will not squeeze, so I will not crush my bagels.
This is an action shot of a truck in a parking lot.
Big heavy object? no problem! I put the liquid carton here, and there are some delicate things in the side pockets. This bag will not break. Not sure if I can say the same to my arm after this transport.
This bag is also perfect for picnics, pool parties and beach adventures. I can hide my sunglasses and iPhone in the side pockets while filling them with drinks, towels, snacks, etc. My wife paid attention to this, and because of the warmer weather, we started to return to the outdoor market.
Organic cotton is cute. Soft but durable, I hope it will become more personalized with age. Beautiful things are purchased from American manufacturers, just like Tom does to all his products.
This is our journey now, taking a spin on the existing design. Now we will visit a brand new design…
From the future: pallet edge
This has an interesting story. Apparently, Tom did something in the shop to organize and display the accessories in his showroom. Visitors started asking whether to buy them, and Tray Bien was born.
Tray Bien offers 11 different sizes and two colors. It is one of those very simple gadgets and it makes a lot of sense. It is made of the same material used in the bag and reinforced with corrugated polypropylene sheets. Then fold up the sides and fasten with snaps to form a tray for placing your items.
Mine is a 6.3″ x 6.3″ version, but it also has a larger 9.8″ x 9.8″ size. Both versions are available in a variety of colors and are 2.3 inches tall. Please note that this design does have snaps, but it is not designed for flat travel.
So… how does this thing work? Mine has taken a place on my desk to collect all the things that usually hang around and obstruct me. pen. Post-it notes. paper clip. A pack of chewing gum. you understood.
But this is just an example. These are good traps for keys and things in the hall, or drawer organizers for storing change and things collected in the bedroom dresser. I can use a bunch of them for the work area in my garage. This is a simple solution to a common problem, which makes it a winner in my book.
Final thoughts
These new versions show why Tom Bihn has such a large fan base. Tom rarely follows trends, but focuses on producing extremely practical products that meet the needs of multiple organizations and lifestyles. Old School Carryall, The Truck and Tray Bien are perfect examples of this design thinking.Once you master these Bag And accessories, you will find yourself using them in a variety of different ways.
This is a summary of 2021 for me. I hope you all have the happiest holiday. See you in 2022!
price: The retail price of an organic cotton truck is $70. The retail price of Old School Carryall is $170. Tray Bien retails for $30 or $35, depending on the size.
Where to buy: Visit the Tom Bihn website.
source: The sample of this product is made by Tom Bean.
