best bag I've ever had
The most unexpected good thing, among all of the good aspects of the Trinity, is how comfortable it is for me (6'1") as a backpack. I expected a compromise but shouldn't have. At 15 pounds (pack + stuff), I can wear it all day.
I have used my Trinity for roughly three dozen domestic and international trips, for work and non-work trips. I do not use it as my everyday bag. The workmanship, design and materials are excellent. It still looks like new.
When traveling, I carry it either as a backpack or over the handle of a rolling bag.
During travel the contents including my laptop are very accessible--when the Trinity is sitting upright (landscape orientation) on top of a wheeled bag, when it's under the seat in front of me, when it's sitting upright on a desk or table, and when it is in the overhead bin (for instance, for exit rows on international flights when under-seat stowage is not permitted).
Here is what I usually stick in it (I'm probably forgetting a few things): Surface laptop, Kindle, cables, toiletries, change of clothing, one folder of paperwork, raincoat, lightweight down jacket, phone, snacks, one book, wireless ear buds, book light, masks, 16-oz wide-mouth Nalgene water bottle, writing and other implements, notebook.
When filled with everything that I want with me for international flights, it is right at the carry-on weight limit for many international airlines (15-17 pounds). That said, I'm always surprised by how light it is when I pick it up empty.
On the day that I visited the Tom Bihn workshop, somebody had just returned a Black Trinity. My lucky day. I bought that one for myself. And then a year later, because I like it so much, I bought one as a gift for my very good friend who also likes great bags.
Photos:
Trinity at LAX en route to Melbourne--
Trinity in Chamonix on a hiking vacation (ultralight REI Flash 22 hiking pack sans foam pad rolled up inside)--
Trinity under the seat on an Embraer ERJ175--
Trinity on return journey with a Christmas present--
Trinity visits La Jolla--
Here's a tip for other Trinity owners. The secret zipper inside the zippered backpack-strap stowage pocket can be used to securely store passports or other documents. I asked Tom Bihn about it. It is there so that they can put the foam in at the end of the making process.
On suggestion: I think this bag would also be nice in other colors or materials, say, Saguaro, Ursa or (lightweight) Spectron.
