November 13, 2007 Less is more: the svelte Western Flyer from Tom Bihn
Sometimes maximum legal carry-on size is more than you need, and if you go ultra-light it’s almost always more than you need. Tom Bihn is preparing a new smaller carry-on entry in response to customer requests and his own travel experience: the Western Flyer, a trim, versatile, innovative bag that can ride on the shoulder or function as a sling bag - sort of like a one-strap back pack:
“The Western Flyer is a small carry-on bag similar to the Aeronaut in function. It’s volume is about 25 liters or a little more than half the Aeronaut’s volume. Rather than convert to a backpack as the Aeronaut does, it has a sling-bag strap, like the Buzz. This strap is designed to be worn cross-body on the right shoulder; it zips away when not in use. A Poron padded handle and two heavy metal “D” rings (for an optional shoulder strap) allow you to carry it the conventional ways too. The Western Flyer has three exterior pockets (two zip closed) and two equal-sized main compartments (like the Brain Bag). The front compartment can be further divided in two with a zip-out divider, creating two compartments well sized for shoes. The back compartment has webbing loops so you can use annex clips to secure a Brain Cell (horizontal or vertical; we’ll let you know soon which sizes fit, not all for sure). Matching packing cubes will follow shortly. The Western Flyer is made of 1050 ballistic nylon in crimson, steel or black; lined with Dyneema/nylon ripstop. Ships late December or early January, we hope! [Available for pre-order before then]” — posted by Tom Bihn in the Forums
I have a prototype of this bag in my possession but have not had time to evaluate it fully. My first impression is that it’s a tremendous design and I can imagine about twenty ways people (not just travelers) will use it. My wife has already taken it on an overnight trip and she really liked the zipper divider mentioned above. I couldn’t envision its usefulness, but for her it was perfect for dividing her hair stuff and cosmetics. This bag is a chameleon and I’m guessing Tom will enjoy hearing about all the ways people will use it. I can see it as a primary one-bag solution for the really light traveler, a carryon for people who check bags, an overnighter for practically anyone, and - properly equipped - as an everyday laptop/briefcase thought that’s not its intended function. The Tom Bihn blog has a few pictures. I won’t photograph my prototype since I don’t think it is fully representative of the final design.
(Photo) from Tom Bihn blog)
Reader Comments (2)
I'm interested to see the final design in this bag. The pictures make it seem like you can even use it as your personal carry on item so if you are a two bag traveller it might be the one you stow under the front seat.
I'll measure the prototype and post the size - I meant to do this. I don't think the basic shape will change - just some interior and sling strap details.