One-bag, carry-on, light travel tips, techniques, and gear

Tom Bihn has improved the best shoulder strap available. The new and improved Absolute Strap is beefier, has a slightly longer padded area, and is even more comfortable since it now has an ergonomic curve. I tested it this morning with a leather case that I use for carrying tools. With the 20-pound load it was a delight. Some have noted that you could buy a similar, slightly cheaper strap from OpTech, the company that manufactures this strap in the USA. Truth be told, that strap always always lacked the heavy Tom Bihn hardware. The new Absolute is absolutely exclusive according to Darcy at TB:

The ergonomic curve - and the added 1-1/2” length to the strap - as well as the high quality U.S. made nylon webbing AND the double-plated U.S. made metal snaphooks are all exclusive to us.

As I’ve said many times this strap is an instant upgrade to any bag and is a great gift idea. I don’t know anyone who doesn’t need one. Read more here from the TB blog.

I’ll post comparison pictures of the new and old Absolutes soon.