Wardriver Wednesday

A look at the Tom Bihn ID Messenger Bag

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This may come as a total shock to you all, but I am into gadgets. I also like bringing with me every gizmo that I might possibly need when I go out. I've got my SwissTool, my iKlear, my zip ties and my FlyLight. My cel phone, my camera, my mouse pad and my iSight. For the last 6 months I've been toting around all that, my iBook and quite a bit more in my Willow PK-02: Thoreau Backpack and in those 6 months I have developed some considerable back pain from all that gadgetry.

Inspired to downsize

	Out of the blue came the Tom Bihn ID Mid-sized Messenger Bag. I went through a bit of inner conflict as I came to the realization that all the gak I used to carry in my Thoreau simply would not fit in the ID. Don't misunderstand me: the ID has plenty of room for any normal human being with a healthy outlook on what one should be expected to keep with them at all times. It's just that, with the Thoreau, I was able to keep all the necessary tools for every eventuality packed and ready, with the ID I am forced to pack only for the anticipated events of the day. An exercise I was greatly in need of actually. About the bag The Tom Bihn ID Bag is a messenger style bag, meaning that it has a single strap that is meant to cross you chest like a sling rather than the customary shoulder straps of a backpack.
	Open the front flap to reveal an open-top pouch and organizer for the essential gadgets of the day ahead. On the flap itself is a rather large pocket with a waterproof zipper. The main cargo bay of the ID has snaps for an optional, and highly recommended, Brain Cell laptop sleeve. The Brain Cell is designed to cradle you 'Book and absorb some of the shock it might encounter on the road. The flat pocket on the back of this bag is the perfect size for documents.
	Tom Bihn has also thought to give the ID a waist strap that keeps the bag in place as you where it while riding or running for a train. Provision has been made to allow for a Cat Eye flasher to be attached to the bag for extra visibility by motorists at night and Tom Bihn has made the ID available in several eye catching colors that will you similar attention during day rides.

Pros and Cons

I really like the size of the ID and although it won't hold all my iBook accessories it is sufficient to hold the ones I'm likely to use in a single outing. It is also very strong, well constructed and light. Gotta like that.

I really like the waist strap because it gives me an added sense of security to know that anyone who might try to run by and snatch my 'Book is gonna have to take me along with it.

The Brain Cell add-on is a nice touch and keeps you 'Book safe from your other items while still leaving it accessible.

On the downside, I wish there were some divisions made in the main cargo area. The organizer in the front of the bag is great but it would be nice to have similar features inside that accommodated the larger items I carry. And while Tom Bihn never specifically marketed this bag to wardrivers, being as this is the Wardriver Wednesday column I don't feel that it is totally inappropriate to mention that the bag is not quite big enough to tote an iBook or PowerBook and a Pringles Can Antennaóyou are likely to crush your can if you try.

More info

According to their web site. the Tom Bihn ID Mid-sized Messenger Bag is available in sizes to fit 12" and 15" PowerBooks and and the 12" iBooks. It evidently is too small for the 17" PowerBook and 14" iBook is uncomfortable positioned between the 12" and 15" sizes.

All things considered, I must say that the Tom Bihn ID Messenger Bag is my favorite of the multitude of bags I've tried. For more information on this and other Tom Bihn bags, check out the Tom Bihn site.