Tom Bihn's Checkpoint Flyer: a TSA-approved bag worth owning

Now that the TSA has doled out the official verbiage about what it considers a checkpoint-friendly laptop bag, expect to see the usual players toss in an option or two for frequent fliers. Thus far, all we've seen are cases that get the job done while throwing style to the wind in the nearest dumpster; now, however, we've a better option to choose from. Tom Bihn's stylish Checkpoint Flyer meets all of the TSA's requirements while still looking like a briefcase we wouldn't be embarrassed to be seen with. The 2.6-pound bag is crafted from US 1050 denier ballistic nylon and 500 denier Cordura and includes a trio of pouches on the outside, splash-proof zippers and ten smaller pockets for stashing those increasingly rare bags of peanuts / pretzels. It's available now in three colors for $220 (yeah, we know, but it's made in the US of A).

[Via Electronista]

[Waveblade @ Aug 19th 2008 3:07AM]

220 bucks?

I'll take the inconvenience.

[TRAFFICBLOWS @ Aug 19th 2008 8:46AM]

Especially when it's tax deductible (or reimbursable)!

[feffrey @ Aug 19th 2008 3:11AM]

I have owned several Tom Binh bags and they are worth every penny. If you need a bag that is going to last a long time and protect your stuff they are worth the cost.
Also the Absolute shoulder strap costs extra, but it is the most comfortable should strap ever invented.

[mklab @ Aug 19th 2008 3:14AM]

Pretty nice looking.

[jbspeyer @ Aug 19th 2008 3:22AM]

USA!!!! USA!!! USA!!!!

Wait...we're home of the TSA....hmm....who to cheer for now??

Michael Phelps!!! Michael Phelps!!! Michael Phelps!!!

(I'm pretending that he's sorta the new chuck norris figure in my life, not associated with any country that houses the TSA)

[abib @ Aug 19th 2008 4:27AM]

what the deuce?

[elle @ Aug 19th 2008 3:33AM]

The TSA doesn't ever approve or endorse any bag. Even if a bag meets all the news TSA guidelines, they can reject it for any reason they deem appropriate.

[Paul Dullford @ Aug 19th 2008 8:06AM]

Yeah, the headline is somewhat inaccurate. It's TSA-compliant, if anything.
Plus, it's anybody's game if you carry in a Dell laptop with one of those faulty exploding batteries in it...

[ScooterDe @ Aug 19th 2008 3:36AM]

Binh bag? lol
I suppose "(yeah, we know, but it's made in the US of A)" means "in real money, not so over-priced".

What's next, Engadget fashion?

[Arghblarg @ Aug 19th 2008 3:40AM]

I don't know.. it looks like of puffy, like it's full of shrapnel or something. Must be designed to hold explosives, I reckon.

[ingus @ Aug 19th 2008 3:01PM]

it's made with "ballistic nylon" after all.

it's bomb proof~ or at the very least, battery proof.

[dennis @ Aug 19th 2008 7:35AM]

These TSA bags are stupid.

[TRAFFICBLOWS @ Aug 19th 2008 8:47AM]

Especially when it's tax deductible (or reimbursable)!

[scottjl @ Aug 19th 2008 9:10AM]

funny, my existing swissgear backpack goes through the scanner (sans laptop) just fine as is. i imagine it would go through smoothly with the laptop.

and just how many TSA folk are going to be knowledgeable enough to let you put this through with your laptop in it anyway? seems most of them are generally clueless.

[mirilene @ Aug 19th 2008 11:01AM]

Call me crazy but...this looks bulky and ugly to me.

220 bucks?

[Itchy Pajamas @ Aug 19th 2008 11:55AM]

Looks like a nylon trilobite.

[retro77 @ Aug 19th 2008 1:56PM]

Dont fall into the hype of buying a "TSA Approved" bag. As long as it opens all the way and you dont pack cords behind your laptop you are good. I did this with my Wenger and had no issues.

[fontendet24 @ Aug 19th 2008 2:35PM]

If it was made in US it can't costs so cheaply...All bags made in China.

[sr @ Aug 19th 2008 3:44PM]

2.6lbs wow? My laptop itself weighs 2.7lbs. Can we have something lighter please?

[Releaux @ Aug 19th 2008 3:48PM]

I've gone through many bags and backpacks in my life, and I'm not easy on them. Most fall apart within a year. Normally it's the zippers that give, but occasionally the straps fall off or the stitching comes apart.

I have two bags from Tom Bihn: the Empire Builder briefcase and the Brain Bag backpack along with some accessories (2 brain cell laptop cases). I used the backpack almost daily on the back of a motorcycle for 2.5 years and carted it around Europe and Asia. The briefcase is my daily carry for work, but I also use it for weekend trips when I don't need the backpack.

I admit to worrying that I was falling for a designer label price premium (think Ferrari laptop) when I first bought the backpack, but after using it for just a month I bought the briefcase without hesitation. My back complains about the weight I'm carrying around before the bags do.

If you like to change bags pretty often, this is definitely not the company for you... they're too expensive. For me, they'll end up being cheap over the long run because I anticipate at least 5-10 more years of use. I'll probably get bored of them before they break.

It's not any different than comparing a commodity computer against a MacBook Pro or ThinkPad. If your primary criteria is price and you aren't mean to your gear, the cheaper item will certainly be functional and adequate for your needs. If build quality or extra features are more important to you, the more expensive item is normally worth the price.

[orangecat @ Aug 20th 2008 6:49PM]

3 words- Jansport: lifetime guarantee

plus, they are a reasonable price

[Joshua Walters @ Aug 19th 2008 4:28PM]

Id stick something in that.

[KC @ Aug 23rd 2008 9:00AM]

they have to be kidding - a 2.6-pound bag? why would any traveler want to add almost 3-pounds to what they already have to lug around. pass please.

[ran @ Nov 6th 2008 2:14PM]

To be fair, my backpack weights 5 lbs empty. Unfortunately if you want quality goods, they come with a weight penalty.