This is the Tom Bihn Tristar, a 3 zip, 3 compartment convertible carry on bag. If you’re like me you take small 2-4 day trips often, either by car or plane. These trips require a bag that can accomodate your belongings; clothes, electronics, gadets, toiletries etc.

PLEASE NOTE PHOTOS CAN BE CLICKED TO ENLARGE FOR MORE DETAIL

On a smaller length trip like this it’s nuts to carry a wheeled bag or a suit case per se. Why pay the baggage fee if you can carry your stuff in a good looking, well-made, well-organized bag? Especially if said bag is MADE IN THE USA using high-quality materials.

Introducing…..The Tom Bihn Tristar. This bag, in brilliant Indigo blue with Solar dyneema interior, is made of 1050 d ballistic nylon on the exterior and the aforementioned solar yellow dyneema fabric inside which is really nice. This bag has three main compartments, the first one has a nifty zip divider to separate shoes or other stuff from the rest of the compartment.

This is a very handy feature. Tom Bihn also has a packing cube that fits this spot perfectly. If not using it, it unzips easliy to open up the whole front compartment. There is an o ring here to attach Tom Bihn organizer pouches as well…very handy!

The main center compartment zips only half way, which helps the bag stand up and it reveals a special clip system that Tom Bihn has to attach “brain cells“, these are very awesome protective cases for laptops. If you do not want these clips, the easily come out.

The rear compartment is full width and the flap opens up completely which helps you pack easily. This compartment also has two removable tie-down straps to secure your packing cube or clothes which helps to eliminate wrinkles. This large compartment also has a specific packing cube to fit here.

The front of the Tristar has 3 horizontal pockets, one that goes from top to bottom, another that goes almost all the way down then one shallow pocket. The middle pocket has an “o-ring” and comes with a key strap. There is also a stylish curved pocket on the right side of the bag which has a snap to allow a water bottle to be placed in there or boarding documents etc.

The rear of the bag has a sneaky hidden compartment that reveals very comfortable backpack straps with a sternum strap for added comfort.

This bag can be carried by a comfortable poron foam handle like a briefcase, the aforementioned backpack straps, and a very comfortable shoulder strap (you need to buy the strap separately) called the Absolute strap. The sides of the bags have grab handles as well which allow you to pull it out of the overhead compartment or from under the seat in front of you if traveling by plane.

The zippers are YKK splash-proof zippers that help keep water out should you get caught in the rain.

The materials, stitching and overall design and workmanship are outstanding. They are so good it makes me feel very proud of this company and the fact that they continue to produce their bags here in America using talented seamstresses and craftspeople. This is really cool.

The bag retails for $250 which in my opinion is a great value given the quality of this product. You will not be able to wear it out and it comes with a lifetime warranty. Learn more about the Tom Bihn Tristar.