We head down to Dallas every few weeks or so for business. The trips are mostly two or three days long. As we like to travel light, we pack only the essentials. Nothing comes along unless it will be used. Gear which is multi-functional are especially appreciated. Gear designed to get us through security with a minimum of hassle is coveted. Gear that help us get on and off the plane faster is priceless. Tom Bihn's CheckPoint Flyer scored points in all three categories.
Last Tuesday we took a FirstLook at the new CheckPoint Flyer from Tom Bihn. We knew it was a well designed bag and we were eager to see how it would perform on the road. We took it with us on this trip to Dallas and it looks like it will be the one we grab first for all of our business trips from now on.
At a little over $200, this is not an inexpensive laptop bag. However, well-designed gear is always worth its weight in gold. The elimination of the "remove laptop" hassle at the X-Ray line makes this bag worth its price. All of the other features (top quality materials, superior construction, comfortable handle, etc...) are typical for Tom Bihn gear. We only mention them for completeness.
Two additional details were immediately appreciated during this FirstUse. First, the back pocket zips open at the bottom so it can be slid over the handle of a rolling bag. Many bags have a sleeve which will slide over a handle, but having it convert back to a pocket is a very handy feature during normal use. Internally, there is a pocket sewn into the back so papers can still be slid into the back without falling out when unzipped. A very nice touch. Second, the side pockets opens down, but not all the way. This is so things don't fall out the side easily. Both of these are very travel-friendly features.
The CheckPoint Flyer performed flawlessly on this FirstUse trip. We will continue to comment on Tom Bihn's CheckPoint Flyer as we log more miles with it. Traveling for business is tough enough. Pick travel gear that work for you rather than making you work! [Permalink]- CkeckPoint Flyer FirstUse
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