TLDR
A modern small backpack that is perfect for everyday use.
- Teardrop-shaped main compartment
- Padded back panel with an interior padded sleeve suitable for an iPad
- 3D front pocket with three vertical sections
- Gently contoured and padded shoulder straps
- Simple webbing grab handle at the top
For a larger version, check out the Paramour.
Full Description
3D Front Pocket
This pocket is a full 3D pocket, having on its own a volume of about 2.7 liters / 165 cu.in. It’s divided vertically into three sections: if you fully unzip the top of this pocket you’ll be peering down into all three of the sections, but if you you only want access to one of the sections then you can simply move the two zipper sliders around in such a way as to only expose that section (much easier to do than to describe!)
Contour Backpack Straps
Our new Contour Backpack Straps were designed to be an upgrade from basic webbing straps. They have minimal foam padding to bump up the comfort factor, while remaining light and proportional to smaller or lightweight packs.
Tom developed the shape and fit of the Contour straps over several months, asking for feedback from friends and crew of all heights and sizes — many different refinements were made to the shape and fit. The result? While no backpack strap design is likely to work for everyone, it’s surprising to all of us how many of us love these straps in particular — folks ranging from 5’0” to 6’0” find them comfortable and well-fitted.
Smooth Back Panel
The back panel of the Paradigm is always smooth 525d ballistic nylon in Black, no matter the main exterior fabric or color.
Padded Device Pocket
The Paradigm's padded compartment offers just-right padding without adding bulk or weight. Don't plan to carry a device? Know that most of the padding and construction of the compartment would be there regardless to offer comfort to your back and structure for the bag itself.
The Paradigm will fit devices up to the size of the 11" iPad Pro or Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 (but notably not the S7+).
Grab Handle
We added a simple webbing grab handle to the top of the Paradigm. It'll come in handy if you'd like to hang the pack on a coat hook, grab and hoist it up onto a table, or carry it briefly by the grab handle itself.
What's Included
We include the following accessories to give you a good amount of options for your new bag right out of the gate.
One 8-inch Black Webbing Snaphook/Snaphook Key Strap
A Key Strap is a strip of webbing with plastic snaphooks on the end. The 8” Key Strap in Black that’s included in most of our larger bags is, for many, the gateway to a world of organization via Key Straps and Organizer Pouches. All the members of the Key Strap family are intended to make locating things in your bag easier and more instinctive. Pulling out a small item or pouch tethered to a strap is easier than rooting around aimlessly in the depths of your pack; you can also rest assured that anything hooked to a strap is much less likely to fall out or otherwise be left behind. You can find more Key Strap colors and varieties on the Key Strap page.
A Set of Black Zipper Pulls
Some folks prefer metal zipper pulls. Others prefer cord pulls. So, what to do about that? We think the best solution (in most cases) is to offer metal pulls and include a starter pack of Cord Pulls with most bags.
An adjustable and removable sternum and waist straps with leave-no-trace hardware: if you don't like or don't use your sternum strap, remove it and leave (almost) nothing behind.
This pocket is a full 3D pocket, having on its own a volume of about 2.7 liters / 165 cu.in. It’s divided vertically into three sections: if you fully unzip the top of this pocket you’ll be peering down into all three of the sections, but if you you only want access to one of the sections then you can simply move the two zipper sliders around in such a way as to only expose that section (much easier to do than to describe!)
Our new Contour Backpack Straps were designed to be an upgrade from basic webbing straps. They have minimal foam padding to bump up the comfort factor, while remaining light and proportional to smaller or lightweight packs.
Tom developed the shape and fit of the Contour straps over several months, asking for feedback from friends and crew of all heights and sizes — many different refinements were made to the shape and fit. The result? While no backpack strap design is likely to work for everyone, it’s surprising to all of us how many of us love these straps in particular — folks ranging from 5’0” to 6’0” find them comfortable and well-fitted.
The back panel of the Paradigm is always smooth 525d ballistic nylon in Black, no matter the main exterior fabric or color.
The Paradigm's padded compartment offers just-right padding without adding bulk or weight. Don't plan to carry a device? Know that most of the padding and construction of the compartment would be there regardless to offer comfort to your back and structure for the bag itself.
The Paradigm will fit devices up to the size of the 11" iPad Pro or Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 (but notably not the S7+).
We added a simple webbing grab handle to the top of the Paradigm. It'll come in handy if you'd like to hang the pack on a coat hook, grab and hoist it up onto a table, or carry it briefly by the grab handle itself.
We include the following accessories to give you a good amount of options for your new bag right out of the gate.
One 8-inch Black Webbing Snaphook/Snaphook Key Strap
A Key Strap is a strip of webbing with plastic snaphooks on the end. The 8” Key Strap in Black that’s included in most of our larger bags is, for many, the gateway to a world of organization via Key Straps and Organizer Pouches. All the members of the Key Strap family are intended to make locating things in your bag easier and more instinctive. Pulling out a small item or pouch tethered to a strap is easier than rooting around aimlessly in the depths of your pack; you can also rest assured that anything hooked to a strap is much less likely to fall out or otherwise be left behind. You can find more Key Strap colors and varieties on the Key Strap page.
A Set of Black Zipper Pulls
Some folks prefer metal zipper pulls. Others prefer cord pulls. So, what to do about that? We think the best solution (in most cases) is to offer metal pulls and include a starter pack of Cord Pulls with most bags.
An adjustable and removable sternum and waist straps with leave-no-trace hardware: if you don't like or don't use your sternum strap, remove it and leave (almost) nothing behind.
Still Have Questions?
- emailus@tombihn.com
- Call 1-800-729-9607
- Ask in our Forums
Materials
Exterior
bluesign® certified High-Tenacity 630 denier Ballistic nylon
Interior
bluesign® and OEKO-TEX® certified 200 denier Halcyon/nylon ripstop
— or —
bluesign® certified 210 denier Cerylon 6,6 Ripstop nylon
Zippers
2x #8 YKK Raquet-Coil Water-Repellent Zipper
Back
bluesign® certified Black 210 denier High-Tenacity 2x2 nylon exterior
Closed-cell foam
Straps
Contour 1/8" / 3mm shoulder straps (#4 Closed Cell Foam)
Components
Duraflex®, Nexus, and Woojin buckles and related components
Specs
Dimensions
9.8" (w) x 12.8" (h) x 7.7" (d) / 250 (w) x 325 (h) x 195 (d) mm
Weight
18 oz / 511 grams
Volume
9 liters / 575 cu. in. (ASTM Standard Measure)
Device Pocket
Maximum: 11" x 7.2" x .7" / 280 x 180 x 17 mm
Total O-Rings
4
(2 in the main compartment
2 in the front pocket)
- Gerry H.Verified BuyerBought For MyselfProduct Standouts Thoughtful Design, Good Storage Size, Compact4 hours agoBought For MyselfProduct Standouts Thoughtful Design, Good Storage Size, CompactRated 5 out of 5 starsGreat
Perfect small pack for just the essentials. Love it.
Was this helpful? - Emanuel C.Verified BuyerBought For MyselfProduct Standouts Thoughtful Design, Compact, Good Storage Size, Versatile, Comfortable2 weeks agoBought For MyselfProduct Standouts Thoughtful Design, Compact, Good Storage Size, Versatile, ComfortableRated 5 out of 5 starsComfortable, versatile EDC
It's my EDC bag when I don't need my 13" MacBook (some say it can fit very tight, I wouldn't take a chance). I use it for small errands and everyday commute.
Im 5'-10", 220 lbs and I don't find it looks small or childish.
The shoulder straps are not padded, for this size I find it's relevant, otherwise it would add unnecessary bulk. The zippers are awesome, easy to use with one hand and the fabric keeps its structure. I like that there is not too much organization, it gives versatility for its size.
My usual setup:
- main pocket: medium cafe bag Freudian slip, HLT1, 2 x 3D clear cubes, a 18 oz (532 ml) Yeti Rambler, and sometimes a diaper bag with a change of clothes for our little one. There is still a little room left, I could fit my umbrella if necessary. I also use a large double swivel clip to attach my hat when not in use and let it "float" over the backpack, this way it's not smashed inside the backpack. OR 3-4 reusable grocery bags.
- Front pocket: keys, wallet, EarPods, iPhone, snacks in small Q-Kit. The shoulder straps swing easily to reach for the keys.
I don't really use yet the foam pocket in the main compartment, but I can see its use with an iPad or eReader and it adds comfort to the back.
Was this helpful? - Charlie O.Verified BuyerBought For MyselfProduct Standouts High Quality Craftsmanship, Compact3 weeks agoBought For MyselfProduct Standouts High Quality Craftsmanship, CompactRated 5 out of 5 starsMy new EDC
I purchased a Paradigm and it’s now my everyday-carry bag. Its volume is perfect for my usual needs. I like that it’s smaller because it makes it feel portable and not bulky. Some may think small backpacks look childish but I’m a 5’8”, 168-lb male and I like the way the Paradigm looks on me. It looks like a professional-quality bag.
Was this helpful? - Beth C.Verified BuyerBought For MyselfProduct Standouts Thoughtful Design, High Quality Craftsmanship, Durable, Versatile1 month agoBought For MyselfProduct Standouts Thoughtful Design, High Quality Craftsmanship, Durable, VersatileRated 5 out of 5 starsGreat travel bag
This bag couldn’t be more perfect for me. I’m on the smaller and shorter size and it fits me perfect. I plan on taking it on my travels to Europe this spring
Was this helpful? - Joseph I.Verified BuyerBought For MyselfProduct Standouts High Quality Craftsmanship, Compact, Durable, Good Storage Size1 month agoBought For MyselfProduct Standouts High Quality Craftsmanship, Compact, Durable, Good Storage SizeRated 3 out of 5 starsNice bag but inside is frustrating!
Bag construction is fine but dividers inside bag seem frustrating and unnecessary. Still haven’t figured out straps.
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Sewn in Seattle
Our bags are designed and sewn right here in Seattle, Washington, U.S.A.
That allows us to be control freaks in the best way possible; we have direct control and oversight of the quality of our materials, our products, and the jobs and working environment that we help create. It also offers us a unique spontaneity: when we have an idea for a new product or accessory, we can design it, figure out how to build it, add it to our website and be ready to ship it out our front door all within just a few weeks. How cool is that?
Intrigued? You can find out more about the unusual way we do business on our Company Philosophy page.
THE BIHN Guarantee
Everything you buy from us here at TOM BIHN is satisfaction guaranteed. We’ve been in business since 1972 and we stand behind what we make.
If something goes wrong and it's our fault, we'll fix it for free. Repairs due to normal wear and tear or due to other things that are not our fault will be performed, when possible, at a reasonable charge right here in our Seattle factory where your bag was made. Defects in materials or workmanship are uncommon and almost always evident while the product is still new. Keep in mind that bags and packs are often subject to extreme wear in everyday use: do not expect them to last forever. Only true love lasts forever! You can expect a TOM BIHN product to give years and years of hard service.