The Techonaut 30 Frame Sheet The Techonaut 45 Frame Sheet The optional Techonaut Internal Frame next to a Techonaut 30 in Night Walk 400d; both are on a sewing machine table in the TOM BIHN factory. Person adding the optional Techonaut internal frame to the Techonaut.
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Size: Techonaut 30 Frame

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Color: Black

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Optional internal frames with an aluminum stay designed for the Techonaut 30 / 45.

Description

We present for your use these optional, removable internal frames with aluminum stays for the Techonaut 30 and Techonaut 45 travel bags.

When we began packing, using, and carrying the Techonaut, we were surprised to discover that we didn’t feel it needed an internal frame — we had assumed that we would be including an internal frame with the pack. Nonetheless, Nik designed an internal frame, and we tested it in the Techonaut — nope, didn’t do much for us.

Our next step was to test that perception further by packing two Techonaut 30s — one with an internal frame, one without — and asking various folks at the factory to try them on. No one knew which bag had the frame and which didn’t; folks wore each bag with and without a laptop in the device compartment.

Nearly everyone preferred the Techonaut without the internal frame; we suspect this has to do with the structure of the bag and the Skeleton back panel design: it helps the bag hold its shape and the integrity of the back panel without the need for an internal frame.

When we performed the same tests wearing the Techonaut 45 with the internal frame, the results were different — and 50/50 split. Half of the crew liked the way the Techonaut 45 Internal Frame changed the carrying experience, and half felt it didn't do anything for them. 

So, rather than subject folks to an additional expense that may not improve their experience of the bag, we decided not to include the internal frame with the Techonaut. That said, we heard from many of you who still wanted the ability to order an optional internal frame, so this one's for you!

The frames are made of die-cut .055” thick High Density Polyethylene (HDPE), with a nylon webbing sleeve sewn down the center that encases a 1/2” / 13mm wide 6061 aluminum half stay. 

We’ve bent the stay to a generic spinal curve; we recommend you re-bend and/or adjust the curvature to best fit your own back (see here for instructions). If you just want a frame sheet, the stay is removable, though it's worth noting that a frame sheet sans aluminum stay does just about nada when it comes to shifting the weight of the pack onto one's hips. (Read more about that here in our Guide To Backpack Frames.)

And if you're using the optional Techonaut Internal Frame, you might want to add a 1" Padded Hip Belt (works great with the Techonauts!) too.

 

.055” thick High Density Polyethylene (HDPE)

1/2” / 13mm wide 6061 aluminum half stay

Nylon webbing

Specs

Weight

Techonaut 30 Internal Frame: 4.9 oz / 140 grams

Techonaut 45 Internal Frame: 5.5 oz / 155 grams

4.6
Rated 4.6 out of 5 stars
Based on 10 reviews
90%would recommend this product
10 reviews
  • roopesh S.
    Verified Buyer
    Bought For Myself
    4 days ago
    Bought For Myself
    Rated 5 out of 5 stars
    Well, it's a frame

    I don't know if you really need the frame if you carry a laptop in the Techonaut. But it definitely helped when I was carrying no laptop.

  • Pieter G.
    Verified Buyer
    Bought For Myself
    Product Standouts Thoughtful Design, High Quality Craftsmanship
    1 week ago
    Bought For Myself
    Product Standouts Thoughtful Design, High Quality Craftsmanship
    Rated 5 out of 5 stars
    Just a little extra support

    The frame works out perfect when I travel for work. Carrying two laptops and a tablet the frame provides just that little extra support when walking through the airport. So happy I added this to my bag.

  • Kevin K.
    Verified Buyer
    Bought For Myself
    Product Standouts Comfortable, Durable, High Quality Craftsmanship
    1 month ago
    Bought For Myself
    Product Standouts Comfortable, Durable, High Quality Craftsmanship
    Rated 5 out of 5 stars
    Good structure for the Technonaut 30

    While it isn't mandatory for the Techonaut, I would highly recommend getting the internal frame. I find it makes the bag more comfortable and provides good structure for the bag even when you don't have a laptop in it.

  • Daryl P.
    Verified Buyer
    Bought For Myself
    Product Standouts Comfortable, Durable, Sewn in USA
    3 months ago
    Bought For Myself
    Product Standouts Comfortable, Durable, Sewn in USA
    Rated 4 out of 5 stars
    I think it's worth it.

    I know TB said in their testing, this was not needed, but I use my Techo-30 as kind of a daily. I get groceries, and run errands with it a lot. When the bag is empty, or not fully at capacity, it can get on the floppy side without this. Though I wish it were still more rigid.

  • Jonathan R.
    Verified Buyer
    Bought For Myself
    Product Standouts Durable, Comfortable, High Quality Finishings, High Quality Craftsmanship, Thoughtful Design
    8 months ago
    Bought For Myself
    Product Standouts Durable, Comfortable, High Quality Finishings, High Quality Craftsmanship, Thoughtful Design
    Rated 3 out of 5 stars
    nice to have, but not always needed

    Nice to have this as an option, but try it out to see if you need it. I wouldn't call it a necessity.

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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.

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