DIRECTORY
Pre-Order Questions
General Questions
- Why is it called the Bixi?
- What makes the Bixi different from other large TB travel bags?
- Can I use the Bixi as a carry-on or personal item on an airplane?
- “Okay, but what does it look like inside?”
- “What is the maximum size laptop this bag will fit?”
- Which packing cubes and other organizational or travel accessories fit best in the Bixi?
Design Questions
- What inspired the Bixi?
- What are the dimensions and capacity of the Bixi?
- Why did you decide to make the Bixi a one-way carry?
- Why did you decide to add an external water bottle pocket and what size water bottle does it fit?
- Does the Bixi have a luggage pass-through sleeve?
- Why did you create an admin panel?
Questions about Use
Pre-Order Questions
How long is the pre-order period?
7/24/2024 from 9 A.M. PDT to 8/7/2024 at 9 A.M. PDT. The pre-order period will run for two weeks!
As this pre-order spans two weeks, our goal is to provide you with comprehensive information and content about the new bag. Follow us on Instagram - @TOMBIHN for some Bixi content and features.
Will I be able to make any changes to the pre-order after the 2-week window?
Once the pre-order closes, you won’t be able to change the color or add a new color. If you change your mind entirely after your purchase, we can help with a cancellation. More information can be found in our pre-order FAQ.
We would greatly appreciate it if you can make the cancellation during the 2-week pre-order window. We’re a small company, our Customer Service crew also doubles up as Fulfillment crew and Factory Showroom guides as needed, so that means we stay quite busy! The smallest of adjustments can add up when lots of you request them and those can potentially cause delays for everyone else too.
Will any of the colors sell out?
It’s hard to tell at the moment.
We have a good amount of fabric on deck for the Bixi batch, however, depending on the demand and if it causes us to believe that we have sold the maximum for a color, we will close the pre-order early for that specific color.
Will the Bixi be offered for a regular restock?
We hope so!
We like to offer new designs for pre-order to get a better understanding of which colors resonate the most with you all! Then once the pre-order batch is done, our goal is to offer another batch for restock. As you know, our Production team stays quite busy, so we will have to figure out when to slot the Bixi into production.
When can we expect the Bixi to ship?
As of now, we are tentatively targeting mid-October.
Our shipping timeline is usually 10-12 weeks from when the pre-order ends. This of course all depends on the demand and where we are with other bags in production. We will update the exact timeline as necessary to keep you informed.
General Questions
Why is it called the Bixi?
“I wanted to find a fun name for the bag, and I was inspired by mythological creatures. I wanted to find one that hadn't been used in any other bag. The marketing team suggested Bixi, which I thought was a great name. A bixi is a dragon-turtle, and it stands for great strength and great support.” -Jose
In mythology, a Bixi (or Bi Xi) is often depicted as a tortoise or turtle with the head of a dragon. Bixi is traditionally associated with strength and longevity, and sculptures of Bixi are commonly found in Chinese culture, often used as the base for steles (stone tablets) that commemorate important events or figures. The Bixi is believed to have the ability to carry heavy weights and is often seen in architectural contexts bearing significant inscriptions or monuments.
What makes the Bixi different from other large TB travel bags?
Like our other travel bags, such as the Techonaut or Aeronaut, the Bixi is spacious and perfect for anything from overnight trips to a week-long destination. The Bixi’s shape and front admin panel makes it unique from our other large travel bag offerings.
Can I use the Bixi as a carry-on or personal item on an airplane?
You bet! A few of our Bixi samples have already traveled cross-country as a carry-on item underneath the seat onboard an Alaska and Delta flight. For budget airlines or onboard small regional flights, you may need to put the Bixi in the overhead space, and as always, we recommend checking with the specific airline to confirm if you are unsure.
“Okay, but what does it look like inside?”
The main opening is a large clamshell with a squoval shape—combining the efficiency of a square with the sleekness of an oval. We chose this design to optimize packing space and accessibility. Within the main compartment, there are two additional pockets that can assist in organizing your belongings.
As for the front admin panel you'll find conveniently accessible pockets designed to accommodate essentials such as an iPad, keys, wallet, passport, and more, ensuring easy access and organization while on the go.
“What is the maximum size laptop this bag will fit?”
The Bixi laptop compartment features a sleeve pocket designed to accommodate laptops up to 16 inches in size. Additionally, outside of the sleeve, the bag can even accommodate larger laptops.
Which packing cubes and other organizational or travel accessories fit best in the Bixi?
While choices vary by traveler, our recent 5-day trip with the Bixi included one Techonaut/Aeronaut 45 Packing Cube (Large), two Packing Cube Shoulder Bags, a Travel Stuff Sack, and a Grab Bag—all fitting seamlessly into the main compartment. For additional organization in the admin panel, an HLT 1 or 2 can be hooked onto the O-rings, while a vertical packing cubelet neatly stores loose cords.
Design Questions
What inspired the Bixi?
“The inspiration came from reading comments and feedback from our current travel backpacks. I wanted to develop a backpack that had a big main compartment that could be fully packed, and all spaces inside could be utilized.” -Jose
What are the dimensions and capacity of the Bixi?
DIMENSONS
14.2” (w) x 17” (h) x 9.8” (d)/ 360mm (w) x 430mm (h) x 250mm (d) (filled dimensions)
12.8” (w) x 18.5” (h) x 8” (d) / 325mm (w) x 470mm (h) x 200mm (d) (seam-to-seam)
WEIGHT
2lb 14oz / 1325 grams
VOLUME
32 Liters / 1950 cubic inches (ASTM Standard Measure)
Why did you decide to make the Bixi a one-way carry?
“Backpack carry was my focus for this project. We have other bags that do multiple carry options well, so I didn’t think we needed another option.” -Jose
Why did you decide to add an external water bottle pocket and what size water bottle can it hold?
We decided to add an external water bottle pocket for quick and easy access to hydration when needed. Placing it externally was a practical choice to ensure it doesn't occupy space inside the main compartment.
The water bottle pocket, located on the right exterior panel of the bag, is designed to accommodate various sizes of water bottles, including larger ones like a 24oz Hydro Flask.
Does the Bixi have a luggage pass-through sleeve?
The Bixi is a versatile travel bag equipped with a 2-way luggage pass-through sleeve, allowing seamless attachment to a rolling luggage bag.
Why did you create an admin panel?
“I wanted a pocket with multiple organization options to carry gear you access the most along your trip. I think it’s a handy way to keep your most used gear readily accessible.” -Jose
Questions about Use
Who was this bag made for?
“It’s made for a one-bag traveler—a person who’s looking to carry 3-5 days worth of clothing and equipment.” -Jose
Is the Bixi waterproof?
The Bixi is designed with water-resistant features. All fabrics used are coated with urethane on the inside and treated for water repellency on the outside. Additionally, YKK water-repellent zippers are used on the exterior of the bag, or zippers are covered with fabric flaps to further protect against water ingress.
However, it's important to note that while the materials are water-resistant, seams may leak if exposed to significant weather conditions. To maintain the water-repellent qualities of your bag, we recommend using Nikwax. It's worth noting that some manufacturers may claim their products are 'waterproof' based solely on coated fabrics, but without RF welding or heat sealing of seams, true waterproofing may not be achieved.
Will the Bixi look/feel too big to carry as my EDC bag?
The Bixi is definitely a larger bag and may look and feel too big for everyday use. However, this all depends on your lifestyle and usage. The Bixi may be too large for someone who packs light daily, but perfect for an office commuter who values a little extra space.
Does the Bixi stand up on its own?
With a little assistance, yes!
Once fully packed, the Bixi's flat bottom allows it to stand upright on its own, making it convenient for use in various settings.
You can always emailus@tombihn.com if you have any questions or drop us a comment below.
Andreas Demetriades - July 22, 2024
Oh dear, I’m not immediately bowled over by this bag; the admin pocket is a bit lite on organisation; the external water bottle pocket spoils the clean shape & lines; and overall it is too similar to other competitor brands – it does not move the needle and is not sufficiently different! But as you continue to expand your range, my biggest question has to be: how do you differentiate your products? For everyday needs, I’m delighted by my Synik 30 and 22 (I’ve got 2 of each in different colours!) Also several Pilots/ Co-Pilots when I don’t want a backpack. For business travel nothing else comes close to my combination of Tristar + Trinity. And for weekends away I’ve got my Techonaut 45 + 30. I would love to support Tom Bihn by ordering a Bixi, but please tell me: what does the Bixi give me that I have not already got covered by your other wonderful bags?
———
TOM BIHN replied:
Hi Andreas! We would say the Bixi is for folks who are looking for a more open laptop bag—something a bit more simple than the Techonauts and more open than the Syniks, but still has a couple of pockets and organizational areas for a laptop and other gear. A number of folks have asked for a clamshell style backpacks with more open main compartment, so we think the folks who prefer that kind of bag will like the Bixi.