Two months in, and 420d Spectron is already making waves. When we set out to find a worthy successor to 400d Halcyon, we knew the bar was high—turns out, Spectron is meeting and exceeding expectations. When introducing 420d Spectron, we shared what makes this fabric special—now, after putting it to the test, our team is sharing their honest thoughts.
What Our Team Thinks of Spectron…
Cindy, CEO
“I love the Spectron fabric because it embodies everything that defines TOM BIHN: high quality, ultra durability, and exceptional versatility. Its aesthetic is just as compelling—Spectron’s black-on-black grid and crosshatch pattern create a sleek, technical look that feels uniquely ours. It also has a subtle sheen that adds depth and dimension, making it feel more dynamic than some of our other offerings. We carefully chose the exact grid size and the precise black dye for the ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) thread to ensure every detail aligns with our vision. Many of our customers first discovered us through our legacy 400d Halcyon, and 420d Spectron carries that same DNA—only more advanced, with greater durability and performance.”
Jose, Designer
“420d Spectron is an inspiring addition to our fabric lineup and a great follow-up to 400d Halcyon. It’s a great midweight fabric that performs to our standards. I also like how sleek it looks. When I first saw the pictures of the Spectron collection, I was blown away. I’ve been able to test the fabric on a few different projects, and it’s been great to work with so far.
I’m looking forward to working with the fabric more and developing new designs with it.”
Kim, Sample Specialist
"I find Spectron to be soft, supple, and flexible, which makes it easy to sew—especially compared to more challenging fabrics like our thick ballistic nylon or technically demanding X-Pac. With Spectron, I just have to be careful about puckering and making sure everything lays right, but I really enjoy working with it because it's so lightweight and smooth to handle."
Cody, Customer Service Manager
"I'm really excited about 420d Spectron–I think it looks and feels even nicer than 400d Halcyon, while being just as resilient. I think folks are really going to love it!"
Matthew, Program Manager
“It's the best replacement for 400d Halcyon we could hope for. A really great texture, similar hand, and even a slightly better Taber. The wait and search really paid off.”
Maia, Creative Content Lead
"What immediately caught my eye about 420d Spectron was the sheen—it’s got this fascinating way of catching light that I haven’t seen in our other fabrics. I didn’t have much experience with 400d Halcyon before, but I’ve been loving how lightweight and flexible Spectron is. It’s in a league of its own compared to the rugged feel of Ballistic or the structured nature of X-Pac. Now, all I need is a Spectron Nomad Tote!"
Bella, Social Media Intern
”I was so excited about this new fabric launch!It was love at first sight with Spectron; it’s technical but elegantly understated–I’m a big fan. It's always exciting to hear everyone's feedback, especially for 420d Spectron, since the original 400d Halcyon was so popular. I think everyone will be happy with this new evolution.”
What’s Next for Spectron?
Durable, technical, and unmistakably TOM BIHN—420d Spectron has already earned its place in our lineup. Now, as we gear up for the next preorder, we’re offering it in some of our most compact and versatile designs for the first time ever.
Coming to Spectron for the First Time:
Preorders open March 14th and close March 31st, so if you’ve been waiting to get your hands on Spectron, this is your chance!
Our team has put Spectron to the test, but now it’s your turn. Whether you’ve already had the chance to experience it or you’re looking forward to getting your hands on it, we’d love to hear what you think.
Shep B. - April 11, 2025
Oh please, Please, PLEASE come out with a Paramour in Spectron! I love my Bixi in Spectron; my ballistic Paramour was a worthy day pack on long trips…but it takes up an awful lot of suitcase space. Spectron would make the Paramour more compressible and flexible – making an ideal day pack even better. :-)