I was looking for a laptop bag with the specific requirement of being able to internally store a 20oz (or larger) coffee tumbler with easy access and this fits the bill perfectly (holds up to a 30oz yeti tumbler with ease). The two side storage compartments also perfectly fit my Side Effect (which has my EDC film camera) and my Evergoods Civic Access Pouch (tech pouch and other random bits).

The Caveat: I wish the zipped laptop compartment had build in padding. I understand the bag is intended to be used in conjunction with a laptop sleeve, but my usage would be significantly streamlined if I didn't have the sleeve in the picture (extra step for retrieval). Without a sleeve, the laptop will deform the bottom of the bag and leave its corners rather unprotected with only the shell material of the bag protecting them.

I got this to be my personal item on some upcoming flights - my Synik 26 is just a little too big unfortunately, so I got the Pilot in Raspberry to match it. But I ended up using the Pilot for in-person work this winter (commuting on transit); the first day I also carried a smaller bag with keys, wallet, transit card, but I realized I didn't need to do that because the front left pocket on the Pilot is so well-designed that I can put all the small items there securely. I have a padded laptop sleeve already, so that is no issue as others have mentioned. I love how a water bottle zips out of sight into the front compartment; I have even put my reusable coffee cup there (empty) to carry home. I fold an extra shopping bag into the back open pocket. I also love how accessible everything is when I carry it (cross-body). I did use the Pilot as a personal item on a recent trip and it was absolutely perfect. It was fully packed with my laptop, dopp kit, and I also tucked my TB Side Hustle in there, as well as my hat, mitts, and scarf and a magazine, and it still didn't seem full! It fit easily into the airline sizer and under the seat with room to spare . This is my fifth TB bag and I think it is my favourite! I also love the colour; when travelling through airport security for example when I'm asked which is my bag it is the pink one.

I have a Tom Bihn Daylight briefcase I love and have used for several years. I frequently want a bit more space though, so I've been eyeing this bag for some time now. When the new Spectron material was announced, I used that as my excuse to pull the trigger finally. I'm so glad that I did! If we're being honest, I wish the color were a bit more interesting than just black, but any hesitations I had about Spectron were unfounded. It still has a durable "this is going to last forever" Tom Bihn feel while still being delightfully pliable and lightweight. Chef's kiss perfect balance. The middle water bottle pocket is a clever design that is every bit as useful as I was hoping it would be. I also appreciate the extra built-in organizational design elements missing in my previous minimalistic Daylight bag. The bag expands nicely for my heavier carrier days (13" laptop, 11" iPad, lots of work folders, etc.) while still maintaining a streamlined profile on more minimal days. Not sure what else I would even wish for in a bag!

OK, fine, I guess I do have one minor little gripe... For some reason, the clip that attaches the shoulder strap to the bag has a tendency to squeak when rubbing against the plastic connection D-ring.