Tom Bihn Cafe Bag

We use affiliate links. If you buy something through the links on this page, we may earn a commission at no cost to you. Learn more.

Whoo hoo, it’s time for another gear bag review! Yay! Yes, there really is cause for excitement this time. Why? Because I think that I’ve finally found my around-town / out-for-lunch gear bag! I’ve been searching for the perfect small bag that I can stow inside my everyday bag (right now that is a custom Bagaboo messenger bag) and then take with me when I go to lunch. My criteria has been a bag to carry my wallet, phone, a pen, sunglasses and a few other things as necessary. My quest has brought me to the Tom Bihn Cafe Bag.

tombihn cafebag 1

Tom Bihn bags are made in Seattle, Washington. This particular bag is available in Small, Medium and Large, as well as 10 different colors, I was sent the Medium version in Steel / Crimson. Medium measures 10″ x 11.5″ x 3″, while Large measures 12″ x 13″ x 3″ and Small measures 7.5″ x 11″ x 3″. The exterior of the bag is constructed of 1000 Denier Cordura, which has a very slight rough canvas texture . The interior is lined with 500 denier Dupont Cordura, which has a smoother feeling texture.

As you can see, the Cafe Bag has a vertical orientation, with an interestingly shaped front flap that is secured via a Black plastic squeeze buckle.

tombihn cafebag 2

On the back side of the bag, there is a large open topped pocket that is perfect for holding regular sized magazines. You’ll also notice a carry handle. Yay! This is a must have feature for a bag to become my favorite. The only thing that would make the handle perfect would be if it was rolled instead of just a flat piece of webbing… but now I’m being too picky aren’t I?

See the little loops sewn into the seams on the either side of the bag? This is for an optional waist strap so that you can wear the bag messenger style.

tombihn cafebag 5

Lift the flap and you notice that the interior of the bag has a cool contrasting color which makes it easier to see objects at the bottom of the bag.

tombihn cafebag 4

An 8.5 x 8.5 inch flat zippered pocket is located under the flap. I use this pocket for my checkbook and other small flat items that I don’t often need.

tombihn cafebag 7

If we check the interior, we’ll find that it is nice and roomy. Two open topped pockets and 2 pen/pencil slots are sewn into the front wall of the bag. There is also a hanging key-holder (barely seen on the left edge of the picture above) sewn into the left side. The key-holder has plastic clips on each end, so it can be removed.

tombihn cafebag 10

Here is a close-up of the interior pockets which are both approximately 3.25 x 5 inches.

tombihn cafebag 8

Let’s check out the gear that the Medium sized Cafe Bag can accommodate. Hard sunglasses case, 2 standard sized magazines, 2 pens, Treo 750v, Waterfield wallet, small Waterfield cable guy pouch, and a large Waterfield gear pouch.

tombihn cafebag 9

And here is a picture with all the items neatly stowed in the bag. As you can see, it is not even really crammed full.

tombihn cafebag 3

There’s room for even more magazines too.

tombihn cafebag 6

Here I am wearing the bag on my shoulder (and evidently unaware that the rubber shoulder pad had slid down the strap…doh!). For reference, I’m 5′ 5.75″.

I can’t find anything to complain about with this bag. The materials and craftsmanship are top notch. I really like the unisex style as I’m not one to go for froo-froo girly bags. I also like the vertical orientation and the pocket layout. The Tom Bihn Cafe Bag is a great little bag that is handy for carrying your most necessary items when you don’t need or want a large bag.

Small Cafe Bag – $45.00
Medium Cafe Bag – $50.00
Large Cafe Bag – $55.00
Waist strap – $5.00

 

Product Information

Price:50.0
Manufacturer:Tom Bihn
Retailer:Tom Bihn
Pros:
  • Roomy for a small bag
  • Fun style
  • Grab handle
Cons:
  • None

3 thoughts on “Tom Bihn Cafe Bag”




  1. Gadgeteer Comment Policy - Please read before commenting
  2. Julie:
    As always, a great bag review, especially since it’s one that us guys can use in addition to women readers. My only question: Until now, I’ve been looking at the bagaboo website to build a medium-sized bag, given that was the one you reviewed and loved so much a while back. Is that bagaboo bag so large (even the medium version) that you’d need a bag like this? Or are they closer in size than I’m assuming? Again, keep the bag reviews comin’ for us gadget hounds! Thanks…
    Scribe54

  3. scribe54:

    I want something small that I can grab when I’m just running in town or during my lunch hour. Something to hold my wallet, keys, phone, etc. The bagaboo is too large for me to pack around everywhere… especially with all my stuff in it like I carry. I wouldn’t want to tote it around in a store or restaurant for sure.

Leave a Reply to scribe54 Cancel Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *