CALPAK Connect Laptop Backpack vs Tom Bihn Synapse 19
The CALPAK Connect Laptop Backpack is 18.5L and 0.68kg1.5lb; the Tom Bihn Synapse 19 is 19L and 0.7kg1.5lb. The CALPAK Connect Laptop Backpack is 0.02kg0lb lighter. The CALPAK Connect Laptop Backpack costs $160 less. The CALPAK Connect Laptop Backpack fits the carry-on limit of 36 of 36 major airlines and the Tom Bihn Synapse 19 fits 36; under the seat, 9 and 8 of 26.
| Spec | CALPAK Connect Laptop Backpack | Tom Bihn Synapse 19 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $95Best | $255 |
| Volume | 18.5L | 19L |
| Weight | 0.68kg1.5lbBest | 0.7kg1.5lb |
| Carry-on compliance | 100% | 100% |
| Personal-item compliance | 35%Best | 31% |
| Dimensions | 40.6×30.5×15.2cm16×12×6in | 41×29×20cm16×11.5×8in |
| Laptop | 16"Best | 13" |
| Compartments | n/a | 6 |
| Bottle pockets | n/a | 1 |
| Compression straps | n/a | 0 |
| Opening | n/a | Panel access, half-zip |
| Warranty | n/a | Lifetime |
| Organizer | Yes | No |
| Shoe compartment | No | No |
| Hydration sleeve | No | No |
| Frame sheet | No | No |
| Water-resistant | No | Yes |
| Rain cover | No | No |
| MOLLE | No | No |
| Hip belt | No | Yes |
| Sternum strap | No | Removable |
| Load lifters | No | No |
| Shoulder strap | No | Yes |
| Luggage pass-through | Yes | No |
| Camera compartment | No | No |
| Material | Recycled nylon body, polyester lining | 420d Spectron ripstop exterior (default), 210d Cerylon interior, closed-cell foam back panel |
| Last checked | 2026-10 | 2026-09 |
Where their airline fit differs
| Airline | Limit | CALPAK Connect Laptop Backpack | Tom Bihn Synapse 19 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Air Canada | Personal item | Fits | Too big |
Add more bags to this comparison
Specs come from each brand's own product page. Fit uses listed dimensions in any orientation. How we score carry-on fit.