Tom Bihn has created what can only be a cult following with their products. So please do not let this humble gear reviewers’ opinion rattle any cages. The Synapse 25 is an excellent backpack, however at $220, it is quite expensive. There are great pockets on the exterior for organization, and the material and design are top-notch. The pocket that confuses us the most is the center-mounted hydration pocket. It is able to hold a hydration bladder, but if you have a water bottle in there, you need to take the bag off every time you need a drink. There is also the fact that for the pack to be at its absolute peak level of performance, you would need to purchase 3-5 separately sold Tom Bihn accessories to go along with the bag. We like our packs ready to hit the streets right out of the shop!