While the BottleLock section was built to house the Grayl and Earthwell bottles, I found that almost any water bottle will stay just as well. This pack has two spots to hold your beverages, which is nice. You can keep your water bottle secure and easily access your coffee cup or a canned drink. This was especially nice when walking the street fair and needing to set the coffee down to fill out a form or spin a prize wheel. While out hiking or walking the dogs, the BottleLock does just what it says. You can run, jump, scramble, or slide, and your bottle is going nowhere. When not in use, the BottleLock and the side EasyCollapse pocket tuck away for a nice, sleek hip pack.

The pack is built with quality materials. From the 500D Cordura exterior, EcoPak interior liner, and weather-resistant zippers, you know that this pack can take a beating and will last for years and years. 

For such a small bag, there is a surprising amount of organization. Externally you have one zipper pocket that runs the full length of the bag. Perfect for quick-access items like your phone, keys, or hot sauce packets. The front face of this pocket has a single row of webbing for PALS attachments that is perfect for a bike light or to clip something quickly. While it isn’t a pocket for storing items, the collapsible bottle pocket is excellent for additional bottles or cups. 

The BottleLock area on the bottom of the bag is one of my favorite features of this bag. It expands large enough for a 32oz bottle, and the fabric holds it securely in place while still allowing for easy access to whatever bottle you carry. Internally there are three compartments. On the back panel, a zippered pocket is sized for something like a passport or any other items you want to keep extra secure. Then you have the main pocket, and on the opposite panel, there is a drop pocket with a small hook and loop closure. So no matter what you need to carry, there is a spot and compartment.

The BottleLock Hip Pack is a limited collab between Earthwell and Grayl, but this is such a fantastic bag that I hope it stays in the line-up. With a main pocket that can hold the necessities and two locations for hydration, this is a perfect companion to have with you. This sling has a variety of use cases, and with the features and build quality, this is an investment that will serve you well and last you for a long time. 

The post Grayl BottleLock™ Hip Pack 4.5L | First Look appeared first on Carryology.

What is a camera sling?

A camera sling is a camera bag that can be worn diagonally across the body, allowing quick access to gear while keeping it secure on the go. It typically hangs at the hip or back, providing easy reach without the need to remove the bag.

Is a sling camera bag better than a backpack?

Whether a sling camera bag is better than a backpack depends on individual preferences and needs. Sling bags offer quick access but may not distribute weight as evenly as backpacks, which are better for carrying heavier loads over longer periods. Additionally, backpacks are generally better options when you have larger loads to carry, while slings are a good option for staying agile with smaller setups.

How do you use a camera sling bag?

In general, a camera sling is carried over one shoulder and positioned diagonally across your body. The strap can be loosened for easier access to gear while working out of the bag or alternatively keep it cinched tight to retain a stable load while you’re on the move. Slings often offer an assortment of organizational options including quick-access features to keep frequently used gear within easy reach.

How do you transport a camera without a camera bag?

Transporting a camera without a camera bag can be done by wrapping it in a protective layer, such as a cloth, towel, or item of clothing to prevent scratches and bumps. Alternatively, you can use a camera strap to carry it around your neck or shoulder. Be careful to avoid damaging delicate parts such as the lens and LCD screen.

Over the past few years, we have seen some great companies get into the sling game. So we wanted to look at what is on the market and how well each one works. Specifically we looked at:

Nomatic X Peter McKinnon Sling 8L
Peak Design Everyday Sling V2 10L
Instinct Pro Camera Sling Bag 7L
Moment Rugged Camera Sling 10L
Greenroom136 Metromonger 9L
WANDRD ROGUE 9L Sling
Chrome Industries Niko Camera Sling 2.0 5L

The DJI Mavic Pro has been used with each one to illustrate the internal space. Often it is not necessarily about the liters but how said liters are laid out that makes the sling work well. Below, we’ve rounded out some of our favorites at this time, along with our thoughts and some standard features we believe are worth your consideration.

Nomatic X Peter McKinnon Sling 8L (US$159.99)

• Material: Waterproof Tarpaulin
• Zippers: Custom Waterproof
• Stabilization Strap: Yes
• Tripod Straps: Optional

Like all the camera bags that Nomatic has released, this is a well-thought-out, well-built sling, and it sits very well on the body. This sling is too small to hold a DSLR with a 70-200 lens (it is too small by just a half-inch but does fit a body with a 24-70).

One of the things I like about this bag is that it has good organization with easy access. There is no front pocket, as the interior of the front panel contains several mesh pockets. There are some nice organization pockets in this panel that are sized to fit your batteries, cardholder, or a small snack if you need some mid-shoot fuel. The construction of this front panel has some sturdiness while still being lightweight. You could use this area to hold your cardholder or filter organizers, and it will not let them flop onto the ground. 

The sling, although thin, feels very comfortable when on the body. This sling became a favorite to carry my drone in when on my bike as the strap layout and stability are stellar. 

Peak Design Everyday Sling V2 10L (US$159.95)

• Material: 400D double poly-coated DWR nylon canvas 
• Zippers: Weatherproof Ultra Zips
• Stabilization Strap: No
• Tripod Straps: Yes 

Like always, Peak Design has lived up to their industry-leading standards. The construction is beautiful, and the design is sleek and functional. Even without a stability strap, this carries well. But I found that it did move around when loaded with camera gear while hiking. The wider back panel still allows for some decent stability while on body. The nice part about this sling depends on your lens setup. I can fit a DSLR with a 70-200 lens easily within the main compartment with some room for a jacket or something else one might need. If I were to carry a 17-35 and a 24-70 on the body, I could fit all that inside easily. 

The pocketing and layout are pretty standard, with a front pocket sized for any gadgets or keys. The lid pocket is a light mesh that has some mesh battery compartments and could fit your cardholders as well. The rear panel pocket gives you enough space to carry a tablet (or a 13″ laptop in the 10L) or a notebook if you prefer. The bag looks sleek on the outside, with attachment points for a tripod strap if needed. 

Instinct Pro Camera Sling Bag 7L (US$147)

• Material: Dimension Polyant X-Pac VX21 
• Zippers: YKK AquaGuard®
• Stabilization Strap: Yes
• Tripod Straps: Yes

I was excited to try out the Instinct Pro Camera Sling as it is new to the market, and they have been doing some cool things. The overall construction of this bag is impressive. The VX21 is a solid material; it can take a beating, so you know that this bag will handle the long haul. Right away, I love the high-visibility interior. As any photographer knows, it’s easy to lose a lens cap, battery, or memory card inside your black interior bags. So the fact that this one is bright orange is a nice touch. 

This bag carries very well due to the curved back panel. The rear panel sits nicely on your back and when fully loaded does not have any awkward pressure points. As the second smallest sling, this one is pretty much limited to the mirrorless shooters. (Although I could fit my DSLR and 24-70mm lens in the bag). 

For the size, this sling provides a decent amount of organization and pockets. The front pocket is divided and has a more prominent drop area, with two pockets that are perfect for batteries and two other pockets that would work well for cardholders or cables. The lid panel pocket is split and gives you the option of carrying your batteries or cardholders in this location. There is a divider in the main compartment that is sized for a small tablet or journal. The one thing that the Instinct sling has and others do not are two mesh drop pockets on the sides. You could fit a small bottle or some snack bars in these pockets.

Moment Rugged Camera Sling 10L (US$130)

• Material: NorthPak Polyester
• Zippers: Water-Resistant YKK 
• Stabilization Strap: Yes
• Tripod Straps: Yes

Okay, just to be 100% upfront, this is the sling I have spent the most time with since the first Carryology review. So when it comes to camera slings, this was one of the first that I started using. The North Sails fabric is solid and can handle a lot. The back panel and strap are very comfortable to carry. I used this one a bit in rock scrambling and cycling to carry gear, and it sits nicely on the body and stays stable even when fully packed out.

One of the things that I like about this one is it fits a DSLR and a 70-200 lens. As someone who mainly shoots with a DSLR for photos, I like having this option to carry my setup for a small outing. The organization is well thought out. It gives you space for batteries and cardholders, with some room to spare for snacks. 

There is a front pocket that is sized for all the accessories that you might need to bring, and the lid panel pocket is a mesh that is sized for batteries and cardholders. A back panel pocket is sized for a journal or something similar but might be a bit tight for a tablet. 

Greenroom136 Metromonger 9L (US$95)

• Material: 1000D Cordura nylon outer shell
• Zippers: YKK Zippers
• Stabilization Strap: Yes
• Tripod Straps: Yes

Having never used a GR136 bag, I was super jazzed to have this one in my hands as it was a company that I had looked at but never tried. The first impression of this pack was that it would withstand a nuclear blast, which is good because who knows where the world is headed. 

The Metromonger is one of the more modular slings in this lineup. Without the insert, you can carry a camera in the bag, but you will not have as much padding. I could take my DSLR with a 70-200 in the bag, but I did not have a large enough insert to test it with that. This pack feels larger than the 9L, which is nice. My first use was a day trip to the zoo. It was hot, and I could carry my Nikon D780 with 70-200 and a 26oz Yeti Rambler. There was still room in the external pockets for a notebook or any accessories one might need and space in the rear pocket for a tablet or small laptop. 

Even with all this weight, the sling carries well. The strap reminds me of the OG Chrome seatbelt strap, but even beefier. For the weight that I was holding, the strap was perfect. If it had been thinner, it would have worn on the shoulder and dug in. One of the nice things about this sling is they built the back panel with padding and airmesh like a backpack. So even with items in the sling and no camera cube padding, there are no issues with pressure points. 

The organization in this pack is a bit more simplified. You have a front pocket with a few drop slots for pens, cardholders, or a phone. The interior of the main compartment has two journal-sized drop pockets and one larger on the back that could hold a tablet in a sleeve. The rear pocket is padded and designed for your electronics or anything you might want close to your body. The Metromonger is one of the more versatile slings that I used in the lineup, as the size lent it to being used for more than just mirrorless camera gear. 

WANDRD ROGUE 9L Sling (US$159)

• Material: Waterproof Tarpaulin and Robic 1680D Ballistic Nylon
• Zippers: Water-Resistant YKK 
• Stabilization Strap: Yes 
• Tripod Straps: Yes (Built-in pouch with straps)

At the time of this writing, this one has yet to hit the market, and it is also one of the most interesting as far as layout goes. They worked hard to make this sling versatile; it can be used as a photography sling and for people who want a small tech bag or a small EDC bag. The ROGUE has an attachment for laptops (which I did not test, so I can’t speak to) but mixed with the pocketing and tripod pouch; this is a unique sling to consider. 

The bag carries well, and the strap is easy to switch up if you prefer the bag on your left or right side. One of the parts that I enjoyed about this sling was the wider back panel. When I used this sling to carry a DSLR and a 70-200 lens, the weight sat well on my back, and I didn’t feel that lump that you can sometimes feel. The tripod pouch is an excellent addition. Most slings just have a few straps that you can use for jackets, tripods, or umbrellas. They work fine, but from time to time, I have had a coat or something come loose a bit. But with how they built out the tripod sleeve, this is not going to be an issue. The other benefit of this pouch is that it can carry a water bottle, remaining separate from any electronics. 

This sling packs a punch when it comes to pocketing and organization. The rear sleeve pocket has locations for batteries, cardholders, and even a small notebook. The zipper lid portion is large enough to hold a variety of snacks or cables. The front drop pocket is sized for a wallet, phone, and keys. The added extra on the bag is the zipper sleeve that holds the laptop attachment and has room to fit any other items you might need.  

Chrome Industries Niko Camera Sling 2.0 5L

• Material: 1000D TPE Tarpaulin
• Zippers: Weather-Resistant PU Coated 
• Stabilization Strap: No
• Tripod Straps: Yes

I have been a fan of Chrome for many years. At 5L, the Niko 2.0 is the smallest sling in this lineup. But, due to the shape, it still holds a DSLR with a 70-200, so that is saying a lot. The organization is minimal but will suffice if you are a run-and-gun type of photographer. You have a front pocket protected by a rain flap that can double as a tripod/jacket holder. You won’t be able to fit much more than a battery or two and a cardholder, but that should be enough. The rear of the bag has a small zipper pocket perfect for any small snacks or even your wallet if you don’t want that on your person. 

One nice thing about the smaller size of this sling is that you could use it as a camera cube for another camera backpack. Then you have a smaller sling to travel around with once you get to your destination. 

Despite not having a stabilization strap, the bag sits well on the body. The only downside that I found was that the Tarpaulin material causes a massive sweat patch on hot days or during strenuous activity. 

The post The 7 Best Camera Sling Bags to Buy appeared first on Carryology.

1st Place

Wotancraft Scout

Highly Commended

These are the pieces that just missed out, and in most cases, by the smallest of margins. To them, we award a High Commendation. The below were of outstanding quality, displaying fine craftsmanship and design flair. With honor, we bow our heads in the utmost respect and kudos. If this were a dais, they’d be biting their teeth into silver medals, while their flags were hoisted into the horizon – a feat not to be overlooked. And we’re sure they’ll be back, to take it one notch higher, next year.

WaterField Designs Cargo Camera Bag

A functional camera bag needs to keep your gear secure on the go, yet quickly accessible when that epic shot presents itself. Enter the WaterField Designs Cargo Camera Bag. Available in two sizes to suit different setups, the bag offers a wide opening to get to gear in a jiffy. Interior mesh pockets let you quickly discern where specific smaller accessories are stored, with further quick-access pockets on hand for storing items without having to open the main compartment.

The removable padded insert protects fragile gear against bumps and scrapes, with flexible sewn-in dividers that easily adapt to different items while avoiding noisy Velcro® adjustments. The bag delivers easy on-body access to DSLR and mirrorless cameras, with understated aesthetics that lend themselves to a variety of urban settings, whether on a professional shoot or snapping images in your downtime. Excellent work, WaterField!

Bellroy Venture Camera Sling 10L

Bellroy’s Venture Camera Sling zooms in on easy access, offering features such as a quick-adjust buckle to easily slide the bag from your back to front to get to gear. The removable strap is also reversible, making the bag suitable for both left and right-shoulder wear. Included straps let you secure a tripod to the base of the bag, while the internal padded dividers are flexible to adjust to a variety of loads. Adding to the adjustability are self-compressing gussets, allowing the bag to shrink or expand depending on your setup.

A choice of pockets store smaller items, while the wide opening provides easy access to gear in the main compartment. Add in water-resistant, 100% recycled ripstop nylon and water-resistant zippers and you get protection from the elements too. Sleek and adaptable, the Venture Camera Sling is a savvy choice for staying agile on the go with a range of camera setups. High five, Bellroy!

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A heads up: Bellroy and Carryology share the same founders. You can read about our origin story here.

And hey, we’re reader-supported too, so if you find something that sparks your interest and click through and purchase via our affiliate links, sometimes we’ll get a little kickback from the brands or retailers. It helps us to make more content and build this channel. Although, we’ll just point out, some brands don’t have affiliate options, and that’s cool with us too. If the carry is awesome, we recommend it!

The post Best Camera Bag Champion | Carry Awards X appeared first on Carryology.

1st Place

1733 Side Pack 3.5L

Nobody here at Carryology was surprised at this win. 1733 and their iconic Side Pack have been hyper-popular, and the latest, smaller 3.5L variant hits all of the same notes in a more compact package. The Side Pack 3.5L is utilitarian to the max, at home on the bike, on the trails, or in the city.

The amount of utility packed into such a small bag is impressive. The compression straps keep it tight and close to your body, while securing the contents. The PALS on the front panel allows for the addition of pouches or accessories or serves as a lashing point. The dedicated lashing cord across the top is great for a jacket or umbrella. The strap itself has four areas of adjustment, allowing it to fit a wide variety of shapes, sizes, and uses. And when not in use, you can tuck the strap away behind the rear panel.

Slings are easily one of our most competitive categories, since it’s such a popular field, with most brands releasing new slings every year. We’re glad to see 1733 here at the top, bringing unique designs and looks to an already crowded field.

Highly Commended

These are the pieces that just missed out, and in most cases, by the smallest of margins. To them, we award a High Commendation. The below were of outstanding quality, displaying fine craftsmanship and design flair. With honor, we bow our heads in the utmost respect and kudos. If this were a dais, they’d be biting their teeth into silver medals, while their flags were hoisted into the horizon – a feat not to be overlooked. And we’re sure they’ll be back, to take it one notch higher, next year.

KILLSPENCER Utility Belt Bag 2.0

KILLSPENCER offers a luxurious spin on the sling with their Utility Belt Bag 2.0. Premium materials and meticulous USA-made construction elevate the look and feel of this compact carry companion. Made with full-grain leather, a Swiss-made water-resistant Riri zipper, and a burly AustriAlpin Cobra strap buckle, the bag exudes refined quality. But it’s practical too, with a wide-opening main compartment to easily see the contents, a front zippered pocket for small quick-access items, and a rear zippered pocket for discreet storage of valuables.

With its stylish unisex design and flexible chest, back, and waist carry options, the Utility Belt Bag 2.0 is a luxe option for those who need to carry smaller loads in both everyday and travel settings, while bringing a high-fashion touch to their setup. Bravo, KILLSPENCER!

rofmia Shoulder Bag V3

rofmia’s oh-so-clean blend of pared-back aesthetics, high-quality materials and leading Japanese construction has earned them fans across the world. And it’s not hard to see the widespread appeal of a piece such as the rofmia Shoulder Bag V3. Super sleek, durable, and versatile, this sling lends itself to a variety of uses and environments, from carrying EDC setups to travel essentials and even small camera setups.

The bag is crafted with tough and waterproof Dyneema® Composite Fabric, YKK AquaGuard zippers, and a Fidlock buckle. So you get a hard-wearing and practical build that will protect your gear from the elements and stand up to years of demanding use. Add in features such as a padded base, interior rigidity for enhancing stability while carrying heavier loads, interior pockets for storing small items, and a rear external pocket for discreet storage of a phone or other valuables and you score a refined design that not only looks beautiful but is functional too. Bravo, rofmia!

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The post Best Sling Champion | Carry Awards X appeared first on Carryology.

The year was 2020, a pandemic had swept the globe, and the vast majority of us found ourselves largely stuck indoors. As we began venturing out of our homes, we quickly realized we now had to carry more things than would typically fit within our pockets. Many of us now needed a small bag to carry these newfound essentials, something smaller than a backpack, but larger than a pouch; we turned our gaze to sling bags and the rest, as they say, is history. So we find ourselves now a couple of years later, slings continue to evolve and it begs the question as to whether they’re going to remain in our Everyday Carry kits. Aer seems to think so. The Day Sling 3 is their latest revision of this product line, and it has evolved over its prior generations to take on a new silhouette that better accommodates flexible space needs in a small footprint. I’ve spent the past several months using the Aer Day Sling 3 as both a daily carry and a travel companion with the goal of discerning whether or not it deserves a spot in your lineup. Let’s see how it fared.

Who It Suits

Sling enthusiasts will love the slim profile and abundant organization featured within. Travelers will appreciate the security pocket to protect valuables while on the move, as well as the packability within their larger travel bag. 

Who It Doesn’t 

If the sling format typically hasn’t worked for you in the past, that’s not going to change here. If you need to carry lots of bulky items, the 3L capacity will be a hindrance. The aesthetic is typical for Aer and very sleek, this may not work for some users.

Specifications

Name: Day Sling 3

Brand: Aer

Format: Sling

Measurement: 11.5″L (29cm) x 6″W (15cm) x 3″D (7.5cm)

Capacity: 3L (183cu. in.)

Weight: 0.8 lbs (0.36 kg)

Zippers: YKK

Material: VX42 X-Pac, 1680D Ballistic Nylon or 700D Cordura

Price: US$79-99

Design

The Day Sling 3 is one of a few small sling options from Aer. The silhouette should look familiar to those who recall the past two revisions, but Aer has introduced some clever patterning changes to allow this small form factor bag to carry much more than you’d expect. The wide-yet-short profile allows the bag to sit very naturally on your chest or back (depending on your preference) and the shape also affords ambidextrous access, meaning if you favor left or right shoulder carry this will suit both options. 

Looks

When talking about aesthetics, we must always remember that it is a deeply personal matter, and you may or may not agree with my opinion, which is just fine. From my perspective, Aer products have a distinctly technical look to them; they employ lines in their bags that give off a slightly futuristic vibe. This sleek look is something they’ve been honing from the start and each generation refines it further. The Day Sling 3 in particular has refined its shape quite a bit from the original design. The look is sleek, modern, and not overly flashy on the outside, and that’s what I appreciate about it. If you’ve chosen the VX version over the ballistic or 700D Cordura you’ll find that the interior is lined with a vibrant orange ripstop nylon which makes it easy to spot anything inside of the sling.

Construction

Every Aer bag I’ve used has exhibited a consistent level of quality in its construction and the Day Sling 3 has shown no signs of deviation from those prior experiences. The stitching is all straight and evenly spaced, with no obvious flaws, and furthermore, none have developed during months of use. Aer does offer a lifetime warranty on their products so if an issue were to arise as a result of a defect in their manufacturing they will take care of it.   

Materials & Hardware

The Day Sling 3 is available in three distinct material options, 1680D Cordura® Ballistic Nylon, 700D Cordura, and VX42 X-Pac from Dimension Polyant, and all versions feature YKK zippers and a Fidlock buckle on the strap. My version uses the VX42 and also features a rich orange nylon ripstop liner which adds character and also makes it very easy to spot everything inside the bag. 

One slight drawback to the VX42 material used in my example is that I found it was quite slippery with most of my clothing, unless I was wearing something with a bit of texture. Any time I would bend forward, the sling would instantly slide around to my front, which I found to be rather annoying. This may or may not affect you, but it was just a small issue I faced when using the Day Sling 3 and I wanted to call it out. 

Features

As we take a tour around the sling, let’s take a look at the kind of features Aer gives us for this modest price point. Starting with the front zipper pocket which is secured behind a large YKK AquaGuard #10 zipper, you’ll find an open space with an internally attached key leash. The hardware feels sturdy enough and is totally appropriate for this bag in my opinion. An added benefit of this pocket is that it has its own dimension, projecting outwards from the bag so even if the main cavity is quite full, you should still be able to comfortably utilize this pocket.

As we get into the interior, the 3L capacity of the bag would typically make one think that it’s not terribly spacious, but I was pleasantly surprised by how much it could comfortably carry. Additionally, the bottom panel is cut in such a way that if it’s underloaded it will naturally fold inwards which collapses the size of the bag slightly. I found this to be a desirable trait in use as there were times I only wanted to carry a few things and the bag never handled awkwardly in these scenarios. The main compartment here is where you’re also going to find all of the Day Sling 3’s built-in organization, which is plentiful but also able to stay out of the way if you don’t want to use it. The back panel is suitable for a small tablet or a notebook as I tended to use it for. I was able to squeeze a Nintendo Switch into this pocket but it was a very snug fit and I wouldn’t necessarily recommend it. Happily, it fits my Analogue Pocket with ease so I didn’t view this as a problem. The back panel pocket also features a zippered compartment which I would really only recommend for relatively flat, loose items as this pocket doesn’t actually have its own dimension and would eat into the usability of the other pockets themselves. In front of this we see that there are two fairly large mesh pockets which you can fit all manner of things into. I found it to be ideal for my phone or a compact camera. Flipping around to the front panel we see that there are two smaller but still adequately sized mesh pouches and I found this to be a great spot for my wallet and perhaps a battery pack. 

The rest of the interior is open space which you can utilize however you see fit, or not at all if you so choose. I liked this about the Day Sling 3, it gives you options to organize your things and keep them secure, but there’s also ample space to just drop things in if needed.

Moving on to the back of the sling there is one more pocket, which I would refer to as semi-hidden. It has a discreet zipper so you can keep things important to you closer to your person and not as easily accessible. This is a relatively flat pocket so keep that in mind, but it’s there if you need it.

The last feature to discuss is the strap itself which now features a Fidlock buckle over the previous traditional hardware they used. What I would like to specifically call out is the way the strap is configured. The buckle itself is attached to a short length of webbing so it will always stay close to the bag. The rest of your adjustment range is handled with a closed tri-glide. What this does is prevent you from ever having any sort of dangle no matter what length of strap you need and it always stays looking clean. This is also a personal preference, but I really like that the buckle itself is not centrally located at your chest. This method is fine and many small bags or messengers employ that style, but I found that it was really comfortable configured this way, even for my big and tall frame. 

Performance

Space & Access

The 3L capacity of the Day Sling 3 is, in my opinion, just right for this class of bag. Too much larger and you may as well move to a messenger; too much smaller and you should just stick to cargo pants. With 3L you have just enough space to carry your essentials+, where the “+” means you have a little room for extras if required, but you need to pack smart with this amount of space. Fortunately, it is very easy to locate everything in the bag due to the large main opening, so finding your runaway lip balm is a breeze. 

Typically with a bag of this size I don’t want to overload it as I find that restricts quick access or makes it difficult to find things quickly. I found that the front zipper compartment was an ideal location for my keys as I hate having to hunt around in a bag for them. There’s room for more, but I like to keep them separate from the rest of my kit. The main compartment has those great organizer pockets I mentioned earlier and this is where I’ll keep my phone, wallet, and battery pack. If I am carrying one of my cameras I might even use one of them to store extra batteries or memory cards, though it’s worth pointing out that if you have a smaller point & shoot-style camera it likely will fit in one of the pockets as well (I favor the Ricoh GR line myself). There’s still plenty of room in the main body where I’ll drop in my sunglasses case and I might stash some hand sanitizer in there as well. The rear slip pocket is perfect for a mask if you need one or if you’re a perpetually warm person like me, a handkerchief carries nicely here. 

In the months I’ve been using the Day Sling 3, I found that my preferred method to wear it was with the sling across my back and then to swing it around to my front when I needed to access my contents within. You can very easily wear this crossbody on your chest if preferred as well. I also appreciated the dual zipper sliders on the main compartment which meant that no matter which shoulder one favors, you can position the zipper to open from either side which makes access really easy. 

I did however find that the zippers would occasionally snag on the corners if trying to quickly open or close the bag one-handed. This seems like a tiny nitpick, but when you’re trying to quickly access your wallet inside the bag and then the zipper snags, preventing you from getting to what you need, it can be a little frustrating. Perhaps it’s the inherent stickiness of the YKK AquaGuard or perhaps there’s a lesson in there for me to take a breath and slow down, your mileage may vary. I will say though, this problem can be largely mitigated if you hold the bag itself with one hand and then open the zipper with the other. 

Comfort

I’m a tall and broad-shouldered person, which is a recipe for disappointment when it comes to getting a good fit with most bags. Happily, the Day Sling 3 has plenty of adjustment range which allowed me to easily wear it comfortably. While Fidlocks can be fun to use, and sometimes even preferable to a more traditional buckle, I do want to call out that I did occasionally find this particular buckle to be a little sharp. It never caused me great discomfort or anything like that, but there were definitely times when I found the buckle dug into my side in a way I didn’t care for. All in all, for someone who typically struggles with a good fit on slings, I found this fit me fairly well and it’s small enough that it’s not going to be a burden on either shoulder. 

Now there is something you need to consider here, especially if you’re buying the VX42 variant. Depending on the type of material in your clothing you may find, as I did, that this bag likes to slip and slide all over the place. There is very little grip on the back which unfortunately meant that the bag would frequently slide forward to my chest any time I bent down to pick something up. This seemingly innocuous trait wound up bothering me but it may be a non-issue for you. 

Weatherability

Now considering I spend the majority of my time in the state of California, it’s a known fact that I am unlikely to experience weather any more adverse than oppressive sunshine or persistent wildfires, so I sadly did not have any rainy days during my months of testing. However, we can extrapolate what we know about these materials and paint a very realistic expectation of how this bag will behave in wet conditions. VX42 is a highly weather-resistant material and based on my experience with it in other bags it will hold up remarkably well in the rain. To top it off, we have some very stout YKK AquaGuard zippers to seal off any openings so I feel very confident in saying that your contents are going to be just fine within the Day Sling 3 in most environments. 

The Good

• Great overall size and updated shape
• Ample strap length with no dangle
• Lots of pocketing that’s useful and efficient
• Rests on body better than past generation
• Excellent value

Not So Good

• Fidlock buckle is fun to use, but can feel a bit sharp on the edges
• Zipper can get stuck on the corners when trying to open the bag one-handed while wearing

Verdict

Aer has a very consistent track record of producing bags that are cleverly designed, with quality materials and a sleek, tech-forward aesthetic all at very reasonable price points. I’m very happy that this trend hasn’t changed with the Day Sling 3, a bag I found to actually be a joy to use, despite being someone who doesn’t tend to favor the use of slings in their day-to-day carry. My small daily carry kit all fitted very comfortably inside and it was typically very easy for me to access my things. Most importantly of all, it didn’t frustrate me, which if you know me, is a nigh unforgivable sin to move past and continue to use a bag once I get frustrated with it. The Day Sling 3 is a sleek little EDC bag and would make a superb partner to a larger travel pack. In my opinion, it’s well worth your $99.

The Breakdown:

Geek (Performance)

Space & Access: 8

Organization: 9

Comfort: 8

Style (Design)

Look & Feel: 8

Build, Materials & Hardware: 8

Features: 8

Stoke (Experience)

Warranty & Support: 10

Brand experience: 9

Value: 10

X Factor: 8

The post Aer Day Sling 3 Review appeared first on Carryology.

Urban Capable Carry

Wotancraft and photography have been synonymous since their inception back in 2008, but that hasn’t kept them out of the EDC market, which is where the new Waist Pack really thrives. While you can certainly stash a small camera in here, it’s optimized for your daily essentials. The pocketing is overdone in the best of ways, while staying intuitive and simple to use. We’ve got nine pockets in total, if you count the stash area behind the front zipper panel.

On the top of the sling sits the easiest pocket to access of the bunch, adorned with an aquaguard zipper and benefiting from the numerous 3D panelings you’ll find all around the waist pack. It’s the perfect spot to stash your earbuds, lip balm, sunglasses, or other non-flat items that you want quicker access to. And thanks to those 3D panels, you can stash quite a bit in here.

The front of the sling has a zippered slash pocket, and so does the rear. The front is great for keys or a wallet, while the rear can hold a passport, or even an e-reader. Behind that front pocket sits a hidden pass-thru zippered mesh pocket, accessible from either side, and the area adjacent to it can stash a light rain shell in a pinch.

The primary interior can really stash a good amount, from a 500ml bottle, to an umbrella, to a smaller mirrorless camera. Though, keep in mind there’s no padding on the front/sides/bottom, so don’t toss it around too hard with your camera inside. The four rear mesh pockets on the back side can stash your essentials like pens, power banks, in or out of any of Wotancraft’s pouches.

Customizable Comfort

Unlike almost any other sling on the market, the new Wotancraft offering has four different mounting points for the on-swivel strap. This means you can carry it in three different configurations; satchel-style, waistpack-style, or L-style. My personal preference for sling-style carry on the front of your chest or back is L-style, which lets it lay flat, keeping everything comfortable and easy to access. This setup is completely ambidextrous, so give it a try to see what works best for you.

Just like the latest updates to their Pilot series of camera bags, the shoulder strap has an intuitive quick release cam buckle with a sharp red-leather pull tab. This makes for super easy one-handed adjustment on the go and adds a nice touch of style.

Eye Catching Details

The attention to detail on any product from Wotancraft is out of this world, down to the custom stamped rivets on the hand-made leather zipper pulls, and we’re here for it. These little things are what really brings a piece of gear together.

The updates to the Waist Pack make it truly worthy of a revisit if you’ve already checked one out. On the other hand, if you’ve never had one in hand, it’s a no brainer. Not to mention the incredibly reasonable price of $99 shipped – it’s one of the best deals out there.

The post First Look | Wotancraft Waist Pack 3.5L appeared first on Carryology.

E3 – Everything, Everywhere, Everyday

These are the three tenets of the collection; the frame of mind the designers at SLNT put themselves in. What good is security, of any sort, if you can’t take it with you? Or even worse – if you don’t want to take it with you? The E3 Faraday bags bring utility and security in a stylish, modern silhouette that you’ll actually want to carry.

Mobile Privacy

The E3 collection consists of a backpack, a tote, and a crossbody sling. These bags work with you rather than against you – the security tech never gets in your way. Even better is that they work well together. Each bag contains one, or more, patented Silent Pocket® Faraday Cage. While the tech is fancy, in practice, these act just like normal tech sleeves. These sleeves are sized for your laptop, phone, or keys, and block everything from cell, wifi, and bluetooth, to GPS, RFID, and EMF radiation. In more fringe scenarios, the Silent Pockets even protect your devices against EMP. Each sleeve is attached to its respective bag with Fidlock Snap fasteners which makes them easy to take with you, without the bag if you so desire. In some cases, you may even just wish to free up some space in your bag and go Faraday-free for a time being.

Why is this tech important? Well, that’s up to you, and how important your digital privacy is to your everyday life, or while on the road. As SLNT cheekily puts it, “Your phone is a little snitch.” Unless you’ve turned off very specific settings on your devices (and even then), information like your GPS location can become common knowledge, shared to numerous applications on your phone, that are constantly transmitting this data back home. It’s annoying at best, and potentially nefarious. Thankfully SLNT has options for your lifestyle.

Considered Carry

The SLNT E3 collection singles itself out in a big way, by focusing on intuitive, stylish, high quality design. These aren’t just mobile faraday cages, they’re softgoods that make sense for our everyday lives, and they don’t scream “steal me”. SLNT has taken an eco-friendly approach by utilizing Challenge Sailcloth’s ECOPAK line of fabrics, which as our readers know is 100% recycled. SLNT even breaks down how many water bottles were utilized in the creation of each pack; 10 for the Backpack, 7 for the Tote, and 4 for the Crossbody. Challenge’s ECOPAK makes each of these bags slick and urban-forward, tied together with very subtle branding thanks to the blackout logo.

The Backpack is the flagship product of this collection, and rightfully so. At a very conservative 23L it’s worthy for both your EDC and travel needs. It has roughly 12 different pockets and sleeves between its exterior, front organizer panel, main interior (which comes with a packing cube!), and rear laptop compartment. Nothing feels forced – some security focused backpacks often sacrifice usability, which is not the case with E3 collection.

All of the expected furnishings are here; admin panels, tech sleeves, and a water bottle pocket, but there’s more to crafting a backpack. The handles on the side as well as the top are well placed and comfortable to grab on to – we love a side handle. And most importantly, the harness is supple and comfortable when loaded up with tech. Thanks to the waterproof ECOPAK and water resistant zippers, your gear will be safe from both the elements and the digital world.

The real magic of the E3 collection is, as you may have expected, in the Silent Pocket® Faraday Cage. The Backpack has two; one for a 16” laptop in the rear compartment and one for a phone or your keys in the front. Both of these feel and act just like a normal sleeve or pocket, which is important. They’re also easily removable to throw in another bag, use on their own, or to not use at all if the day calls for it.

Totes are very on trend in the everyday carry world nowadays and for good reason. They’re easy to grab and take with you without much, if any, fuss, and they blend in in any environment, whether it be the cafe or the office. So it’s nice to see the 17L Tote as part of the lineup, especially as a convertible, which really expands its utility.

The convertible functionality on the Tote is quite ingenuous, even relative to other similar bags on the market. Enough so that I couldn’t find the tote handles at first, and was left wondering how to carry it. The tote handles don’t fold, or even zip away. They slip between the exterior and interior shells, hidden by a magnetic strip when stowed. It’s the coolest way I’ve seen of doing this so far. The backpack straps simply zip away into the backpanel and stay out of the way when not in use. In tote mode, the handles are long enough for shoulder or side carry, without the need for a dedicated shoulder strap.

The Tote’s organization is similar to the Backpack, with a matching front panel, and interior pockets for smaller items. There’s also a water bottle sleeve on the interior, so it stays secure instead of bouncing around inside of the bag. Last but not least is obviously the Silent Pocket® which in this case is sized for a 14” laptop, and uses the same removable Fidlock attachment system we’re now familiar with.

No collection is complete without a sling, and the Crossbody Organizer might be the most useful of the entire bunch, since it’s so portable, multi-functional and easy to use in conjunction with either of the other bags. It’s best described by its name, since it’s both a Crossbody and an Organizer.  At 5L it’s great for more than just a pocket dump and will easily hold extras like a point-and-shoot, a power brick and cable, as well as essentials like your earbuds, phone, and wallet.

SLNT has taken the origami-organization approach with the interior, which gives easier access and more dialed pocketing. It’s also much more akin to a tech pouch than a typical sling. There’s a center zip pocket, a few mesh slip pockets, various pen sleeves, and of course, the ever important Silent Pocket® for your phone, which is removable. The Crossbody Organizer’s party trick; turning into a dedicated organizer pouch, makes it so you’ll take it anywhere. Stuff your gear inside, throw it in your bag, and when you get where you’re going slip the strap out and you’ve got a great, secure sling for around town.

Go Well. Go SLNT.

This phrase is woven on the label inside of every bag. SLNT truly delivers on the “Go Well”, focusing on three tenants of wellness in this case; privacy and security, health and wellness, and the environment. The E3 Faraday collection keeps your private information secure, and encourages you to spend less time on your screen with the use of their Silent Pocket®, all while lessening your impact on the environment by delivering durable goods made from eco-friendly materials.

The E3 Faraday collection is available now for purchase directly from SLNT at $330 for the Backpack, $220 for the Tote, and $150 for the Crossbody Organizer.

This is a #curatedsponsor article from our friends at SLNT.

The post SLNT Delivers Peace of Mind for the Modern World appeared first on Carryology.

However, sometimes it does happen. Let’s dig into the Clever Supply Camera Sling.

Who are Clever Supply?

Founded by Photographer Todd Balsley in 2016, Clever Supply is based out of Louisville Kentucky and they are serious about long lasting hand crafted goods. Specializing in hand made leather camera straps, the Camera Sling is their first foray into the bag world!

Handsome Heritage Style Meets Modern Functionality

On a rudimentary level, this is a very good looking bag. The Camera sling is available in two colours; Black Waxed Canvas and Tan Waxed Canvas. Both colours are accentuated with leather bases and details. A standout feature of this sling is how it truly marries heritage style with modern performance. I also really appreciate how Clever Supply have paid attention to the details on this product. I’ve been using the tan version, and the YKK® zippers are colour matched, as are the binding and zipper pulls throughout the bag. 

Externally, three grab handles (one on either side, and one on the rear) are excellent for moving with the bag on the go, and they’re also very comfortable. Leather wings with brass studs attach the seatbelt webbing strap which has a waxed canvas pad with a small leather strip across it, housing the Clever Supply logo.

The base of the bag is leather clad and is certain to pick up some excellent patina. Even after a short 10 days, mine is starting to show some real character. On the front of the bag there is a zippered pocket that runs the width of the front panel, this has become the natural resting spot for my wallet and keys. Anything much larger will disturbed the lines of the bag. 

Pocketing on the sling is simple but thoughtful. Camera bags and sling sometimes fall into the “bells and whistles” trap, and thankfully that has been avoided here. In the main compartment you’ll find an 11” Padded Tablet sleeve (I used for my e-reader), a main volume that can be configured to your liking with two removable dividers, two elasticated sleeves on either end of the compartment and an admin pocket on the inside of the lid. The main compartment is also lined with hook and loop backing, which is designed for the dividers, but it’s also a feature that can accommodate your collection of morale patches and ranger eyes if you so wish!

The dividers themselves are equally well made as the rest of the bag (I’ve not found a single stitch or thread out of place), which is a pleasant surprise as it can be the area that some neglect. They are constructed from the same canvas you’ll find throughout the bag, although these are not waxed. With velcro folds on the sides and the bottom, these will help you configure your bag as you need. Each divider has two leather slots on either side, and these slots are designed for your SD cards. I do wish that they had made these leather loops with an open bottom, as then they could be used for items other than SD cards. Your mileage may vary, but I don’t often travel with eight extra SD cards, let alone in a sling.

Inside the top lid pocket (subtly embossed with ‘Enjoy the carry’), you’ll find 5 elasticated loops, one with a mesh pocket. These loops are obviously meant for camera accessories, and I’ve used them for my batteries etc, however, they also work as a good spot for EDC items such as earbuds, pocket knife, flashlight, pen etc. The elongated shape and zipper closing also makes that pocket a natural space for sunglasses too and the mesh is opaque enough for you to see the contents.

Camera Carry

Camera carry is obviously crucial to a camera bag. Materials and features are great, but does the Camera Sling do it’s fundamental job well? Yes. This isn’t a bag that you’re going to take for a full on professional job when you need lighting, mics, multiple lenses and so on. However, it is definitely a bag you can use for travel, as a cube inside another backpack, or even as your full set up if you are a street portrait photographer using just a few pieces of equipment. MFT users, and smaller bodied camera users (Leica, Fuji etc) will be able to fit a lot of gear into this 6L sling.

I shoot Full Frame cameras, and I found the Camera Sling could hold a body with 50mm prime lens attached, and a secondary lens. Now to qualify that, I’m mainly talking primes or short zooms. This isn’t going to be for the behemoth telephoto crowd. In one sense, it doesn’t hold a huge amount of full frame camera gear, but that isn’t a bad thing. The reason camera slings are growing on me is that they force me to be intentional about what I take with me, and make me think about my thought process behind shooting. When I take my smaller bodied cameras with me, I can fit two fixed lens cameras in here, and the accessories that come with them.

In either of my configurations, there is a nice gap just above where the cameras are housed, and this is a great spot for hats, gloves, or even a small jacket. In use, it’s easy to operate single handedly, and the wide opening zip gives you quick access to a lens change or a rocket blower. The rear padding is reminiscent of a vintage Eddie Bauer down jacket, and I love the look of it. Not only does it look great, it provides enough comfort to wear the sling all day without noticing.

First Impressions

I’ve spent 10 days with this Camera sling. 10 days isn’t a huge amount of time, so it’s even more impressive to me that this first time bag from Clever Supply Co has made such an impact. It is clear that Todd and team built this product from an understanding of what a photographer may want, and the user experience is exceptional.

I feel as though this Camera Sling has absorbed lots of features from bags that we know and love and put them into a unique Clever Supply Co styled package. This is heritage meets modern, style meets function, and intention meets execution. It is an incredibly impressive bag for a first offering, and exceptional value at that. Time will tell how the bag holds up to the rigours of use, but considering the materials, construction, and simplicity of this well thought out sling, I’d bet my money on years of happy adventures.

You can now back the Camera Sling from Clever Supply Co at a discounted launch price on Kickstarter! Estimated delivery May 2023.

The post First Look | Clever Supply Release Their First Bag – The Camera Sling appeared first on Carryology.

We’re excited to see an update to this classic. Introducing the Modern Dayfarer Backpack V2.

Refining the Fundamentals

Modern Dayferer doesn’t stray too far from the core of what made the original Backpack so successful. The clean lines of the elegant yet sporty design are still here; it’s unmistakably a Modern Dayfarer Backpack. The aesthetic is something we’ve always loved about this lineup of products; you really feel like you can take it anywhere, which is the true testament of crossover bags. With that in mind, this is truly a home-base of a bag, one you’ll be able to live out of from the start of your day until the end, wherever you may go.

We asked Modern Dayfarer founder David Hundertmark what was going on in his mind when he designed the original, and what lead to the creation of the V2:

“My initial goal was to find a backpack that could adapt to both professional and active environments. When I could not find what I was looking for, I decided to design it myself. Shortly after that, I became obsessed with creating this backpack. Starting as an outsider to the bag and design world, I taught myself design through online research and designed the DAYFARER backpack by myself from the ground up.”

“Now, 5 years later, I have not stopped being extremely interested in design and I keep learning. I now also have a small team and feedback from thousands of customers and I decided to use all of this to improve on the original idea. The V2 features refinements, but no new changes to the original features, just improvements. So, what worked has just been made better.”

Modern Dayfarer Founder David Hundertmark

In short, if you loved the original, then you’ll love the updated version. The unique flap top still allows for quick access to items at the top of your bag, while the dual side zips provide both quick-access as well as full panel loading ability. And if you end up with a little extra in your bag, the top flap expands with you throughout the day.

Everything else is still here, better than ever. From the killer shoe compartment to the top loading laptop sleeve. That’s enough about what you already know; the upgrades are why we’re digging in here today.

Five Years of Progress

At first glance it may look the same, but closer inspection reveals what’s really going on. The exterior has been revamped with cleaner lines, hidden or removed seams, and a slightly more rounded profile, bringing together an all around much sleeker, more sophisticated look. It truly looks like an evolution of the original in all of the right ways.

This isn’t just for the aesthetic, the new look is functional too. The cleaned up side panels compress much more easily than its predecessor, allowing the bag to maintain a slimmer profile when it’s not packed to the brim – especially useful walking around major metros or on transit.

Another immediately apparent aesthetic-yet-functional upgrade is to the singular side water bottle pocket. The newer, slanted design maintains a much slimmer profile, while holding bottles of all sizes more securely. Based on feedback from the original design, this will be one of the most appreciated updates of the V2.

But, the most appreciated update? The backpanel and shoulder straps have been completely redesigned. The newer, higher quality materials and design sit more flush with your back and allow for significantly more comfort across a wide range of shapes and sizes. Like the rest of the pack’s updates, this also follows the aesthetic-yet functional mindset and really brings the rest of the bag together, with softer curves, more hidden seams, and a generally higher quality look, fit, and finish.

The Dayfarer Backpack V2 is currently available for pre-order with an estimated ship date of March 2023.

This is a #curatedsponsor article from our friends at Modern Dayfarer.

The post Modern Dayfarer’s Best Selling Backpack Gets An Update appeared first on Carryology.

Who It Suits

Anyone looking for a moderately sized sling with a little organization that carries well no matter how you wear it. Also anyone into techwear is bound to appreciate the aesthetic.

Who It Doesn’t 

If you need a lot of built-in organization in your sling, this will not satisfy you. Though it’s not “large” it can look and feel big on thinner frames. 

Specifications

Name: Side Pack

Brand: 1733

Format: Sling

Measurement: 12.6″H (32cm) x 6.9″W (17.5cm) x 5.5″D (14cm)

Capacity: 7L (429 cu. in.)

Weight: 10.9oz (308g)

Zippers: YKK AquaGuard

Material: VX07RS X-Pac

Price: US$180

Design

Looks

The Side Pack definitely has “fanny pack” vibes no matter which angle you look at it, but that has never once bothered me. I think the tapered wedge shape allows it to work really well as both a hip pack and cross-body (or on your back!). The VX07RS material gives it a distinctly tech look when the sun catches the x-ply and the exterior webbing and shock cord give the Side Pack a utilitarian-meets-outdoors aesthetic. As with all things, looks are going to be subjective, but I find the overall silhouette to be really pleasing, and I’ve received numerous compliments from strangers when using the Side Pack, for whatever that’s worth to you.

Construction

While the Side Pack is a regularly released offering from 1733, its sheer popularity prompted the company to partner with trusted manufacturers and this particular run was produced by International Stitch Tech in Hollywood rather than in-house at 1733. While that may seem like a negative, I assure you it isn’t. I’ve encountered precisely zero construction issues in the six months I’ve been using this sling (as of this writing) and I have not been gentle with it. It’s been a daily carry, a dad fanny, a camera cube, stuffed inside other bags for travel, worn on my hip as a cycling pack, and just generally thrashed about; it has held up and I presume it will continue to do so.

1733 doesn’t explicitly state a warranty on their website but they do say “We stand behind all of our products. If you experience any failures or defects please contact us and we will make it right.” So while it’s likely up to their discretion, I feel confident that if something were to actually fail on this bag, they’d be able to fix it.

Materials and Hardware

This version of the Side Pack was released in VX07RS from Dimension Polyant, which initially had me worried as to the longevity of the bag with such a lightweight material. I’m accustomed to seeing VX07 as a liner, but this is a slightly more robust variant as its face fabric is ripstop nylon. So the combination of light weight and high tear resistance is actually quite perfect for a small sling like this. With time and extensive use my initial fears have proven to be totally unfounded as the material, despite only having a 70D face fabric, has shown no signs of degradation and is only just now developing some wrinkles from repeated use.

The two exterior zippers are both the YKK AquaGuard variety so they do have some resistance to them, but they are of a consistent quality one would expect from that brand. I’d also like to point out that all exterior webbing (including the strap) feels good and sturdy to use, a small but important detail.

Features

The relatively simple design of the Side Pack means that it’s pretty light on “features”. There are a couple of things I would like to have seen, but realistically what is provided to you does work well (with one exception). Starting with the smaller front pocket, it really is just an open space. This is where I like to drop my keys and perhaps my chapstick if I’m carrying it. I will say that I do wish there was a key leash in this space, but I can live without it.

The exterior has a couple of additional features to mention as well. The top panel has small loops sewn in and includes some shock cord which allows you to quickly secure an item. The bottom of the sling has two lash straps that serve as an additional storage point as well as compression straps to cinch down the bag if you have it underloaded. Lastly, both sides of the bag feature PALS webbing, which would technically allow you to attach something. I found it most appropriate for clipping carabiners or other small items for temporary attachment, but you’re free to do as you see fit!

There is a nice grab handle on top which is one of those little details that you just really appreciate when you need it and another neat feature is that the waist belt can be completely stowed if desired. I found this to be another “nice to have” feature, particularly when I would pack the Side Pack inside of another bag for travel purposes. 

Finally, we should talk about the main cavity as that is the primary function of the bag. Well, it’s an open space, that about sums it up. You can pack it how you see fit. Pouches can prove to be useful but I often found that the handful of items I would keep inside were bulky enough to be able to just sit loosely inside the bag. 

The interior organization is minimal. The two pockets serve to hold things like a phone, wallet, or even a compact camera if you have one, and there are three pen slots available as well. I would have preferred if that was a third pocket which would allow me to hold something wider like a pocket knife or even hand sanitizer. Overall though, it’s an open space for you to organize as you see fit, or don’t! It’s not such a large space that you can’t just drop your stuff in and go. 

Performance

Space and Access

The Side Pack comes in at 7L capacity and essentially all of that is in the main compartment, which makes sense for a sling. This will be the primary space you work out of with this bag as the only other pocket is just a slim one ideal for keys or perhaps your phone if you desire. Access to this space is super simple as the compartment features dual zipper sliders so you can orient it on either side, which allows you to also easily wear the bag across either shoulder and not impede access. 

Comfort

Considering how incredibly lightweight this bag is and how relatively small it is, it doesn’t require a lot of padding since you’re not going to have a ton of things in there. The back panel is lightly padded enough to keep anything in the bag from jabbing into you but the rest of the bag itself is unpadded. The strap is also unpadded, but again the size and weight of the bag means this is totally fine. Additionally, I would like to say that for once I’ve found a sling that actually fits my broad chest and shoulders, this is something I am rarely able to find! I love that you can also very easily wear this across either shoulder and have it work equally well in either direction and I found that it sits well on the body no matter which orientation you choose. 

Weatherability

The VX07RS is DWR coated and will be fairly resistant to water seeping through. When combined with the YKK AquaGuard zippers, the only parts of the pack that would likely get wet will be the strap and the back panel. Neither of these will impact the overall dryness of the pack’s interior and your contents within. In my travels with the bag, I’ve been caught in light rain a couple of times, but nothing too serious. The exterior fabric got wet, but the inside stayed completely dry, which let me feel confident that my things were safe inside.

The Good

• Simple layout which is easy to utilize.

• Great look which suits multiple sartorial directions. 

• Flexible enough to be worn in multiple ways with equal comfort.

The Not So Good

• A little expensive for what it is.

• Minimal interior organization requires a BYO solution.

• AquaGuard zippers can be a bit stiff to operate at times. 

Verdict

I opened this review stating that in a general sense, slings didn’t work for me. And yet here we are at the end and if you’ve read this far you’ve gathered that I quite enjoyed my time with the 1733 Side Pack and I found it to be a very useful addition to my daily carry. It’s a flexible size, comfortable to wear, looks awesome, and has held up very well to extensive use over a period of several months. It could use some better organization but overall it did very little to disappoint or irritate me. So with that, I can happily say that I have found a sling that brings me joy and it’s one that I feel confident in recommending to others. 

The Breakdown:

Geek (Performance)

    Space & Access: 8

    Organization: 5

    Comfort: 8

Style (Design)

    Look & Feel: 8

    Build, Materials & Hardware: 9

    Features: 7

Stoke (Experience)

    Warranty & Support: 8

    Brand experience: 9

    Value: 7

    X Factor: 7

The post 1733 Side Pack Review appeared first on Carryology.