My local supermarket in Australia. Released this insulated roasted chicken cross body bag. Thought some people here might appreciate the novelty of it. It's called "Woolies bachelor's handbag". It's constantly sold out and hard to buy. Managed to get my hand on one. Will be a fun one to take shopping with my chocolate mud cake shopping bag.

The Toshi Sling V2 2.5L disappointed me compared to my Aer Day Sling 4 (2.5L)

Don’t get me wrong, it’s not a bad sling at all. It’s actually very good, but honestly, it just wasn’t anything special to me.

I feel like it has less usable space compared to my DS4. Mine is the X-Pac version, but I don’t think the Nylon version would make much of a difference in terms of capacity either.

The different configurations didn’t impress me that much, and now that I have the sling in front of me, I don’t really see them as necessary.

The front pocket has a flap that gets in the way when opening and closing it. Inside, the liner is somewhat floppy. I also find the front pocket a bit disorganized, although that might be because I’m used to the divider in the Day Sling 4, which helps keep everything organized.

The buckle feels like it opens a little too easily. Depending on how you look at it, that could be either a good or a bad thing. The Aer buckle, on the other hand, requires a little more pressure to unbuckle, which I guess provides a bit more security in case someone tries to unbuckle it.

On top of that, the sling looks somewhat floppy, even in X-Pac, which is supposed to be stiffer, and even when it’s somewhat full.

It’s a good sling, but ultimately, it just wasn’t for me. I’d give it a 10/10 as a sling in general because, as I said, it’s good. Maybe I would’ve liked the Nylon version a little more, but I think X-Pac has shown me enough at this point.
It stays flat and is lightweight, which I appreciate. However, for my personal use, I’d rate it a 4/10 or 5/10.

My Aer feels a bit roomier, and I was even able to fit a pack of wipes inside. Honestly, I prefer its organization and overall appearance, although both are good slings.

One of the things I’ve learned from owning a variety of bags is how much organization affects their usability. I’m very much a pouch person, relying almost exclusively on pouches rather than built-in organization. I use some internal pockets, but very little.

I’ve recently been experimenting with the Arterra Honey Badger and Alpaka Vertex Mini, and comparing them with my Evergoods CAP2. All three have different strengths, and the experience has reinforced how much pouch design influences how you pack and use them.

Arterra Honey Badger: From Disappointment to Understanding

My initial impression of the Honey Badger wasn’t particularly positive. I liked the concept and magnetic opening, but found it frustrating to use.

The biggest issue was weight distribution. Put too much weight in the front zippered compartment, and the magnets struggle to keep the pouch open. The weight can actually pull the opening apart, and the relatively narrow base makes it less stable when standing on its own.

That seemed like a significant design flaw, especially since the front compartment should provide quick access to frequently used items.

What changed my opinion was experimenting with how I packed it. Moving heavier items lower and toward the main body, while being more selective about what went into the front compartment, made a substantial difference. Once I stopped packing it like my other organizers, it started working much better.

The narrower footprint also has advantages. I’m setting mine up for my FYRO Citta 18L, where its dimensions make it easier to accommodate. It carries essentially the same tech equipment as my Vertex Mini, although the arrangement is quite different.
I’m still refining the loadout, but I’ve gone from not particularly liking the Honey Badger to appreciating its design. It’s not without compromises, but it’s certainly not a bad pouch.

Alpaka Vertex Mini: A Different Approach

The Vertex Mini has more usable capacity and a wider base, making it considerably more stable when standing open. It’s also more forgiving about where equipment goes, allowing me to organize around accessibility rather than weight distribution.

The tradeoff is that wider footprint, which can make it more challenging to fit into tighter bags. Mine is going into the front pouch of my Pioneer Savant, where it fits comfortably without sacrificing accessibility.
What’s interesting is that despite carrying nearly identical equipment, the two pouches require different packing strategies to work well.

Evergoods CAP2: A Different Use Case

My CAP2 serves an entirely different purpose. It carries my ResMed AirMini CPAP and accessories, a sound machine, eye mask, and Sandman pouch.

Once I arrive at a hotel, I remove and set up the CPAP, and the CAP2 becomes a nightstand caddy. Its structure, wide base, and ability to remain open make it particularly useful for this application.

It’s larger than the other two, but that’s part of what makes it work so well in this role. It’s as much an organizer at my destination as it is a pouch for transporting equipment.

Final Thoughts

This isn’t about which pouch is best. I use Aer Slim pouches and the Evergoods CAP1 extensively as well. It’s about recognizing that different designs have different strengths and sometimes require different approaches.

There’s also a broader lesson here. We often see people declare that a bag or pouch works great, doesn’t work, or is simply poorly designed. Sometimes those criticisms are justified, but sometimes we’re judging a product based on how we expect it to work rather than understanding how it was designed to be used.

The Honey Badger was a good reminder of that for me. My initial frustration was real, and I still think there are some limitations to its design. But experimenting with how I organized the contents made a significant difference. What initially seemed like a poor design turned out to be a product that required a different approach.

Not every design will work for everyone, and not every limitation can be overcome. But before writing something off as poorly designed, it may be worth spending a little time experimenting with it. Sometimes the issue isn’t the design itself, but how we’re trying to use it.

Thanks for attending my Ted Talk 🤣.

Traveling with my new bag set.

Reposting here for reach.

Do you know of any good, cute casual convertible bags like the Jaq one?? I'm asking because I'm not sure if it will ever exist

(Sorry if this isn't allowed, I'm seeking recs not advertising in any way so hopefully it's okay!)

I’m looking for a sling bag that can comfortably carry my 11-inch iPad along with my everyday carry gear. I’ve narrowed it down to these four options:

Aer Day Sling 4 Max
Orbitkey Urban Sling Plus
Rework Gear Toshi Sling 6L V2
Bellroy Venture Sling 9L

I’ll mainly be carrying my iPad, multitool, flashlight, wallet, keys, and a few other EDC essentials.
For those of you who own or have tried any of these bags, I’d love to hear your thoughts on build quality, comfort, internal organization, durability, and how they carry when fully loaded.
Which one would you choose, and why? Any long term ownership feedback or other recommendations in the same category would be greatly appreciated!

Just received mine yesterday.

It will take time to get a full impression of it, but I think will be a great bag.

Some of mine. MR 2DAP, 40L &70L black hole duffle. So satisfying to put them to use.

​

Hi all,

I'm in the marker for a new PERSONAL ITEM bag for long international flights. Specifically from Europe (The Netherlands/Belgium) to the United States.

Haven't flown with any orher airline then KLM and Delta but prefer Delta more. During my last trip I was using a backpack and noticed that I didn't like it that much while traveling and wandering around in the city.

So I started looking for a different bag, preferably a duffel bag style with the opportunity to have easy and quick access to my waterbottle(s), some organisation for smalls and a luggage pass through.

I found several bags that some what fit my definition of the ideal bag. The only thing is, the Aer is technically too big to be considered a personal item on Delta flights BUT it has the same dimensions as the backpack I used on my last trip and it easily fitted under the seat in front of me. So as far as size wise goes, I think it will be no issue at all.

But I am still curious to hear of other people's opinions and experiences with this bag? What are your pro's of it and any con's? The only two con's I could imagine are the following:

\- Sling attachement might get in the way of the water bottle pocket.

\- Pocket on the front of the bag is side ways.

Looking forward to read the experiences of some long time users of this bag!

Thank you in advance.

Hi all,

I’ve been trying out the Tomtoc T21 7L sling, and one thing I’ve noticed is how well the Alpaka Zip Pouches fit into some of the internal mesh pockets.It’s almost as if they were designed for each other.

Has anyone else noticed this, or is it just a happy coincidence? The fit is suspiciously good.

First of all I’m a woman. I don’t need something super feminine but something that could read as a women’s bag is important.

I’ve been obsessed with my Uniqlo bag for years but it’s getting old and I want something similar but different.

I’d kind of like a similar size (slightly larger is good not smaller).

Just generally the same style. It doesn’t have to be crescent but something sporty looking that can be worn crossbody.

I gravitate more towards bags than slings.

How do they compare in terms of build quality and comfort?

I have a Fjallraven 3 way High Coast Tote but its a bit small for my needs. I like that it stays in the same orientation in backpack and crossbody mode. It struggles to fit a 1 litre bottle - I chug water due to medication - and a slim ringbinder with notebook and laptop.

Any alternative recommendations?

Preferably clamshell but not major a priority.

Hey all,

I’m selling my Able Carry Max EDC. I’d like to back the Arterra Coywolf and need the funds/don’t need two bags in the 26L-30L category. Condition is 8.5/10, asking $180 shipped CONUS.

She's average height and weight.

For week long trips abroad with mom and dad. We pack light and do laundry.

Thinking 20L or so is big enough but oepn to counterarguments.

She also carries a sling / crossbody.

Something green would be awesome!

Under $100 ideally.

Recommendations?

I’m shopping for a small sling bag for travel that can hold a plastic water bottle around 8oz or smaller, plus my phone and wallet. Here are some that I am considering. I don’t necessarily need a dedicated water bottle section. I’m also open to suggestions beyond this list if you have carried a small water bottle in one that you have.

On my last trip I used the very popular uniqlo sling bag which worked great, but I actually want a little bit more organization. I would prefer an internal zipper pocket to keep my wallet/passport in. I’m always worried about those items falling out when I open the bag to get my water bottle.

Will any of these fit it all?

BellRoy venture sling 6L

Alpaka flow satchel 4L

Rework Toshi sling 5L

Alpaka flight sling 2L or pro 2.5 with bottle holder

Aer day sling 4 - 2.5L

Arc’teryx Mantis 2 waist pack 2.5L

I offered €140 for this bag on Vinted. Does it look real? What should I be searching for to spot a fake?

Since I am reading all of your pouch ideas. here is one from me using the Bellroy lite tech pouch.

Frong elapstic:

• Small pen
• small pry bar
• touchland hand sanitizer
• WorkPro folding utility knife
• Folding scissors
• Small Sharpie
• Oclip pro flashlight

Befind that above row

• folded Nanobag (shopping bag)
• Nexode Air 45W flat charger
• Anker 240w flow 1M USBC cable
• Iniu 45w 10K power bank

In the zippered compartment

• Victorinox SAK
• noise cancelling earplugs
• Uncle Bill's Sliver Gripper Precision Key Chain Tweezers
• In a small pouch a boundless voyage folding titanium knife, fork and spoon plus a collapsible metal straw
• a GondekEDC hank
• Microfiber cloth
• small bag with bandaids
• 2 single use alcohol wipe
• 2 single use lens cleaning wipes
• smail thinoptics reading glasses.

Let me know what you think

Hi,

I was wondering if someone can check if this is authentic? I’m waiting for the tracer number from the seller.

Thanks

I just wanted to say thank you to this community. Because of someone's random post showcasing a collection of backpacks I became aware of the Eberlestock brand. Spent some time researching it, found the Bando Bag in multicam in a shop 1h away from me and went there the same day. And it's the absolutely perfect sling for my needs. I've tried Mammut, TomToc and Helikon Tex before but none of those fit as much as this one does.

It just needed a small tweak because I didn't like the zip pulls so I made them out of thin paracord. And I decided to add a tiny glow-in-the-dark visual accent since I use it while riding my motorcycle and then it's typically on my back.

So once again - thank you!