u/215312617

This was my work commute bag for years until about 2020 (for reasons), then just came along on longer trips as my under-seat bag. I’m heading out for a week and checked my clothes and shoes; this is all the stuff I’d need for a long flight, plus some emergency toiletries/morning refreshening stuff, plus some redundant stuff that will go into the sling I checked, which I’ll use daily. (For the curious, the orange circular case is daily meds; the yellow square is a Nähe case for my Anker MagGo charging pad. Big white rectangle is a rechargeable toothbrush. iPad is a 10th gen. The Nalgene is 16oz, though it really fits more like 22.)

I’m constantly impressed by the amount of stuff this bag can carry. The organization is off the chart. And it doesn’t stand out. It’s wearing out in the back and could use some aeration (the new ones have a nice pad), and so I’ll probably replace it with another one at some point.

Courtesy of British London Britbox

Tl:dr: I’m looking for a well-packaged, 2.5l-ish bag with excellent space utilization, a comfortable strap, some consideration for weather, and smart design like a fully-usable
Front pocket and internal dividers/pockets for small items. It should be available in brighter colors and not look too techy or tactical. I don’t require a back pocket or major security features, or loops for an umbrella (in fact, they would be a dealbreaker).

Carry pictures are: usual carry, minimal carry, “I’m getting on a plane” carry

Okay, on to the show: I’ve had this Halfday Roamer Sling for a bit over a year now. It’s my first sling and so while it’s set the standard for what I like, it’s also exposed some things I want even more in my next bag. It’s still a keeper and anything like my “heavy” carry would require it, but it’s too much for daily use and is lacking some features I’d like.

5 things I like:

• It’s basically a rectangle, so the space it has is used well; it even stands on its own
• The zipper on the front pocket is at the very top, so I can use the whole thing
• It has its key leash and dividers in all the right places
• Old-school backpack styling, not techy or tactical, in a bright color
• Sits well on the chest (when medium-to-completely filled)

5 things I don’t like:

• Zero weather protection
• Too big for usual carry
• No-name zippers
• Strap attaches at the middle of the bag, which makes it lean out when not super full (or unless very cinched)
• Super-chunky strap and buckle

Ideally, I’d like to maintain the things I like and eliminate most of the things I don’t, in a slightly smaller package.

I have a Fjallraven High Coast Hip Pack which is pretty good—I love the looks, the back padding is nice, and I like where the strap attaches on the bag—but the front pocket sucks and the strap digs into my neck once it’s got a little weight in it.

I also have a Bellroy Lite Sling Mini which I got on a bit of impulse after a wet trip to Ireland had me rethinking the need for weatherproofing … but it’s basically a cavernous mini messenger bag with no front pocket and little organization that doesn’t cinch up enough to be used as a belt bag if needed—not a requirement for my daily but I was hoping this one could be so I could use it cycling.

I’ve tried:
• Bellroy Venture Ready 2.5. I found it too small despite being only .5l down from the Halfday. I also didn’t love wet-leather look of the aqua guard zipper, or the divider in the front pocket (I like to put my pen there). I liked the look overall and the 2-way main zipper.
• Aer City Sling 3. Too large, too stiff, poorly-placed front and back pocket zippers. Hated the top handle.
• Quince Nylon Hip Pack. A bit too snug, shiny material, giant strap and buckle. No front pocket. But, it does have excellent interior organization. I’ve also gotten used to the ambidextrous zipper of the Fjallraven I have.

The only thing I can find that’s close is the Allet Daily Mini Sling, but I’ve never heard of the company and it’s got kind of a funky front pocket situation. (ETA: it also seems too tall, too—it’s 2” less wide, but 1.5” taller than the Halfday.) The styling is more Bellroy than Jansport but I like It all right.

Thanks for slogging through this, and for your recommendations.

… for a non-plumber, at least. Can anyone tell me what’s going on here? Is this something that needs fixing right away?

These Insubordinate Issues are easily my favorite FNs. Not just because I love the garish oranges and greens, but because the covers are very supple and the books stay closed. They feel better in my hands than most of the Kraft covers.

I’ve got a few of these now—thanks to u/speezaleez and u/FineSector9825 for the trades! If anyone else has any Leap(s) of Faith and wants to trade, hmu.