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Back in February, we did a rundown of some interesting products from Peak Design. Since then, we gave you a hands-on review of their Tech Pouch, and we also had another one come in as well. While the Tech Pouch can help organize just about any bag you have (including the one we review today), I’m always on the lookout for something than work as an everyday bag, as well as supplementing “one bag travel” trips (whenever those start up) – enter the Peak Design Everyday Sling.
Now, let me explain. Whenever you’re back to commuting, you’ve probably got your work bag, the one that handles your laptop and whatever else it is you need on a regular basis, going to and from the office. In addition to that, you might have a handful of things you want to have on your person that aren’t work-specific, but it’s way more than you can jam into your pockets. That’s where a secondary bag like the Peak Design Everyday Sling can come into play. Or, when I would do work trips, I would pack my clothes into the work bag as well, which meant space was tight. In that case, the Peak Design Everyday Sling is a good spot to stash the iPad, Kindle, sunglasses, and some snacks. Or, just to carry those random things when you head on down to the park with the kids.
In other words, there’s a lot of uses you can come up with for the Peak Design Everyday Sling. For our review unit, we went with the medium size version, the 6L. Why was that? Because that’s the smallest size that has a tablet sleeve, and I found it fit my 11″ iPad (in it’s case) snugly, keeping it in place and separated from whatever else I needed to have with me (if you need to fit a 13″ device, you’ll have to go to the 10L bag). Now, I’ll admit, this bag is not the most inexpensive option you could go with to have a secondary bag to carry things in – so why opt for it?
First off, let’s talk the construction. The 400D shell of the Peak Design Everyday Sling has a super smooth weave, and meshed as it is with a weather-resistant zipper (the secondary zipper is under a flap as well), it looks and feels like a bag that can handle getting damp, as well as get easily clean with a quick wipedown. The strap is robustly attached (more on that strap in a minute), you’ve got a usable grab handle for when you don’t want to use the strap, and you’ve got some secondary attachment loops on the base of the bag as well (they even include two straps to use with those loops to tie stuff on). That’s just the exterior – the attention to detail in construction extends to the internals as well.
As I mentioned, the Peak Design Everyday Sling has an internal pocket (with a magnet closure) for your 11″ tablet, or whatever else that’s about that thin you want to tuck in there. Or not, it’s not consuming much space if you’re not using it. In the main body, you’ve got some fuzzy panels, which are one-half of the hook-and-loop that you use to put two internal, flexible partitions in. Or not. You know, it’s up to you. I’ve taken them completely out when I need to carry something larger, or put them in to keep sunglasses and external battery packs arranged. Or, as the brand shows it, to easily – and securely – haul a camera and lens, or more than a few cans of your favorite beverage.
There’s also an internal zippered section that runs the length of the bag, which is a handy spot to put smaller items, like a pen, memory cards, and the like. I also found that the side gussets were a handy spot to clip in a pocket knife and/or a pen that tucks away once you zip things closed. There’s one other zippered section, on the front of the bag. That’s just an open pocket, a good spot to stash things that you want to grab out easily and quickly.
Now, we need to talk about the strap that’s built onto the Peak Design Everyday Sling. They’ve got this really clever quick-adjustment clasp on it that I really wish was on more bags. You flip the cam open, and you just pull up on it and loosen the strap, allowing you to pull the bag around in front of you to get what you need. Once you’re done and it’s zipped up, you can tighten the strap up again just as quickly, getting the bag snugged back in to the right spot to have it close to your back as you go about your day. There’s also a carabiner-style clip on one side near the shoulder pad (if you really need to undo things).
Then you’ll notice that there are some extra pocket-looking spaces at the ends where the strap meets the body of the bag. What’s that all about? Well, it’s to pick up the slack at the ends of the Peak Design Everyday Sling strap. Maybe not so critical once you’ve got the strap adjusted for your shoulder carry, but this little bag can also convert on in to a hip bag as well. Yeah, it’s flexible alright. Now, if you want a rundown of how to try out all of the convertible modes that the Peak Design Everyday Sling is capable of, this video is going to hit much better than I could put it into words:
I’ve handled a fair number of bags, both for reviews and just in ones that I’ve bought over the years, so I went into the review of the Peak Design Everyday Sling expecting that I’d find things I liked, but also some quibbles. After I’ve spent time using it, though, I was surprised by just how much I liked the Peak Design Everyday Sling. It’s the perfect size for what I needed it for, the style is perfect for both the office and casual carry, and all of the details – and the construction – really make it feel like it’s a bag that can go for the long haul, and keep looking good doing it. The Peak Design Everyday Sling is available in black, grey, or blue, and the 6L size that we reviewed comes in at $99.95. And, as I found out in my time with it, it’s well worth every penny they’re asking. peakdesign.com
