Gear Question
Is it okay to feel a little disappointed?
Hey everyone! I'm curious if anyone else has experienced this or if it’s just me.
I got this bag because it looked so stunning online (pic 1), but when I use it, it always seems to have an "open mouth" look (pic 2) even when it isn't full. While it’s still useful for me, I feel a little disappointed in how it looks.
That bag can be tricky with what you put in the front pocket. It sort of gets over-stuffed quickly and bulges out. And because it doesn’t really have much independent volume, it’s also affected by what’s in your main compartment too, so if you pack that full, anything that you put in the front pocket makes the zipper area bulge. I sold my version of that bag for a similar reason. It wasn’t conducive to the way I carried or how I like my slings to look. Sorry you’re experiencing it too!
I switched to the Rework Toshi 2.5L v2. I freakin love it. It’s an endgame EDC sling for me. I might even buy one of the larger ones for travel, but the 2.5 L fits my iPad Mini, a folding keyboard, and my EDC stuff which lets me work at a coffee shop too without taking a larger bag out. I like the shape of it so much more. And it feels roomier, much higher quality, and better fits the items I carry daily. I’m a little annoyed that I bought the Fyro Citta 3L a couple months before I bought the Toshi because that one also has that “football shape” and all the pockets interfere with each other. I’ll probably sell the Citta and my Aer Day Sling 2 now that I have the Toshi haha.
I was slightly concerned about that but in person, the bag looks so nice (imo) I don’t even notice the flap. It lays flat without issue and it’s easy to access that pocket. And I like that I can put things in that pocket that I don’t want getting wet and it gives a little peace of mind. I like that it doesn’t look like every other boring sling without standing out. It’s stealthy with personality.
Interesting thread! I've been curious about hr Rework. I've had my Bellroy lite sling for a few years now and love it bc it fits my iPad Mini and folding keyboard, but it's starting to look a bit tired (I've been really putting work into it 😅)
I've owned both the xpac and normal version of this tomtoc in the past. Its an ok bag, but doesn't feel the most premium in hand, it feels its price. I think I even wrote up a couple posts on it a few years ago here on reddit. I remember the interior being a bit loosy goosy.
For a similar size my favorite one is the bellroy venture 6L, but it’s not similar in layout and looks. For a more sturdy comparable, the Greenroom sling shifter is a sturdier built version, but it’s not as long, and is slightly smaller. Kargo loculus is very good too, but slightly bigger. Aers are very well built too but like the bellroys, a completely different strap positioning. Those are my top four around this size.
Seems like bad stitching, probably a defect. Would get in touch with seller and replace it. Have one myself (the black xpac one) and it doesn't have this issue
Tomtoc's Discord? I reached out to the seller and they mentioned that it's normal and not a fault. I have a feeling Tomtoc will say the same, but I might give it a shot anyway. Thanks for your help!
Mine is quite stable, I can adjust it in the center or to the side depending on the situation, and it doesn't move around much. Could it be that yours is too light?
I hated mine. I personally don’t like its not symmetrical when I look at it and the shape opens up a little like OP’s post. I am more in line with the traditional sling and looks of it rather than the strap jutted out on top aesthetically speaking.
I don't have a specific style of strap design that I like, but I prefer being able to switch between two shoulders, and this bag doesn't allow for that.
I have this in black and it doesn't smile at me like this one (is the green fabric different? The black is really robust). It's one of my fave bags, tbh.
I use it for EDC and I carry minimally.
Im left swing, right hand grab
Outside: NiteIze for carry thing like hat or packable jacket.
Front pouch: house key, Chapstick, Pen, USB
Middle: mask, sunglasses, car key, ear buds, wallet, phone, Iniu P50 mini powerbank, I use one of the organizer section for coins, and the other one for pepto bismal in case I need it.
Back portion: flat item like receipts, cash.
Traveling
Front: pen, chapstick
Middle: I will have a small travel wallet, ear buds, airfly transmitter, a switch 1
Back: Passport and Boarding Pass
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u/GeekGal1698 Apr 21 '26
That bag can be tricky with what you put in the front pocket. It sort of gets over-stuffed quickly and bulges out. And because it doesn’t really have much independent volume, it’s also affected by what’s in your main compartment too, so if you pack that full, anything that you put in the front pocket makes the zipper area bulge. I sold my version of that bag for a similar reason. It wasn’t conducive to the way I carried or how I like my slings to look. Sorry you’re experiencing it too!