I have and always seem to go back to a tom bihn medium cafe bag. It's nearly the perfect size and style I prefer. My "only" real issue is that it's a single big pocket. Sure there are a few small pockets inside, but not really ideal for my use. I'm trying to find a bag that is maybe ever so slightly bigger and has a bit more organization. And I mean a bit. Nothing major. I want something similarly slim and compact. I'm also open to ideas organizing the cafe bag, but it's just a pain to pull things out to get to things under other things all the time. Lastly, I tried the bihn maker's bag, and if they made a mini version of it it would be perfect, however, it is just too thick. I own and like the bihn pilot as well and it has a use case for me, but for EDC it's also just a bit too big. The co-pilot is basically identical but just not as wide (just as deep though). So i've looked for leather satchels and other things, but they're either too slim, too big, or similar lack of organization. I'm open to pouches. I have a maxpedition edc pouch already, a fuji x100v, a bihn pouch with medicine, airpods pro, anker battery, glasses case, first aid pouch, a few cables, kobo libra 2, sony a105 mp3 player and maybe a few smaller items. It all fits snugly, but i have to remove my camera to get to the medicine pouch, and i often access things walking around, so i have to awkwardly hold the camera and fish for the pouch. Things like that are just not ideal. They also don't always fall cleanly into the bag and the bag can sometime bulge out causing me to have to reorganize things. Any ideas would be greatly appreciated. I carry this EVERYWHERE. in between the front seats of my yaris, at restaurants, work, you name it. So slim and compact like a medium cafe bag is ideal.
I went from a Chrome Industries Cadet to an Alpaka Gear Alpha Messenger and I haven't looked back. The Cadet didn't have the organization (I learned that I needed/wanted) and the iconic buckle made it heavier than necessary. The Alpha Messenger feels slimmer to me even though it's a slightly bigger bag with better organization. It hugs to my back and is comfortable on my shoulder. The messenger may be a bit big but they make smaller slings that may suit your needs. I recommend checking them out.
https://www.redoxx.com/micro-manager-91097/p I'm about to order this one from Red Oxx, they have quite a few sizes and color options available.
wow that looks awesome. i may need to try it. not sure about the quality but only one way to find out...
i tried that alpha and it just wasn't ideal and i also wasn't a fan of the flap. but i have a pouch and their backpack and absolutely love them.... good quality gear. i was thinking of a more messenger style, but that kadet bag is interesting. decent size at 9l...
i own the metrosafe. it is equally as almost perfect as the cafe bag. i hate the strap and it isn't removeable. it's heavier, and the bottle pockets stick out and make it ungainly. the snap but never stay snapped shut. But it is a great bag still.
I'm thinking i wouldn't like the form factor. i don't mind slings, but i hate the sideways orientation. no simple grav handle to set it on a seat cleanly. and the strap would be annoying.
Tom Bihn Side Kick a little small? What about Le Petit Derrière? Vertx Essential Sling? NutSac TacSac? Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
I'm still rocking a Chrome Industries Kadet Sling Bag (welterweight version) which I picked up when I was riding my bike to/from work --- if I wanted smaller and more organization, my inclination would be a Maxpedition Proteus Versipack (bought a knock-off from eBay which was billed as a front-rack bag for a bicycle which I'm currently using as my small/precision tool kit) https://www.maxpedition.com/products/proteus-versipack (apparently they are getting discontinued? all sales final, and it's buy 2, get 1) There's a matching pouch which attaches as a strap extension: https://www.maxpedition.com/collections/pouches/products/janus-extension-pocket which would add further organization/carrying volume which I've been thinking about, since the nicest feature of the Chome Kadet Sling Bag, that it would hold not just my Kindle Scribe, but also my Samsung Galaxy Book 12 at need has been undone by my replacing that latter w/ a (much larger) Samsung Galaxy Book 3 Pro 360 --- I've got two bags arriving this week, and depending on how they work out, I may have to get a Versipack.
Have a look at Greenroom 136, they have something for everyone. I've got two metro mongers and a metro drifter amongst other things...
I ended up going with the Think Tank Photo My 2nd Brain Tablet Sleeve Case, https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00F3BNAAS?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details&th=1 I can fit a surprising amount in it.
