If you’re like me, sometimes you might want to bring your tech belongings when you’re out and about without needing to carry a bulky backpack. But what options are there that’s not too encumbering yet generous on space?

WaterField Designs has shown prowess when it comes to designing minimal bags without compromising on space allocation. This was striking with the SwitchPack and Multiplayer Pro Case reviewed before and I was curious whether their Sutter Tech Sling, which sits somewhere in between the two when it comes to carrying capacity, would also offer generous storage area. So let’s take a closer look at it in this review! 

But before jumping in, you might want to take a look at the official Sutter Tech Sling product page itself.

This product comes in two different sizes as well as two different body and accent colors. The one under review is the brown waxed canvas Compact Model with the following dimensions:

• 8” (l) x 3” (w) x 11.5” (h); 1.25 lbs.
• 20.32 (l) x 7.62 (w) x 29.21 (h) cm; 0.56 kg
• Volume: 4.5 Liters

I personally prefer the compact model as it feels more practical to pick up on a quick trip out and if I need something larger, I’d prefer taking my trusty backpack. I also see the Sutter Tech Sling as a more fashionable (and more capable) waist bag and really dig its minimal, yet premium look. This look is accentuated by the build quality. I’m really fond of WaterField Designs’ waxed canvas finish which gives a sturdy feel to the bag. The chocolate leather trim is also a nice touch that not only adds to the premium feel but will also look great with time.

The side that gets in contact with your back is padded and really helps with making the Sutter Tech Sling a comfortable daily accessory to use. To improve comfort, WaterField Designs also included a removable shoulder pad which is rubberized at the area that comes into contact with your shoulder. It’s a nice addition but to find the optimal position of the pad, I had to position it below the buckle. Otherwise, I would find the Sutter Tech Sling to swing towards the front, especially while biking (which I’m doing quite often these days). Once I had that figured out, the Sutter Tech Sling would remain comfortably fixed to my back while biking. 

One aspect I really appreciate with the single-strap design is that you can easily sling the bag to the front and access the front pocket (there’s even a zipper on either side to accommodate how you prefer orienting the bag). This compartment is adequate to store accessories like earphones, chargers or even a face mask.

     

It’s also the right fit for the Stylus Case that the company sells as an add-on to the Sutter Tech Sling. The case packs the same build quality as the bag and is well padded on the inside. It includes dedicated stylus/pen holders for your tablet and also doubles as a neat storage for your earphones, cables and other smaller wired accessories. That said, it’s a pricey add-on at $39 for the canvas version and $59 for the leather version.

Another add-on that can be purchased separately with the Sutter Tech Sling is the Top Handle. It’s firmly sewn to top of the bag and features a leather cover which is quite comfortable. This is an add-on that I would recommend as it makes grabbing the Sutter Tech Slign easier as well as doubles as another way to carry the bag around. But it is also pricey for a handle at $25.

     

As for the main compartment, it is accessible by unzipping the double, waterproof zippers on either side. The inner lining is also water-resistant with a golden finish for increased visibility. Once opened up, you’ll see a handy key fob attachment that’s easily reachable to quickly get access to your keys. You can store your key in the inner mini-pocket which has on its sides 3 stylus/pen pockets.

At the back is a padded tablet/laptop compartment that easily fits an 11” device. In the main area (in front of the padded compartment) you’ll be able to store a notebook/book and even a water bottle with some space left for some smaller accessories. Of course, the combination of items you carry depends on individual needs and it will be constrained by the bag’s dimensions but I am nevertheless quite impressed with the number of devices it can store. I’ve grown used to putting my e-reader in the inner, padded compartment, my Nintendo Switch (in a hard case) in front and a water bottle next to it along with a notebook. I can also easily see a UMPC like the GPD fit in along with a notebook/book which makes the Sutter Tech Sling an adequate minimalist bag for students.

  

While the Sutter Tech Sling isn’t particularly large and thus the items stored within are easily reachable, I still wish that the zippers of the main compartment would reach all the way down for easier access. Also, to facilitate cleaning the inside, the interior lining could have been made easier to flip out like with the Tech Rolltop Backpack from WaterField Designs.

Overall, the Sutter Tech Sling is a neat, compact bag that doesn’t compromise on the space available to store items. But as with WaterField Designs’ other products, the premium quality is reflected in the price. The compact Sutter Tech Sling costs $169 at the time of writing and might not be affordable for everyone. But if you are looking for a compact, well-designed and unencumbering bag to store your tech devices, this one will deliver on these fronts, on top of the quality, number of items you can store as well as on the minimalist appeal.

Product Page

If you are considering to get a Sutter Tech Sling of your own, head to the official product page link here.