Pretty decent article, I didn't knw you could just take it off. I have an old used Tom Bihn Tri-Star, its not peeling yet but there are spots in the interior where its def showing its age. I don't use it much and always mull trading or selling it, but maybe if I still have it when the times comes... I'll just take it off. I will take their advice an get that stuff to reapply DWR on some of my older bags, maybe an old jacket or two.
I picked up the Pack Hacker x Matador ReFraction Pro Packable Backpack and, so far, I’m impressed. I bought it expecting a better-organized version of the kind of packable bag I already like, and that’s pretty much what it feels like in use.
For context, this is replacing my Matador On-Grid. Both are listed at 16L, and in practice the ReFraction Pro feels like it holds about the same amount for me. The difference is access and organization. The separate laptop compartment makes getting a laptop in and out much easier, especially compared with stuffing it into the main compartment of a packable bag.
Because of that, this is probably going to become my new on-campus day bag when I’m traveling to school and spending all day in classes. It gives me enough room for the laptop, A5 notebooks, pouches, charging kit, first aid, and the usual daily carry stuff, but it still stays light and packable enough that it doesn’t feel like overkill.
My laptop setup is a 13” MSI in a Native Union Ultralight Sleeve. The sleeve adds just enough structure that the bag feels better packed out, without turning it into something stiff or bulky. I overloaded the bag on purpose for these photos to see how it would handle the load, and honestly, it handled it well. It carried better than I expected for something this light and packable.
Outside the bag, I typically attach a Topo Designs Mountain Accessory Bag. That holds an Ikigai nano pill container with head/stomach meds, Trek & Travel pocket soap sheets, hand lotion, Kleenex, and a Dude Wipe. I also usually attach a Henry Holsters OCD to the outside.
Inside the bag, in addition to the laptop, I had:
Topo Designs Micro Accessory Bag
Weston 3x5 pouch and 5x6 pouch
Tom Bihn Ghost Whale Small
Ghost Whale Mini with a 10,000 mAh Ridge power bank
Ghost Whale Super Mini with my quick charging kit, 30W Anker charger plus 2’ USB-C cable
Aer Slim Pouch to support the laptop carry
3x5 mesh pouch with first aid supplies
Reading glasses case
Pencil pouch
Topo Designs Small Accessory Bag with A5 notebooks for class, which also doubles as a mouse pad
The construction is the thing that stood out most to me. It feels more refined than I expected from a packable backpack. The zippers are YKK and zip smoothly. The materials feel light but not fragile. Other reviews have called out the same basic idea: this bag is trying to solve the usual packable-bag problem where you either get something that packs down well but feels like a shapeless sack, or something with structure and organization that stops being meaningfully packable.
The Pro additions are the reason this works better for me than the On-Grid. The laptop compartment, front admin organization, tracker pocket, key tether, exterior attachment points, and sealing YKK zippers are the upgrades that make it more usable as an actual day bag for me, not just a backup packable bag. I don’t use every feature equally, but the laptop access alone makes a big difference for my use case.
One small complaint: the zipper loops. I understand the reasoning. They make the zippers a little less grab-and-go for someone else, and that is useful in travel or crowded areas. But when I’m not worried about pickpockets, they can be a bit of a pain. That is also kind of the point, so I’m not sure I’d call it a flaw as much as a tradeoff.
Overall, I’m impressed. It holds the same general amount as my On-Grid, carries surprisingly well when overloaded, gives me much better laptop access, and still stays in the packable/lightweight category. For my setup, it feels like a real upgrade rather than just a limited-edition colorway or minor tweak.
Loadout fom right to left
How it was packed...
For anyone who likes these Thule compression packing cubes (set of 2, large / small). They are normally $48 or so.
The container store has them on sale for $26.99
Free shipping if over $99
There is other stuff on sale too. But I only wanted the above.
If this isn’t ok to post I am ok deleting it.
I have no affiliation with Thule, any stores, etc
I just like cheaper stuff when I can.
Enjoy!
Busy filming day at Jimbobs EDC HQ.
The T33 is a fantastic sling (this is the 3.5 litre version).
Thoughts on tomtoc as a more affordable sling...?
I’ve noticed that 1.5-bagging is popular here, maybe even more popular than one-bagging.
For those of you who travel with a half-bag (like a sling) in addition to your main bag, what is your setup? What are the capacities? Do you pack the half-bag in your main bag? What do you pack in it?
Rankings are fun! I have been testing a lot of bags this past year. I actually use and test them for at least 3 weeks to get a good feel for what the bags can do, how they feel, and how they wear over time. The Bagdad rankings are simply my opinions of what I am using and giving me the best experiences.
What say you? Agree? Disagree? Hit me up and let me know your top slings.
Bagdad Top 5 Slings
Fyro Citta Sling 1L & 3L
Rework Toshi Sling 6L
Evergoods CAS 2
Eberlestock Fade Flex
Bellroy Venture Ready Sling 2.5L
Fyro Citta Slings - The Citta slings are topping my list. I made a promise to myself to stop carrying so much shit in my pockets. For me they are the perfect pocket reliever. The Korda nylon has become one of my favorite fabrics. I find myself using the 1L a little more on day to day carry. The guys are also awesome tech pouches because the straps are removable and they compress down really well. I have a detailed review coming out Wednesday 4/29/26!! Be sure to check it out!
Rework Toshi Sling 6L - I could have gone with the 5L or the 2.5L as well. I really like the 2.5, but my wife took it and I will not be getting that one back. The 5L is great. No complaints, but the 6L is just a tad larger and it comes with the adjustable padded strap which is actually really nice. Rework just gets it. This is probably the most recommendable sling in the world. You can find my detailed review here. Rework Toshi Slings
Evergoods CAS 2L - What can I say? This sling will never leave my top 5. Why? It is the best item in the world that kicks ass at two things! It is an awesome sling as well as the perfect fanny pack. A lot of brands try to market as “it can do both” but no one does it like the CAS 2. I have this in 840D nylon as well as the ultra Kludde version. Both are incredible. My detailed review is here. CAS 2
Eberlestock Fade Flex - This is the perfect conceal carry sling. It’s comfortable and well built. I am actually still testing this one out. I have been so impressed so far, I had to include it in my list. Look for the review coming soon.
Bellroy Venture Ready Sling 2.5L - This guy remains one of my fav’s. It is an awesome pocket reliever! This is the sling that got me out of carrying a bunch of shit in my pockets and put it in a small sling. I have the Baida ripstop nylon version. Don’t think they make the ripstop version anymore which is a damn shame. One of the coolest fabrics ever! My full review is here. Bellroy Venture Ready Sling
Fyro Website: http://fyro.co/CHAD
Follow me on Instagram: @bagdadreport
The tiny emergency pouch that keeps saving trips
One of the least interesting-looking things I carry keeps proving its worth: a Topo Designs Micro Accessory Bag that is basically just a tiny bag of problem solvers.
Latest example: I ordered carryout, got back, opened it up, and they had included zero utensils. Not ideal when the meal is chicken tikka masala.
Luckily, the pouch had a Dante’s View titanium spork, which immediately justified its place again.
Current contents:
- Dante’s View titanium spork
- Gerber Shard
- ThinOptics backup readers
- magnet and Kevlar thread
- eyeglass screwdriver
- sewing kit
- Gear Tie
- small zip tie
- 2 twistie ties
- binder clip
This is one of those pouches that does not do anything dramatic until it suddenly does.
It has helped with:
- holding hotel curtains shut
- small emergency repairs
- retrieving something metal after dropping it
- random food situations like this one
- the usual little trip annoyances that are too small to plan around until they happen
It is not an everyday-use pouch. It is more of a “something weird will happen eventually” pouch.
And somehow, it keeps earning its spot.
Spending two weeks in Europe. Traveling by plane overseas and trains locally.
Bags:
Aer City Pack Pro
Aer Day Sling 3
Worn:
Boots (Converse waterproof high top)
Pants (Boundary Chase)
Sweater (Unbound compact hoodie)
Phone (Pixel 9)
Clothes:
6 Shirts (Merino Protect)
6 Socks (Danish Endurance)
12 Underwear (Bamboo Cool)
Pant (Boundary Chase)
Short (generic)
Dress Shirt (Mizzen + Main)
Puffer Jacket (Uniqulo ultra light)
Rain Shell (Uniqulo)
Buff (BUFF)
Towel (Turkish)
Toiletries:
Bag (Comfyable)
Deodorant (melted for smaller stick)
Antiperspirant (melted for smaller stick)
Comb
Face Cleaner
Face Moisturizer
Lotion
Lip Balm
Tums
Medicine
Toothpaste
Toothbrush
Mouthwash
Oral Hygiene (various tools)
Ear Cleaner
Nail Clippers
Tweezers
Earplugs
Electronics/Other:
Tablet (Samsung Tab S9 + S Pen)
Android Emulator (AYN Thor)
2 Cables (USB-C)
USB-C female to USB-A male
Charger/Adapter (Anker)
Battery (10,000 mAh)
ANC Earbuds (Pixel Buds Pro 2)
Earbuds Wired (Google)
Microfiber Cloth
Bullet Space Pen
Glasses (ROAV prescription)
Sunglasses (ROAV prescription)
Passport + Driver's License
Credit Card + Debt Card
On past work trips the Aer Tech Sling 3 has been a go-to.
For reference, Aer specs the bag at 9L, 15" x 10.25" x 4", 1.3 lb, with a padded laptop pocket rated for up to a 14" laptop. In actual use, I’ve carried both a 13" MSI and a 13" MacBook, with Sony XM4s in the bag at the same time. (Aer)
That is the use case where this bag makes sense. It is not really an essentials sling. It is closer to a compact work bag that fits into a travel setup.
For work travel, it works best in two phases:
- on the plane, where the computer and core work items are easy to reach
- after check-in, when the travel backpack stays in the room and the sling becomes the meeting bag
Where it excels
- the 9L / 15" x 10.25" x 4" format gives it enough structure and capacity to function more like a compact work bag than a small essentials sling (Aer)
- fits a 13" MSI or 13" MacBook
- also fits Sony XM4s alongside the computer
- works well once it becomes the day bag after arrival
- structured enough to feel appropriate in work settings
- nice handle and can work as a brief or messenger
Tradeoffs
- size can make it awkward when paired with a full travel backpack, not bad once you figure out balance
- more specialized than a smaller general-purpose sling, less useful when the sling does not need to carry a computer and work gear
Nitpicks
- device size matters a lot here, even if Aer rates the laptop pocket up to 14"
- no exterior lash points
- no AirTag pocket
Bottom line
The Aer Tech Sling 3 works best when it has a defined job: carry the computer and core work kit in flight, then take over as the meeting bag once the main backpack is dropped. The least elegant part of the setup is wearing it together with a full travel pack.
Photos from https://aersf.com/products/tech-sling-3
Not one universal pouch.
Not swapping everything around before each trip.
Just two separate kits ready to go depending on what I’m carrying.
If you swithc between laptops on different operating systems, how do you handle it?
If you switch between Apple and Windows, what changes most in your pouch?
Chargers, cables, adapters, mouse, battery bank, something else?
This is a pretty good example of why I prefer 1.5 bag travel over strict one-bag for work trips. The Aer TP4 carries the bulk. The Alpaka Bravo Sling carries the things I need fast access to, plus the gear I actually use while working onsite.
Main compartment
Back compartment
Front pouch
Externally attached
For me, this is exactly what the 1.5 bag approach is for. The backpack carries the travel system, and the sling carries the workday system.
Not the lightest setup in the world, but very functional.
That is basically the whole idea behind 1.5 bag travel.
If you travel with a backpack + sling setup, drop your split in the comments:
Backpack:
clothes, toiletries, laptop, shoes, packing cubes, etc.
Sling:
passport, wallet, phone, charger, earbuds, meds, sunglasses, snacks, etc.
A few prompts:
New and longtime travelers both welcome. I’m curious how everyone draws the line between the main bag and the quick-access bag.
Hey everyone! I'm u/travelingpostgrad, a founding moderator of r/oneandhalfbagtravel.
This is our new home for travelers who like the middle ground between strict one-bag travel and a bigger multi-bag setup: one main backpack plus a small sling.
The idea behind 1.5 bag travel is simple. Your backpack carries the bulk of your gear, and your sling carries the quick-access essentials you want close at hand while moving through airports, trains, cities, and day-to-day travel.
For a lot of people, that means things like:
What to Post
Post anything the community would find interesting, helpful, or inspiring. That can include:
Whether you are refining your own setup or just curious why someone would choose 1.5 bags instead of one, you are in the right place.
Community Vibe
We're aiming for a community that is friendly, constructive, and inclusive. Share what works for you, ask questions, and help other people travel smarter. No gatekeeping, no purity tests, and no travel shaming over gear, budget, or style.
How to Get Started
Introduce yourself in the comments below.
Tell us what backpack and sling you use, what you keep in each, and where your setup has worked well, or where it still needs improvement.
Post something today. Even a simple question can start a great conversation.
If you know someone who would love this kind of travel setup, invite them to join.
Interested in helping out? We're always open to adding moderators, so feel free to reach out if you'd like to help build the community.
Thanks for being part of the first wave. Let's make r/oneandhalfbagtravel a genuinely useful place for people who want to travel light without giving up quick access to the essentials.