The Tabinistas
Tomtoc EDC Sling Review
The Tomtoc Compact EDC Sling is a lightweight, moderately organized mid-sized sling that is built for mobility but falls short on capacity despite boasting a 3L capacity.
Find out why.
Jump to a Section
Quick Breakdown
8/10
We tested the standard model in black, overall material has lasted throughout our testing. The outer shell is comfortable to the touch and strap didn't irritate our necks, however, it's important to note that because it was so soft it slid around unless tightened to an snug fit.
6/10
For a soft, non-expanding bag this character does have some good dividers and pockets for organization. We especially like the center divider as we could put wallet or passes in them but once filled the soft membranes dividing the space become obsolete. The key ring holder is also meek and should only be meant for a very modest set of keys.
8/10
While it doesn't have RFID blocking the bag does feel secure on your person and zippers are not so easily tugged open. The pocket tucked in the back is perfect for a phone or tickets, keeping it secure and tight to your body.
8/10
Weighing in at probably the lightest sling we've tested at nearly 0.5lb stuffing this little guy will feel like you're just carrying your belongings. That said, the more weight you add the more you feel it as the soft structure of this bag combined with the slick strap material will move about, so tighten it up or ditch a few objects inside.
5/10
We tested the standard minimalist 3L model, while there are larger capacity models available in similar styling, this fit our travel form factor paired with a backpack. Being that we had a backpack capacity wasn't an issue but if this is for travel the interior space should only really be meant for passport, wallet, phones and power bank.
6/10
Sporting a more minimalist style, this bag gets points for matching with more of a city street style. While not a rugged bag it is uniquely built for either back or front wear making it ideal for every situation.
In-Depth Review
First Impressions
The Tomtoc Compact EDC Sling is a lightweight, moderately organized mid-sized sling that is built for mobility but falls short on capacity despite boasting a 3L capacity. It is well organized for a mid-sized sling boasting a divider in the middle with attached pockets and a lanyard in the front pocket meant for keys or even a badge holder with key card.
Made of a blend of Polyester, Nylon with a outer shell of Condura Ballistic Fabric this bag is light, comfortable and very water proof. It's formed but not rigid making it fold-able into another bag in case you need to store it, making it versatile.
We've had the pleasure of testing out this bag in Japan, Disneyland California and Arizona, as well as around town in our hometown of Kona, Hawaii. It's really a good go to bag and being waterproof it's perfect to hang on our lounge chairs at the beach.
Build Quality
Made of a Condura outer shell and various polyester for inner fabric and backing construction this little bag can handle fair amount of weather conditions while keeping your belongings dry and safe. The ballistic woven exterior is quite soft to touch and retains is shape we folded and stuffed away in another bag and the strap isn't completely removable you can stuff it in it's back pocket.
The strap is similar to a seatbelt, durable yet soft. There we're plenty of times we had to run to catch a train and yet this sturdy bag even under full load didn't leave an abrasion on our necks. The left hand alignment of the buckle was a really great feature as many of the bags are secured in the center with a rather uncomfortable snap. The Tomtoc EDC has a honky buckle and in a wholly unorthodox placement but that placement was key for customer comfort.
Security
The fabric itself is durable, hard to cut or tear unless done very intentionally with a razor it's tough to get through but not impossible. An adult could yank on the strap when another person is wearing it and the buckle will not come loose which is a great peace of mind if you ask us.
We might have given this bag higher score if it had RFID inhibitors or a metal buckle, as plastics with stretch or get brittle over time but if you have a wallet that has the blockers already it might be overkill. The zippers, even after a few years of use are smooth but do require intention to open so it's not going to let loose all your belongings all over the ground after a few years of abuse.
The company boasts that the zippers are made from YKK, a serious name in the zipper industry, and yes a zipper does make a difference. I'd say unless you are a professional pick pocket or you are able to get your hands on this bag for more than a few minutes you could work a ball point pen into it.
Capacity
There is much to be desired about how much we could stuff in this 3L bag. Although you can store a 16oz bottle in there it takes up 80-85% of the space leaving little room left for a wallet or power bank. That said, at peak use: I shoved my phone in the interior most pocket, along with pack of travel sized tissues. My Anker 20k mAh Power Bank, 0.5m Lightning Cord, wallet and Japanese Pocket Wifi (mobile hotspot) and it was a very snug fit not to mention very heavy. In my opinion you are not wearing one of these to replace a backpack but rather for convenience and peace of mind so it shouldn't weigh you down. However, if you're trying to take one bag on a day trip, don't take this one. Instead try something in the large sling category.
Organization
Capacity aside, even when weighed down and barely any room to budge I was able to access my wallet and phone fairly easy. However, putting it back, not so much. If, like me you will be utilizing the center compartment for your phone keep in mind as these things are usually at an angle on your body, whatever object is above will inevitably slide down, especially given the slick rayon interior fabric of this bag.
The elastic mesh pockets in the center are a fabulous touch if you have an object, like a moderate sized wallet to smash in there. If you don't well, the cellular walls are divided by the same rayon fabric as the interior lining and often will be hard to replace your thing in the exact same place. The lanyard was great for flat objects, but when tested at home with a large key fob I found that it was cumbersome and awkward getting them in and out.
Weight
The Tomtoc EDC in standard material, not X-Pac weighs an astounding 0.5lbs. Looking at it you might think that the buckle weighs more but it doesn't. Seriously we could crumple this sling up and place it deep within another bag and never notice it's weight. Even with X-Pac I seriously doubt you'd be getting any additional weight and when you're carrying this, plus your belongings around for 12hrs a day weight really begins to matter.
Distribution wise since it's angled it does take a lot of load off your shoulders as it cradles just beneath your arm. It's something you have to get used to as it does slide around a bit but gravity does what it wants. The unique design will carry the weight and not bunch it up in the straps unlike some manufacturers who design in at a fanny pack full tilt with weaker straps that ball up. The heavier duty seat-belt like strap, that's included with the weight calculation definitely help even out the bags weight.
Style
We tested this sling in black and it comes in several colors to match every style but this two toned black really shines with a clean, city street style. I liked that it had two different blacks that could match with a fabric look or slick rayon. The tiny accents and details are not only helpful when finding your keys or zippers but give the bag character. The X-Pac is also a great option when looking for the same look as it is more reflective and matches better with more of a Metro Techwear look.
The left side buckle is not aimed well for a broad audience but if it works for wearing it over the right shoulder but it makes it convenient to wear either on your back or your front. It's got a smaller profile than most bags in it's carrying capacity so it has a lower impact on your body making it ideal to wear by itself or with a backpack. Overall it's more of a pragmatic bag over style but it does look good with the right ensemble.
The
Verdict
This is undoubtedly what you came for, Is this bag worth it?
Well, this is a close to Yes but more of a Maybe. For all it's shortcomings it finds it's place near the top but not without it's limits. This bag is really for people who want a smaller bag that they can access what they need without any difficulty. The zippers move easily enough with enough weight in bag but then you're carrying more weight which makes the bag shift around. Even with the L shaped straps I just felt like this bag never sat right on my chest. The material is dependable and the hidden pockets with zippers are a fantastic added peace of mind.
Score Summary
7/10
Better than average but not without it's quirks. This bag is a must if on sale especially if you consider this is a sub $100 sling with water resistant fabric, 3L capacity and it's lightweight.
Our Opinion
A 7 of 10 is a decent score, price did not play any factor into this decision and if it were to we think it would be more like a 8 out of 10. Priced reasonably at $42.99 or as low as $32.99 on sale this is a great option for those who want a moderately sized bag that won't stir up financial drama with the spouse. That said, if you are looking under $100 for a bag there are much better options. See Aer SF City Sling or our Best Slings under $100.00 comparison if you want see different options and how the Tomtoc EDC Sling stands up.
Having used this bag for about 2 years I have to say it has definitely held up to the abuse of travel, beach and gym. The material isn't flaking off but the slick and soft nylon strap tends to slide around on similar materials, like a bomber jacket. There were plenty of times I was jealous of Darin's Aer SF City Sling, which expanded and really did a great job of holding all this gacha collectibles and a bottle of water. Again, this bag is under $50.00 which is an amazing deal for a mid-level versatile sling.
Image Gallery
