Cheapo Tactical Sling Bag

[Grant Lamontagne]

I am a sucker for a sling bag- I really am.  I like my Maxpedition Sitka and the MEC Shoulder Pod, and even the horrible experience with the super cheapo MTO Sling Bag couldn't stop me from trying more.  When I saw this one repeatedly advertised on my FB and Instagram feed I eventually wore down and got it, despite being certain it was probably terrible.



I will say that it is not as bad as the MTO Bag, but it is still well below my usual standards for a bag.  To it's credit, this bag does have the nice feature of a removable, ambidextrous shoulder strap that attaches with a buckle at the top and a clip at the bottom- the bottom one can be attached to either side of the bag for left or right handed wear.



A nice feature is that the top end where the buckle is then folds into the pocket on the back and snaps in to give it a relatively clean look and make it easier to carry with the small handle on the top.



That probably doesn't help much if you have anything hooked on the MOLLE loops on the part that folds away though, but luckily there are more MOLLE loops on the outside, both on the outside and both side panels.



The bag consists of a main pack and an exterior pack permanently stitched on.  The smaller, exterior pack has a zippered pocket on the outside and a decent sized pocket inside.  There is also a Velcro panel above the exterior pack complete with bungee/shock cord.



Moving on to the main pack, it is zippered and has two small pockets in it. 



All in all it isn't a bad bag, and it has been reasonably functional, at least so far.  The fabric on the outside isn't bad, and the grey internal panels aren't bad but the black pockets you see are flimsy and probably not strong enough to hold the stitching for any length of time or under any significant load. 

I think I spent all of about $25 on this bag, and it is probably worth that, although my skeptical Def-Sense can't help but think that if the manufacturer won't admit to making it (there's no brands, no tags, no identifiers of any sort) then it probably won't be that good in the long run.  The materials are at the absolute bare minimum of what I would like to see in a bag, and it's tiny size makes me feel like I stole it from a school girl in the 90's.



If you can find one for $20 or less it might be an interesting emergency kit bag, that you can put stuff in then leave in a closet until the zombies come, but it doesn't seem like something that would stand up to hard daily use the way a Maxpedition bag would- but then a Maxpedition bag costs many times more- for example, the Maxpedition version of the 90's school girl bag is $120.

And this cheapo bag is available in a lot more colors to match your baggy jeans and those weird woven sweaters that surfers wear.

Def

[Mechanickal]

You just reminded me that I still haven't got my Zombiebag in order yet...

[ThePeacent]

I own one that is nearly identical to that one,
has been carried and toted around for 3 years and is still usable, in one piece and keeps kickin'





I am also a true fan of shoulder bags (8/10 bags I own or have owned are of this kind) and...I like it!

[Lynn LeFey]

I have been looking for either a sling bag or waist pack to build little PSK (Personal Survival Kits) on. I came across these bags on 'AliExpress'.

Grant, could you post a pic of this thing, compared to some common item, maybe a Swiss Army Knife, and your hand or something for reasonable scale. Even compared to your other pack, I still don't know exactly what to expect, other that it's 'small'.

Also, I kinda like that pattern on the material. Slightly high tech, not too tactical.

If you don't mind the wait, 4-6 weeks usually, these can be had for about $12 shipped to U.S. locations. I am only posting a link. I don't endorse this seller. I've never ordered from them. Just saying this is an example.

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/NIBESSER-New-Camouflage-Men-Chest-Bag-Military-Travel-Riding-Crossbody-Messenger-Bags-for-Men-Fashion-Mens/32834837302.html?spm=2114.search0104.3.35.1i38VU&ws_ab_test=searchweb0_0,searchweb201602_2_10152_10065_5000015_10151_10344_10068_10130_10345_10324_10342_10547_10325_10343_10546_10340_10341_10548_10545_5130015_10541_10084_10083_10307_5690015_10539_5080015_10312_10059_10313_10314_10534_100031_10604_10603_10103_10605_5060015_10596_10142_10107,searchweb201603_14,ppcSwitch_5&algo_expid=0ba7ebde-d3c3-4efe-bff3-2e4b97cc0073-4&algo_pvid=0ba7ebde-d3c3-4efe-bff3-2e4b97cc0073&rmStoreLevelAB=3

[Grant Lamontagne]

Here it is with a few easily identifiable objects. 



I like the pattern on this one too.

Def

[WoodsDuck]

This does seem like a good bag in which to store a hundred feet or so of paracord, my Eat'N Tool collection, and 7 or 8 knives. You know, just in case of a flat tire.

[Lynn LeFey]

Woodsduck... NICE. 

Grant. Thank you, sir. 

I dunno. It's small, but it looks pretty reasonable. Not a 24-hour pack... Maybe more like a 47 minute pack.

Also, I just ordered one of these things, a waist pack, with water bottle holder in black. I'll let you know what i think of it when it gets off the slow boat.
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/2016-Molle-Military-Men-Waist-Pack-Bags-Waterproof-Waist-Bag-Fanny-BELT-Climb-Bum-bag-Military/32780221628.html?spm=a2g0s.9042311.0.0.crD0b8

[Grant Lamontagne]

The size of the pack is actually very nice- I just wish the build quality of it was a bit better.  For example, some slight padding on the shoulder strap would be nice.  I doubt anyone will carry anything that heavy in such a small pack, but the edges of the strap feel kind of sharp after being worn a while.  Also, the interior pockets could be made of a slightly better material than the cheap nylon.

If I had any sewing skill whatsoever I might consider heavily modifying this pack with better materials.

Def

[ThePeacent]

mine has ripped or started to break on 3 points. It hasn't really been hard on my shoulders, but I often switch carry side (position)
My main critique of it is the same as yours, it could be better built and stitched, I use it only in urban environments and I doubt it'd hold up for long in the outdoors or on harsher terrains   



the MOLLE straps are incredibly strong and resilient, though.