WaterField Shinjuku Sling Review

WaterField Designs has built a reputation on thoughtful, classic designs and premium materials, and the Shinjuku Sling is a prime example of what they deliver. After a few months of on and off use, and a couple of trips, this sling has become one of my go-to slings for quick errands and 1.5 bag travel. Its understated, classy design and practical execution make it easy to love.

Who It Suits

Someone looking for a simple yet a bit of an elevated way to carry daily essentials – a pocket dump and then some. You might shy away from more techy bags now and then, and look for something a bit more on the natural / classic side of things

Who It Doesn’t

You carry a lot; heavy on your EDC loadout. You may also typically carry more technical offerings, despite the Shinjuku being offered in X11 which doesn’t have the technical aesthetic of its sibling textiles.

Clean and Classic

WaterField’s aesthetic leans toward clean lines and classic looks. The exterior is available in 15 oz. waxed canvas or X11 X-Pac, both in various colors, and both with leather accent panels. I opted for the black X11 with black leather. It’s a combination that feels modern but timeless, and more importantly matches a bunch of other X11 Waterfield gear that I have.

Construction is rock-solid, as expected from Waterfield. The YKK zippers are smooth, and sealed from light showers. The leather also adds some structure to the bag and will develop a nice, rich patina over time – as will the waxed canvas options.

At 8” x 2.5” x 5” and weighing just under a pound, the Shinjuku Sling hits the sweet spot for a more compact sling. It’s small enough to stay out of the way yet spacious enough to carry the essentials plus a small compact camera.

Crossbody Focused

The Shinjuku’s adjustable strap is just what it needs to be, and wide enough to distribute weight comfortably without digging into your shoulder. The metal tri-glide offers relatively easy adjustment, and the strap’s attachment points are directed towards the rear to help the bag contour more naturally to your body. The metal buckle is also incredibly satisfying to use.

The Shinjuku can be worn both across the chest like a typical sling and around the waist. The strap length is generous, accommodating most body types. Even after a full day of walking around town, the Shinjuku remained comfortable without any annoying slipping thanks to the less-than-slick webbing.

My only complaint about the strap is that I wish it was angled ever so slightly upward to allow a more natural hang on the body. It’s not a huge deal, but for crossbody carry, which I feel is more prominent, it would have made a nice little improvement over the 90* attachment. Alternatively, if the strap was removable with snap-hooks, like its older sibling the Mason, the wearer could choose to run the sling as a shoulder bag as well.

Weather Resistant Access

The main compartment opens nice and wide, giving you full visibility and easy access to your gear. Inside, you’ll find a rear slip pocket that’s perfect for a phone or sunglasses, along with two stretch pockets on the front side for earbuds or other small items.

The front zippered pocket is ideal for quick-access – keys, a transit card, but I wish there were a key leash in here. There’s also a hidden rear pocket against the back panel; great for stashing cash or a passport when traveling. None of the pockets feel over-engineered; they’re just enough to keep things organized without adding bulk or complexity.

I typically carry at least my wallet, keys, a small pocket knife (a Spyderco Dragonfly 2 in this case), and a pair of earbuds – everything has its place even when I toss a Ricoh GR inside. The sling’s compact profile means you’re not tempted to overpack, which keeps the load light and the silhouette clean.

Verdict

The Waterfield Shinjuku Sling is a great, simple sling that caters to those more heritage or classic urges. It’s compact, comfortable, and intuitively organized. Its selection of premium materials and typical WaterField construction justify the pretty reasonable price of $129. It’s a reliable and easy to live with companion for daily use and travel alike.