When I was in veterinary school, Auburn University had a herd of alpacas that was used for research studies. One of my classmates accidentally left their pasture gate open one day, and chaos ensued when the camelids took full advantage of their newfound freedom. They found their way into every nook and cranny of the campus, one even showing up in a lecture hall during class. I laughed until I cried while we searched for and led them back to the pasture (which took forever…they seemed to be enjoying their field trip). Now, nearly thirty years later, I still laugh when I think of the memory.
When a new-to-me company, ALPAKA reached out and asked if I wanted to test a couple of products on an upcoming trip, I looked up the company’s history. I discovered they got their start on Kickstarter in 2016, and their name was inspired “by the grit and resilience of the alpaca….and their ability to adapt to a wide range of habitats.” Sounds about right.
ALPAKA sent me the the Flight Sling (2L version), Zip Clutch, and Metro Crossbody Sling. I started my testing by using the Metro Crossbody as my everyday purse and the Zip Clutch as a replacement for my very tired wallet; however, I quickly switched it out the Crossbody for the Flight Sling when my daughter I traveled to New Orleans for her spring break.
Since returning from my trip, I still haven’t switched back to the Metro Crossbody. Like Goldilocks, the Flight Sling isn’t too big or too small, but just right for my everyday needs. For that reason, I’ll focus this review primarily on the Flight Sling and Zip Clutch since they are what I have the most experience using to date. I’ll review the Metro Crossbody once I have more experience with it.
Here’s the video review I made about these two products (along with a sneak peek of the Metro Crossbody), which complements the written review:
Flight Sling
I coupled the Flight Sling with my Gossamer Gear Vagabond Jet, which I absolutely love to use for travel (and everyday use, if I’m heading to a coffee shop with my laptop to work).
In the Vagabond, I carried my laptop, travel guides, and a sweater. The Flight Sling held everything else I needed, including the Zip Clutch which I used as my wallet.
Unlike backpacking, where extra pockets, pouches, and zippers amounts to more weight I don’t necessarily want to carry for the sake of organization, I love more compartments to keep things tidy with air or road travel. The Flight Sling has a nice organizational layout with a small pouch on its back side and a larger, zippered pouch on the front.
Inside, two pockets keep my credit cards organized and a divider keeps me even more organized. I like keeping things like my reading glasses or phone on the side of the divider with a soft lining. The Zip clutch and other items are kept on the opposite side.
PROS
- Great size for portability and packs flat when empty
- Carries comfortably as a sling
- Adjustable (and removable) strap to use bag as a tech pouch
- Several color options
- Exterior made of durable Axoflux 210D Ripstop Nylon, interior is Polyester 150D Ripstop
- YKK Aquaguard Zippers are a nice touch (and open and close well with pull tabs)
- Abrasion-resistant; cleans easily
- Very easy to access contents inside
- Great for travel or everyday use
CONS
- The magnetic MOD key tether is sewn into the bag’s exterior pocket. I wish I had the option to remove it, although I am starting to use it to attach my keys (which I lose regularly…maybe this will help?)
- The back, open pocket is too small to lay my iPhone 15 Pro inside it horizontally. I can use it with my phone in a vertical orientation, but it feels a bit vulnerable to falling out if I bend over.
I’m a function over form kinda girl, so you’ll never hear someone say, “Nancy always has the cutest purses!” They’re probably not going to say that about my Flight Sling, but it’s hard to argue its practicality and usefulness for everyday life. I love it!
ZIP CLUTCH
Just like with purses, I’m all about functionality over fashion. The Zip Clutch fits perfectly in the Flight Sling, and I love the bright color I chose (Cayenne, which is a limited edition color). There are many colors to choose from though, and I like that there are a few whimsical options, like Hot Pink and Vivid (purple). I also like the tactile pleasing and weatherproof sailcloth material its made from.
The clutch can easily be used independent of the Flight Sling, and I often use it this way for trips to the grocery store, restaurants, etc. I like that it has a removable wrist strap that can be folded flush to the clutch, so it’s not taking up extra space in my Flight Sling.
The organizational features of the Zip Clutch are very helpful. There are two inner pockets sewn into the side where I keep my driver’s license, medical insurance card, debit card, and a few other random gift or shopper reward cards. In the clutch’s body, I keep my cash (bills). There is an outer zippered pocket for my change and two partitioned pockets above that. In one, I keep a pen handy. In the other, a small flashlight. On the opposite side, there is a vertical sleeve which holds my iPhone snugly.
PROS
- Quality materials that seem durable
- Reasonably priced
- Versatile for travel or everyday use
- Fun colorways
- Organization structure is solid for a clutch this size–there aren’t too many compartments but there are enough to be helpful
CONS
- My iPhone 15 Pro doesn’t fit inside the zippered portion of the clutch. I wish I had the ability to do this, even though I can put the phone in the exterior sleeve (it’s a really tight fit with the case on it, so it takes a few seconds to get it in and out)
FINAL THOUGHTS
Both the Zip Clutch and Flight Pouch have been just as useful in everyday life as they were during the trip I took with my daughter a couple of months ago. I’ll eventually give the Metro Crossbody another chance for everyday use, and I’ll continue looking for that “just right” situation for it.
Click here if you’d like to learn more about ALPAKA products (they offer so many clever products besides what I reviewed) and here’s my video review of these products, if you’d like to take a closer look at everything I wrote about in this post.
Happy travels!
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