With Apple’s latest iPhones hitting the market, it’s time to explore the world of accessories designed to complement these sleek devices. And while we’ve all seen our fair share of iPhone cases and MagSafe phone grips, there’s something truly unique about the Shinjuku Sling from Waterfield Designs. This stylish sling is a perfect companion for your everyday essentials, even accommodating the sizable iPhone 16 Pro Max.
I’ve been a loyal Waterfield Designs customer for years, impressed by their dedication to quality and craftsmanship. Their products, from backpacks to laptop sleeves, are a testament to their commitment to meticulous detail. So, when I discovered the Shinjuku Sling, I knew it was a must-have.
The Shinjuku Sling embodies the essence of Waterfield’s design philosophy: practicality meets elegance. It’s handcrafted in San Francisco, a city known for its innovation and artistry. Every detail is meticulously considered, from the selection of premium waxed canvas and full-grain leather to the subtle touch of X-Pac canvas in certain color options.
Available in five classic hues – navy, brown, black, storm gray, and olive green (the last three featuring X-Pac) – the Shinjuku Sling exudes timeless appeal. Despite its compact dimensions (8 x 2.5 x 5 inches) and lightweight nature (8.8 ounces empty), it boasts remarkable spaciousness.
A single main compartment provides ample storage for your essentials, while two external zippered pockets offer additional organization. The pocket closest to your body is ideal for securing important documents like your passport. The interior is lined with Waterfield’s signature gold lining, making it easy to spot your belongings within the bag.
The main compartment features a dedicated phone pocket large enough to comfortably house even the iPhone 16 Pro Max (sans case). It also includes two stretchy mesh pockets perfect for storing smaller items like AirPods. And the great news is, even if you use a case, your phone should still fit without any issues. This versatile sling also accommodates other similarly sized Android phones.
Waterfield’s attention to detail is evident in the choice of zippers. YKK waterproof zippers ensure your belongings remain dry, even in inclement weather. The main compartment boasts two customized zipper pulls, and for added security, you can even use a third-party lock.
The adjustable strap is incredibly comfortable, featuring a sturdy metal paragliding-style buckle. This strap can be used to attach items that are too large for the interior, such as hats, certain water bottles, or even a small speaker. You can even wrap the strap around chairs when seated, providing an extra layer of security.
I’ve been using the Shinjuku Sling for my daily outings, and I’ve been consistently impressed by its practicality. It’s perfect for a light carry, effortlessly accommodating my phones, keys, card holder, lip balm, hand sanitizer, power bank, and AirPods Pro. All these items fit comfortably and are readily accessible thanks to the well-designed compartments.
The best part? Like all of my other Waterfield products, this sling is built to last for years. It’s a testament to their commitment to quality and craftsmanship.
However, the Shinjuku Sling does come with a hefty price tag of $129. While its quality and functionality are undeniable, I believe a price point around $80-$90 would be more reasonable.
Despite the premium price, if you’re seeking a compact and stylish sling bag to carry your phone and everyday essentials, the Shinjuku Sling is a worthwhile investment. With its high-quality materials, meticulous construction, and thoughtful design, it’s likely the last sling bag you’ll need for a long time.
The Shinjuku Sling is available for purchase now.
