Disclaimer: we received this product free of charge for the purpose of this review and all thoughts and opinions are our own
We travel a lot so having somewhere handy to stash my essentials makes life considerably easier. I know from experience what a pain it can be rummaging around at the bottom of a large rucksack every time I need my phone, keys or a snack so I was really pleased when the Vango Sling Pac 4L arrived on my doorstep.
Small, lightweight and incredibly versatile, the Vango Sling Pac 4L has a 4-litre capacity and easily accommodates all my everyday essentials, including my phone, purse, keys, bottle of water, snacks and plenty of other bits and pieces I might need along the way. It will even fit an OS map, which is particularly useful as, although we use the OS app, we still like to carry a paper map when exploring new walks, just in case we lose phone signal. Obviously, it’s not designed to replace your main walking rucksack, but for shorter adventures, it’s a really useful alternative.
Made from Excel 200D ripstop nylon, the Sling Pac is lightweight and like all Vango products looks like it will be very hardwearing. Weighing just 160g, you will barely notice you’re carrying it. Measuring 16cm x 27cm x 10cm, it has a compact design, while the adjustable strap means it can be worn across the body or around the waist as a traditional bum bag, depending on your preference.
Inside, there’s one large main compartment with a handy pen holder, along with two smaller pockets that are perfect for keeping things such as your phone and tissues separate. There’s also a zipped front accessory pocket featuring a useful clip, which is ideal for attaching your keys. This is a particularly welcome feature for me, as it eliminates my usual rummaging expedition every time I need to find them!
The zips open smoothly, even when the bag is being worn across the body, which is handy when I’m travelling and juggling coffee and tickets. It’s also small enough to pop inside a larger rucksack or shoulder bag when travelling, allowing me to keep all my essentials together so they are ready to grab whenever I need them.
One feature I particularly like is how the bag folds neatly into its own integrated stuff sack pocket. This makes storing it incredibly easy, and it takes up very little room in a rucksack or holdall. It’s perfect for holidays when you want a smaller bag for days out without having to lug a bigr rucksack around.
If you’re looking for a practical Christmas present for someone who enjoys walking, travelling or simply getting outdoors, the Vango Sling Pac 4L makes a lovely gift. It’s one of those useful pieces of kit that you will quickly wonder how you ever managed without it! After all, not every adventure requires a 30-litre rucksack, a survival kit and enough equipment to cross the Himalayas. Sometimes all you need is a decent pair of walking boots and somewhere to put your map and snacks!
RRP £20
