By June Ramli
Sydney, Dec 6: I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve sat on a plane, buckled in, only to realise my passport, medicine or wallet is buried somewhere in the overhead locker.
So when the Travel Sling (3L) landed on my desk – in both Black and Terracotta – I was curious to see if it could actually solve that problem, or just add to the pile of “nice but not necessary” travel accessories.
This is a small, structured sling bag that retails for $124.90 AUD and comes with free shipping. On paper, it promises smart internal organisation, removable straps and a few anti-theft features. In real life, what it really offers is peace of mind: a place for everything you don’t want to misplace on a flight.
I used it the way most travellers actually would. Before boarding, I loaded it up with the essentials: passports, some cash, my cards, a bit of medication, a pen and space for the disembarkation card you’re handed mid-flight. Instead of juggling things between seat pockets and my bigger cabin bag, I wore the sling crossbody and just kept it on me.
It made a bigger difference than I expected.
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Any time I needed something – to fill in the card, grab Panadol, or check my passport details – I didn’t have to reach up into the overhead bin or dig awkwardly under the seat. I just unzipped the sling, took what I needed and zipped it back up. On a budget airline, where you need to pay for food and drinks, having your wallet right there at your hip makes things faster and a lot less stressful when the trolley rolls past.
The internal layout is simple but thoughtful. There are enough sections to separate documents, cards and small items without it turning into an over-compartmentalised nightmare. The anti-theft touches, like the way the zips can be secured, are a bonus when you’re walking through crowded terminals or using public transport at your destination. It’s not a bulky “money belt” style product and doesn’t scream “tourist”, which I appreciate.
I also liked that it can switch from sling to pouch. Once you’re off the plane and want to carry a bigger tote or backpack instead, you can remove the strap and drop it straight in as an organiser. Everything important stays in one place rather than scattered across different pockets.
In terms of looks, the Black version is the safer, more classic option and blends into pretty much any outfit. The Terracotta version adds a bit of warmth and personality without being loud or flashy. Both feel suitable for travel days and for everyday use, like commuting or working from a café.
Is it cheap? No. At over a hundred dollars for a 3L sling, it sits firmly in the “investment” category rather than an impulse purchase. But if you travel often – or you’re the kind of person who hates rummaging for passports and cards at the worst possible time – it starts to make sense.
For me, the biggest compliment I can give it is this: once I set it up as my “in-flight essentials” bag, I stopped thinking about it. Everything I needed was exactly where I expected it to be. No panicked searching, no awkward contortions mid-flight, no juggling three different items in my hands at once.
Sometimes that’s all you really want from a travel product – not bells and whistles, just less stress.
Also, the team at DailyStraits.com also received a complimentary unit of the Foldable Duffel is one of those bags you don’t realise you need until the moment you actually do. Big when you need it and small when you don’t, it expands to a generous 55L but folds down flat when not in use. We received a complimentary black unit, and it has quickly become one of those “always bring it along” essentials.
It’s lightweight, packs away easily, and works perfectly as an extra travel bag for holiday shopping or as a backup carry-on when you inevitably return with more than you left with. It also doubles nicely as a gym or weekend bag.
For the price point, it makes a solid Christmas gift too — practical, useful, and something people will genuinely use, not just store away.
Disclaimer: Product was provided for review.
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