Alpaka Metro Sling Max Review

The search for the perfect bag for everyday use is an endless odyssey, a balancing act between form and function. As a photographer, the requirements are particularly complex. The bag must not only hold the everyday bits and bobs, but also provide space for what is most important to us: the camera.

It’s not always about the large DSLR equipment for a planned assignment. More often it’s the spontaneous photo walk, the little escape from everyday life, for which a compact analogue camera is the ideal companion.

It is precisely for these moments, for this symbiosis of daily companion and inconspicuous photo bag, that I set out on a search and ended up with the Alpaka Metro Sling Max. A bag that, at first glance, promises to fill precisely this gap.

Alpaka is a brand that has made a name for itself in recent years. With roots in Australia and an agile production chain that allows them to respond quickly to trends and customer feedback, Alpaka has established itself as a force to be reckoned with in the Everyday Carry (EDC) sector.

Their products are characterised by a clear, minimalist design, high-quality materials and well thought-out organisation. They know how to combine functionality and aesthetics without compromising on durability.

The Metro Sling Max is a further development of the Metro Sling and is aimed at users who need a little more space without having to resort to a rucksack. It is designed for transporting everyday items and smaller technical devices such as an iPad mini or a Nintendo Switch.

Material and size

The bag is available in two materials: X-Pac and Axogrid 300D. In terms of colours, you can choose between black (X-Pac and Axogrid 300D), olive green (X-Pac) and army green (Axogrid 300D).

For this test, I chose the black version made from X-Pac VX42. Originally developed for sailcloth, X-Pac is known for its extreme tear resistance, low weight and excellent water resistance.

The material feels robust and durable. The characteristic diamond structure of the fabric gives the bag a subtle but unmistakable aesthetic. The workmanship is good. All seams are precise and clean.

Another advantage that should not be underestimated in hectic everyday life is the ease of cleaning. A damp cloth is usually enough to remove dust and dirt.

With dimensions of 24 cm in height, 17 cm in width and 9 cm in depth, the bag has a volume of 3 litres and weighs just 360 grams.

The outer zips are YKK AquaGuard zips, which work well but are somewhat slower than ‘normal’ zips. On the other hand, they are weather-resistant and offer protection from rain and snow. However, they are not completely waterproof, which means that water can penetrate the inside if left on for a long time.

The only logo on the outside of the bag is very inconspicuously attached to the underside. On the inside, there is a somewhat more conspicuous label with the name and a reference to the country of manufacture, China.

Features of the Metro Sling Max

Let’s move on to the inside of the bag. The bright red inner lining made of ripstop nylon not only creates a visually appealing contrast to the black exterior, but also makes it much easier to find items in poor lighting conditions.

The functional organisation is one of the key features of the Metro Sling Max. The bag is divided into two main compartments, allowing you to separate the contents thematically and keep a good overview.

The front compartment is designed for quick access. Here you will find an extremely practical mesh pocket with a zip. This compartment proves to be perfect for all the small items that would otherwise fly around loose in the bag, be it coins, spare batteries for the light meter or a few memory cards. However, two to three 35 mm films also fit in here without any problems.

In addition to the mesh pocket, you can of course also store other items here, such as a smartphone, a power bank or a light meter.

There is also a key holder in this compartment. Alpaka uses a magnetic key holder here. The mechanism is clever and secure. A powerful magnet holds the key fob in place and a simple movement releases the key with one hand. This is an invaluable advantage in everyday life when you are standing in front of the front door with your hands full. The key can be replaced without any additional tools.

The length of the strap is also well dimensioned and allows a door to be unlocked without having to remove the bag. Nevertheless, there is one small point of criticism here: the strap itself seems somewhat oversized and too wide for the size of the bag.

An option to remove the strap completely would be desirable, but unfortunately this is not provided. A more elegant solution would perhaps have been to dispense with the strap and instead simply integrate a magnetic attachment point in the bag, to which a corresponding key fob can be attached again after use.

The main compartment can be opened variably thanks to two zips, which makes access to the contents flexible. You can open the bag just a crack wide to quickly grab something or open it wide to see the entire contents.

The well thought-out organisation is revealed inside this compartment. A padded compartment at the back securely holds an A5 notebook, a paperback, an e-reader or even a small tablet such as the iPad mini.

On the other side, there are several compartments for organising small items: four pen holder compartments and two compartments for credit or business cards. Depending on the size, the credit card compartment can also hold a lens filter or colour filter for a flash.

One of the pen holder compartments is slightly wider to accommodate a thicker pen or a pocket knife. Personally, I would have liked a different solution here. A larger, undivided compartment might have been more practical and more flexible.

Behind this is another area for a larger, thinner object, such as a smartphone.

The centre section is free for other items. You can then stow your camera here. Of course, which camera fits here depends on how many other items you already have in your bag.

In my test, I was able to stow an Olympus OM-2 with a 50 mm lens and a Revue 35 FC without any problems. There was still enough space for a few other small items.

In general, any compact camera should fit in the bag. Even an analogue SLR camera, perhaps with the lens removed, should not be a problem. In terms of length, you can also stow a 0.5 litre water bottle or an umbrella.

A special feature of many Alpaca products, including the Metro Sling Max, is the ecosystem of modular extensions, which is summarised under the name ‘Hub’. There are four eyelets on each side for attaching this system. There are different products, such as a holder for keys or sunglasses.

Of course, you don’t have to use the Alpaka system here, but can also attach normal carabiners. This would be a good place for an external light meter, for example, which you can quickly access.

The strap supplied with the Alpaka Metro Sling Max is adjustable between 80 cm and 140 cm. The carrying strap itself is made from a very smooth and supple nylon fabric reminiscent of seat belts. The strap is very easy to remove from the bag.

Depending on the weight of the contents, the strap is a little too narrow in my opinion. This makes it uncomfortable to carry for long periods of time. In addition, the mechanism for adjusting the length is okay, but there are far better solutions on the market. Especially with a sling bag, you want to be able to change the length when you change the carrying position.

The handle on the top of the bag is a detail that is often underestimated but is extremely useful in practice. Especially with a sling bag of this size, such a handle is not a matter of course. It makes it easier to grab the bag in the car, on public transport or if you simply want to carry it from one place to another without having to hang it over your shoulder.

Is it worth buying the Alpaka Metro Sling Max?

It’s always difficult to give a generalised answer. Everyone has different expectations of the design and capacity. Can you fit everything you want to take with you? Do you like the fact that the bag is horizontal?

To summarise, the Alpaka Metro Sling Max delivers what it promises. It is well suited as an everyday bag in which you can also carry a smaller analogue camera. The workmanship is good and makes a durable impression. The fact that the bag is well protected from the weather is certainly a plus.

Alpaka should improve the strap of the bag, as there is certainly room for improvement. The key holder could also be optimised for a revised version.

The Metro Sling Max is available online in the Alpaka Shop. The price is between 75 US dollars and 89 US dollars. This review copy was kindly provided by Alpaka for this test.