We have already introduced a wide variety of bags and backpacks, but one category that has been little discussed so far is what I would call the 'pocket-plus' size.
What do I mean by that? I mean a small sling bag that is just the right size to hold all the items you would otherwise keep in your pockets or that would fit in your pockets. This includes things like keys, a smartphone, a small notebook, a power bank, a compact camera, Bluetooth headphones, pens, memory cards, and of course camera batteries.
So, items that would fit in a pocket or jacket pocket by size, but would be a bit too much to store there, or when you don't have a pocket available. Especially in summer, when you often wear only light clothing without a jacket, you quickly reach your limits.
The Search for the Perfect Everyday Companion
My personal search for such a bag has been going on for a while. The options and the range available are very large. There are many brands, designs, and materials to choose from on the market, which doesn't necessarily make the decision easier.
For me, it was especially important that it be a high-quality bag that can withstand daily use. I also cared about good design and that it could be used in various daily contexts. This is, of course, a very subjective topic, and it's not easy for me to put into words what looks good to me. The simple and understated look of this model, however, seemed to offer a good balance for different occasions.
Weather resistance wasn't so important to me for this bag, as due to its compact size, you can quickly stow it under a jacket or simply pack a small plastic bag inside for protection in case of a heavy downpour.
Here is the additional paragraph, including a suitable subheading, that can be seamlessly inserted after the section 'The Search for the Perfect Everyday Companion':
A Candidate: Pioneer Carry Safari Sling
The Safari Sling is offered by the American brand Pioneer Carry. The bag presents itself with quite compact dimensions of about 18 x 13 x 6 centimeters and weighs only 157 grams when empty.
For materials, the manufacturer uses a specially developed fabric called Mandarin 840. This is a durable ballistic nylon that also has a protective coating to repel dirt and light moisture.
The construction is complemented by robust aluminum buckles and durable zippers. The color selection is oriented towards classic, muted tones that blend unobtrusively into the overall picture. In addition to the regular color variants Black, Navy, and Forest, a limited version in MultiCam Black is occasionally available, which is made of robust Cordura nylon instead of the Mandarin fabric.
Wearing Comfort and Strap Characteristics
An essential element of any sling bag is the carrying system. The strap of the Safari Sling is made of a fairly soft material. Personally, for slings, I prefer a slightly rougher material, as it has more grip on clothing and thus slips less easily. On the other hand, a softer strap naturally feels more comfortable on the skin and neck.
Being able to remove the strap would be quite good in everyday use. Especially when you stow the bag in a larger backpack, it's actually nice if the strap is gone and doesn't get tangled with other items. Additionally, a buckle on the strap would be a sensible addition. Since you often wear a scarf and a thick jacket in winter, a buckle would make the bag much easier to take off without having to awkwardly pull it over your head.
Nevertheless, the strap is overall well-made. This is particularly evident in the metal buckles used for adjusting the length, which leave a solid impression. Thanks to the practical loops on the front and back, the bag can also be easily gripped and lifted when lying flat on a surface.
Practical Experiences in Everyday Use
In daily use, the bag sits well against the body. Due to its low weight and compact size, which naturally also limits the contents, you hardly notice it while carrying it. It can be worn on the side, on the back, or directly on the chest.
As with the well-known Panda Pack, the zipper is a positive feature. The zipper always runs very smoothly and easily in everyday use. It never snags, even when the bag is packed a bit fuller. Since the zipper has two sliders, the bag can be opened flexibly from the right or left, which makes handling easier in daily life.
It's understandable by design that a larger camera naturally doesn't fit in this bag. However, that's not a big deal, as you can carry the camera on its own strap or wrist strap and then transport accessories like batteries and films in the small bag. For a small compact camera, the space is entirely sufficient.
Organization and Space in the Interior
A look inside the Safari Sling reveals a structured layout that ensures order despite the compact dimensions. The main compartment is divided by a practical divider, allowing thin items to be stored separately. Additionally, there is a separate zippered pocket on the inside, which is well-suited for flat valuables like an ID or memory cards, as well as an integrated key holder.
As everyday practice shows, this interior offers exactly the right capacity for a manageable everyday setup. In addition to a small notebook and a suitable writing instrument, useful everyday companions such as a compact flashlight (like the ones from Wurkkos), a small pack of mint candies, and a foldable shopping bag for spontaneous errands (like the Nanobag) find plenty of room side by side. There is even sufficient space for a compact camera like the transparent Flashback camera or an action camera like the DJI Osmo Nano, without the bag losing its flat, body-hugging shape.
Conclusion
In the test, the Pioneer Carry Safari Sling proves to be a solid and well-thought-out option for anyone who wants to implement the 'pocket-plus' concept in their daily life. It impresses with its robust material selection, clean workmanship, and the smooth-running zipper that makes everyday handling easier.
Even though details like a generally removable strap or an additional buckle for winter use would have further simplified use in certain situations, it still offers good wearing comfort and a functional layout.
In my personal opinion, the bag could be a few centimeters deeper to provide a bit more storage space for thicker items.
For photographers who only want to carry a small compact camera, some accessories, and fresh film on the go, this sling represents an unpretentious and reliable transport solution that relieves your pockets without getting in the way.
Sources and Availability
The Pioneer Carry Safari Sling is available through the official website of Pioneer Carry. There you will find detailed information on the materials used, as well as current prices and color options for ordering.
