ORBITGEAR S400A ADV-VX: REVIEW
FOREWORD
ORBITGear is no stranger to the techwear scene. This small Jakarta-based workshop has been pumping out small batches of extremely well-made and futuristic-looking gear for over a decade. Those unique, durable and awesome looking items would quickly become a new default option for any fan of techwear. From their very conception until this day the attention to detail, impeccable build and innovative designs allowed ORBITGear to compete with brands several times its size.
Last year I had the pleasure of reviewing the modular backpack R101 ADV-WX and today I am excited to share my thoughts on the latest addition to ORBITGear’s product line: the S400A ADV-VX " SIDESWEEPER VB" (I will just call it the S400 moving forward).
How does it differentiate itself from other large slings on the market? Is it all looks and no function? And finally, should you consider getting one?
Read on to find out.
WHO IT SUITS
Those who want to go all minimal with their daily carry, while still being able to carry a small laptop or a large tablet.
Anyone already invested in the ORBITGear ecosystem to take full advantage of the deep integration of smaller mods into the S400 or even making the S400 a mod for a larger bag.
People who are into techwear and a futuristic look will not be disappointed.
WHO IT DOESN’T
Those looking for a more heritage vibe will obviously not find it here, the S400 is a very deliberate techwear product through and through.
Those who put comfort above else might find the S400’s strap to be lacking.
ABOUT THE BAG
* PRICE: $158
* DIMENSIONS: Height 420 mm, Width 260 mm, Depth 100 mm
* WEIGHT: 840 gram
* CAPACITY: approximately 9L
DESIGN & FEATURES
The S400 is an expandable cross-body sling bag with a very distinct rectangular shape and the ability to change the look of the front by removing the Fidlock straps and rolling the top instead of securing the top flap with buckles. This allows the bag to have 3-4 distinct looks and also allows various external carry options.
What’s really cool is that the S400 boasts perfect symmetry when it comes to external access. Unlike the majority of the ambidextrous bags which simply allow you to change the strap orientation from left to right, the S400 has equal access from both sides to the front compartment, main compartment and the hidden back compartment. This is the first bag in my experience to offer this. I found it not only refreshing but, more importantly, extremely useful. No matter how I swing the bag, I can always get inside each compartment. The only remark is with the laptop sleeve and mesh pocket inside the bag because they both open from the right side (when looking at the front of the bag).
So what are the standout features of the bag?
a) Expandability: thanks to the rolltop design the bag can offer a few more liters when needed.
b) Incredible access: Top and side access to the main compartment (from both sides) as well as dual access to the front flat compartment and back compartment.
c) Modularity: As with all ORBITGear products you can pick and mix different mods and attachments to adapt the bag to your needs.
Small, but very appreciated, touches include a reflective strip on the front of the bag for visibility in the dark, strap keepers to ensure a dangle-free experience, quick release and adjustments of the strap with an included stabilization strap.
COMFORT
ORBITGear has been using a signature black/olive strap with a silver accent on many of their bags. The strap itself is high quality, wide enough, extremely durable and adjustable. It looks cool and will probably outlast me and my kids, so no issues with durability.
My concern however is with the comfort. The strap has zero padding which is more than acceptable most of the time, but as soon as I cram my Macbook Air M1, a book, a water bottle, a tech pouch and some small tidbits I immediately feel the pressure on my shoulder and carrying the bag over extended periods of time becomes unpleasant. This issue feels more prominent with warmer weather when I carry fewer layers so there is less padding between the strap and my body.
Thankfully, ORBITGear thought about that and added an optional pad (EXT402 PAD) that can be purchased for $18 and I imagine it will take the comfort to the next level. A bit of a bummer that you have to purchase it separately and I hope that it will be in stock when you place an order for the S400. From a business perspective it makes perfect sense to keep the S400’s base price affordable and allow the customer to purchase the extra pad if needed. In reality, I did not know I would need the pad until I received the bag and tried it for a few days. It would be nice if the extra pad is highlighted in the recommended products when purchasing the S400. This way a customer can avoid the experience of ordering it separately and paying for shipping twice.
The top grab handle is great and long enough to grab comfortably (even with gloves on). Additionally, it is reinforced with a cool leather add-on which makes carrying the bag by the top handle a pure joy. The leather padding can be removed (recommended if you like to hang your bags by hooks, since the leather could deform under the weight of the bag).
The mesh back panel has generous padding and is very comfortable considering the compact size of the bag.
Overall the comfort is good, but I personally recommend getting the EXT402 PAD when buying the S400 to future-proof the bag.
MATERIALS & ORGANIZATION
In my previous review of R101, I highlighted a couple of things that bugged me and upon receiving the S400 I was pleasantly surprised that my (and many others’) feedback was incorporated into the new products, most notably the updated zipper pulls (they are perfect now!) and improved visibility for the main compartment (by using a clear mesh liner that feels great and looks even better!). It is not often that companies truly listen to the community and I appreciate Yostria (the founder of ORBITGear) and his team to continuously challenge themselves and push the products further.
Overall the materials used on the S400 are superb! They look great and perform exceptionally well in many conditions thanks to the VX21 used for the body of the pack, a heavy tarp liner on the inside and high-quality leather on the bottom of the pack.
The hardware is excellent too: YKK Aquaguard zippers, Fidlock V-Buckles for closure, a matte black WooJin plastic buckle on the strap. Everything is meticulously picked to make the S400 more than the sum of its parts.
The organization is plenty for EDC and not too much to forget where you put what.
Externally:
Dual entry secure zip pocket on the back panel
Dual entry quick-access to the main compartments
Internally:
13" Macbook Pro Sleeve / 11" iPad Pro Sleeve
Right access clear mesh pocket
Generous main compartment
ALTERNATIVES TO CONSIDER
The Mission Workshop Spar - a very similar bag but with a much cleaner look and made in the USA. It does lack the modularity of ORBITGear, but is more readily available for purchase, though more expensive at $215. Also, Spar falls behind in accessibility - the side access to the front and main compartments is only available from one side.
The Life Behind Bars Slingshot - another offering from Jakarta, Indonesia, the Slingshot is essentially a mini-messenger, very competitively priced at just $49. Be prepared to pay a bit for shipping but it still offers great value for awesome materials, Fidlock closure and being able to fit a 13 inch Macbook inside.
WHAT’S HOT
The S400 boasts perfect symmetry on the outside, with excellent ambidextrous access to the essential compartments.
Incredible modularity and customization thanks to the rich ecosystem of existing and upcoming mods.
Excellent build and weather protection.
Futuristic design and aesthetics combined with smart features make the S400 a looker.
WHAT’S NOT
Comfort when the bag is heavy is lacking. I highly recommend getting the optional EXT402 PAD strap attachment.
Produced in small batches, so the bag is often not available for immediate purchase. Be prepared to wait for the next drop and hope to score it.
VERDICT
ORBITGear created a uniquely versatile and highly accessible bag that redefines what a mobile office can be. With its awesome modularity, superb materials and badass look the S400 is highly recommended, if you can pull off the techwear look and don’t mind waiting for the next drop. Personally, I suggest investing in an optional EXT402 PAD strap to ensure optimal comfort.