Code of Bell X-POD II HYBRID Review || Ultimate Everyday Carry Sling!

[@mrmadmover]

Great review. You definitely pushed me to make the purchase. Got it in the same colour, too.

[@Pack_roam]

Thanks! Great sling. Hope you like it as much as I do.

[@HomesickMac]

Just got this bag delivered, and now the big brother Code Of Bell EVO Sling X-Pak got it's little bro companion. This is my third COB bag, also got the Apex wallet, and I can't praise them enough. Your review was geat and I agree with those small drawbacks, but all in all, can't find a better sling that's so unique as COB stuff. I'm a bag/pouch nerd and love many other brands like Wandrd, Bellroy, Lochby... But COB has always delivered that little extra touch and versatility. The X-pod will be used at a gym because the expandable pocket can house a lot if needed, out and about with again, that pocket ready for spontaneous shopping or just getting som groceries... I'm a musician and I've already planned out the X-POD to be my stage buddy carrying accessories, spare strings, tools... Thanks for the review!

[@Pack_roam]

Very cool! Love COB gear. Definitely very unique. Haven’t seen my X-POD II in a while… my youngest son won’t give it back! One of these days I’ve gotta try the EVO Sling. I agree 💯 - love the expandable versatility of the X-POD. Great channel by the way! I like your style. In a former life I played bass guitar and aspired to be a musician.

[@HomesickMac]

@@Pack_roam Hey, cool with a fellow musician who's also interested in bags and stuff! Thanks for the follow!

[@Haze0808]

Do a reverse fold on the main expandable pocket, makes the pocket and the sling align on a single plane.it makes your sling stick to your body better and has no lean.

[@Pack_roam]

By reverse fold, do you mean fold it up instead of down?

[@Haze0808]

@@Pack_roam yessir! Works better that way and it has no awkward angles

[@Haze0808]

@@Pack_roam as a bonus it hugs the body better and it does not lean away from the body anymore

[@alexpaz7904]

i wonder what other brands/model of sling bags would be considered as an alternative to the xpod/xpod2? Same techwear-esque look, w/ neoprene-like material at the back, number of pockets for easy organization, & overall functionality

[@Pack_roam]

I haven’t really come across anything I’d consider a direct alternative to the xpod. It’s pretty unique in design/feature set. I’d be very interested in other opinions on this.

[@KelvinHew7]

Hey Kevin i think Code of Bell is working on the V3 of the X-Pod based on their teaser post on Instagram. Will see what alterations they will make on the next version.

[@Pack_roam]

@@KelvinHew7 Ooh, thanks for the heads up! I’d love to see what a V3 brings.

[@KelvinHew7]

@@Pack_roam currently I'm using the AER Day Sling 3 X-Pac and at times I need to carry a small umbrella on rainy days. I have a Peak Design Packable Tote inside the sling if I need more carry space. I'm torn between the X-Pod and the Packolab Samurai. Both are good for my use case so yeah.

[@Pack_roam]

@@KelvinHew7 well, the X-POD definitely wins on cost and lead time. The Samurai’s are amazing though, especially considering you get to choose colors, materials, options. X-POD is a much more compact carry, unless you’re really stuffing out the expansion area. Really comes down to price and how long you’re willing to wait though. What are you leaning towards?

[@KelvinHew7]

​​​@@Pack_roamI'm torn between these 2 to be honest. The Samurai feels more special because it's made to order and it's personalised. I may get one in the future because I also want to support Borys with what's going on in Ukraine. My local EDC community highly recommended the Samurai as well. On the other hand, I would like to see the V3 of the X-Pod as well. In the meantime, the Day Sling 3 X-Pac is still carrying well for me. My loadouts is always changing depending on what I need to carry when I'm out.

[@Pack_roam]

@@KelvinHew7 I hear you. Decisions, decisions… nice to have options though, right? If the v3 is coming, it’s worthwhile to wait and see what that brings. Let me know where you land on this.

[@GrantDouglas-b9e]

I have one of these slings which I am taking to Europe (travelling)…just one question please…if I am wearing the sling on my front I am a little concerned in crowded spaces (think public transport) that someone could easily undo the fidlock buckle from behind me and maybe do a runner…do you have any suggestions re this…obviously in less crowded spaces I would probably wear the sling with the buckle at the front!

[@Pack_roam]

Good question. Yeah, I’d say theoretically, that could happen. I’d get some of those Velcro cable ties (something like this: amzn.to/48xOItX) and wrap one around the center of the buckle. That’ll make it significantly more difficult to undo. When not in use, you can keep it looped around the strap so it’s always available. Electrical tape would work too, but will likely leave adhesive residue behind.

[@GrantDouglas-b9e]

Thank you for the suggestion…I have some of these ties so I will try one. By the way, I really like the X-Pod II sling.@@Pack_roam

[@odontastic]

When the straps are under tension and worn close to the body (as it should be to prevent the baby from awkwardly cantina away from your body), the design of the buckle prevents the release mechanism from lifting up even if the thief pulled the cord hard. I always travel with mine abroad and wear it confidently on my back, although I often rotate it to my front (which is really and quick) just to avoid tempting any potential thief and make myself less of a target.

[@Youknowthebo]

Great video and presentation. Keep up the great work

[@Pack_roam]

Thanks, Bo! Really appreciate it! Love your channel!

[@Youknowthebo]

@@Pack_roam you're very welcome. Looking forward to check out more of you videos

[@gandrake21]

What's your favorite edc sling now?

[@Pack_roam]

@@gandrake21 tough question… I’ve been using the Vanquest dendrite and tekko slings, they’re pretty good so far. Love the Packolab Samurai, but it’s pricey. The TOMTOC T21 4L is a bargain and carries extremely well. If I had to pick one though? It’d still be the COB X-POD II for its versatility and overall carry. Just a great sling.

[@gandrake21]

@@Pack_roam so I guess this hybrid xpod 2 (s) is still the king. Thank you! The Packolab Samurai looks tasty too.

[@Pack_roam]

@@gandrake21 any time!

[@SirYuri]

Hell of a review - thank you for all the details about the X-Pod II. You mentioned your Tropic version is made of Ecopak, replacing the X-Pac material the black model uses - do you know what specific X-Pac material (VX21, RX30, etc.) they use for the pitch black version? Thanks!

[@Pack_roam]

Thanks! I do not know which version of X-PAC they use on the pitch black version. I’ve got a contact at COFB I can reach out to though. I’ll see if I can find out…

[@SirYuri]

Great, let me know what they say, if they get back to you. Thank you.@@Pack_roam

[@Pack_roam]

@@SirYuri VX21 Ripstop is what I’m told.

[@SirYuri]

Fantastic, I appreciate the information - gonna grab a X-Pod II when they are in stock, solid pouch comparison yesterday too, thanks! @@Pack_roam

[@rfennemore]

Great review. I have 2 x-pod slings and an Annex Carrier - 3-Way Sling (S). Money well spent. Code of Bell products are built with excellent materials and craftsmanship. Besides GORUCK, I wouldn’t purchase any other brands.

[@Pack_roam]

I love the x-pod. I’m going to have to try more of their other gear.

[@sanifoo]

Very useful for cycling especially with the crossbody sling! Finally something thats not a haversack or fanny pack.

[@Pack_roam]

Definitely. I have done a little bit of cycling with this sling. worked out perfect for me.

[@burr130]

Could you tell me the width of the shoulder strap?

[@Pack_roam]

@@burr130 It’s 1.5” wide.

[@RSN1748]

Nice video. Just found your channel!

[@Pack_roam]

Excellent! Thanks!

[@Max_Bu12]

Would you be able to slide a 13” laptop horizontally into the big pouch and secure it with the straps as a last resort?

[@Pack_roam]

Interesting question, but no. You're not going to get a 13" laptop in the pouch. It's just not that big.

[@mannymimilopez6177]

Aloha! What color is that? Tropic green?

[@Pack_roam]

Hi! Yes, it’s the tropic color.

[@jarnix2]

Your filming location is a bit scary 😂. Are you from Dexter Morgan's family?

[@Pack_roam]

“Studio 1”, I’ll call it, wasn’t necessarily ideal, but it was the space I had available. Meanwhile… you find garages scary? 😁

[@seanfalk5104]

I tried this sling for a couple of weeks, I reaaally wanted to like it since im a feature nerd but it fell flat on a very fundamental point for me: I thought it was too small with too few modding options (such as webbing attachment points). It couldn't simply hold everything i wanted it too.

[@Pack_roam]

If it’s not for you, it’s not for you. What’s your go-to sling?

[@seanfalk5104]

Go to after a couple of years experimentation is orbit gear's "Styx" sling bag. It has a similar configuration (except it doesn't expand), but all the compartments are bigger.@@Pack_roam

[@Pack_roam]

Thanks. Looks like a pretty cool sling. I’ll have to pick something up from Orbit Gear one of these days.

[@sunnyleung4999]

can it fix ipad mini ???

[@Pack_roam]

Can’t say for sure. I don’t have one to try.

[@marsiloficino5060]

Dude, it’s still a fanny pack. But still better than any MountainSmith pack

[@Pack_roam]

Copy that.