Evergoods Civic Access Sling 2 (CAS2) - compact, easy to carry EDC sling w/ an underwhelming strap

The Evergoods Civic Access Sling 2 (CAS2) is a small, easy to carry EDC sling with useful (albeit slightly tight) internal organization that features great materials but is let down by a slightly underwhelming strap.
* 00:00 - Introduction
* 02:52 - Who it's for/Not for
* 05:33 - External Design/Materials
* 10:42 - Strap / Load Carriage
* 16:28 - Zipper Access
* 17:22 - Rear EDC Compartment
* 23:42 - Main Compartment
* 28:26 - In Conclusion
* 29:01 - Also Consider
The Civic Access Sling’s main claim to fame is probably the fact that it is a small, easy to carry compact sling bag that blends aspects of last year’s MHP 3.5 and the recent CAP1 releases and features the same great build quality and materials (such as this great back panel) that are the hallmark of the Evergoods brand. It's also features a fairly decent internal organization and is surprisingly comfortable to wear as a hip pack, for those so inclined.
Conversely, the CAP2 has a few shortcomings - it's pretty tight overall in terms of capacity, and much like the MHP 3.5 is less efficient at the capacity to size ratio relative to other similar literage bags. Additionally, some aspects are less refined/thought out than might be expected - for example, the straps are somehow both simultaneously short but also dangly, and are bizarrely missing strap keepers which leads to a really messy look when worn. The interior EDC pockets are better than in MHP 3.5 but still somewhat tight and a little frictionful to access whilst worn, especially relative to many other slings.
Nonetheless, the CAP2 is an interesting small sling, especially for fans of the Evergoods brand.
Evergoods Civic Access Sling 2
evergoods.us/products/civic-access-sling-2l
Also mentioned in this review:
Aer City Sling V2
kzbin.info/www/bejne/m6XUq56Gac6FsM0
Note: All the products in this video were purchased with our own money and all opinions expressed are our own.

[@visito.r]

You are currently by far the best reviewer of carry gear online. Way to go! Love your videos.

[@TheMountainborn]

Awwwww - thank you so much for the kind words my friend!!! 😀

[@cricks81]

Finally a review on this sling. I was taking it as a bad sign that no reviews were showing up quickly like normally happens with a new release. Makes me wonder how many reviewers are actually giving honest assessments like this if they won't put out a bad one. Thanks!

[@TheMountainborn]

Hi Chris! Glad you found the video useful! I can't speak to other reviewers but for me I always try to provide an honest assessment from my perspective of the bags that I review. Whether someone buys a bag - or conversely, makes the decision to not buy a bag - as the result of my review are equally valuable outcomes in my opinion. Bags/EDC are my hobby and I approach this channel from that perspective rather than as a way to make money - I don't use affiliate links, I have a relatively... lean posting schedule and I'm fortunate enough to be able to buy bags with my own money*. So this means I don't need to worry if a review that points out potentially shortcomings might result in brands not providing early access or free products etc. I'm generally a huge fan of Evergoods which is why the CAS2 was a little bit of a let down for me. I have high hopes that they'll improve some of these points in the V2 - and also, for those with smaller chests/frames and tightly dialed EDC carry, I think the CAS2 could potentially work for them even as is, as long as they throw some strap keepers on there. In either case, super glad that you found this review useful! :) * There are some brands/makers that understand and value my review style and philosophy (long form, keep it real, fully independent) and do send in items for review - those are clearly noted in the videos and in the comments. (Obviously the review is independent no matter what but I believe it is super important to call out when a bag was bought with my own money versus when it was sent in for review)

[@mickt4553]

love your review!! very detailed, very well-considered!

[@wlee1801]

While this product isn’t right for me, the video is thorough and thought out! The poll was also a nice touch. I hope you get more views and comments not just from a few spam bots.

[@TheMountainborn]

Thank you so much for the kind words W Lee! Very much appreciated and glad that the video could be of use to you! :)

[@Brazier]

Another review by Mountainborn, another Thumbs up.

[@TheMountainborn]

Awwww!! Thank you for the kind words!!!

[@G36Jeff]

Mine will be here in a few days. I can’t wait!! Almost exactly what I want in a pack.

[@TheMountainborn]

Yayyyyy! I hope it works well for you - interested to hear how you find it!

[@G36Jeff]

Man I don’t know what people are hating on! I absolutely love this thing.

[@714SNF]

thx for the vid! EG dropped the ball on the dangling straps

[@TheMountainborn]

My pleasure! Yes, I really hope they tweak this (and make the strap slightly longer) in a v2!

[@getjcn]

Kept getting distracted by that beautiful moonwatch ;p. Great review as always! Would love to see you review your other watches, audio gear or EDC items in the same detailed breakdown method you use for the bag videos!!! I think it's safe to say that anyone into these premium bags is often filling them with other premium products :)

[@TheMountainborn]

I see you are also a man of culture! 😂 (I do love the look of a speedie on a nato...) That's a great idea for a video - I might do that coming up!!! Stay tuned :)

[@seantnichols]

I’ve been wearing mine since it released and I’ve been pretty vocal about the straps. I don’t have dangle because I wear mine with the straps fully extended and like you it barely fits. The other issue I’ve found with the strap is it’s attachment angle. They claim it makes it fit better but I’ve found the complete opposite, it leans out and if you tighten it up it doesn’t snug to the body well. Lastly that buckle is horrible both in type and placement. The center mount absolutely does not keep the bag in place like they claim, it digs into your back when sitting or wearing a backpack. I constantly have to take the bag off when sitting which is something not necessary with a bellroy sling. I’m going to keep using this sling but there are constant annoyances that will make me want to pick a V2 if they fix the strap.

[@sennahojw]

Hi Mountain, if possible can you compare the aer city sling to the mw axis?

[@epretto]

Slings are hard to choose from. Every detail matters :)

[@G36Jeff]

So true. This one comes close to what I want in a pack. Maybe this size,Slightly bigger and a way to carry a med to small water bottle. That would be my perfect sling edc bag ! Any suggestions?!

[@epretto]

@@G36Jeff I carry UL, so now I am packing X kross from allmansright - it is a very nice brand from NYC - Bronx more specifically. If you are more into standard slings, I would go aer. I have a tks from black ember, but I cannot recommend.

[@TheMountainborn]

My man, speaking the truth bombs!!! The smaller the bag, the more stripped down, the more each feature counts. Slings especially!

[@epretto]

@@TheMountainborn Me? Look at the title of this video… I wish I didn’t agree with you about the strap… 🥲

[@mickt4553]

are you also going to review Evergoods MHP as well?

[@OscarRamirez-mi5co]

What is the name of the first "other bags you might like to consider"? Mountain something hip bag. Thanks

[@keeganjsolomon4870]

What are your thoughts on the moment mtw fanny sling 2L?

[@25millz]

Hey Mountain love your videos! It looks like Evergoods released a v2 with better strap management would that change your mind on this it seems that was a big part of your cons? I’m between this and the Aer city sling 2 for carrying my x100v and some other small items for travel - any insight there?

[@TheMountainborn]

Hi @25millz - I actually picked up the new v2 CAS2 when they released it precisely for this reason. Happy to report that the strap system on the new sling is much, much better than the v1, ameliorates the primary pain point I had with the original and greatly enhances the overall usability and comfort of the CAS2 - I can recommend the v2 for sure. Regarding camera carry - I have a carried the X100VI in both the EG CAS2 (v2) and the Aer City Sling 2. It will fit well in either of them and either combo works well for the same kind of use case you described - small assortment of EDC items as well as a small dedicated camera held in a handy, easily accessible sling without taking up too much space. That said, I personally preferred the carry experience for the X100VI in the Aer City Sling 2 for the following reasons: * Superior internal pocketing of the City Sling 2 enables you to carry more items and be able to access them easily and without fiddling around whilst also still carrying and easily being able to access the camera * Organization design of the City Sling2 means the camera is less likely to get scratched by other items (for example, keys are in a separate external pouch, there are multiple "layers" inside of the sling that help shield pokey things from the camera screen, etc.) * Rectangular shape of the City Sling 2 fits more effectively with the rectangular shape of the X100 VI * The camera is slightly more protected (front/back) due to construction of the City Sling 2 vs. the CAS2 * For the X-pac variant (which I have), * Minor point, but if you tuck away the straps of the City Sling 2 (there is a hideway spot for them in the back of the sling) the whole thing becomes very much like a little semi-padded camera / tech pouch that fits nicely in a larger bag. I found this handy on a few occasions (dropped it inside my larger backpack, then took it out and had an on-the-go camera/EDC sling) To be clear, the CAS2 can carry the X100VI very well and it is also easily accessible. However there were a few things I found it did less effectively than the City Sling: * The front "dump pouch" pocket of the CAS2 where the camera has to go has no padding so the camera is basically exposed on all sides (front, side, bottom, top) and easier to damage * Lack of organization in this pocket means anything else you put in there will just rattle around, possibly damaging the camera so I found myself not really putting much else in this pocket which greatly limited the usability of the sling * More pressingly, the key leash is located in the same main big pocket where you would put the camera - I would never want my keys rattling around in the same compartment as my camera so I had to carry them in my pocket, which again, reduces the utility and purpose of having a sling * Personally, I felt the rectangular shape of the camera didn't mesh as well with the more ergonomic/curved design of the CAS2 which seems to encourage one to wear it high and tight with the bag conforming more to the curves of your body. I felt the camera meshed a bit awkwardly in this case (but this may just be personal preference) Anyway, both are solid slings for the kind of camera carry you want to do and of course it depends on your personal load out and preference but for me the City Sling 2 was my clear preference for carrying the X100 VI. I hope this helps!

[@25millz]

@@TheMountainborn Wow thank you for that detailed reply! You really made my life hard though, I had sold myself on the CAS2 as I prefer the aesthetic and the buckle on the side will make having a backpack at the same time more comfortable. Good thing it's out of stock so I have more time to decide. Thank you again for your insight - you're the best!

[@donkeybro6368]

This video was the reason I left my bed today. Are there any fun and ridiculously designed (function or appearance -wise) bags that you want to share with us?

[@TheMountainborn]

Hahahaha - happy I could contribute to the motivation to get out of bed! 😂 Actually I love this - I do in fact have a few random quirky bags in my collection - I might do a video on them. Thanks for the great idea!

[@hangryxwaifu]

Hi Mountain, does the straps get loosen easily while u were wearing it? Im a petite small frame female, i think this sling is just the right for my size vs the mhp 3.5 but i want to make sure that the straps dont get loosen easily over time & i will need to readjust & tighten it regularly, i find that annoying like what happened to some of the sling bags i got.

[@TheMountainborn]

Hi MJ AD Sorry for the late reply - I didn't have any problems with the straps loosening whilst I was wearing them but as I mentioned in the video the strap was near the maximum length on me. That said, I have worn other slings where the strap comes loose quite easily so I understand your frustration. In my opinion, this strap on this is not likely to do so even on your frame, however there are some issues with the excess strap dangling (as I show in the video). If you don't mind this though, then I think this sling will be a good for you!

[@yusux]

Between the mhp and cas2, which one would you prefer for travel for city/nature environments?

[@TheMountainborn]

This is a tough question partially because I consider the ideal properties of an outdoor oriented bag to be somewhat different from those aimed at urban contexts. That said, assuming you have a dialed in/relatively svelte set of EDC carry items, don't have a larger chest/frame and don't mind the dangling straps the CAS2 then the CAS2's better urban-oriented internal organization might tip it slightly ahead of the MHP for urban carry (I found the EDC pocket in the CAS2 worked a lot better for my phone, wallet, other EDC-type things than the MHP 3.5's) On the other hand, for outdoor use or if you have a bigger frame /don't want to feel like your sling is slowly strangling you, then the MHP3.5 would be a better choice. Same thing if you have a larger set of things to carry in general. One thing is that an "outdoor/nature" use sling is not exactly precisely defined - when you think of that, what are the things you're thinking to carry in it? Like a camera? Water bottle? Rain shell? Food? etc.

[@ashleyganzberg]

Are you able to tell me what brand your little point pouch at 20:08 is? I love its size and have been looking for something similar!

[@TheMountainborn]

Hi @ashleyganzberg - sure thing! It’s the “coin wallet” by Montbell: www.montbell.us/products/disp.php?p_id=1123769

[@ashleyganzberg]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@Cyv001]

I've been wondering, where'd you get your overalls?

[@4jcv]

What windbreaker / jacket did you pack at the end of the vid?

[@TheMountainborn]

Hi @4jcv - assuming you're referring to the jacket I showed at the 28:05 mark, that is the Foehnwear Anderson Windbreaker (www.wearfoehn.com/collections/mens-tops/products/mens-anderson-windbreaker). I hope this helps!

[@tehgreatist]

I think the bag itself is nice and I don't think I would have issues with the tightness (I usually travel pretty light) but I think you talked me out of getting this due to the issues with the strap. it already seemed not ideal and after you highlighted how bad it is I can't justify the price. that is the other thing - this bag is more than twice as expensive as other options I'm considering. hopefully they make a comfortable and sensible strap on the next iteration. I will say the design is nice though, and it looks a lot better (imo) than other bags that are branded as designer and still cheaper (how many people are really paying $300+ for hip bags?)

[@TheMountainborn]

Hi Tehgreatist - I'm really glad my review was helpful for you! I agree that the strap issue is such a disappointment - and one that seems like it could have been so easily avoided with a little bit of effort! By the way, have you seen the new Bellroy Venture Ready sling (2.5l)? I'm actually testing that right now and it strikes me as very similar to the CAS2 in several ways (general size, shape, carry style etc). I will do a review on it at at some point but generally speaking I like it so far. It might be worth checking out! (and the straps don't have the same issues as the CAS2)

[@etkz]

@@TheMountainborn hey Mountain, great review as usual. Any thoughts on the Venture Ready so far?

[@erikzunder5539]

Did you get the new carryology x EG mash? it's still available in EG japan if you didnt'

[@TheMountainborn]

Hi Erik! I did and in fact it's sitting right next to me at the moment as I'm using it on a trip :) Review coming soon! (preview - I really love almost everything about it other than the material choice - but even that isn't bad)

[@jonuiuc]

Its a real shame about the maximum circumfrence, on the website it state 47" and I have a 48" chest. so there is no way. I was in the market for something smaller than my Belroy Venture 6L (that has my favorite over chest sling strap solution I've ever tried, and I've tried quite a few) oh well.

[@OsmarMty]

when i saw they didn't use the same straping system as they did with the 3.5L I didn't even bother watching Evergoods full video, they blew it in my opinion

[@TheMountainborn]

Hi Osmar! Yes the strap on this one was quite a let down, which was doubly disappointing given how much better the internal organization was in this one (IMO) versus the 3.5 :(

[@Misterion25]

MHP was solid, this looks like a miss. Thanks for saving me some money by not getting it!

[@TheMountainborn]

I hear you. The CAS2 has definitely has grown on me over time but ultimately I just can't get over some of its shortcomings (some of which in my opinion are tragically self-inflicted like the too-short, but dangly strap le sigh.) Glad I could be of help!!

[@seechangenyc280]

Sadly, returned. Too lazy and not clever enough to find a solution for strap management. Not fan of big buckle and placement. Shame.

[@TheMountainborn]

Hey you!! How's it going? Always love seeing your comments pop up in my feed ❤️ 😄 Yes, sadly this one was a bit of a rare miss from my beloved Evergoods peeps 😿. Fingers crossed for a future v2!!

[@G36Jeff]

Hello sir. New sub. Hey have you ever seen the bags made by Briefing? They make amazing bags. Kinda expensive but wow. Can you maybe check them out. I always wanted to see one in person. But please check them out either way. There called Briefing.

[@daytontrever2557]

promosm

[@dre6229]

just a small bag, talk too much, video too long

[@TheMountainborn]

Hi D re, Long-form reviews are kind of my thing! If you prefer shorter videos, there's plenty of other channels out there which do much shorter takes - things like Pack Hacker quick hits, etc. You may like those better!

[@michaelhockham5663]

I feel you should show us all how to competently execute an informative product review.