My favorite bag 2023? Evergoods CAS2 slingbag review

I believe this could be one of my favorite slingbags this year.
Evergoods CAS2* geni.us/Evergo...
Ekster Wallet* geni.us/Ekster-Bo
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FULL DISCLOSURE:
The review part of this video is not sponsored nor did I receive any money to review the item. While I sometimes get bags for free, I have to pay custom fees, shipping fees and all my videos have lots of production costs (e.g. software and music rights). Therefore I invest my own money into all of these videos and I have no intention to be biased towards a product or company. Every review and quicklook is written by me and no company can pay for preferential scheduling or what is said in the video. Furthermore, the company sees the video the same time as all viewers here on youtube. All opinions in this video are my own unless stated otherwise.
ETHICS STATEMENT
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HOW I REVIEW:
As you might know from my „How I make a buying decision“ video: Rather than just looking at the pros, I like to evaluate the cons or flaws of an item and then evaluate if I can live with them. That is why in my video reviews I concentrate more on the cons of an item rather than going over all the features. Therefore everything shown is just a fraction of all the points that go into the verdict and score of an item.
DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A QUICKLOOK AND A REVIEW:
A Quicklook usually covers pre-production units or items that I only used for a short period of time. While Reviews cover final items that I have reviewed intensively.
AFFILIATE LINKS:
No matter if I like or dislike a product, I want to make it easy for you to check out the product yourself. Therefore I include a link of the productpage. If marked with a star *, that link is an affiliate link, meaning if you buy the product via the link you DO NOT pay more, but you will support the channel.
Check out this video for why I now include affiliate links:
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[@ahlun37]

Even after year I have been watching your videos again and again to someone like me at the fence! Enjoy your reviews and just very helpful in the perspective of users but not only a “features” overview! Love it thanks

[@Youknowthebo]

Thanks for the positive feedback and for watching my videos that long ✌️😊

[@CO-kd6sd]

Agreed about the buckle. To me, it's not boring but dependable and proven. Fidlock actually deters me from making a purchase. Love this sling so much.

[@Youknowthebo]

Thanks for watching 😉 ✌️

[@ghislainmpouna8654]

When I use my scooter, I have not find anything better than Bellroy's Venture 9L sling, so easy to use with summer gloves.

[@7alya]

Love the gaff tape trick!

[@Youknowthebo]

Thanks ☺️✌️

[@spinthebluemarble]

the strap issue is also readily resolved by using some Tom Bihn strap keepers. i am unable add a link but they’re easily found in their site. absent this egregious oversight on the CAS2, it’s otherwise pretty perfect. agree that the buckle is much preferred in my opinion over a magnet attachment that can come undone inadvertently.

[@DaemonViews]

A sling bag at this price should not have dangling strap ends. Also a second plastic buckle like aer uses solves this and adds flexibility. I'll wait until they fix it and I don't need to add tape to my 100 dollar sling ffs

[@_jm77_josem.69]

Very nice slingbag. There's even a new color "sage" that can be a nice choice. But I was surprised when you pointed that there's not any way to hide that strap, it can be a bit annoying. But the gaffer can be a good solution. I think, usually making a good sling is even more difficult than making a bagpack. Will stay tuned to this one. I like it.

[@mykeljewell]

If you’re looking for a strap keeper solution that’s a little more professional looking but also not too expensive Tom Bihn makes strap keepers that you can buy for something like $8 US. I bought them for my Peak Design every day bag and also my Evergoods CHZ and it works really well! Highly recommend.

[@ChrisCarries_EDC]

Awesome review Bo - love how you have managed to show clearly the capacity and spaces inside, makes it much easier to visualise. I see you had 2 long memobottles in part of the video: would they both fit inside that front pouch? I am considering the CAS2 and would ideally use the front pouch for a water bottle (likely either an A6 memobottle - different to the long ones) or a Vapur 700ml, along with my sunglasses case which is a hard Rayban case about 4cm in thickness (total measurements about 17cm * 7cm * 4cm). Do you think I'd be able to get those in the front pocket ok? Also considering the Bellroy Venture 2.5L, the Bellroy Sling Mini 4L, and the Aer Day Sling 3.

[@fooalee]

Been sitting on the fence for a while on this one, esp. the slate grey to match my CAP2. Your review nudged me in favor of picking it up! Thanks, Bo for the consistently awesome content :)

[@Youknowthebo]

Thank you very much. Happy to hear that you like my content

[@ryzdot]

How've you been liking it? I'm thinking about getting it as well.

[@William.N]

Looks like a really good bag. Not too complicated and no bad fidlock.

[@Youknowthebo]

Agreed 👍 thanks for watching, William

[@bigzv6948]

Sling bag of the year

[@Youknowthebo]

Agreed 😉✌️

[@jaimelopezforever]

Stoked to see your review of this. I just bought it earlier this week (sorry I can’t use your link) and this has reassured me about my purchase. You’re the best, Bo.

[@Youknowthebo]

No worries. Really happy that you enjoy the bag as well. And thanks for watching

[@erichanson5628]

Thanks Bo!

[@Youknowthebo]

Thanks for watching, Eric 😉 ✌️

[@DrewFromTha02]

Bought the CAS2L black using your affiliate link to support channel. Always enjoy the reviews & subscribed (already)!

[@Youknowthebo]

Thank you very much. You're awesome. Really appreciate it. ☺️

[@katrin014]

Bei deinen Videos freue ich mich mittlerweile nicht nur auf den Inhalt sondern auch auf das Ende 😅. Sehr schön gemacht 👍👍

[@Youknowthebo]

Danke sehr, das war das Ziel 😂 . Das freut mich. Meine alten outros waren mir zu langweilig. Aber mal sehen, wann mir die Ideen ausgehen 😂

[@e3vL1]

they should have made the see-through mesh grey, but leave the interior orange imo my go-to sling bag for casual use is the Bellroy sling due to the zippers being hidden in exterior and clean look. Other sling i own that i like is the Timbuk Catapult Sling which has a cross under shoulder harness (sorry don't know term for it) for more secure fit when doing more physical activities. Wish more modern slings have this feature

[@omokok1877]

I hate the orange, too distracting. Neutral gray would be better

[@senpairag88]

For me CHZ22 is new favorite pack.

[@Youknowthebo]

It is a great backpack for sure

[@nurse.reef.repeatandsomuch1758]

Interesting how the bag you reviewed has a bright orange lining while the website photos shows gray. Any chance you could share why?

[@davidmarantz9419]

Nice review. I have had this bad for a while and the main thing I dislike is the colour options. I know this is subjective but i find them a bit boring, I wish there was the blue like in your 3.5 review. But the organisation is superb. I especially like the double zipper.

[@Youknowthebo]

Thanks. Yeah, I get that: I am missing more color options as well

[@tototo89]

Hi Bo! Can help to review Boundary Supply Rennen Sling as well. The CAS2 would be perfect for me as well but a bit pricey. Cheers!

[@joebertrabadon9682]

I lyk that.hope someday

[@jamizilla87]

It’s sadly no longer on sale (it seems) but I absolutely love my Code of Bell Apex Liner - has Organization, hidden compartments, but also can expand into a big dump if needed

[@Youknowthebo]

As far as I can see on their website, it is still available bit.ly/3Ke86Bf Code of Bell makes amazing stuff

[@jamizilla87]

@@Youknowthebo oh sorry I meant that the CoB Apex Liner doesn’t seem to be on sale any longer 😅

[@anthonycrisp9358]

❤❤❤

[@davidvolsky7713]

I don't think a 2L sling bag is worth $100, especially when they couldn't be bothered to include any strap management. I soured on Evergoods some time ago when I returned an item I was disappointed with. I explained where I thought the item fell short, and the person who responded got very defensive, basically saying I was wrong for my assessment of their product. I keep looking at their new releases, honestly hoping to find something I like, but I just think this company is overhyped. That being said, I'm glad this sling bag was something that worked for you. I always appreciate your reviews, and I think your points are cogent.

[@Youknowthebo]

Oh I am sorry to hear about that negative experience. May I ask which bag you returned and what the issue was? I honestly believe that that kind of customer interaction should not happen. Bags are so highly personal. Body shapes, heights, packing style etc can differ so much, that we all (brands and customers alike) should expect that not everything can work for everyone. Saying that "you are wrong in your assessment" is saying that every item works for every person. Imho there is no right or wrong, but rather it works for you or it doesn't.

[@davidvolsky7713]

@@Youknowthebo It was the Civic Access Pouch, when they first came out. I didn't find the layout useful, and the one I received did not have a premium look and feel to it for the price. I think I would really like the Civic Access Sling if it had a less chunky buckle and good strap management. To be honest, I actually like the magnetic type of closure, but you make a very good point about why those can pose a problem. This bag does look like it has the ideal layout with the organizational features in the rear section and the larger pocket in the front for bulkier items. I may end up giving it a try.

[@kyiu80]

Great review Bo! Does the Slim Memobottle fit into the CAS2 sling?

[@omokok1877]

What do you recommend for edc non photographers?

[@Stormbrise]

I really like the look of this sling. Especially the interior design. A dealbreaker for me though is that it will not fit my iPad Pro. I have my Pantagonia for that though, I need to start carrying around my camera. I do not need to carry my iPad on a walk.

[@Youknowthebo]

Isn't an iPad pro almost as big as a laptop? Does any slingbag fit that size? Or do you need a messenger bag for that?

[@sleepingfaster]

It’s pretty perfect but I wish the buckle was flatter or off to one side. I got one to wear during flights and found the buckle uncomfortable under a ruck or even sitting down on a hardback chair

[@Youknowthebo]

Interesting viewpoint. Never thought of that that way. But depending on how you change the length of the strap you can in theory allign the buckle offset of your spine. Making the buckle thinner would be cool, but I am not sure how stable or durable the buckle would be.

[@sleepingfaster]

@@Youknowthebo it’s a toughie. I wouldn’t say I’m a big guy but at a 42 inch chest the strap has no room left (is fully extended), so there’s little real room to adjust it. The best solution I’ve found is wearing it lower / under my arm when wearing a pack but it’s not ideal.

[@omokok1877]

Try mous everyday pouch pls

[@BoMathys]

Would a GR3 fit in the top sipper compartment? i have been looking at the modern dayfarer active sling, it seems the perfect size. This one seems a little to big, but if my EDC fits in the slim pocket the big pocket would be awsome for incase of items (like gloves in the winter and stuff)

[@Youknowthebo]

Do you mean the camera Ricoh GR3?

[@Sterisk]

Is there an alternative you recommend instead of gaffers tape as strap keepers? It seems like a waste to buy an entire roll of tape for just some strap keepers.

[@Youknowthebo]

I just like gaffers tape for their colors and residue free and easy removal. But you can use scotch tape as well if you first fold it over so you create an area that does not glue to the strap and then stick the tape to itself while looping it around the strap. You could also use a cable tie

[@boulderchips148]

How does this bag compare to the Heimplanet Transit sling?

[@Youknowthebo]

Both are great. The Heimplanet was my favorite bag 2021. The buckle on the Heimplanet is completely different. It's a durable metal design, that might be too fiddly for some people. Overall the design is more unique compared to the Evergoods. But I prefer the organization of the Evergoods. Both are durable and incredibly well made. Can't go wrong with either and it is a subjective decision. At the moment I personally would lean more towards the Evergoods

[@0f556]

For me, this was a massive step backwards considering the well thought-out design of the MHP. This just feels like they needed a smaller fanny pack so they quickly threw together a design and called it good. Plastic buckle right in the middle of your chest, no strap keepers? Come on!

[@Youknowthebo]

I get what you are saying. But I think the bag has two different demographics. I love the mhp, but for my size, my needs and carrying style it's just way too big. Looking at them side by side, I much prefer the compartment layout of the cas2 because the zippered pocked with the mesh is much more useful than the zippered pocket in the main compartment of the mhp. They both have basically the same amount of slots only differently arrange, hence catering to different needs. With the cas2 layout it's much better suited for my edc needs (ie having the back organization for small items like wallet and keys). The strap of the mhp is to some degree superior (eg strap end organizers) and I get that you like the two buckles at the end. However, for me (especially on the motorcycle with a helmet on and gloves) those end buckle points made buckling and unbuckling more difficult. Having the buckle in the middle is easier for me to securely open and close without having the fear of not being able to grab the shorter and heavier side securely. Hope that makes sense. I believe these two viewpoints actually illustrate perfectly how different usecase can make or break an item. And for me that's what makes this bag niche so interesting: what works for one person might be terrible for the next. Or vice versa. Thanks for watching and sharing your thoughts.

[@Roy-mx2bz]

Does a nintendo switch also fit in the back pocket?

[@Youknowthebo]

It would fit if you take of the controller. But it is a tight fit. I would recommend to store it in the front compartment.

[@Windingify]

Hey Bo, is it sold in the EU? Looked at Mukama, but they dont Seem to have it.

[@Youknowthebo]

Yes, Mukama has it. You need to look for "Evergoods civic Access Sling" instead of just "cas2"

[@Windingify]

@@Youknowthebo found it! Thnx

[@JM356]

Needs external attachment points (for keys, water bottles, towels, stabilizer straps, hand san, lights, etc). These can be done very discretely so as to not change the overall look of the bag, so to me the lack of attachment webbing or loops is just bad design.

[@Youknowthebo]

I get where you are coming from. I wouldn't necessarily call it bad design, but rather leaving out what some people don't need. On backpacks I like external attachment points as well. On slingbags I am back and forth. Sometimes I like to attach something outside, but then i get annoyed at the thing dangling around. So in the end I rarely attach anything to the outside of a slingbag. But I get that "having is better than needing"

[@storm7456]

Hallo, wo hast du dir die Tasche gekauft? Direkt von Everygoods?

[@Youknowthebo]

Moin. Nee, von Mukama. Das ist innerhalb Europa und macht den Versand wesentlich einfacher

[@storm7456]

Danke für die schnelle Antwort. 😍 Es ist schade, dass nur grau den 🍊 Innenleben hat.

[@storm7456]

Findest du dass der Preis gerechtfertigt ist? Wenn man das mit nem Kriega R15 vergleicht?😅😂

[@Youknowthebo]

Sehr schwierige Frage. Für mich persönlich ja. Aber das ist der punkt: Es ist sehr persönlich. Denn Slingbags sind ja nicht "Essenziell" wie zb. Rucksäcke. Bei Rucksäcken ist es ja quasi "klar", dass man die für all seine Sachen benötigt. Bei einer Slingbag kann es ja auch gerne mal sein, dass man einfach alle Sachen in die Hosentasche bekommt. Das ist also sehr individuell, ob man eine Slingbag braucht oder nicht. Und somit ist halt die Frage sehr schwer zu beantworten. Da ich persönlich die Grösse, den Formfaktor und die Compartments für meine Bedürfnisse perfekt finde, ist der Preis in Kombination mit der Buildquality gerechtfertigt. ABER das gleiche gilt auch zb. für die Heimplanet Sling, die ja wesentlich günstiger ist. Das Problem bei Evergoods ist natürlich auch der Import und Versand. Dadurch ist das Teil für uns in Deutschland automatisch minimum 15€ teuerer.

[@gundam0816]

Will it fit an ipad mini 6?

[@Youknowthebo]

I don't have an iPad to test it unfortunately

[@shyamkasundra675]

Yes, in front pocket, but tight fit. You can see in The Mountainborn's review at 26:50

[@UniTruffleUdon]

Wish you had shown what it looks like strap side while worn.

[@Youknowthebo]

Not sure if I understand correctly. You mean when the sling is underneath your arm? Personally I don't like when slingbags are underneath my armpit tbh. That's why I usually don't show it that way

[@UniTruffleUdon]

Ah, no brother the position was fine, I meant would have liked to see how the strap side of the bag looked while you were wearing the bag crossbody, to see how loose the straps were while you were wearing the bag and also how it looked after you put your strap keepers on. Ie. When you were wearing the bag, showing the opposite side with the buckles and straps while worn (not bag side) would have been appreciated too. So while the bag was on the front of your body, showing the back to see how the straps were. And how the bag was on your back, show how the straps were on the front. Hope that made sense, cheers.

[@Youknowthebo]

@@UniTruffleUdon oh ok. I see. Will take that into consideration for my next slingbag video. I did not think about that.

[@UniTruffleUdon]

@@Youknowthebo One of the ongoing concerns with the CAS2 seems to be the straps and how they dangle, how the buckle is on the back. In the few videos on YT and online print, nobody seems to show this while worn but do make a point to mention it. Even in Evergoods official model photos, they are seen hiding how the straps appear when it is worn, never really giving a clear angle. Anyway, keep up the great content overall, love your channel. Cheers.