Upstao Tsuru 7.5L Crossbody Sling

MORE THAN POCKETS, LESS THAN A BACKPACK

Some days a backpack is too much and pockets are not enough. Seven and a half litres across the chest carries a jacket, a bottle and a tablet, swings round to sit flat on your lap on a train, and comes off in one movement when you sit down for coffee.

• Padded 11-inch tablet sleeve — suspended off the base so a dropped bag does not land on the screen
• 38 mm strap with a moulded slider — set the length once and it stays there instead of creeping
• Curved padded back panel — follows the ribs rather than sitting as a flat board against them
• Swings flat onto the lap — open it on a train seat without taking it off
• Key leash in the front pocket — a clipped tether so keys are not loose in the organiser

Seven and a half litres worn across the chest, with a padded sleeve that takes an 11-inch tablet. It is the bag for the day you do not want a backpack but need more than pockets.

7.5 L, and a tablet sleeve inside

A sling lives or dies on the strap and the back panel. This one has a 38 mm webbing strap with a moulded slider that stays where you set it, and a padded back panel that curves rather than sitting as a flat board against your ribs. Inside there are three zones: a padded tablet sleeve up to 11 inches, an open main for a jacket or a water bottle, and a front organiser with a key leash. Swung round to the front it sits flat on your lap, which is what makes it work on a train.

What you get

• Padded 11-inch tablet sleeve — suspended off the base so a dropped bag does not land on the screen
• 38 mm strap with a moulded slider — set the length once and it stays there instead of creeping
• Curved padded back panel — follows the ribs rather than sitting as a flat board against them
• Swings flat onto the lap — open it on a train seat without taking it off
• Key leash in the front pocket — a clipped tether so keys are not loose in the organiser
• Bottle fits upright in the main — a 500 ml bottle stands without pressing into the tablet sleeve

Specifications

Questions about the sling

Can it be worn on either shoulder?
The strap and the curved back panel are cut for the right shoulder with the bag across to the left hip. Worn the other way it functions, but the panel curve works against you and the zip faces out.

Will a 13-inch laptop fit?
No. The sleeve is cut for an 11-inch tablet and a 13-inch laptop will not seat. At 7.5 L this is a day bag, not a work bag — a laptop needs the tote or a proper backpack.

Is 7.5 L enough for a day out?
A packable jacket, a 500 ml bottle, a tablet, a wallet and a charger, comfortably. Add lunch and it is full. If you carry a camera as well, you want the bigger duffel or a backpack.