When it comes to traveling light and staying organized, a reliable sling bag is essential. Not only does it keep your essentials like phones and documents within easy reach, but it also allows you to keep valuables close to your body, reducing the risk of theft. The Uniqlo Round Mini Shoulder Bag has recently become a social media sensation, particularly on platforms like TikTok, and with its affordable price of $19.90, it’s definitely caught our attention. But how well does it perform in real-world use? We took it on our last trip to find out.

Design and Build Quality

The Uniqlo Round Mini Shoulder Bag is as minimalist as it gets. Its simple half-moon shape makes it incredibly versatile, offering the option to wear it over one shoulder or as a crossbody bag. We found the crossbody style to be the most comfortable, as it rests against your side, making it easier to access the contents inside. The design is unisex, especially with darker color options, making it suitable for all.

Crafted from nylon, the bag features a zippered main compartment, but don’t expect premium materials. While the nylon fabric is soft, it doesn’t compare to higher-end options in terms of durability. The plastic loop used to attach the shoulder strap is sturdy, but we’re considering upgrading it with a metal carabiner to secure it more firmly.

Interior and Organization

The interior of the Uniqlo Round Mini Shoulder Bag is where it shows some limitations. Out of the box, it only has one large compartment, with two small, loose pockets on one side. While these pockets are helpful for smaller items, they aren’t secure enough to hold anything tightly in place. There’s also no key clip or internal organization features, making it challenging to keep things tidy.

For those who prefer more organization, we found that packing cubes, like the Eagle Creek Pack-It Mini, fit well inside and help keep things in order. We even improvised a key clip by drilling a small hole in the nylon tab and using a carabiner to hold our keys securely.

Despite these shortcomings, the bag offers surprising space. We managed to fit a passport, wallet, glasses, camera, and even a 1L water bottle without any trouble. The bag does lose some of its shape with heavier items, but we didn’t experience discomfort.

Comfort During Use

The comfort of this bag is one of its standout features. It’s incredibly lightweight, and even when fully packed, it hugs your body comfortably. We tested it during a 12-hour journey that included car rides, flights, and long layovers, and the bag never caused any discomfort, even when we slept with it on at the airport.

It’s also great for use alongside a backpack. The thin shoulder strap hardly adds any weight, and the bag sits snugly against your body, preventing it from swinging around during walks. While it’s less comfortable to carry it closer to the chest due to the bulging shape, this minor issue doesn’t detract much from its overall comfort.

Safety and Security

One of the main reasons for choosing a sling bag is safety. It allows you to keep your valuables close and avoid the risk of losing everything if your main bag gets stolen. The Uniqlo Round Mini Shoulder Bag is discreet with no visible logos or branding, making it less likely to attract attention from potential thieves. Its compact size also makes it easy to hide under a jacket or coat.

However, the bag’s soft nylon fabric makes it vulnerable to cuts from sharp objects, such as pickpockets using knives in crowded areas. While it lacks a built-in lock, we easily added one ourselves. By tying paracord around the shoulder strap and attaching a Nite Ize SlideLock Carabiner to the zipper pull, we were able to secure the bag, adding an extra layer of protection.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Lightweight and easy to carry
• Soft and comfortable fabric
• Affordable price
• Discreet design with no branding
• Spacious enough to fit a variety of essentials
• Customizable with DIY modifications
• Multiple color options available

Cons:

• Lacks internal organization (no key clip or compartments)
• Not as durable as high-end alternatives
• Plastic hardware may not last as long
• No zipper lock mechanism (requires DIY solution)

Should You Buy the Uniqlo Round Mini Shoulder Bag?

So, should you grab the Uniqlo Round Mini Shoulder Bag for your next adventure? It depends on your needs.

If you’re looking for a high-end, feature-packed sling bag like those from Bellroy or Peak Design, this bag won’t meet those expectations. It lacks additional organizational features and can’t compete with premium models in terms of durability. However, for the price, it offers excellent value. It’s light, stylish, compact, and perfect for carrying essentials during day-to-day activities or casual travel.

For those who prefer a simple, no-frills bag that’s easy to customize and won’t break the bank, the Uniqlo Round Mini Shoulder Bag is a great choice. Its discreet design and comfort make it an ideal option for travel, and it’s low-cost enough to replace if lost or damaged. With a few personal modifications, it can easily become a highly functional travel companion.

In conclusion, the Uniqlo Round Mini Shoulder Bag is a solid, budget-friendly option that meets the needs of minimalist travelers. While it may not have all the bells and whistles of more expensive brands, it’s an affordable and practical choice for anyone looking for a simple, comfortable, and discreet sling bag.