Bellroy Laneway Belt Bag Review
My Perfect Daily Carry!
Purchase Price: $69.00
Tiny but mighty
I have an unhealthy addiction to acquiring everyday carry bags of all sizes. I see a sleek looking sling bag and I can’t help but buy it. The problem is I have only so much to carry and only one body to mount all these bags on. The one I found myself using quite often as my daily driver is a little sling that doubles up as a fanny pack. Made by Bellroy, the Laneway Belt Bag is an itty bitty storage companion that holds just enough for my needs as a male who no longer wants to bulk up his pant pockets with stuff. It’s probably not suitable for everyone’s needs, but boy do I personally like this bag.
Bellroy makes a whole slate of sling bags. Basically any size and shape you can imagine, this brand produces something that covers it. As a 2L bag, the two zippered compartments do all of the heavy lifting in terms of storing your goods. The main compartment opens up wide to provide two evenly divided pockets that naturally fit wallet-shaped items. There’s a key clip that’s handy for quick access to car keys. The main compartment doesn’t offer a whole lot of space, but the bag is made out of a stretchable Mipan Ocean Regen fabric, which is basically recycled fishing nets and nylon. You can actually bloat up the inside with items where the zipper can reasonably still close to maximize storage space if you really wanted to. The entire point of a smaller bag is to help owners reduce the amount of things they carry outside by limiting the storage capacity. I still find the Laneway to offer good organization capabilities even with its limited slots.
The backside of the bag conceals a discreet pocket that can store even the longest of modern smartphones. It’s a good spot to throw a passport or more sensitive documents while travelling as it’s not as easy to access that zipper from the front side with the pocket pushing into the body.
Terrific Magnetic Clasp
One of the signature functions from Bellroy bags are their magnetic clasp mechanism. This isn’t a clip, button, or other clasp mechanism that requires a certain precision or force to unlatch. It really is a single-handed ability to attach and detach the straps from the bag. By using a thumb, you can nudge the top clip off of the small circular magnet on the receiving end of the clip to detach the strap from the lock position.
Who is it made for?
probably not suitable for everyone’s needs, but if you’re looking to empty pockets this is it.
The great thing about this system is not just the ease in which it operates, but also how secure it actually is. You need to physically be attempting to unlatch the magnetic connection to disconnect the bag from the belt. I’ve flung the Laneway like a wild goose being chased by a bear and it consistently has held tight. It’s a bit deceptive as the magnetic connection really doesn’t seem too strong as it’s so easy to flick it off with a fingernail, but this clasp design is fantastic.
Plain and Simple
As for physical aesthetics, I find the Laneway to be diligently simple to look at. It’s a non-intrusive design with basic colorways that blend in with any attire the wearer may have on. In other words, it’s a good accessory regardless of the owner’s preferences in style. The bag also doesn’t scream “camera bag” or some more hipster modern look. It’s a simple belt bag that adults can wear as a daily carry to work and out in the world.
It might be too small for people who carry a lot of stuff with them, but if you’re looking to house a wallet, phone, and a few miscellaneous things like a chapstick and earbuds, this is more than enough to feel comfortable around your waist, behind your back, or across your chest.
All the items that can fit in my Bellroy Laneway Belt Bag
This sleek and stylish sling offers the perfect blend of compact design and functional organization, keeping your everyday essentials close at hand.