CODEOFBELL ANNEX CASE II 3-Way Traveller Sling Review

The updated CODEOFBELL ANNEX CASE II 3-Way Traveller Sling offers more capacity and functionality beyond a wallet with additional storage space and organization for the essentials. The integrated card slots with RFID protection provide quick access when we need a card, cutting out the middleman of pulling out a separate bifold. With dedicated slots for cards, paper cash, and even two zippered pockets for spare change or receipts, it can also fit a passport, a Field Notes notebook and pen, charging cables, and a smartphone (depending on the size and thickness of your device).

The case provides ample protection from the elements thanks to its water-resistant materials and construction. With a storage capacity of about 0.9 liters, it functions similarly to a wallet but can hold a few more daily essentials. It makes up for its small size with a plethora of organization and easy access to everything inside. While we appreciate the streamlined approach, the overall storage capacity can be somewhat limiting. We’ll get into that later on.

External Components

The CODEOFBELL ANNEX CASE II 3-Way Traveller Sling is constructed using ECOPAK™ EPX 100% recycled waterproof fabric. However, it is important to note that while this fabric may be waterproof, the bag is not submersible. It also features YKK water-resistant zippers, with AquaGuard coating around all zippers for extra protection. The Hypalon zipper pulls, which include the CODEOFBELL name and logo etched into them, are pretty large compared to the overall case. At first, this may seem unnecessary, but their larger size makes them easy to use and locate.

The case has two D-rings on the front serving as additional attachment points, which are ideal for clipping on extra gear like AirPods. Two more D-rings on the back can also function as attachment points, but we’ll go over those in a minute. Lastly, there are four additional loops for further attachments, but they are located on the back of the case and will be up against your body, so they may not be suitable for attaching bulky or oddly shaped items. With a bag as small as this, there are no compression straps, which is not really surprising.

The case lacks grab handles, but we have no issue carrying it like a clutch due to its size. Carrying it this way is relatively comfortable, though we recommend disconnecting the shoulder straps to avoid needless dangling. The FIDLOCK® magnetic buckle on the shoulder strap is super easy to use and incredibly satisfying to fiddle with. However, it is favored to one side versus the other, so establishing which orientation best works for your preferred carry style (over the left or right shoulder) is essential to ensure it is in the front. The strap connects using triangular carabiner clips to four D-rings on the back, making changing and adjusting the orientation a breeze. The shoulder strap is of a nice size and width, neither too thin nor too wide, and never feels like it digs into your shoulder or gets in the way.

You can attach the straps for horizontal or vertical orientation, though the overall strap connection could be clearer. The D-rings to connect the carabiner clips are around the perimeter of the case. On one side, the strap splits into two carabiner clips attached to a single D-ring. Although there’s a strap keeper to manage excess dangle, adjusting the length without creating slack can be tricky. The adjustment mechanism features a Hypalon pull similar to the zippers, which is easy to use. We wanted to be able to attach the strap to a third D-ring to stabilize the bag and allow it to open at more of an angle, but we couldn’t manage to make that happen easily.

Fit Notes

The CODEOFBELL ANNEX CASE II 3-Way Traveller Sling has a rugged urban aesthetic. At the time of this review, it only comes in the one color option referred to as “Pitch Black.” This all-black theme allows the various attachment points and zippers to blend in, remaining largely unnoticed from a distance. Despite its compact size, the case feels like it is doing the absolute most with all the various attachment points and design accents. It resembles a standard clutch wallet with a detachable shoulder strap for convenience when you want to step out without carrying a dedicated bag for the clutch. Despite its robust features, it also maintains a compact and slim profile that easily fits under a jacket without bulging out.

Inside The Sling

This update has a ripstop orange camo inner lining, which stands out aesthetically and enhances visibility, helping you locate gear inside. The front pocket is dome-shaped, providing some additional room inside. This pocket seems most suited for bulkier items, offering more space than the main compartment. This pocket is shaped like an upside-down trapezoid and takes up most of the bag’s front, with a decent amount of storage but no additional organization.

The main compartment is somewhat rigid and can be a bit tight based on how you load it. It features dual zippers and a gusset that helps keep gear secure while providing a comprehensive view of everything inside. We prefer to use it for flat items such as cards, cash, and notebooks. However, adding bulkier items like AirPods might cause the compartment to bulge and become difficult to close. An additional feature of the main compartment is its RFID protection, which is particularly beneficial given the integrated wallet.

The main compartment contains two slip pockets for cash, two zippered pockets, eight card slots, and two mesh pockets that are not very stretchy but contain items adequately. It also has three elastic loops designed for cables and such, alongside a pen loop at the top for thinner pens, pencils, or a stylus. However, in our experience, this loop is relatively tiny and can be challenging to use. We tried to slip in a few different-sized pens but never successfully utilized this loop—just something to keep in mind.

We did find the CODEOFBELL ANNEX CASE II 3-Way Traveller Sling a welcome update to the original, with increased capacity, organization, and versatility. It’s a multifunctional wallet with storage for essentials such as a passport, notebook, pen, charging cables, and a smartphone. It features built-in card slots with RFID protection for secure and easy access, wrapped in water-resistant ECOPAK™ EPX 100% recycled waterproof fabric and YKK AquaGuard zippers for protection from the elements. The adjustable shoulder strap features a FIDLOCK® magnetic slider buckle that is easy to use and fun to fiddle with, and the case’s rugged urban aesthetic and compact, slim profile makes it perfect for wearing under a coat or jacket. The interior’s ripstop orange camo lining enhances visibility, and overall, we find it an excellent wallet with added storage for some other daily essentials, provided they are not too bulky.