tomtoc Aviator-T33 Chest Bag 3.5L Review

Before we dive in, it’s worth noting that there are 1.5, 2.5, and 3.5-liter versions of this sling. We’re reviewing the 3.5-liter version, as it has the most space to carry gear while you’re traveling. However, just because it has more space doesn’t mean that space is prohibitive for trips to the airport, exploring a new city, or visiting the local market. Let’s dive in and see how it fares!

External Components

The primary material from which the tomtoc Aviator-T33 Chest Bag 3.5L is crafted is nylon. tomtoc says that it offers RFID protection, and though we could only test it for NFC transmission, we believe that to be true. The materials are highly water-resistant and lightweight, too. We have had no issues with rips, tears, or punctures, either, even after two weeks of rigorous testing.

The materials are sleek looking, though some travelers might want something more vibrant than the colorways available at the time of writing. They’re a bit bland, but they’ll match most even the most saturated outfits.

The crossbody sling utilizes YKK zippers that have held up well. YKK is one of the best hardware brands in the business, so it’s nice to see tomtoc continue to use them. The front compartment has a zipper garage, which helps keep water out by blocking the gap between the zipper head and the end of the track.

Two tabs on either side of the sling’s front face are handy for opening all three zippered compartments. When not in use, they mostly stay out of the way.

The strap buckle is a Duraflex Stealth Warrior. It’s pretty big, so not all that stealthy; however, it works well and hasn’t popped open unexpectedly.

On the sling’s side, there’s a Hypalon-like tomtoc tab, which is minimalistic and isn’t shouting at you, which we dig. To our eye, this is the only tomtoc logo on the exterior.

Fit Notes

The back panel has no padding or aeration, though it’s comfortable enough in our experience. The materials can get sweaty on warm days, especially if you’re cycling or doing something more active. That said, it isn’t much warmer than other slings we’ve tested.

The strap has no padding or aeration but is quite broad to spread out the weight. If you load the bag with heavy items, like tech, it can dig in a bit, especially if you’re wearing a thin shirt or tank top. However, we think it’s comfortable enough for most uses, from cycling to exploring the city center.

The sling is designed to be a crossbody, not a waist pack. The strap won’t tighten enough for many users to use it that way, anyways, but some body types might be able to make it work.

The sling is lightweight, which we like for comfort. Even if you load it up with heavy gear, it’s still relatively light, which is handy for long days of exploring.

Inside The Sling

The liner is orange, which isn’t uncommon in the modern sling and crossbody bag era (many brands utilize the bright color in their liners); however, we’ve heard that some users don’t like its hard-to-miss look, so it’s worth noting here.

The front compartment has some organization but isn’t bogged down by it. There’s a key leash to ensure you don’t lose your keys or the one you just got for the hotel or Airbnb. There are two liner pockets with elastic on the top, which is handy for stowing items, as they don’t pop out as easily. A wallet works nicely here; however, most phones won’t fit inside the pockets.

The back pocket is somewhat hidden, as it rests on your back. It has no organization, making it a solid candidate for your passport, phone, or other flat items. Whatever you stow here becomes the back panel, so be careful not to place anything oddly shaped, as it may make your carry more uncomfortable.

The main compartment is where the real party is. There’s a small tablet sleeve (that will only work for small tablets), two medium-sized mesh pockets, and a zippered mesh pocket. The medium-sized pockets are perfect for a wallet or smaller tech gear, whereas the large, zippered pocket works well for bigger items or things you don’t want bouncing around the rest of the main compartment, as it has a zippered closure. Because they’re all mesh, you can easily see what’s stowed inside. Though there isn’t much organization, you can use this as a makeshift tech pouch because of the segmentation. There’s a ton of room for larger items here, too, like a 20,000 mAh battery bank.

At a price tag under $50 (at the time of writing), you can’t go wrong with the tomtoc Aviator-T33 Chest Bag 3.5L for the features it offers!