I have it and use it as a tech pouch rather than a sling. The large mesh compartment holds bulky charging bricks etc and even small pouches like a topo mini. It’s very good in this capacity. It does not work well as a sling however. The strap is too short, uncomfortable, and sits funny (this could be mitigated by putting the straps on a swivel of some kind at the ends of the bag. Most importantly it would work so much better if the accordion and mesh pocket were reversed. The accordion should be against the body so when you open the bag it stays vertical, as it it’s things fall out if you unzip it and it flips open. The large mesh should open away from you for easy access to gloves or water bottle or whatever you have in there. I will reiterate that it works extremely well as a tech pouch and the construction and materials are absolutely superb. I keep it in a larger bag and pull it out when I need it. Use it as a sling temporarily when boarding a plane etc and replace it in the larger bag after.
Premium but not comfortable. Materials and magnets are great and I love them. But the accordion does not leave space for free stuff and I don’t like the keys near my phone though the key holder is nice (and compatible with the shadow). Also these premium materials are heavy and probably that’s whys the sling doesn’t stay on the body. I own the shadow 26 and have some similar thoughts. We’ll discuss them at your review. As a conclusion TKS is not bad, it looks impressive at first sight, could be better though.
It’s definitely not for everyone. I think if my gear setup was even slightly different I wouldn’t like it as much, but everything I carry fits so perfectly and the experience is so satsfying. Definitely not perfect, but it’s currently my go-to sling
I do like the idea of it. But the clam shell whilst slinging it would be a bit of a pain in the butt. Possibly haing things fall out. I was considering grabbing this but its a close one between the TKS and the Aer Day Sling 3 3Ltr.
nothing ever fell out in my experience, it was actually very secure while being accessible. And yea, that's a tough choice! I would pick Aer but only everrrrr so slightly, can't go wrong with eiether
The Black Ember TKS is actually Black (in colour) & saying it's gothic is overkill mate. TKS couls also stands for Tactical Kit Sling, if it comes in camo..! Most people do mod their Slings & B/PAcks to suit them thus making it more comfortable & most time "Cool". Perhaps when you start designing bags & packs, some accessories may be the go too, such like a padded sleeve for that uncomfortable strap. As always great presentation. Cowabunga matey.
I was really considering the Shadow 26 in Multicam Black for a while but I wasn't entirely sure if the built-in accordion tech pocket would work for me and it is too heavy for me (1.8 kg, yikes). Also I've heard that it's more like a 21L bag. They do make nice looking bags though!
Will a Kindle Oasis fit in here (lying horizontally)? The website says this is only 14cm tall, and I need 16.5cm, but otherwise this looks perfect for my needs.
Completely agree with you regarding the sling strap. After a while it creates a bump when folding it inside to achieve the tech pouch Look. Regarding the design I feel like it’s more leaning towards a Darth Vader feel:))
I have my eyes on this sling. Even though you give great alternatives and love that you answer the wants and needs of all your reviews. I heard you talk about how black black it is, I love black, but times want to change it up. Black ember only other options is the multicam black love how stealth it looks than usual multicam out there but times when I look at those designs I feel it gives a cheap look on some products. If you have to choose between the 2 options, which one?
@@loremipsum9372 imo any bag that tries to do two things (aka, be BOTH a sling and a fanny) will never be as good as a dedicated sling, or a dedicated fanny. But here's a pretty good option - th-cam.com/video/8mWG06ZKtX0/w-d-xo.html
Own the camo version - it’s not the quality of the sling strap that makes it uncomfortable….its the narrow ribbon style strap. Needs to be double the width to maximize contact area which would reduce the contact stresses. Other than that, great bag.
On point review. However, when packed with certain things, it definitely stands on its own to the point you can operate the sling when its open because its zipper system allows it to open at a certain degree (75 degrees or so). From my experience at least. Also, this isn’t the sling for anyone who likes to just throw stuff inside without thinking about it too much because the compartments are so precise. This isn’t a con, just something to be aware of. And to Aaron’s point on the straps - another problem imo is that it has no simple adjustment system. It takes some time to adjust it just right. Other than that, the sling is top notch🔥
How's the strap comfort? Loved everything about this review, but I'm worried about the straps being annoying for long-term wear. And if it's comfortable if I have to jog a short distance or does it bounce too much?
@@Nomads.Nation for sure. I'm not a runner but was more so thinking of those times where I'm running late and have to hustle for a train. 🤣 This review mostly had me convinced until you got into the bit about the strap digging into the neck. The phone pocket looks super slick, and I love how the main compartment folds out. It's nifty! Maybe the strap thing won't be so terrible in action. Kinda torn between this is the Aer City Sling 2 now.
@@MarcusArtorius as a commuter myself it gets the job done in these occasions but as Aaron said, it’s not a jogging sling per se. As for comfort, I found it way more comfortable when keeping the sling itself on the front. It’s not THE most comfortable sling in general, but it’s ok.
I just bought a new Forge since I was happy with an older backpack of this brand, but ibstead if the model shown in pictures, which was in a gummy fabric finish like the other one I use, it came completely different. I asked to exchange it since it is not compliant to the sales page images, and they said they changed the fabric and that’s it. But if you buy on line you trust the pics and its not fair to send a different product. I loved my old one I gave my boyfriend and now I am just disappointed. Its not right to be sent a different product and be ignored, like it was my fault for their mistakes. I am not happy, feels like a scam. If you change the product, just SHOOT NEW PICS. Is it that difficult? Don’t blame a client that trusts your pics, please. Its bad.
I have had their Forge 20 for laptop/work/light commute for about a year and just love it. Got the TKS for an ultralight daily tech bag and really love it but I do struggle with the strap sometimes. But the build quality of all their bags is out of this world good, so I'm hooked. And yeah, I like the black.
Thank you for pulling out sunglasses! By far one of the bulkiest, most awkward and most expensive items that go in and out of my sling all day and no one shows them. Like I don't need to see a tiny pack of tissues- Iget all slings can fit those! And no roaves don't count- they are hideous and overpriced.
dude the aer sling is so not linkin park. it’s way edgier. “goth” can be high fashion. i agree that the fit is awkward. almost like a giant capsule. it creates bulk, not ergonomic. the aer city has an amazing fit.
Fidlock closures would be a disaster if you are traveling where people might steal your bag. WAAAAAY too easy for a criminal to walk by and steal if right off your body.
Thanks for the comment Peter! So funny how polarising this sling is - I truly loved it, but apparently people feel very strongly the opposite way. I totally get it though, it has a design/build/concept that won’t be for everyone.
@@Nomads.Nation I'm finding a small sling also can be a tech pouch for a while. first time i saw TKS i think i got the right guy but the compartment are worst, strap is not comfortable and not access friendly when you wearing on the street. My final choose for concept of "tech pouch sling" are Aer day sling 2 and Peak Design teck pouch.
Thanks for your opinion. I’ve reviewed over 400 of the world’s best bags as honesty as I can but I am always open to feedback. What parts of this particular review do you think I was being dishonest about?
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I have it and use it as a tech pouch rather than a sling. The large mesh compartment holds bulky charging bricks etc and even small pouches like a topo mini. It’s very good in this capacity.
It does not work well as a sling however. The strap is too short, uncomfortable, and sits funny (this could be mitigated by putting the straps on a swivel of some kind at the ends of the bag.
Most importantly it would work so much better if the accordion and mesh pocket were reversed. The accordion should be against the body so when you open the bag it stays vertical, as it it’s things fall out if you unzip it and it flips open. The large mesh should open away from you for easy access to gloves or water bottle or whatever you have in there.
I will reiterate that it works extremely well as a tech pouch and the construction and materials are absolutely superb. I keep it in a larger bag and pull it out when I need it. Use it as a sling temporarily when boarding a plane etc and replace it in the larger bag after.
Epic comment and I love the swivel idea - that would be a HUGE upgrade
Premium but not comfortable. Materials and magnets are great and I love them. But the accordion does not leave space for free stuff and I don’t like the keys near my phone though the key holder is nice (and compatible with the shadow).
Also these premium materials are heavy and probably that’s whys the sling doesn’t stay on the body.
I own the shadow 26 and have some similar thoughts. We’ll discuss them at your review.
As a conclusion TKS is not bad, it looks impressive at first sight, could be better though.
It’s definitely not for everyone. I think if my gear setup was even slightly different I wouldn’t like it as much, but everything I carry fits so perfectly and the experience is so satsfying. Definitely not perfect, but it’s currently my go-to sling
Great review Aaron. Black Ember has been pretty popular for the past year. Can't wait to see your other upcoming Black Ember reviews.
Thanks so much! 3 more BE reviews on the way!!
I do like the idea of it. But the clam shell whilst slinging it would be a bit of a pain in the butt. Possibly haing things fall out.
I was considering grabbing this but its a close one between the TKS and the Aer Day Sling 3 3Ltr.
nothing ever fell out in my experience, it was actually very secure while being accessible. And yea, that's a tough choice! I would pick Aer but only everrrrr so slightly, can't go wrong with eiether
@Aaron Radcliffe (Nomads Nation) thanks for that response mate. See how we go. 😊
The Black Ember TKS is actually Black (in colour) & saying it's gothic is overkill mate. TKS couls also stands for Tactical Kit Sling, if it comes in camo..! Most people do mod their Slings & B/PAcks to suit them thus making it more comfortable & most time "Cool". Perhaps when you start designing bags & packs, some accessories may be the go too, such like a padded sleeve for that uncomfortable strap. As always great presentation. Cowabunga matey.
Thanks bud! And I stand by my ‘gothic’ stance 😉
I was really considering the Shadow 26 in Multicam Black for a while but I wasn't entirely sure if the built-in accordion tech pocket would work for me and it is too heavy for me (1.8 kg, yikes). Also I've heard that it's more like a 21L bag. They do make nice looking bags though!
Their bags are gorgeous, and personally I love the functionality. Full review of the Shadow coming soon!
great review, i really like the style of this one, is there anything better or similar which has the same form?
Cheers! Aer City Sling 2 would be close
@@Nomads.Nation lol ok, i had that on my shortlist i really did. out of the two which one and why?
@@Rob-ty3ig Aer. Better feel and UX
Are you planning on reviewing Alpaka products? I’m very curious how their Go Sling Mini compares to this and the Aer Day Sling 3
Yes planning to but tbh it might be a while - maybe 2023
I bought this bag. I really love it!
Great to hear!
Will a Kindle Oasis fit in here (lying horizontally)? The website says this is only 14cm tall, and I need 16.5cm, but otherwise this looks perfect for my needs.
Not sure, I’d recommend reaching out to Aer and asking them - plz let us know what they say 🙏🏽
Been waiting for this.
Was it worth the wait? 😏
@@Nomads.Nation I was disappointed with how it sat on the body. However the review was definitely worth it.
@@gabrieldawa6221 agreed that the body fit isn’t perfect, but the other pros def outweigh the cons imo
Completely agree with you regarding the sling strap. After a while it creates a bump when folding it inside to achieve the tech pouch Look.
Regarding the design I feel like it’s more leaning towards a Darth Vader feel:))
Darth Vader - LOVE THAT 😂
Excellent review! So great... that I just purchased it. Thanks.
Thanks Jeremy! Please let us know what you think of it after testing for a few weeks 💪🏾
How are you liking the sling jeremy ?
Hey Aaron! Great videos! Do you have any experience about niid fino IV sling?
Thank you! And no - I see niid products all over Hong Kong where I live but haven’t reviewed on yet. Hopefully soon 💪🏾
I have my eyes on this sling. Even though you give great alternatives and love that you answer the wants and needs of all your reviews. I heard you talk about how black black it is, I love black, but times want to change it up. Black ember only other options is the multicam black love how stealth it looks than usual multicam out there but times when I look at those designs I feel it gives a cheap look on some products. If you have to choose between the 2 options, which one?
I love both! But probably I’d go with the regular black personally
@@Nomads.Nation thanks for your opinion.
@@jacobynguyen2257 glad to help :)
How do we get ahold to you to see about reviewing the tropicfeel hive backpack?
Feel free to email me at Aaron@nomadsnation.com
Can you use this as a waist pack/hip pouch/fanny pack?
yes, but it's a much better sling than a fanny imo
@@Nomads.Nation could you recommend one thats good as a sling and fanny?
@@loremipsum9372 imo any bag that tries to do two things (aka, be BOTH a sling and a fanny) will never be as good as a dedicated sling, or a dedicated fanny. But here's a pretty good option - th-cam.com/video/8mWG06ZKtX0/w-d-xo.html
Own the camo version - it’s not the quality of the sling strap that makes it uncomfortable….its the narrow ribbon style strap. Needs to be double the width to maximize contact area which would reduce the contact stresses. Other than that, great bag.
I think I mostly agree, although double would be quite wide, but wider in general would help
I love the current crop of slings, even though I don’t really need/use one, and this one looks sweet!
Great review, as always really.
Thanks so much! I was really blown away by this sling
I bought it based on this review!❤
Thanks so much - hopefully you used our link ❤️
I have that TKS and it's both great and useful !
Hell yes! I’m publishing a video next week about my 7 favorite bags and this one made the list 😏
Is it true about the fit not being snug on the body and kinda hanging weird?
Awesome review.
Thanks so much Ferdinand!
On point review. However, when packed with certain things, it definitely stands on its own to the point you can operate the sling when its open because its zipper system allows it to open at a certain degree (75 degrees or so). From my experience at least.
Also, this isn’t the sling for anyone who likes to just throw stuff inside without thinking about it too much because the compartments are so precise. This isn’t a con, just something to be aware of.
And to Aaron’s point on the straps - another problem imo is that it has no simple adjustment system. It takes some time to adjust it just right.
Other than that, the sling is top notch🔥
Amazing points - thanks so much Avishay!
How's the strap comfort? Loved everything about this review, but I'm worried about the straps being annoying for long-term wear. And if it's comfortable if I have to jog a short distance or does it bounce too much?
@@MarcusArtorius it’s definitely not a jogging sling. Comfort of the strap is good, but not stellar
@@Nomads.Nation for sure. I'm not a runner but was more so thinking of those times where I'm running late and have to hustle for a train. 🤣
This review mostly had me convinced until you got into the bit about the strap digging into the neck. The phone pocket looks super slick, and I love how the main compartment folds out. It's nifty! Maybe the strap thing won't be so terrible in action. Kinda torn between this is the Aer City Sling 2 now.
@@MarcusArtorius as a commuter myself it gets the job done in these occasions but as Aaron said, it’s not a jogging sling per se. As for comfort, I found it way more comfortable when keeping the sling itself on the front. It’s not THE most comfortable sling in general, but it’s ok.
great review
Thanks so much Amir!
I literally had to pause at 2:18 and bust out some Korn. Thanks man.
Brings me back to high school 😂 love me some Korn
When is the next black Amber review ?!
I can’t wait anymore 😎
Gets published tomorrow!!
Use this as a tech kit and the Kompak as a sling. I realize the Kompak wasn't available when most people got the TKS, but it's a far superior sling.
Does the TKS fit in the Kompak?
@@Nomads.Nation Unfortunately no. I got both and wanted to do exactly that, but the TKS is just too big.
@@andyibanezk i didn't think so
Please review the Alpaka Bravo X Sling V2!
Hopefully soon!
@@Nomads.Nation you’re my go-to guy on this stuff. There’s 3 bags I’m debating and I’m looking forward to your next vids!
@@mr_red13 Thanks a ton dude! More reviews coming soon 💪🏼
I just bought a new Forge since I was happy with an older backpack of this brand, but ibstead if the model shown in pictures, which was in a gummy fabric finish like the other one I use, it came completely different. I asked to exchange it since it is not compliant to the sales page images, and they said they changed the fabric and that’s it. But if you buy on line you trust the pics and its not fair to send a different product. I loved my old one I gave my boyfriend and now I am just disappointed. Its not right to be sent a different product and be ignored, like it was my fault for their mistakes.
I am not happy, feels like a scam.
If you change the product, just SHOOT NEW PICS. Is it that difficult? Don’t blame a client that trusts your pics, please. Its bad.
Thanks for the comment! Not a great look for Black Ember if this is the case
Great review, Aaron, but don't you dare tempt me to sell all my AERs you originally sold me on 🤔😳😏😎... never gonna happen 😌
Haha don’t worry - Aer is still one of my all time faves!
can I put in iPad mini6
Don’t own one, not sure
No, the ipad mini is too big to fit.
@@f1sh3rbrigade15 thanks!
weight?
true dat
I have had their Forge 20 for laptop/work/light commute for about a year and just love it. Got the TKS for an ultralight daily tech bag and really love it but I do struggle with the strap sometimes. But the build quality of all their bags is out of this world good, so I'm hooked. And yeah, I like the black.
TKS is amazing but the strap really started to ruin it for me
Thank you for pulling out sunglasses! By far one of the bulkiest, most awkward and most expensive items that go in and out of my sling all day and no one shows them. Like I don't need to see a tiny pack of tissues- Iget all slings can fit those! And no roaves don't count- they are hideous and overpriced.
Haha I don’t go anywhere without my sunglasses - they are an essential!
I like this bag but the floppy front fit is an instant no-go for me.
Thanks for the comment!
Check out the Trakke bags!!
Hopefully soon!
dude the aer sling is so not linkin park. it’s way edgier. “goth” can be high fashion. i agree that the fit is awkward. almost like a giant capsule. it creates bulk, not ergonomic. the aer city has an amazing fit.
I’m sticking to my Linkin Park analogy until someone suggests a better band comparison 😉
One correction- the bag isn’t “Korn”, it’s type o negative, black no. 1 🤩😂
Thanks for the correction 😉🤘🏼
Many living in HK! I lived in Taipei for 23 years. You should get out of there with China looking over you!
HK is home for now 🇭🇰
Fidlock closures would be a disaster if you are traveling where people might steal your bag. WAAAAAY too easy for a criminal to walk by and steal if right off your body.
I think it might increase the likelihood, but not by that much
Con 3 price...
For the materials they use it’s actually a great price, but yea, all things considered it’s not a budget sling
Ok it's rubbish. Thank you for the video
Glad you liked the video 💪🏻
It’s basically a dude’s toiletry bag but turned into a sling bag
Can’t say I agree lol but cool perspective
It looks cool but
T H E worstest using experience ever.
Thanks for the comment Peter! So funny how polarising this sling is - I truly loved it, but apparently people feel very strongly the opposite way. I totally get it though, it has a design/build/concept that won’t be for everyone.
@@Nomads.Nation I'm finding a small sling also can be a tech pouch for a while.
first time i saw TKS i think i got the right guy but the compartment are worst, strap is not comfortable and not access friendly when you wearing on the street.
My final choose for concept of "tech pouch sling" are Aer day sling 2 and Peak Design teck pouch.
@@peterwong3420 great points for sure. I also love the Aer day sling and peak design tech pouch ❤️
Far away from an honest review, another marketing video
Thanks for your opinion. I’ve reviewed over 400 of the world’s best bags as honesty as I can but I am always open to feedback. What parts of this particular review do you think I was being dishonest about?