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Culture > Garb

The Uniqlo multi-pocket shoulder bag is my new favorite everyday satchel

A sleeper hit for only P1,490

After taking his first look at the bag, the author knew it was right for him. PHOTO BY LEANDRO MANGUBAT

Walking is the most important form of mobility. It’s how everyone gets around, especially when traveling abroad. However, you need the right bag, and finding it takes trial and error. Just like Goldilocks, everything has to be just right.

I was doing last-minute Christmas shopping at Uniqlo when I spotted the Multi Pocket Shoulder Bag. It looked perfect. And given that I had an upcoming trip to Singapore, I was never more excited to try out a bag.

The Uniqlo bag is spacious without being bulky. PHOTOS BY LEANDRO MANGUBAT

The Uniqlo Multi Pocket Shoulder Bag measures 15 inches by 10.4 inches by 4.3 inches, with a stated capacity of 13L. The shell is made of nylon, while the lining and the filling are made of polyester.

The bag has a subtle design, being utilitarian without looking tactical. It’s spacious yet compact, thanks to the smart use of pockets. And that’s what makes it so great.

Fanny packs are convenient and secure. But their space is usually limited to just my everyday carry (phone, wallet, keys, and power bank). On the other hand, a messenger bag is excessively big for me since I don’t lug around papers and a laptop.

I normally use a fanny pack and a small backpack when traveling, which is enough for my Fujifilm X100V mirrorless camera, a jacket (or an extra shirt), a water bottle, and an umbrella.

It gets the job done, but my back gets sweaty, even when the load isn’t heavy. Because the Uniqlo Multi Pocket Shoulder Bag gave me the best of both worlds, I only had to lug around one bag instead of two.

The author needs easy access to his camera when traveling. PHOTOS FROM LEANDRO MANGUBAT

Having plentiful space isn’t enough for a bag because the items it holds should also be easily accessible. That’s what I appreciate about the different storage options of the Uniqlo Multi Pocket Shoulder Bag.

The main compartment is big, wide enough to fit a 13-inch MacBook Air in its laptop sleeve. There are also two pockets inside, presumably for holding a charger or a small notebook.

On the outside are two pockets that give me easy access to my EDC. My passport and wallet go in one pocket, while my power bank and camera filter go in the other.

The icing on the cake are the two side pockets, which hold my tumbler and umbrella. The former is essential for me as someone who drinks water throughout the day.

The coffee cup was stored in one of the side pockets. PHOTO FROM LEANDRO MANGUBAT
You can attach a carabiner to hold additional bags. PHOTO FROM LEANDRO MANGUBAT

The Uniqlo Multi Pocket Shoulder bag is held by one adjustable strap. I normally wear it cross-body so that I don’t have to hold it from falling off.

I get sweaty easily, which is why I like how the bag doesn’t cover my back. The trade-off is that all the weight is concentrated on one side.

However, you can look at it this way: The bag gives you some flexibility with storage, but it also encourages you to pack light. Also, you can move the strap to the other one side if you’re starting to feel sore.

There aren’t any handles for holding the bag by hand, nor is there a sleeve that lets you slide it into the handle of a trolley. I think that’s fine because the bag is comfortable as is, and adding those would take away from its simplicity.

The bag doesn't get in the way when sitting down. PHOTO FROM LEANDRO MANGUBAT

I was very much happy with the Uniqlo Multi Pocket Shoulder Bag during my week-long stay in Singapore. It was great for walking and commuting, and usable for biking.

It never felt like a drag, yet it managed to fit snacks and drinks from the grocery and convenience stores.

Even when I was seated inside restaurants, the bag wasn’t cumbersome or bulky. There was no need to stow it under the table because I could keep it on my lap or by my side.

The compact form factor allowed it to fit on the basket of the rental bikes, too. But I could also easily wear it while biking so I could ride out quickly. Also, I got to hang my helmet around the shoulder strap when I was off the bike.

The downside was that I had to occasionally move the bag to my back so it didn’t get in the way of my legs while pedaling. It’ll work with upright bikes but not with drop bars.

The bag isn't ideal for cycling, but it can work decently. PHOTOS FROM LEANDRO MANGUBAT

The Uniqlo Multi Pocket Shoulder Bag is my new favorite everyday bag because it gets everything just about right. It’s stylish, decently spacious, and convenient to use—good for someone who doesn’t bring a lot, but wants a bit more space just in case.

If your interest hasn’t been piqued yet, wait until you hear the price. The Uniqlo Multi Pocket Shoulder Bag costs only P1,490. You don’t have to be a crazy rich Asian to own it.

The Christmas season may be over, but that doesn’t mean you should wait until the holidays again before thinking of getting this bag.

This bag is available in three colors: Black, Olive, and Beige. You can check out Uniqlo’s website or visit your nearest store to get one for yourself.



Leandro Mangubat

Leandro is our bicycle-obsessed writer. Although having a background in mechanical engineering, he enjoys photography and writing more.



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