Through Gear Diary, I get to review all kinds of unique products. Many of those products have become essential to my everyday carry items collection. That’s especially true with products from WaterField. I’m currently out of the country, and the WaterField Essential Crossbody I reviewed years ago is part of my everyday carry.
I love WaterField products. They are thoughtfully designed and beautifully constructed, and they last!
While less expensive bags are available, WaterField bags are so durable that they are more of an investment than a purchase. Over the years, I have gathered a fantastic collection of their products. They have all seen significant use and still look amazing. I’ve never had an issue with any of the samples I’ve been sent for review.
The WaterField Essential Crossbody is available in four sizes; I have the smallest of the collection. It’s large enough for all my daily carry items and to hold my iPad Mini when I am out and about.
I’m spending the month in Tel Aviv, which means I’m spending lots of time walking and riding electric scooters. The Essential Crossbody comes everywhere with me.
Here’s a quick look at why I love this small EDC bag.
The Essential Crossbody is part of WaterField’s lightweight Essential Bags Collection. As they explain,
Designed for quick access, the Essential Crossbody has multiple pockets to organize your items: a separate padded compartment for laptops and tablets, a front zippered pocket for securing wallet and keys, and an open front pocket for frequently accessed items.
The four sizes are ideal for different Apple products. Thus, my small version holds an iPad Mini and other essentials. The next large version holds a full-size iPad, while the largest versions can hold a laptop.
WaterField Essential Crossbody Dimensions & Weight:
- Compact Size: 6.25” (l) x 2.5” (w) x 8.25” (h) . 6.4 oz.
- Medium Size: 8.5” (l) x 2.5” (w) x 11” (h). 12.4 oz.
- Tall Size: 10.5” (l) x 2.5” (w) x 13” (h) . 1.2 lbs.
- Ultra Size: 12” (l) x 2.5” (w) x 15.5” (h). 1.25 lbs
Constructed from 1680 Denier Black ballistic nylon and Forza nylon, the WaterField Essential Crossbody is light, sturdy, and looks brand new after years of use.
WaterField Essential Crossbody Features:
- They are made from abrasion and water-resistant, durable ballistic nylon and high-performance Forza textile.
- Three easy-access points: main compartment, front zippered pocket, and front open pocket.
- Available in three sizes: Compact, Medium, Tall
- Separate interior pocket fits MacBook Pro, MacBook Air, or iPad (and similarly-sized devices)
- Gold liner illuminates the bag’s interior.
- There are two external pockets for easy access: a zippered pocket for securing valuables and an open pocket for frequently-accessed items.
- Spacer mesh on the back for sweat-wicking.
- The removable cam shoulder strap can be adjusted while wearing the bag.
- YKK waterproof zippers.
I always need a few items when I’m out and about in Tel Aviv. I need my wallet, phone, passport, an external battery, apartment key, money and AirPods. Then, based on what I’m doing, I may need to carry a few more items.
If I carried all of these items in my pockets, I would be weighed down and uncomfortable.
Instead, I can secure my passport, wallet, cash, and external battery inside the WaterField Essential Crossbody’s large, main, zippered compartment.
My apartment key clips into the zippered pocket on the outside of the WaterField Essential Crossbody. This secure pocket also holds my AirPods. The open pocket on the outside is excellent for items I need to quickly access that don’t need the extra security of a zipper.
The detachable strap has a quick lock adjustment. Once I determined the most comfortable length for the strap, I “locked it down.” Now, When I head out from the apartment, I simply grab the bag, throw the strap over my shoulder, and head out.
Everything I need is right there, and thanks to the lightweight and comfortable shoulder strap design, I barely notice it. I walked six miles in the heat yesterday, and the bag was perfect for what I needed.
Better still, when I head to the beach and need to bring a backpack since I’m carrying suntan lotion, water, and a towel, I can remove the strap, throw the WaterField Essential Crossbody inside, and use it as a gear pouch so all my smaller items stay together in one place.
The WaterField Essential Crossbody means I don’t need the large size and bulk of a backpack or sling when I’m out wandering. It also means I don’t look like a goofy tourist wearing a fanny pack—I mean “hip pack.” (I see lots of people wearing them, and I’m glad I’m not one of them.)
Best of all, the zipper secures important items, and the bag has just enough organization that I always know where the items I need are.