
Welcome to my in-depth review of the Grams28 154 City Pack. I’ve spent ample time with this bag, using it in various day-to-day activities, and I’m excited to share my thoughts. Is this the best high-end bag for your everyday carry (EDC) needs?
Read on for more details…
Disclaimer: The good folks at Grams28 generously sent me this bag, and I’ve been using it extensively in my day-to-day life. After thoroughly testing it out, I can genuinely say that I love this bag and wholeheartedly recommend it to other men looking for a practical and stylish everyday carry (EDC) solution.
Table of Contents
Is the Grams28 154 City Pack worth it?
Before we dive into the details, let’s address the central question: Is the Grams28 154 City Pack worth your investment? To put it simply, yes, it is. This bag is a great choice because it combines style, usefulness, and quality, which make its price worth it. It’s made from tough leather that will still look good even after a few years.
Whether you’re hitting the open road or simply running errands around town, it’s a reliable companion for your everyday journeys, and it does the job exceptionally well.
But let’s delve deeper.
What is the Grams28 154 City Pack and who it’s for?
Let’s start with a brief introduction to the Grams28 154 City Pack. It’s a leather man bag designed to make your daily life and travel easier.
Whether you’re going on a trip, coffee shop hangs, or just running errands in town, this bag is meant to be your handy companion. It can be used as a small messenger bag, sling or even a practical bag for men.
Important Specs
Now, let’s get into the nitty-gritty details of the bag’s specifications:
- Material: Full Grain Italian Pebbled Leather by Gruppo Mastrotto tannery.
- Dimensions: 27 cm (width) x 21 cm (height) x 7 cm (depth).
- Capacity: 5 liters.
- Pockets: 1 front pocket with zipper, 1 rear zippered slot, 1 central compartment with sealed zip.
- Strap: An adjustable black vinyl strap with a leather shoulder pad for added protection and comfort.
Now that we have the technical aspects covered, let’s move on to my personal experiences with the Grams28 154 City Pack.
First impressions
The moment I unboxed the 154 City Pack, I was struck by its sophisticated and timeless design. It has an understated yet classy appearance that can effortlessly complement any outfit.
The Italian leather, with its natural grain, gives the bag a luxurious appeal that’s hard to miss. But as they say, first impressions can be deceiving, so let’s delve deeper.
What I love…
Now, let’s talk about what makes me absolutely adore this bag:
The 154 City Pack is stylish, minimalistic, & timeless
One of the first things that struck me about the 154 City Pack is its timeless and sophisticated design. It has a timeless appeal that won’t go out of fashion.
It’s a bag that blends seamlessly with any outfit, whether you’re dressing up or going casual. Although I have yet to try it in a business suit, I’m sure it’ll complement the look perfectly.
The understated, classy appearance of this bag is something I’ve grown to appreciate. It doesn’t scream for attention; it simply complements your style.
And let me clear this up: man bags, murse, or whatever you want to call them, are not exclusively for any gender.
They’re enjoyed by everyone, regardless of gender. Personally, I’ve worn this bag comfortably without receiving any strange looks. Oh, and have I mentioned how sleek it looks? It’s definitely a stylish choice!
It’s durable with a luxurious appeal
I have been impressed by the craftsmanship and overall quality of the 154 City Pack. It’s crafted from top-notch full-grain Italian leather and what’s even better is that it’s sourced from the very environmentally friendly Gruppo Mastrotto tannery.
This not only gives it a luxurious look but also makes it incredibly durable for everyday use. I’ve personally put it through the paces, and it has held up like a champ.
When it comes to hardware, this bag doesn’t disappoint either. It’s got metal swivel clips, robust metal zippers, and central zippers that are sealed to keep your stuff dry.
I’ve come across numerous reviews on platforms like REVIEWS.io, Trustpilot, and the brand’s website, and they all rave about the bag’s exceptional quality and stylish appearance.
As a bonus, the bag comes with a lifetime warranty, and you can find detailed cost breakdowns (materials, hardware, labor, etc.) on their website, which shows their commitment to transparency.
So, if you’re on the hunt for a top-quality small sling bag for your everyday needs, I believe the 154 City Pack is definitely worth considering.
With a 5L capacity, it’s more spacious than you’d think.
At first glance, you might question how much you can actually fit into a bag with a 5-liter capacity.
But that’s where the genius of the 154 City Pack lies – it offers far more room than you’d expect. I’ve personally found it quite handy for carrying my everyday essentials, small electronics, and other items I need for day trips.
It’s also loaded with pockets, which I absolutely love. Let’s quickly go through them. There are two exterior pockets: the front one is flat and perfect for items like your phone, car keys, or flatter things. The back pocket, a bit larger and snug against my body, is where I stash my wallet, passport, boarding passes, cash, or other sensitive items when I travel or run errands.
Inside the main compartment, you’ll find a dozen different pockets and pouches to keep your items organized. Grams28 suggests you can fit items like an iPad Pro 11, a water bottle, cables, a mirrorless camera, a wallet/notebook, an e-reader, and even your eyeglasses with a magic keyboard.
So, if you’re a guy looking for a small, practical bag to meet your everyday carry needs or as a small carry-on for travel, this could be the perfect choice for you.
It’s lightweight and comfortable to carry
Carrying this bag for long periods is a breeze. Its lightweight design and comfortable strap make it a pleasure to carry, whether you’re strolling through the city or trekking in the woods.
Being a small bag, you don’t have to worry about overpacking, and that’s a big plus for comfort. The adjustable strap allows you to wear it as a messenger bag or sling bag, and it makes reaching your items effortless. No more struggling to access your essentials; this bag nails the practicality aspect.
However, I’d advise against overloading it. If it becomes too bulky, it loses its sleek appearance and the slim design that makes it so comfortable to carry.
It’s well-reviewed by users
I’m not alone in my love for the 154 City Pack. As part of my research, I delved into what other travelers have to say about this bag, and the consensus is clear: it’s highly regarded.
On Trust Pilot, Grams28 enjoys an impressive 4.6-star rating based on 143 reviews. This demonstrates a significant level of satisfaction among customers. Let’s take a look at what some of these travelers had to say:
A user named Recycled Biker left this enthusiastic review: “The Grams28 City Pack is an absolutely stunning bag that is crafted in gorgeous leather and built to the very highest standards. Holds everything I need it to, including iPad, phone, wallet, keys, shades, and other bits and bobs, with space to spare.“
Another satisfied customer, Xenofon Angelidis, shared, “Love the 154 city pack. I use it every day. It’s essential for me. The size and the quality are just amazing. Highly recommend it!”
HC L, another reviewer, mentioned that they purchased the bag with some initial skepticism. However, they found it to be a fantastic bag that they use nearly every day.
In their words, “I don’t know much about leather, but this bag’s leather and materials feel like they are great quality and the craftsmanship is for sure very good, since I’ve been using it at least twice or three times every week for months and it looks almost new with almost no wear (and I’m not even an especially careful person!) So it’s become my go-to bag since it’s quite small but still can hold most essential items, including a small collapsible umbrella. Recently I find that it fits my small iPad as well!”
From these reviews, it’s evident that the Grams28 154 City Pack is loved by travelers, with its good quality, functionality, and durability earning it high praise.
What I don’t like…
No bag is perfect, and the 154 City Pack is no exception. Here are a couple of things to consider:
The bag is quite pricey
While the quality justifies the cost, it’s important to note that this upscale EDC sling bag falls on the higher end of the price spectrum. If you’re on a tight budget, it might be a significant investment.
Not for you if you want a BIG sling for more organization
If you’re looking for a larger sling bag, the 154 City Pack might not be the best choice for you. Its 5-liter capacity means it’s on the smaller side, and it may not meet the needs of those who require a bigger bag or extensive organization.
Some users have mentioned that they wished the bag were a bit larger to comfortably fit more items. That said, I don’t necessarily see this as a disadvantage because this bag is intentionally designed to be small with just enough space for daily essentials.
While this might not suit everyone’s preferences, it’s a deliberate design choice. Nevertheless, it’s understandable that some people might have preferred a larger size.
More color options would have been appreciated
I have a minor nitpick, but I wish there were more color choices available. Not everyone is a fan of black, and some of us would have liked to see a bit more variety. A reviewer on the brand website even mentioned, “I will definitely buy another one if it comes in more colors.”
FAQs
Is Grams28 good?
Yes, Grams28 is considered good by customers and reviewers. They are known for producing high-quality leather goods and prioritize environmental concerns and transparency.
Their commitment to transparency is evident on their website, where they openly provide the cost breakdowns for their products, including components, materials, labor, and shipping.
Where is Grams28 made?
Grams28 is made in Tsuen Wan, Hong Kong. Their small factory, located in an alleyway with the address ’16C,’ is where the craftsmanship behind hundreds of leather goods takes place on a daily basis.
Who is the founder of Grams28?
The founder of GRAMS28 is Benjamin Chan. He established GRAMS28 in 2019, driven by the desire to bridge the gap between practicality and appearance in the luxury goods market.
So, should you buy the 154 City Pack?
In conclusion, the Grams28 154 City Pack has exceeded my expectations in every way. As someone who has used this bag extensively for various day-to-day activities, I can confidently say that it’s a premium choice for anyone in search of an EDC bag.
While it’s on the higher end in terms of price, the quality and design more than justify the investment as seen in this Grams28 154 City Pack review.
So, if you’re looking to elevate your everyday carry game, I wholeheartedly recommend the 154 City Pack. It’s more than just a bag; it’s a stylish and practical partner for your daily adventures, whether you’re a man or a woman.
If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to ask in the comments below.
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