ALPAKA Metro Sling V2 Review

The ALPAKA Metro Sling V2 is the latest addition to the brand’s urban sidekick line. It brings notable improvements to the previous generation, including increased storage capacity and redesigned pockets for better on-the-go convenience. The sling is made with weather-resistant recycled materials and is available in multiple color options while providing excellent protection against the elements. It also includes flexible storage capacity with intuitive organization for a streamlined carry experience.

ALPAKA specializes in modern and stylish products that are innovative and convenient. Their innovative approach to everyday carry and focus on blending functionality with contemporary design has helped them build a reputation for creating versatile products that work well in casual and professional settings. ALPAKA focuses on creating practical and aesthetically pleasing products with thoughtful features like integrated tech organization and weather protection.

External Components

The exterior of the Blue colorway we’re testing is made with weather-resistant Axoflux 300D recycled fabric, also available in Black, Army Green, and Grey options. They also have X-Pac versions (available in Black and Olive Green) for those looking for more robust and durable protection. However, we don’t think you’ll be disappointed by the Axoflux material. It provides excellent protection against the elements, including dirt, dust, and rain. Inside, you will find a 150D Cool Grey X-grid ripstop lining that offers durability and improved visibility for locating your gear.

The sling features high-quality hardware like YKK AquaGuard® silent zippers with Hypalon pull tabs that provide a smooth glide while protecting your belongings from rain and moisture. There is minimal branding, with only a subtle Hypalon tab in the lower corner and ALPAKA’s etched logo on one side.

The sling includes three dedicated webbing loops on each side for added functionality. These strong attachment points are compatible with ALPAKA’s HUB accessory system and accommodate carabiners or other external gear. They sit flush up against the sling, maintaining a clean aesthetic without any unnecessary bulk. They feel pretty sturdy and well-stitched.

The top grab handle is a simple nylon webbing design that seamlessly integrates into the side exterior webbing and attachment points. While it lacks padding, the handle provides a convenient option for handling the sling, enabling it to be converted into a pouch when needed. The handle maintains a pretty low profile, sitting flush against the sling when you’re not using it, similar to the external webbing on the sides.

The backing features durable ballistic nylon material for enhanced protection and durability. The thoughtfully designed strap system has attachment points and Maglockz buckles that enable quick attachment and removal. The strap itself is made from a smooth, seatbelt-like nylon material that is both comfortable and easy to adjust. Thanks to its detachable design, you can configure the strap and adjuster to be positioned on the most convenient side. The Maglockz buckle system operates with a simple press-and-slide mechanism, making it particularly convenient to remove the sling while wearing bulky clothing or when you cannot lift it over your head. It also makes locating the disconnecting buckle slightly easier since you do not have to search along the strap for its location. It is always located on either side of the pouch and works seamlessly regardless of which end you use.

Fit Notes

The ALPAKA Metro Sling V2 features a vertical orientation that essentially works as an external pocket or pouch with a compact and sleek form factor. Its minimalistic design and subtle branding allow it to maintain a low profile that does not attract unnecessary attention. Whether you choose the understated black or one of the more colorful options like this dark blue colorway, the sling remains sleek enough for professional settings while being suitable for casual use. While those more accustomed to horizontal slings may need a slight adjustment period, the vertical design offers a different approach to everyday carry. This sling particularly excels for users who appreciate vertical carry systems. However, thanks to its form factor, it could also serve as an excellent introduction to this style for those typically drawn to horizontal formats. The vertical form factor of this sling also allows it to function as a pouch, which may prove more convenient for some, especially when packing in larger bags.

Inside The Sling

The ALPAKA Metro Sling V2’s front pocket has a single zipper design with a minimal U-shaped opening. Inside, you will find a zippered pocket at the top of the front panel, ideal for storing small items like lip balm or a pair of wireless earbuds. There is also a built-in modular key leash at the top that uses ALPAKA’s standard magnetic buckle system. If you use other ALPAKA products, this is a nice touch since the key leash is compatible with many of them.

While the compartment spans the full length and width of the front panel, it has a somewhat minimal capacity. One potential issue to keep in mind is that smaller items tend to fall to the bottom of the pocket. Thanks to its depth and limited opening angle, this can make retrieving these items more challenging. This compartment does not offer any expansion, which can also be somewhat limiting in terms of what you can store here. This will likely require a small degree of fishing around for smaller items like hand sanitizer or gum unless they are substantial enough to stay put near the top or you store them in the limited space in the top zippered pocket.

The main compartment has a significantly wider dual-zippered opening that extends down to the bottom of the bag on both sides. The built-in gussets on both sides help expand the opening and prevent items from falling out. The interior organization is thoughtfully built throughout, with dedicated spaces on both the front and back panels. The rear panel includes a floating mesh pocket with an elastic gusset that securely holds items like a minimalist wallet or a phone. Even larger devices like an iPhone Pro Max or Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra fit here easily.

On the opposite side, the front panel’s organization is equally convenient, featuring a dedicated slip pocket with a black accent for visibility. While this pocket does not offer as much stretch as the back panel, it can still easily fit larger items like a field notes journal, a passport, or larger phones, including the iPhone Pro Max and Samsung S24 Ultra. Two smaller slip pockets, positioned between a pen/stylus slot on each side, work well for smaller accessories such as an AirTag, cables, batteries, or SD cards.

Besides these two organization panels, the main compartment offers plenty of space for larger items like a point-and-shoot camera or sunglasses with a case and a portable battery bank. The floating design of the organizational panels on the front and rear keeps everything accessible against the front and back walls while maintaining space in the center area free for larger gear.

The ALPAKA Metro Sling V2 is a convenient and customizable sling that works well in various use cases thanks to its sleek design, thoughtful organization, and versatility. The vertical orientation may take some getting used to for those more accustomed to horizontal slings. Still, the excellent organization, minimal aesthetics, and quality construction make it a solid choice for both casual and professional settings. While smaller items in the front pocket might require some fishing to locate, this is a minor concern. The magnetic buckle system and modular compatibility with other ALPAKA products add extra functionality for those already invested in the ecosystem. This sling balances functionality and style, making it a worthwhile consideration for anyone looking for a versatile everyday carry solution.