CODEOFBELL X-POD II Review

The updated CODEOFBELL X-POD II has a few new features, new materials, and the same wicked expansion that turns this from a small sling into a gigantic bag that you can fit a water bottle and coat inside. That said, will the new features work as well as the simplicity of the old pack, or will we wish they hadn’t changed anything? Let’s find out.

External Components

The pack is crafted from RE/COR™ RN66 100% recycled nylon, which is a solid shout from a sustainability perspective, as well as highly durable and water resistant. The material feels very technical, which we dig. It doesn’t have much structure, but there are a lot of compression straps to ensure that the materials aren’t flopping around all over the place.

The zippers are from YKK, which is no surprise, as the first iteration had them, too, and they’re the best brand in the business. CODEOFBELL uses high-quality materials and hardware; this sling pack is no different!

We’ve got a variety of buckles and clips on this bag, including Woojin buckles, a FIDLOCK fastener on the strap, and metal G-hooks. They all work well, though it can be tiresome to remember which buckle is for what when you first get the bag. After a day or two, you’ll sort it out!

The pack has four compression straps: two on the front face and two more on the sides. All four help wrangle the pack’s non-structured fabric and compress the bag in expansion mode. Additionally, you can attach gear here.

The pack has attachment loops in various places, with the most notable crafted from Hypalon along the bottom of the sling’s front face. This is where the front compression straps attach, but there’s room for more gear.

On top of the sling, there’s a top handle, which is easy to grab onto but lacks padding and aeration. We don’t mind, as this is a sling, and you’ll use the strap most of the time to carry it over your shoulder. Still, it’s a handy inclusion.

Fit Notes

The back panel is well-padded and has mesh for breathability, but it still gets warm on hot days. That said, it’s pretty comfortable, and the padding keeps things stable.

Behind the back panel sits a pass-through where you can stow the straps if you aren’t using the bag as a sling. It is handy if you stow it inside your travel backpack or rolling luggage. We also dig this for flights, so you can set the bag on the tray table without the strap dangling off the edges.

The strap is pretty wide and lacks padding or aeration. Still, it’s exceptionally comfortable in use. You may feel the strap dig in a little if you maximize the expansion, but it’s comfortable enough. It has strap keepers, too, so there isn’t extra material flailing around.

The new X-POD has a stabilizer strap, which helps keep the bag from sliding around too much. We didn’t find it necessary unless we were moving quickly or cycling, though we appreciate the inclusion.

There are hip-huggers, or a piece of padded and aerated fabric between the sling’s body and strap. These add comfort and make the transition between the padded sling and the bare strap more tolerable.

Inside The Sling

You know the hip huggers we just mentioned? They aren’t just to make you feel good—they have pockets! Each side has a small pocket, similar to those you see on hiking packs with large hip belts. You can fit your headphones here, an AirTag, or other small items. The pockets are handy but won’t get in your way if you aren’t using them.

The sling’s back pocket is flat and hidden while you’re wearing it, as you can’t see the zipper. It works for most phones, a passport, or other flat items. We dig this inclusion, as it makes it easier for your sensitive gear to find a home while traveling.

The biggest pocket is the expandable one on the front of the sling. CODEOFBELL is known for its massive expansion potential, and it’s no different here. This pocket helps the pack expand from 2.3 to 7 liters. To utilize this pocket fully, you must undo the compression straps on the front of the bag. The side compression straps help, too, but you can still use most of this space without undoing them.

When engaged, another zipper on the bottom edge of the compartment helps you get better access when the bag is sitting down. Inside, there’s no organization other than a key clip with a magnetic buckle, so you can remove your keys to open your door.

The main compartment isn’t as large but has more organization and will likely see more general use than the expansion pocket. On the front side are two small zippered pockets crafted from mesh. These work well for small tech items or change for transit. On the back side, one large mesh pocket works for oversized items. The rest of the area is an open space with enough room for a small pair of headphones or a similarly sized item.

Thanks to the expansion compartment, this sling has a ton of room for gear storage, yet the main compartment keeps you organized, which we dig from a duality standpoint.

The look is very technical, which we dig, but understand won’t be everyone’s cup of tea. If the look works for you, the expansion works well for travel!