REVIEW – Who needs pockets? The Brown Buffalo Conceal Waistpack presents as an ideal solution for emptying your pockets and organizing your EDC. How does it stand up to the daily wear and tear? Let’s explore. To the review!
⬇︎ Jump to summary (pros/cons)
Price: $110 – $125 (depending on material choice)
Where to buy: The Brown Buffalo!
What is it?
It’s a waistpack/sling designed for your EDC essentials. I’m testing the Challenge Ultra Grid model in this review, but several models are available that use different high performance materials and colorways.
Tech specs
4.5″ by 7.75″ by 2″ deep
6.4 ounces
Fits waist/hip sizes 26″ to 42″
YKK RCUP2 zippers
High performance fabrics
Design and features
The Brown Buffalo Conceal Waistpack is built around a functional, mission-focused design. Several colorways and material choices are available. My tester is wrapped in a high performance material called “UltraGrid” that adds a subtle pop of style to the look. This design is made to switch seamlessly between urban and outdoor journeys, where things may get a bit messy.
The build on this little bag is extraordinary. The grid pattern in the UltraGrid material adds reinforcement to the recycled nylon ripstop fabric for light weight and extra durability. This is treated on both sides for additional water resistance.
That external layer is married to an additional internal high-performance sailcloth material that increases protection while adding a layer of durability and water resistance. The high-visibility color makes it easier to find your stuff.
Every detail in the finishing is overbuilt for durability, with reinforcements at all the stress points and corners.
You’ll find YKK abrasion-resistant & sealed zips with molded caps on all the zipper pulls. The main compartment sports two zips for opening from either side.
Solid, chunky hardware rounds out the assembly for the waist/shoulder strap and the adjustments, including a quick-release clip to remove the bag in a hurry.
All of that quality goodness is finished with a breathable, moisture wicking back pad that I don’t see very often on bags in this size.
The layout is designed for maximum functionality in a small space. There’s a horizontal zip on the front face that exposes a narrow pocket for quick-grab small stuff.
The aforementioned dual zips slide 2/3 down the sides for what The Brown Buffalo describes as a “taco” style opening, allowing full access to all the corners of the bag. Between that and the bright orange interior you won’t be losing anything in this space.
The front and back panels are both fronted by a mesh sleeve to create two additional organizer pockets. The mesh is thick, flexible stuff with a reinforced edge to prevent fraying. This gives you options for coralling smaller stuff (like a wallet, keys, a pocketknife) so that they’re not floating around the bag when you go digging for a specific item. The mesh fabric also helps with visibility.
The nice thing is that these dividers get out of the way when you want to stash bigger items in the main compartment. You can take full advantage of the whole space if desired.
There is an elastic strap on the bottom gusset of the bag that you could use as an attachment point if you like. If not, it helps to compress the bag when it’s not full.
The adjustable strap allows for waist (or chest) sizes between 26″ and 42″ with a simple sliding buckle. The buckle is designed to prevent sliding.
Performance
The Brown Buffalo Conceal Waistpack is perfectly size for dumping your pockets into a minimalist EDC bag. This was my loadout for a recent local outdoor beer festival. I was collecting stickers and raffle tickets in the front pocket, while the rest (sunglasses, pocket knife, keys, sunglasses, wallet, iPhone 15 Pro Max w/case) went in the main compartment. I may be able to fit a few other small items in there.
This bag is the perfect size for errand running as well. I’ve become a big fan keeping my essentials in this bag, tossing it over a hook by the door, and grabbing it when I run out to the store.
The extra length in the strap allows for crossbody carry, even with my chonky frame. It slides easily between chest- and back-carry styles, although the strap could use a bit more length for hip carry if you’re a bigger/taller person.
The buckle is smooth and easy to operate for quick removal.
I’m personally not a fan of waistpack carry, but this bag does work really well in that mode. That same textured back pad that reduces sweat also keeps the bag from sliding around.
If you’re looking for a small bag for hiking or outdoor activities, you’ll love the durability and weather-resistance this bag brings. The build quality is absolutely top-tier, and on par with some of the best brands I’ve seen.
Final thoughts
This is my first experience with much-loved Brown Buffalo brand, and it’s a good one. The careful execution of every detail in the Brown Buffalo Conceal Waistpack has made it my go-to bag for EDC carry. The size is perfect for essentials, but not so small that you can’t fit an oversized smartphone in there. The simple usability is outstanding for organization, quick access, and multiple carry modes. The build is buy-it-for-life quality, and the classic styling fits into all sorts of situations. If you’re looking for a versatile EDC hauler this is one that should be on your short list for consideration.
What I like about The Brown Buffalo Conceal Waistpack
- Perfect size for essential EDC (cell phone, wallet, sunglasses & keys) with a little room for extras
- Flexible layout
- Outstanding build and materials
What needs to be improved?
- Maybe a bit more length in the strap for crossbody carry
Price: $110 to $125 (depending on material choice)
Where to buy: The Brown Buffalo!
Source: The sample of this product was provided for free by The Brown Buffalo. The Brown Buffalo did not have a final say on the review and did not preview the review before it was published.
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I switched to a small sling bag several years ago to carry everything I was carrying in my pockets. Among other things when exiting a parking lot I no longer have to struggle to get to my wallet to oay the fee.
I’m not sure I like the pink interior of one of the inside pouches on this bag. And it seems very over priced as there are many other choices available at half the price they are asking.