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Issue link: https://digital.macdirectory.com/i/1401427
What is Hip (or Shoulder)? Early in the spring, Waterfield released what we think is one of its most wonderful products ever, though it doesn’t quite fit in with our theme of school, office, or travel. But it was just too cool to ignore. Walking, biking, hiking, or jogging, you often need just a little more space than pockets can provide, but not enough to justify carrying a big pack on your back. When this kind of bag first arrived decades ago (indecorously referred to as “fanny packs”) they were an instant hit even before the average consumer carried more technology than The Terminator. They were always incredibly convenient, albeit a bit gaudy, though a more stylish option than stuffing the pockets of your cargo shorts. WaterField decided to start over with a blank sheet of paper (or leather, as the case may be) and embarked on one of its most successful Community Design projects ever. A lot of people had a lot of opinions on how this should look and a lot of cool ideas for making it better. It turns out that there was no one ideal size for the bag, so WaterField produced two, a standard-size Hip Sling Pack and a Mini Hip Sling Pack. Though different in size, they share a lot of great features. Both have convenient outer pockets and a collection of padded interior ones, assuring that your car keys don’t scratch your iPhone. Also on the inside, you’ll find a secure zippered compartment for IDs and important papers like the parking stub that will cost you a small fortune if you lose. Both sizes include a thong for your keychain, or you may choose to opt for one of WaterField’s that is design- and color-coordinated (Leather Key Clip $27). What we think is one of the best ideas is that there are two optional strap lengths available. One is long so you can wear the pack over the shoulder and a shorter one for around the waist. Both include a sliding clip to keep the excess strap from flapping around. The standard size is big enough to hold an iPad and deep enough to carry a good deal more. The Mini is more in line with phone, sunglasses, and wallet transport, expanding as needed and staying relatively flat when not. It too, can hang from a shoulder or go around your middle (it’s up to you if you swing it around to the original namesake part of your anatomy). Both are available in a colored leather, waxed canvas, black ballistic nylon, a combination of both or all of one. (Go to sfbags.com for the details.) If you can’t make up your mind which length strap to get, you can order both. They’re interchangeable. (Hip Sling Bag, $169; Hip Sling Mini, $89; Additional strap, $39) WaterField Designs is, a company, as unique as their products. They’re based in San Francisco in one of the historic factory buildings in the China Basin neighborhood. WaterField’s factory is located a couple of floors below their headquarters. Everything is made by hand right there in San Francisco, under watchful the eye of the boss, Gary Waterfield. If you’re looking for a way to celebrate liberation after a long stay at home, why not take James Brown’s sage advice and get a “brand new bag?” For more information, visist: sfbags.com