8000kicks Travel Sling Hemp Bag Review

Most sling bags force you to choose between minimalist everyday carry and actual capacity when you need it. 8000kicks built their Travel Sling to expand from a slim 6L profile to handle extra gear without looking like you're hauling a duffel bag across your chest.

The brand made a name with hemp sneakers and waterproof backpacks. This sling continues that sustainability angle with hemp canvas construction, but the real story is the modular expansion system that lets you add capacity on demand.

Hemp construction and water resistance

8000kicks uses hemp fiber for the main body fabric, which provides natural antimicrobial properties and better tear resistance than cotton. Hemp also requires significantly less water to grow than cotton, making it a more sustainable choice for gear production.

The fabric gets a water-resistant coating, though the brand hasn't published specific ratings like you'd see with Gore-Tex or similar membranes. This means it will shed light rain and splashes, but you shouldn't count on it for heavy downpours or submersion.

The material feels substantial without adding bulk. At 6L in its compressed state, it sits flat against your body for urban commutes, then expands when you need to carry a water bottle, extra layer, or camera gear.

Modular expansion system explained

The expansion mechanism uses a roll-top style closure with compression straps. When you need more space, you unroll the top section and the bag grows vertically. Compression straps on both sides cinch everything down when you're running lean.

This beats fixed-volume slings that either feel cramped when full or floppy when empty. You adjust the capacity to match what you're carrying that day.

The modular attachment points on the exterior let you clip on additional pouches or accessories. MOLLE-style webbing would have been more versatile, but the proprietary attachment system keeps the aesthetic cleaner for everyday use.

Organization and pocket layout

Inside you get a main compartment with a zippered mesh pocket for smaller items. The front exterior pocket provides quick access for phone, wallet, or transit cards. A dedicated sleeve fits tablets up to 11 inches.

The pocket arrangement is straightforward, which works for most people but feels basic compared to slings like the Peak Design Everyday Sling that include multiple internal dividers and organization panels.

One advantage: the simpler pocket structure means less time digging through multiple compartments. You either put something in the main section or the quick-access front pocket.

Strap system and carry comfort

The shoulder strap uses wider webbing than most budget slings, distributing weight across more surface area. The adjustment buckle lets you swap between left and right shoulder carry without removing the bag.

A stabilizer strap connects to the belt loop area to lock the bag against your body when you're moving fast or need both hands free. This feature matters more than most people realize until they try running for a train with a sling bouncing around.

The strap attachment points use reinforced stitching, but we'd want to see this bag after six months of daily use before making durability claims. Hemp fiber is strong, but the stress points at buckles and attachment hardware are where most bags fail first.

Comparing hemp to traditional sling materials

Most slings use polyester or nylon because they're cheap, lightweight, and proven. Hemp brings different trade-offs. It's heavier than nylon by volume but more breathable, so it won't trap as much moisture against your back.

Hemp also ages differently. Synthetic materials tend to show wear through abrasion and color fading. Hemp develops character similar to waxed canvas, softening and patina over time. Whether that's a feature or a bug depends on your aesthetic preferences.

The sustainability angle is legitimate but sometimes oversold. Hemp cultivation uses less water and pesticides than cotton, but the environmental impact of any product includes manufacturing, shipping, and end-of-life disposal. A hemp bag that falls apart in a year creates more waste than a synthetic bag that lasts five years.

Price and Kickstarter considerations

The Super Early Bird price of $79 represents a $40 discount from the planned $119 retail price. That puts it in the mid-range sling category, competing with established brands like Bellroy, Aer, and Pacsafe.

Kickstarter backing means you're pre-ordering a product that hasn't shipped yet. The estimated delivery is August 2026, and crowdfunding timelines frequently slip. If you need a sling now, buy something in stock. If you're willing to wait and want to support the hemp gear angle, the early bird pricing makes it competitive.

8000kicks has shipped previous Kickstarter projects, including their hemp backpacks and sneakers, which reduces but doesn't eliminate the risk. The company has an established track record, but any crowdfunded product carries uncertainty.

Who should consider this sling

This bag makes sense if you value sustainable materials and want a sling that handles both minimal EDC days and moderate gear hauling. The expansion system is genuinely useful for people whose carry load varies day to day.

Skip it if you need maximum organization, proven long-term durability testing, or immediate availability. The hemp construction is a nice touch but not a game-changer that justifies waiting months for delivery if you need a functional sling now.

The modular attachment system has potential but feels underdeveloped compared to MOLLE-compatible bags that work with a wider ecosystem of pouches and accessories.

At the Kickstarter price, it's competitive. At full retail, you're paying a premium for the hemp material and sustainability story. Whether that's worth it depends on how much you value those factors versus the proven performance of established synthetic materials.

The 8000kicks Travel Sling targets the overlap between conscious consumers and practical gear users. It's not trying to be the lightest or most technical option. It's offering a middle path where sustainability meets everyday functionality, with enough versatility to handle urban commutes and weekend outdoor trips without needing separate bags for each use case.