Vertx is well-known for quality, innovative gear designs. Few companies pack more features into their products, and the Commuter Sling Bag is a great example. The Commuter combines style, comfort, and accessibility in a day pack that’s suitable for wherever you’re going. Town or country, the Commuter has you covered.
Vertx Commuter Sling Bag Details
I picked up my Commuter Sling Bag at a trade show after accumulating a bit more “stuff” than my luggage could hold. It got me home, but I quickly appreciated the Commuter’s inherent versatility. It became my go-to accessory for my laptop, rain poncho, first aid gear, or anything else I might want to take along when I head out. So, lets look at the Vertx Commuter and see why I like it so much.
Compartmental Organization
Vertx obviously put a lot of thought into this bag. Organization is key to a good pack since no one wants to dump all their stuff into one big compartment. The Commuter has three primary compartments, each with its own secondary storage or attachment system. Let’s briefly hit each one, front to back.
Front Flap
The front flap is more reminiscent of a backpack than a sling bag. It features two zippers and folds all the way down. A top flap protects the zippers for extra security if you want, or you can set them up to unzip from the side when rotating the bag to your front.
The compartment itself has a low-profile, laser-cut MOLLE panel for easy gear attachment. I have basic first aid stuff staged for quick access on mine. The front flap also tucks completely under the MOLLE panel for even faster access. Vertx says it can also serve for a “quick appearance change.” I guess that’s true, assuming you have a different colored panel attached to the MOLLE. That would be useful the next time bad guys are pursuing you through a crowded marketplace in an action movie.
Main Compartment
The generous main compartment contains two smaller pouches. The first is designed for a 15-inch laptop, or whatever else you need, and has its own Velcro strap to keep it closed. The other is a 7.25-inch zippered mesh pouch, good for whatever you need. I have a small tool kit in mine right now.
The front of the laptop pouch and the remaining compartment wall are covered in Velcro loop that’s compatible with the Vertx Tactigami attachment system. The Commuter comes with the Vertx Double Admin Panel, which I have attached in the main compartment. It currently holds a knife and a flashlight. I added a smaller Tactigami Admin Panel for pens and a smaller flashlight.
The main compartment’s interior is a light grey color, making it easy to see what I have. That’s a nice touch by Vertx. I don’t know how many times I’ve used a flashlight to see down in the depths of a pack. No need with the Commuter Bag. Everything is easily visible.
Concealed Carry Compartment
The large concealed carry compartment is completely lined with Velcro loop so you can attach your handgun, or whatever, however you like. The Commuter Pack is compatible with the Crossbreed Modular Holster, but it’s not required. I have a Vertx Tactigami attachment securing a standard concealed carry holster with my Walther PPS. I lined it up for maximum accessibility as I pull the bag around from my back. Another attachment holds two spare magazines.
A floating internal divider allows a two-inch expansion of the concealed carry compartment. The Vertx Rapid Access Tab optimizes deployment speed even further. The Rapid Access Tab is a large, flexible polymer handle attached to the zipper. The ridged edges provide a firm grip and it fills the hand perfectly. You know exactly where it is without even looking. With minimal practice, I learned to rotate the pack to my front using the Rapid Access Tab while simultaneously unzipping the concealed carry compartment. The pack positions itself perfectly for me to draw my firearm. Well done, Vertx.
The Rapid Access Tab is easily swapped out to other zippers if you prefer. It takes less than a minute. Set it up however you want. Finally, two Gatekeeper G-hooks deploy from the front flap to secure your concealed carry compartment if desired.
Vertx Commuter Features Galore
Vertx maximized this bag’s usefulness with tons of other great features:
- The Commuter Sling Bag is compatible with the Premier Body Armor Vertx Commuter 3.0 Level IIIA Inserts.
- An extra-large water bottle pouch with retention.
- Pass-through points for hydration or communications gear.
- The 3D molded back cover is comfortable, while also providing space for the G-hooks or a pass-through for a rolling luggage handle.
- A padded, adjustable shoulder strap with multiple attachment points.
- Bonded nylon thread construction with bartacked critical seams and attachment points.
Final Thoughts
I’ve never been disappointed by a Vertx pack, and the Commuter Sling Bag is no different. I got this bag for a particular need, but I now use it at least once a week, and often more. I don’t particularly like off body carry, but it’s sometimes necessary. The Commuter bag is my choice in those instances. But most of the time, it’s just a convenient take-along if I need to pack a few extra things. And it’s the perfect airline carry-on, being easier to access than a traditional backpack.
I really can’t recommend the Vertx Commuter Sling Bag highly enough. It does everything I want it to do, and the quick access can’t be beat. Maybe check one out for yourself.
For more info, visit vertx.com.
Vertx Commuter Sling Bag Dimensions
- Height: 20.5 inches
- Width: 12 inches
- Depth: 8 inches
- Volume: 22 Liters
- Concealed Carry Compartment: 19.5” Tall; 11” Wide; 2.5” Deep
