BLACK EMBER TKS: REVIEW
FOREWORD
Black Ember has garnered a reputation for a new level of build quality, useful modularity, and impeccable comfort. Each new product released by this small California-based brand is an event in the carry world and the recent Kickstarter for TKS, a compact sling/tech-kit, was no exception.
Similar to previous Kickstarter offerings, the 6th campaign of Black Ember was a huge success with over 3000 backers and a shy of $300k raised (with just $5k initial goal!)
Considering that every major brand is offering some sort of compact sling, does TKS deliver? Can in stand tall in an already oversaturated market?
Let’s find out.
WHO IT SUITS
Someone looking for a waterproof compact carry solution
If you need a dedicated tech kit to use with your larger carry
Those who carry mostly flat objects such as passport, field notes, phone, wallet, power bank, etc
If you are looking for a sling with theft-proof features
WHO IT DOESN’T
If you need a larger sling to carry a water bottle, e-reader, etc
If you are looking for a sling with a classic heritage look and the technical vibe is not your thing
ABOUT THE BAG
* PRICE: $106 (preorder price $85)
* DIMENSIONS: 11 x 5.5 x 3 inches (279 x 140 x 76mm)
* CAPACITY: 2.5L
The TKS (Tech-Kit and Sling) is a super-compact bag packed to the brim with innovations in construction. The unique selling proposition of the bag is concealed in its name - TKS can be worn as a capable sling or organization piece in your larger bag. There a few offerings on the market with similar flexibility, but what sets TKS apart is its unique construction - Black Embers proprietary BOND-STITCH construction that makes the bag waterproof.
COMFORT
TKS features a minimal strap secured by Fidlock V-Buckle, one of the most satisfying closing mechanisms created to date. The strap can be tucked away to transform the sling into a compact, yet capable tech organizer. Considering 2.5L capacity and small weight, do not expect any padding or crazy comfort. The strap is relatively thin and sufficiently comfortable to carry the bag across the body.
The quick adjustment advertised for this bag was lacking in “quickness”, it took longer than expected to adjust the length of the strap and was definitely not something I would do on the fly. Perhaps this is an issue of my specific sample.
DESIGN & FEATURES
The sling is a culmination of Black Ember design philosophy - sleek and minimal while also packed with tons of quality of life features.
Apart from being essentially waterproof thanks to the aforementioned BOND-STITCH, TKS also offers:
External pocket with passthrough hole for charging your phone
Accordion pocket with a ton of pockets (6 to be exact) in a very compact profile
Magnets all over - Fidlock V-Buckle on the main strap, WooJin Magic Catcher buckle securing the accordion pocket, and another maglock securing the key chain.
Generous mesh pocket inside to ensure your valuables are visible, yet secured when you open the bag
Hypalon zipper pulls with anti-theft closure
Overall the bag looks great, quite minimal yet has a lot of organization to simplify your life.
My typical EDC with TKS:
iPhone 11
Wallet
Bellroy Apex Passport Cover
AirPods Pro
Hand Sanitizer
Powerbank
Compact knife
Cables
WHAT’S HOT
Signature Black Ember durability and build
Multiple carry scenarios (sling and tech kit)
Anti-theft protection on the Hypalon zipper pulls
Waterproof, supreme water resistance thanks to BOND-STITCH construction
WHAT’S NOT
The strap adjustment is somewhat finicky, in my experience not quick to adjust
Despite the bag being small I would still love if there was an optional stabilized strap (even if sold separately). Without it, the sling tends to shift its position from the back to the side of the body. This is partially rectified by tightening the strap and making the sling sit tightly against your body.
VERDICT
This is not my first Black Ember product, yet I was impressed with the build and functionality of such a tiny bag. TKS became my go-to tech organizer for the bags that had very little built-in organization, such as Goruck Bullet 15 and Mission Workshop Fitzroy.
I loved the ability to securely place my phone in the front pocket and charge it through the passthrough hole with my Powerbank stored in the main compartment. I enjoyed a different, less-rubbery feel (compared to R2 and WPRT backpacks) of the new Microhex HTX textile. What impressed me less, however, was the bag in the sling mode - lack of quick-adjustment and very minimal thin strap made the bag not as comfortable to wear as I would have liked.
If you are looking for a compact tech-kit that could occasionally be a sling - TKS is an excellent option. But if you are in the market primarily for a sling I strongly recommend trying the bag in person before purchasing, there are more comfortable slings on the market to consider.
Disclaimer
TKS was provided by Black Ember as a sample for review purposes, the content of this review was not shared with Black Ember before publishing.
My goal is to share an honest, unbiased review that is not tailored to keep the brand happy.
If you like TKS and would like to support my reviews feel free to use my referral link when purchasing at Black Ember https://blackember.com/?rfsn=3712893.b23bec