At first glance, the Side Effect, Side Kick, and Side Hustle could easily be mistaken for the same bag. They share the same family resemblance: compact silhouettes, thoughtful organization, and just enough pockets to keep your everyday essentials from disappearing into the void.

Lately, we've been hearing a familiar question: "What's the difference between the Side bags?" Fair question. Their names certainly don't make things any easier.

That got us thinking: it's the perfect time for a side-by-side look at what each bag does best. While they all serve as a compact everyday carry, each one was designed with a different approach to how — and how much — you carry.

So, what are the key differences between the Side Effect, Side Kick, and Side Hustle?

Capacity

Side Effect: 

• Minimalist carry for your daily essentials.
  

Side Kick: 

• Everyday carry with room to spare.

Side Hustle: 

• The roomiest of the three, ideal if your everyday carry tends to grow throughout the day.

Organization

Side Effect: 

• Front zippered pocket.

• Main compartment with 2 open-top pockets of equal size — ideal for a phone or wallet, sunglasses, small notepads, and pens.
  

Side Kick:

• Front zippered pocket.

• Main compartment with 6 open-top pockets of varying sizes — ideal for a paperback, A5 notebook, pens, and an iPad mini or e-Reader.

Side Hustle:

• Front zippered pocket. 

• Main compartment with 7 open-top pockets — ideal for a tablet, phone, notebook or paperback, and pens.

• Back, open-top pocket that can fit a notebook or paperback.

What Fits

Side Effect:

• 9.0" (w) x 5.5" (h) x 3.1" (d) / 230 (w) x 140 (h) x 80 (d) mm

• Phone, wallet, passport, keys, sunglasses, earbuds, and a few small extras. 

Side Kick:

• 9.6" (w) x 7.5" (h) x 2.8" (d) / 245 (w) x 190 (h) x 70 (d) mm

• Everything above, plus an e-reader, small notebook, or iPad mini. 

Side Effect:

• 12.6” (w) x 7.5” (h) x 4.7” (d) / 320mm (w) x 190mm (h) x 120mm (d)

• Everything above, with room for a larger tablet, notebook, small water bottle, light layer, and more.

Best Use

Side Effect:

• Minimalist everyday carry, travel organizer, concerts, nights out, walks, or anywhere you only need the essentials. 

Side Kick:

• Everyday errands, sightseeing, museums, coffee shop work sessions, or daily commuting.

Side Hustle:

• Daily carry for those who like being prepared, personal item while traveling, or anyone who appreciates a little extra breathing room. 

Carry Style

Side Effect:

• Crossbody, shoulder bag, hip pack, and organizer pouch.

Side Kick:

• Crossbody, shoulder bag, hip pack, and organizer pouch.

Side Hustle:

• Crossbody, shoulder bag, and organizer pouch.
  

Total O-Rings

Side Effect: 5

• 4 in the main compartment

• 1 in the front zippered pocket

Side Kick: 5

• 4 in the main compartment

• 1 in the front zippered pocket

Side Hustle: 5

• 4 in the main compartment

• 1 in the front zippered pocket

Volume (Using ASTM Standard Measure Method)

Side Effect: 

• 1.7 liters / 105 cu. in.

Side Kick: 

• 3 liters / 185 cu. in.

Side Hustle: 

• 5.8 Liters / 354 cu. In.

Weight

Side Effect:

• 630d HT Ballistic: 6.9 oz / 195 grams

• 420d Spectron: 5.3 oz / 150 grams

Side Kick:

• 630d HT Ballistic: 9.4 oz / 267 grams

• 420d Spectron: 7.8 oz / 220 grams

Side Hustle:

• 630d HT Ballistic: 13.2 ounces / 375 grams

• 420d Spectron: 10.6 ounces / 300 grams

So, which bag is right for you?

All three bags are built around the same philosophy: keep your essentials close, organized, and ready for wherever the day takes you. The real question isn’t which one is better; it’s how much do you like to carry?

Choose the Side Effect if:

• You prefer carrying only the essentials.

• You want a bag that can double as a travel organizer in almost any bag.

• You like having multiple ways to carry the same bag.

• You appreciate traveling light.

Side Effect

4.9/5.0 (442 Reviews)

A small, everyday crossbody bag for a minimalist carry.

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Choose the Side Kick if:

• You want a little more room without jumping to a larger bag.

• You regularly carry an e-reader, small notebook, or compact tablet.

• You want an everyday crossbody that's comfortable enough to wear all day.

• You like keeping things simple but organized.

Side Kick

4.9/5.0 (592 Reviews)

An everyday mid-sized crossbody bag for a slightly more than minimalist carry.

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Choose the Side Hustle if:

• Your everyday carry always seems to grow.

• You like having room for "just in case."

• You want to carry a tablet, a notebook, and a water bottle, and still have space left over.

• You appreciate extra organization without moving into messenger bag territory.

Side Hustle

4.8/5.0 (550 Reviews)

An everyday crossbody bag for essentially everything.

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Whether you’re carrying just the essentials or packing for a full day away from home, there’s a Side Bag designed to match your rhythm. 

Have a favorite? Tell us why — we’d love to hear where your Side Bag has taken you!