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The Side Hustle in Mars Red Ballistic. The Side Hustle in Mars Red Ballistic with Tidal 200 Halcyon interior. The Side Hustle in Mars Red Ballistic with Northwest Sky 200 Halcyon interior. The Side Hustle in Constellation Ballistic. The Side Hustle in Constellation Ballistic with Cerise 200 Halcyon interior. The Side Hustle in Constellation Ballistic with Mountain Grey 210 Cerylon interior. The Side Hustle in Aubergine Ballistic. The Side Hustle in Aubergine Ballistic with Dusk 210 Cerylon interior. The Side Hustle in Aubergine Ballistic with Dusk 210 Cerylon interior. The Side Hustle in Burnt Orange Ballistic. The Side Hustle in Aubergine Ballistic with Marigold 210 Cerylon interior. The Side Hustle in Burnt Orange Ballistic with TIdal 200 Halcyon interior. The Side Hustle in Burnt Orange Ballistic with Dusk 210 Cerylon interior. The Side Hustle in Burnt Orange Ballistic with Seafoam 200 Halcyon interior. The Side Hustle in Wilderness Ballistic. The Side Hustle in Wilderness Ballistic with Dusk 210 Cerylon interior. The Side Hustle in Wilderness Ballistic with Taiga 200 Halcyon interior. The Side Hustle in Coyote Ballistic. The Side Hustle in Coyote Ballistic with Dusk 210 Cerylon interior. The Side Hustle in Deep Blue Ballistic. The Side Hustle in Deep Blue Ballistic with Taiga 200 Halcyon interior The Side Hustle in Deep Blue Ballistic with Marigold 210 Cerylon interior. The Side Hustle in Deep Blue Ballistic with Solaris 200 Halcyon interior. The Side Hustle in Deep Blue Ballistic with Zest 200 Halcyon. The Side Hustle in Nebulous Grey Ballistic. The Side Hustle in Nebulous Grey Ballistic with Cerise (pink) 200 Halcyon interior. The Side Hustle in Nebulous Grey Ballistic with Wasabi 200 Halcyon interior. The Side Hustle in Nebulous Grey Ballistic with Island 200 Halcyon interior. The Side Hustle in Ursa Ballistic. The Side Hustle in Ursa Ballistic with Moss 210 Cerylon interior. The Side Hustle in Ursa Ballistic with Tidal 200 Halcyon interior. The Side Hustle in Cloud Ballistic. The Side Hustle in Cloud Ballistic with Zest 200 Halcyon interior. The Side Hustle in Black Ballistic in Red Label. The Side Hustle in Black Ballistic with Acai (purple) 200 Halcyon interior. The Side Hustle in Black Ballistic with Cerise (pink) 200 Halcyon interior. The Side Hustle in Black Ballistic with Moss 210 Cerylon interior. The Side Hustle in Black Ballistic with Zest 200 Halcyon interior. The Side Hustle in Black Ballistic with grey label. The Side Hustle in Black Ballistic with Northwest Sky 200 Halcyon interior.
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Side Hustle

4.9
Rated 4.9 out of 5 stars
288 Reviews

$105.00

Color: Deep Blue Ballistic/Taiga 200 Halcyon

Available Color options

An everyday crossbody bag for the essentials plus a little extra.

5.8 Liters / 354 cu. in.

Looking for the Side Effect or Side Kick?
The Side Hustle and included items (1.5" shoulder strap, 8" black key strap, black cord zipper pulls). Back of the Side Hustle Inside pockets of the Side Hustle. Inside pockets of the Side Hustle. The Side Hustle with optional Gatekeeper Hip Belt attached. The Side Effect, Side Kick, and Side Hustle lined up.
A person in a library carrying a Side Hustle An assortment of items that fit in the Side Hustle at the same time. An assortment of items that fit in the Side Hustle at the same time. A person carrying the Side Hustle A person carrying the Side Hustle A person carrying the Side Hustle with watercolor supplies inside. A person with an open Side Hustle next to them A person removing an art pad from the exterior side pocket of the Side Hustle. An assortment of items that fit in the Side Hustle at the same time. A person in a library carrying a Side Hustle A person in a library carrying a Side Hustle An open Side Hustle with a couple of paperback books inside

TLDR

A medium, yet versatile everyday crossbody shoulder bag that can also be used as a sling bag, waist pack, or organizer pouch. 

  • Main compartment with lots of organization: 7 open-top interior pockets of varying sizes
  • 4 O-rings inside to tether extra organizer pouches and/or Key Straps
  • Two exterior pockets, front and back, one zippered and one open-top
  • Wear it crossbody with our 1" Shoulder Strap (included) or as a sling bag / waistpack with a 1.5" Waist Strap (optional)

Want a smaller version of the Side Hustle? Check out the Side Kick. Want an even smaller version? Check out the Side Effect.

Full Description

Main Compartment

The main compartment of the Side Hustle opens with two zipper sliders, making it convenient for left or right-handed folks. It also allows you to choose where the sliders end up when the bag is closed. This compartment can fit a medium water bottle, an iPad Pro 11", or even an ultralight rain shell or down vest stuffed into itself or in a Travel Stuff Sack. 

On the front interior side of the main compartment are two large open-top pockets. They are sized to fit your phone, wallet, notebook, or even a pair of sunglasses inside an eyeglasses case.

On the back interior side of the main compartment is one large open-top organizational pocket that spans the width of the Side Hustle. You can fit 7" - 8" tablets, including the iPad Mini in our size 8A Cache.

In front of this large organizational pocket are four additional smaller pockets. The two on one end can fit items like granola bars, hand cream, or sunscreen. The two on the other end can each fit a pen or pencil.

All interior pockets are made with our super tough 200d Halcyon or 210d Cerylon fabric. 

Four O-rings, two on the back side and two on the front side of the interior main compartment, allow you to trick out your organization even further: attach Ghost Whale Organizer Pouches, Mystery Organizer Pouches, and/or any of our Key Strap variants to keep essentials handy and tethered safely. 

Two Exterior Pockets

The exterior of the Side Kick has a straight zippered pocket that spans the full width of the bag and is designed to fit your passport, notebook, tablet, or anything relatively flat. Inside the zippered pocket is one O-ring with a clipped 8" Key Strap. We consider this the front side of the bag, but you can always flip the bag around and make it the back side if you prefer.

On the other exterior side, there is an open-topped back pocket, for when you need to quickly put something away and deal with it later.

Ways to Carry the Side Hustle

Shoulder/Crossbody Bag

On either side of the Side Hustle are horizontal webbing loops to which you can attach the adjustable 1" Shoulder Strap (included), made from nylon webbing and with plastic clips (but no pad). When you're not wearing the Side Hustle, you can use the 1" Shoulder Strap to hang it on a coat hook or from a doorknob.

Waist Pack or Sling Bag

Also on the sides of the bag are unobtrusive webbing loops to which you can attach an optional 1" Gatekeeper Waist Strap, using our ubiquitous Gatekeeper clips. Wear the Side Hustle around your waist or hips, and you've got a sweet waist pack. Wear it crossbody with the bag on your back, and you've got a mini sling bag. Either way, it's great for cycling, hiking, or any situation where you need your hands completely free. 

Use as an Organizer Pouch

Clip one side of any of our Key Strap variants to the Side Hustle and then clip the other side to an O-ring inside one of our larger bags. That way, the Side Hustle stays tethered to your bag.

What's Included

1.5" Shoulder Strap
This one is a little different than most of our other shoulder straps, but not by much. No pad or grip, just a plain shoulder strap the width of our Standard shoulder strap.

8" Snaphook/Snaphook Key Strap
As with most of our bags, we've included a key strap. 8" long from tip-to-tip, a snaphook on either end. Good for attaching your keys to.

Cord Zipper Pulls
A set of pulls to extend, quiet, or replace your metal pulls.

What's Optional

Gatekeeper Hip Belt
If you want to wear this as a sling, this is the thing. Attaches to either the front or back of the Side Hustle much like our Side Effect and Side Kick. You could also use it for a hip belt, but it will be pretty tall and wide to wear as a hip pack.

The main compartment of the Side Hustle opens with two zipper sliders, making it convenient for left or right-handed folks. It also allows you to choose where the sliders end up when the bag is closed. This compartment can fit a medium water bottle, an iPad Pro 11", or even an ultralight rain shell or down vest stuffed into itself or in a Travel Stuff Sack. 

On the front interior side of the main compartment are two large open-top pockets. They are sized to fit your phone, wallet, notebook, or even a pair of sunglasses inside an eyeglasses case.

On the back interior side of the main compartment is one large open-top organizational pocket that spans the width of the Side Hustle. You can fit 7" - 8" tablets, including the iPad Mini in our size 8A Cache.

In front of this large organizational pocket are four additional smaller pockets. The two on one end can fit items like granola bars, hand cream, or sunscreen. The two on the other end can each fit a pen or pencil.

All interior pockets are made with our super tough 200d Halcyon or 210d Cerylon fabric. 

Four O-rings, two on the back side and two on the front side of the interior main compartment, allow you to trick out your organization even further: attach Ghost Whale Organizer Pouches, Mystery Organizer Pouches, and/or any of our Key Strap variants to keep essentials handy and tethered safely. 

The exterior of the Side Kick has a straight zippered pocket that spans the full width of the bag and is designed to fit your passport, notebook, tablet, or anything relatively flat. Inside the zippered pocket is one O-ring with a clipped 8" Key Strap. We consider this the front side of the bag, but you can always flip the bag around and make it the back side if you prefer.

On the other exterior side, there is an open-topped back pocket, for when you need to quickly put something away and deal with it later.

Shoulder/Crossbody Bag

On either side of the Side Hustle are horizontal webbing loops to which you can attach the adjustable 1" Shoulder Strap (included), made from nylon webbing and with plastic clips (but no pad). When you're not wearing the Side Hustle, you can use the 1" Shoulder Strap to hang it on a coat hook or from a doorknob.

Waist Pack or Sling Bag

Also on the sides of the bag are unobtrusive webbing loops to which you can attach an optional 1" Gatekeeper Waist Strap, using our ubiquitous Gatekeeper clips. Wear the Side Hustle around your waist or hips, and you've got a sweet waist pack. Wear it crossbody with the bag on your back, and you've got a mini sling bag. Either way, it's great for cycling, hiking, or any situation where you need your hands completely free. 

Use as an Organizer Pouch

Clip one side of any of our Key Strap variants to the Side Hustle and then clip the other side to an O-ring inside one of our larger bags. That way, the Side Hustle stays tethered to your bag.

1.5" Shoulder Strap
This one is a little different than most of our other shoulder straps, but not by much. No pad or grip, just a plain shoulder strap the width of our Standard shoulder strap.

8" Snaphook/Snaphook Key Strap
As with most of our bags, we've included a key strap. 8" long from tip-to-tip, a snaphook on either end. Good for attaching your keys to.

Cord Zipper Pulls
A set of pulls to extend, quiet, or replace your metal pulls.

Gatekeeper Hip Belt
If you want to wear this as a sling, this is the thing. Attaches to either the front or back of the Side Hustle much like our Side Effect and Side Kick. You could also use it for a hip belt, but it will be pretty tall and wide to wear as a hip pack.

Materials

Exterior Fabric

bluesign® certified 630d High-Tenacity 2x2 Ballistic nylon

Interior Fabrics

bluesign® and OEKO-TEX® certified 200 denier Halcyon/nylon ripstop 
— or —
bluesign® certified 210 denier Cerylon 6,6 Ripstop nylon

Zippers

#8 YKK coil zippers

Specs

Dimensions*

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

Seam-to-Seam Interior
11.75" (w) x 7.75" (h) x 3" (d) / 

Weight

13.2 ounces / 375 grams

Volume

5.8 Liters / 354 cu. in. (ASTM Standard Measure)

Total O-Rings

5

(4 in main pocket,
1 in front pocket)

4.9
Rated 4.9 out of 5 stars
Based on 288 reviews
99%would recommend this product
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288 reviews
  • Stephen B.
    Verified Buyer
    Bought For Myself
    Product Standouts Thoughtful Design, High Quality Craftsmanship, Compact, Good Storage Size, Versatile
    6 months ago
    Bought For Myself
    Product Standouts Thoughtful Design, High Quality Craftsmanship, Compact, Good Storage Size, Versatile
    Rated 5 out of 5 stars
    The zip-top bag that I’ve wanted Tom Bihn to make for an eternity.

    The first bag I bought new from TB many years ago was a medium Cafe Bag. I still own that bag today. it’s a wonderful bag but the flap closure isn’t ideal for me for travel due to the reduced security the loose flap closure offers. Fast forward to today. The Side Hustle might just be the best TB bag I’ve ever owned. It’s compact, tidy and has great organization mostly in one compartment. It just arrived this week but I plan to use the heck out of it for EDC and travel. Good stuff.

    Was this helpful?
  • BWeaves
    Verified Buyer
    Bought For Myself
    Product Standouts Thoughtful Design, High Quality Finishings, High Quality Craftsmanship, Comfortable, Sewn in USA
    7 months ago
    Bought For Myself
    Product Standouts Thoughtful Design, High Quality Finishings, High Quality Craftsmanship, Comfortable, Sewn in USA
    Rated 5 out of 5 stars
    Love it!

    It arrived!!!! I just got my Side Hustle. I think I love it more than my Side Kick. I love the structure of the 400 Ballistic. The bag keeps its shape. And the pockets are perfect. I still want the label off the front though. Put it on the side, like on the Side Kick.

    Was this helpful?
  • Vicki M.
    Verified Buyer
    Bought For Myself
    Product Standouts Thoughtful Design, Comfortable, High Quality Craftsmanship, Sewn in USA, Durable
    7 months ago
    Bought For Myself
    Product Standouts Thoughtful Design, Comfortable, High Quality Craftsmanship, Sewn in USA, Durable
    Rated 5 out of 5 stars
    Perfection!

    I have been asking for this exact bag for quite awhile! It arrived today and it did not disappoint! There isn't anything I would change. I'm now signed up to be notified when one becomes available in Mars Red! Thank you for listening to my suggestions!

    Was this helpful?
  • JP
    Verified Buyer
    Bought For Myself
    5 months ago
    Bought For Myself
    Rated 1 out of 5 stars
    Dimensions listed incorrectly

    This is the only Tom Bihn bag that has ever let me down. I was surprised and disappointed to find that the dimensions on the website description for the Side Hustle are incorrect. It’s listed at 4.7” deep but it’s not; it’s the exact same depth as the Side Kick. Tom Bihn explains that the 4.7” measurement is a volume measurement— it’s from filling the bag to see what it can hold and “measuring it with calipers from the outside.” Why do that and also include precise seam-to-seam measurements? It’s nothing but confusing.

    Was this helpful?
    TB Profile picture for TOM BIHN
    TOM BIHN
    5 months ago

    Hi JP- thanks for this feedback! It's always helpful to hear this kind of thing and this particular feedback had already been generating some internal conversations. I'm going to follow up with a direct email too! - Mike

  • Will
    Verified Buyer
    Bought For Myself
    Product Standouts Thoughtful Design, High Quality Craftsmanship, Versatile
    6 months ago
    Bought For Myself
    Product Standouts Thoughtful Design, High Quality Craftsmanship, Versatile
    Rated 5 out of 5 stars
    The packing cube shoulder bag upgrade I’ve always wanted

    This bag just arrived and looks great. It feels sturdy and holds its shape when empty or partially but not fully packed. The bag has very nice internal organization the securely holds a lot of common shapes in a way that feels good but isn’t so tight that its a pain to put things in or take them out (phones, passports, changing bricks, anker power packs, glasses cases, you name it). You can tell a lot of testing went into sizing the internal pockets.

    For me, the use case for this bag is an upgrade to the packing cube shoulder bag. I loved that as a multi use bag that works as a cube, or can be an organizer that sits in your personal item and then you pull it out to have some things accessible before tucking your bag over head or under a seat. Then when you arrive you move the shoulder strap and the PCSB became your day bag. The problem with that was that things always moved around or made their way to the bottom of the PCSB. The side hustle seems to completely solve that problem and the internal pockets are flat when empty, so it can still work as a packing cube for clothes or any other random stuff. The organization looks really nice.

    Also of note, in the above use case when you don’t have a strap on this and just move the shoulder strap from your main bag to this after you arrive, the weight is about a hundred grams less than the listed weight (e.g. the weight shown in the specs includes both the bag and the included strap).

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Our bags are designed and sewn right here in Seattle, Washington, U.S.A.

That allows us to be control freaks in the best way possible; we have direct control and oversight of the quality of our materials, our products, and the jobs and working environment that we help create. It also offers us a unique spontaneity: when we have an idea for a new product or accessory, we can design it, figure out how to build it, add it to our website and be ready to ship it out our front door all within just a few weeks. How cool is that?

Intrigued? You can find out more about the unusual way we do business on our Company Philosophy page.

THE BIHN Guarantee

Everything you buy from us here at TOM BIHN is satisfaction guaranteed. We’ve been in business since 1972 and we stand behind what we make.

If something goes wrong and it's our fault, we'll fix it for free. Repairs due to normal wear and tear or due to other things that are not our fault will be performed, when possible, at a reasonable charge right here in our Seattle factory where your bag was made. Defects in materials or workmanship are uncommon and almost always evident while the product is still new. Keep in mind that bags and packs are often subject to extreme wear in everyday use: do not expect them to last forever. Only true love lasts forever! You can expect a TOM BIHN product to give years and years of hard service.

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