WASAMA Sidekick Crossbody Phone Bag — Genuine Leather, RFID‑Protected, Two Versions
Product description
What it is and who it’s for
The WASAMA Sidekick is a small, genuine leather crossbody bag designed to carry your phone plus essential cards. It targets everyday use and travel alike, offering a compact alternative to a traditional wallet-with-phone. If you prioritise keeping your hands free without juggling multiple items, this bag aims to deliver that balance in a well‑built, stylish package.
Design and materials
Constructed from full grain genuine leather, the Sidekick presents a natural pebbled texture that develops character with age. The product is handcrafted, with attention to seams and edges, and sold with a Wasama branded cotton dust bag. A standout feature is the RFID‑blocking rear card slots, helping shield contactless cards and travel passes from potential skim threats. The bag uses a secure snap closure on a flap, pairing practicality with a tidy silhouette.
Security and practicality
Two rear card slots sit behind the main compartment, offering a straightforward way to keep cards organised and protected. The snap button closure keeps the phone secure without adding friction to daily use. For longer days or light travel, the Sidekick Plus adds a full zip section, an internal zip coin pocket, and two extra card slots, plus room for lipstick or folded notes. This makes the Plus a sensible upgrade if you start to carry more small items alongside your phone.
The two versions — Sidekick vs Sidekick Plus
The Sidekick is the ultra‑minimal option: a secure phone compartment with two rear RFID cards and a single snap flap. If you’re after a lighter carry with fewer pockets, it’s a clean choice. The Sidekick Plus, on the other hand, expands capacity with a zipped section, an internal coin pocket and additional card slots, which broadens its utility for days out or travel. Either version reflects WASAMA’s two‑tone design approach, offering colour pairings that can complement more formal or casual outfits.
Size, fit and daily use
The strap is adjustable up to 137 cm, enabling close body‑hugging wear or a looser across‑the‑body carry. That flexibility is useful whether you’re commuting, running errands, or sightseeing. The focus remains on keeping essential items—phone, a couple of cards, and perhaps a lipstick or a few notes—neatly organised without bulk.
Who it suits and who it doesn’t
This bag is well suited to those who want security without a full wallet, and who value tactile, long‑lasting materials over synthetic substitutes. It works well for travel days, evenings out, or quick trips where you’d rather not carry a larger bag. It may not be the best choice if you routinely need to stash much more than a phone, a few cards and small personal items, or if you require a larger bag to separate items more distinctly.
What to check before buying
Consider how much you typically carry alongside your phone. If you need extra room for coins, receipts, or cosmetics, the Sidekick Plus offers the clear benefit of a broader pocketing layout. Also assess your preferred strap length and whether the two‑tone design aligns with your typical wardrobe. Since the product is designed in the UK and handcrafted in India, expect a blend of contemporary styling with traditional craft—worth noting if you value origin and build method as part of your purchase decision.
Practical usage examples
On a commute, you can carry the phone in the main pocket with two rear cards behind it, keeping contactless payments secure yet convenient. On a day trip, the Sidekick Plus accommodates a lipstick and a few notes in the zip section, alongside essential cards, making it a compact travel companion rather than a bag you’d leave at home.
What makes it stand out (and where it may fall short)
On the plus side, genuine full‑grain leather plus RFID protection offers a durable, secure option compared to lightweight synthetics. The handcrafted feel and two‑tone design add character that’s often lacking in mass‑market wallets. The trade‑off is that it remains a small bag with limited capacity, if you carry more than the essentials, you’ll likely want the Plus variant. It isn’t a substitute for a larger daily bag, so temper expectations accordingly.
FAQ
- How secure is the leather crossbody in everyday use? The snap closure and RFID‑blocked rear slots provide practical protection for daily carry, though no bag is entirely theft‑proof.
- Can I fit a standard lipstick inside the Sidekick Plus? Yes, the Plus version adds room for small items such as lipstick while preserving the main phone compartment.
- Is the leather colour consistent across batches? Leather develops patina with use, and two‑tone designs are crafted to their colour pairing, expect subtle variation.