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:
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Minimalist carry for your daily essentials.
Side Kick:
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Everyday carry with room to spare.
Side Hustle:
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The roomiest of the three, ideal if your everyday carry tends to grow throughout the day.
Organization
Side Effect:
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Front zippered pocket.
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Main compartment with 2 open-top pockets of equal size — ideal for a phone or wallet, sunglasses, small notepads, and pens.
Side Kick:
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Front zippered pocket.
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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:
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Front zippered pocket.
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Main compartment with 7 open-top pockets — ideal for a tablet, phone, notebook or paperback, and pens.
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Back, open-top pocket that can fit a notebook or paperback.
What Fits
Side Effect:
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9.0" (w) x 5.5" (h) x 3.1" (d) / 230 (w) x 140 (h) x 80 (d) mm
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Phone, wallet, passport, keys, sunglasses, earbuds, and a few small extras.
Side Kick:
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9.6" (w) x 7.5" (h) x 2.8" (d) / 245 (w) x 190 (h) x 70 (d) mm
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Everything above, plus an e-reader, small notebook, or iPad mini.
Side Hustle:
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12.6” (w) x 7.5” (h) x 4.7” (d) / 320mm (w) x 190mm (h) x 120mm (d)
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Everything above, with room for a larger tablet, notebook, small water bottle, light layer, and more.
Best Use
Side Effect:
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Minimalist everyday carry, travel organizer, concerts, nights out, walks, or anywhere you only need the essentials.
Side Kick:
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Everyday errands, sightseeing, museums, coffee shop work sessions, or daily commuting.
Side Hustle:
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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:
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Crossbody, shoulder bag, hip pack, and organizer pouch.
Side Kick:
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Crossbody, shoulder bag, hip pack, and organizer pouch.
Side Hustle:
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Crossbody, shoulder bag, and organizer pouch.
Total O-Rings
Side Effect: 5
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4 in the main compartment
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1 in the front zippered pocket
Side Kick: 5
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4 in the main compartment
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1 in the front zippered pocket
Side Hustle: 5
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4 in the main compartment
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1 in the front zippered pocket
Volume (Using ASTM Standard Measure Method)
Side Effect:
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1.7 liters / 105 cu. in.
Side Kick:
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3 liters / 185 cu. in.
Side Hustle:
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5.8 Liters / 354 cu. In.
Weight
Side Effect:
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630d HT Ballistic: 6.9 oz / 195 grams
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420d Spectron: 5.3 oz / 150 grams
Side Kick:
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630d HT Ballistic: 9.4 oz / 267 grams
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420d Spectron: 7.8 oz / 220 grams
Side Hustle:
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630d HT Ballistic: 13.2 ounces / 375 grams
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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:
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You prefer carrying only the essentials.
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You want a bag that can double as a travel organizer in almost any bag.
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You like having multiple ways to carry the same bag.
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You appreciate traveling light.
Choose the Side Kick if:
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You want a little more room without jumping to a larger bag.
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You regularly carry an e-reader, small notebook, or compact tablet.
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You want an everyday crossbody that's comfortable enough to wear all day.
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You like keeping things simple but organized.
Choose the Side Hustle if:
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Your everyday carry always seems to grow.
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You like having room for "just in case."
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You want to carry a tablet, a notebook, and a water bottle, and still have space left over.
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You appreciate extra organization without moving into messenger bag territory.
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!
I have both the Side Effect and the Side Hustle. I use them both all.the.time! I got the Side Effect in ballistic as a birthday gift. I love it as a crossbody and normally wear it that way. It is perfect for a walk into town, quick trip to the store. One of my most favorite thing is using it for my essentials and tossing it into my Large Swift or my Makers Bag. I can bring the big bag and then leave it in the car and run in with the Side Effect!
I bought the Side Hustle in ballistic last year because I needed a little more room than the Small Cafe Bag, and I have loved Packing Cube Shoulder Bag but needed more structure in a bag and the Side Hustle delivered! It has become my EDC when I am busy, but not needing a really big bag. Its organizing capabilities are wonderful. I have first aid (in a small Ghost Whale pouch), chargers (Ghost Whale pouch), hard shell glasses case, a mini organizer Pouch has been my wallet for years and it clips in and fits in one of the pockets, my phone, pens, a small knitting project (in a small Stuff Sack), and sometimes my bullet journal maybe a snack! It’s amazing, however, I have been coveting one in the Spectron fabric!! The Side Hustle has been awesome for me! Thanks guys ❤️
I have the Side Kick and is my everyday bag, thanks for comparing them.Sorry to day but those names still make no sense for me :( . But the bags are great!
