Is the Portland Leather Koala Sling Worth It?

Top and bottom CRZ Yoga; Dr. Scholl’s sneakers; Mejuri Necklace

The Koala Sling bag by Portland Leather Goods is a bag that has graced my timelines and my for you page on TikTok. And for good reason. The bag can be worn as a shoulder carry or as a sling across the body; it comes in so many different colors from basic to bright; and is often discounted to being cheaper than some other full brand bags.

So I get the hype here, guys. But is it worth it?

In my opinion, yes. I am here to give you my unsolicited thoughts. Other than the affiliate links that will be scattered throughout this post (which if you use to purchase anything through them I get a small commission, which helps this blog), this is not sponsored in any way. Although if Portland Leather wants to, I am definitely open to that in the future.

Portland Leather Goods is a bag brand that is super popular and addictive. Speaking firsthand, it is super easy to get carried away with these purses with the huge variety of colors and constant releases. What draws me to this brand, and has over the years, is the fact that every bag is all leather and is offered at a price that makes leather goods accessible. These bags, like fine wine, get better with age, and they all make good everyday pieces that I go to again and again.

Anyways, the Koala comes in three different sizes: the small, medium, and large. It comes in so many different colors, so there’s a color for everyone. However, my personal favorite version is the nutmeg. I’m biased because the nutmeg is my favorite leather that Portland Leather offers because of the squishy texture and how it feels like a comfy sweater when wearing. It just feels wonderful when wearing the bag.

Small, medium and large

I’ve had the Koala for about five months now. I initially got the black large. When I got it, I knew it would be the perfect bag to take on some trips that I had planned. I took it with me on a bachelorette weekend and it was the perfect bag. It was good for exploring and it was amazing for formal evening dinners. I was in love.

Since then, I’ve added a cold brew and a nutmeg in large; a small honey; and a red chili medium. Out of my many many bags that I have in my collection, this bag has been one that I have reached for again and again.

Why? It’s a bag that just is perfect for daily life, if you ask me. No matter what size you get, it has these uniform features: a strap that adjusts from a shoulder bag to a crossbody carry; a secure magnetic closure; and at least one pocket. You don’t have to think about what you’re wearing or what you’re doing that day. You just sling it over your body and go. For my trip, this was amazing, but I’ve worn it for day trips when I needed a bag that was close to my body, or just wanted an elevated belt bag.

What is the difference between the sizes? Well, all three of them carry the following: a card holder, hand sanitizer, my car keys, a lip balm, and my hand lotion. If you’re getting the small, then that’s pretty much it — although that’s all I carry when I’m just running errands. The medium allows some more room for things, such as a full-size perfume, and the large holds my Kindle and several other items including a small cosmetic pouch, medication, and a water bottle depending on what else is in there.

Overall, this bag is something that I truly love and have been wearing on repeat. Personally, I love all three of the sizes that they have available, but if I had to pick a favorite, it would definitely be the large because it can truly be a bag that I can carry every single day (and according to my closet tracking app, it’s one of my most worn bags this year.)

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