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Stay Nimble, With a Carbine: Eberlestock Fade Sling XL Review
- Marine X
- Jan 23
- 3 min read
Don’t let its size fool you. The Eberlestock Fade Sling XL is a sleek, modern bag that hides your CCW in a discreet way.
Written By Marine X
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The Eberlestock Fade Sling XL marks a significant and highly anticipated evolution within the renowned Fade collection. This new iteration was engineered to serve as a crucial bridge, perfectly filling the functional space between a standard, compact EDC sling and a full-size, mission-specific tactical backpack.
Here's the BLUF: The Eberlestock Fade Sling XL securely fits a 16 inch laptop and a capable full sized pistol. It can also fit a highly compact setup such as a 7 inch AR / MP5-style clone with folding stocks. A thick layer of padding on the inside protects your laptop and the loop panel allows for ultimate customization. On top of all that, it’s made of 210 Denier Nylon Mini-Ripstop.
Eberlestock Fade Sling XL
Technical Specifications
Specification | |
Dimensions | 15.5” H x 10.5” W x 6.5” D |
Weight | 1 lb 10 oz |
Material | 210D Regen Robic Nylon |
Laptop Capacity | Up to 15" x 10" |
CCW Access | Rear-entry with T-Pull Zipper |
Eberlestock Fade Sling XL Review
First Impressions
I was eager to try out the Eberlestock Fade Sling XL for several reasons. Its little brother, the Fade Sling, is a fan favorite for many EDC enthusiasts I follow online, so I wanted to try it out in my everyday life and on the range. Immediately, I loved the two different ways to wear it (cross-body or over the shoulder), which allowed easy access to my gear.
My favorite features are easy to sum up:
Integrated Ballistic Panel Capability: The integrated body armor option allowed me to snag a Premier Body Armor panel. This feature is not an afterthought but an integral component of the design.
Modular Interior Organization: The interior architecture of the Fade series is designed for complete customization and rapid access. The main compartment features a durable, full-coverage loop-material lining. This allowed me to put a Velcro-backed holster for my main CCW, S&W Bodyguard .380, plus magazine pouches. On days I didn’t off-body carry, I used the Eberlestock Fade Admin Pouch to store extra gear.
Covert Access Points and Hardware: The Fade series utilizes a proprietary T-Pull zipper and hardware that are quiet, non-reflective, and designed to resist snagging. I moved that zipper pull to the main compartment and carried my DDM4 PDW .300 Blackout on some days with little printing.
Critiques
Much like the bag itself, I only have small grievances. The bag can handle my 7 inch DDM4 PDW .300 but in the main compartment, not the designated CCW area. The top pocket would be more adaptable if it were microfiber or velvet lined to prevent scratches on glasses.
The pass-through pocket on the front allows access from both sides, but it requires strict discipline in where you "park" your zippers. If you switch shoulders frequently, you must remember to reset your zipper orientation, or you may find the pocket closed from the side you are reaching for.
In a vacuum $149 seems pricey for a compact CCW sling. But compared to similar offerings from competitors like 5.11 or Vertx, the price seems fair and reasonable.
Conclusion
The Eberlestock Fade Sling XL was such a great bag to test that it earned a permanent spot in my loadout. It’s aesthetically pleasing, ultramodern, and sleek. Because it hugs your body well, it’s easy to slip through crowds and stay comfortable.
The Eberlestock Fade Sling XL is the ultimate "utility player" for the professional who needs to carry a laptop by day and a PDW by night. It is perfect for everyday carry and I look forward to testing the other items in the Fade series and any other bags from this solid brand
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