The Santa Fe Shoulder Bag: Why This Compact Companion Changed My Daily Carry Game and Travel

Published on: August 15, 2025

Introduction

I wasn't actively looking for a new shoulder bag a year ago. My old fannypack from Everlane was doing fine, even if it couldn't hold much and was a bit dirty from all the wear and tear over the last few years. But sometimes the right product finds you at exactly the right moment, and that's what happened with the Long Weekend Santa Fe shoulder bag, which initially drew me in via a photography video from its co-creator, Willem Verbeeck.

What caught my attention initially was the brand's focus on film photography and travel, two things that resonate with me for obvious reasons. But what kept my attention was how this bag solved problems I didn't even realize I had. After using it for a year and some change now, it's become the kind of everyday carry piece that just works, quietly and consistently, without demanding attention for itself.

The Sweet Spot of Size and Organization

The Santa Fe hits what I like to call the "Goldilocks zone" of bags: not too big, not too small, just right. At 11"x6.9"x2.5", it's compact enough that you're not lugging around extra bulk, but spacious enough to actually carry what you need. That 3-liter capacity might not sound like much on paper, but in practice, it's more than accommodating.

The real genius is in how that space is organized. Instead of throwing everything into a black hole of a main compartment like other bags I've owned, you get strategic pockets that actually make sense. The exterior cargo pocket is perfect for items you need quick access to: think phone, wallet, or transit card; in fact, those three items were in constant rotation in that pocket when I used this bag in South Korea and Japan last month! The drawstring pocket is ideal for smaller items that might otherwise get lost, like earbuds or charging cables.

Inside, the main compartment easily holds a 35mm film camera (as advertised) plus extras, but I've found it works just as well for a water bottle, small notebook, small digital camera, umbrella, and whatever else my day requires (Yes, all of those things can fit at once!) The interior mesh zipper pocket is where the magic happens. It's become my designated spot for anything important that can't afford to get lost. Think of it as your bag's equivalent of a secure front pocket.

Built to Last, Ready for Anything

The 500d recycled nylon and technical gridstop construction immediately feels substantial without being heavy. This isn't the kind of bag that makes you worry about a sudden Dallas thunderstorm or an accidental brush against a rough surface. It's weatherproof in the way that good gear should be: quietly protecting your stuff without making a big deal about it.

The YKK zippers are smooth and reliable, which might sound like a small detail until you've dealt with cheap zippers that catch or fail at the worst possible moment, like on jackets or suitcases. After months of daily use, everything still operates like new. The adjustable strap (36" to 62" range) is comfortable whether you're wearing it as a traditional shoulder bag or crossbody style, and the hardware feels like it's built to handle years of adjustment without loosening or wearing out.

Perfect for International Travel

Where the Santa Fe really proved its worth was during my recent trips to South Korea and Japan. In Seoul, navigating the subway system became effortless with my T-money card in the exterior cargo pocket for quick taps at turnstiles. The main compartment held my portable battery, sunglasses, phone charger, a foldable bag, and a small water bottle while exploring Bukchon Hanok Village, and the secure interior mesh pocket kept my passport and extra cash safe during crowded market visits in Myeongdong.

In Tokyo, the bag's compact size was perfect for Japan's smaller spaces and crowded trains. I could easily slip it off my shoulder to hold in front of me on packed JR lines without the bulk of a larger messenger bag. The exterior drawstring pocket became my go-to spot for trinkets I grabbed or purchased from places we visited while the main compartment handled my Fujifilm during long photo walks through Shibuya and Kyoto. The crossbody option was especially useful during long walking days in Kyoto, keeping my hands free for temple photos while distributing weight comfortably across my body.

The Aesthetic Factor

Let's talk about how it looks because, honestly, that matters. The Santa Fe doesn't scream "tactical gear" or "tourist camera bag." It has this understated, vintage-inspired design that works whether you're grabbing coffee in downtown Dallas or heading to a client meeting. The colorway options lean into that retro aesthetic without feeling like costume pieces.

I went with the black version for maximum versatility, but I've been tempted by some of the more adventurous colors. There's something appealing about a bag that can handle serious outdoor use while still looking intentionally retro and stylish in urban settings.

Minor "Considerations"

If I'm being honest, there are a couple of small trade-offs. The compact size means you need to be intentional about what you carry. This isn't the bag for people who like to throw in "just in case" items without consequence (*ahem* my wife). But for me, that constraint has actually been beneficial, forcing a more mindful approach to daily carry, though it really does fit so much. Where the Santa Fe really shines is in daily use scenarios that other bags seem to stumble over. Running errands becomes more streamlined when you can actually find what you're looking for. Photo walks are more enjoyable when your camera and accessories have designated spots that don't require excavation to access.

I've taken it on weekend trips to Austin, daily commutes around Dallas, and everything in between. It's the kind of bag that adapts to your needs rather than forcing you to adapt to its limitations. Whether I'm carrying work essentials, camera gear, or just the random collection of items that accumulate throughout a day, it handles the job without complaint.

The $80.00 price point (at the time of writing) is justified by the construction quality and thoughtful design details. This feels like a buy-once-use-for-years kind of purchase rather than something you'll need to replace in a season or two.

Final Thoughts

The Long Weekend Santa Fe shoulder bag represents the kind of thoughtful product design I appreciate: it solves real problems without creating new ones, looks good while doing it, and feels built to last. It's not trying to be everything to everyone, but for its intended use case (a compact, organized, weatherproof carry solution) it excels.

Since adding it to my daily routine, I've found myself reaching for it automatically over my other small bags and fannypacks. It's become that rare piece of gear that just works consistently, day after day, without requiring thought or compromise. That's the highest praise I can give any product: it makes your life a little bit better without demanding attention for doing so.

If you're looking for a shoulder bag that balances organization, durability, and style without the bulk of larger messenger bags or the limitations of tiny crossbody bags, the Santa Fe is worth serious consideration. It's the kind of well-designed, functional piece that you'll still be using years from now, wondering how you managed without it. And the product photography isn't too shabby to look at.

Check out the Santa Fe shoulder bag here and see if it might be the carry solution you didn't know you were looking for! If you purchase it, you'll have to let me know what you think.