My new Sarma Custom Made-Torba Mini EDC Bag (in Black) Photos

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After seeing the great vids, photos posted by Panzer and MattNate (thanks guys!) about the Sarma Custom Made “Torba Mini” I was fascinated by the multiple carry options and strap kit that is included with this bag. The prospect of having something scaled down for smaller EDC use that could be on person or transition to a vehicle greatly appealed to me. They make a few other version of larger proportions (HxWxD) called Torba MIDI. I was really looking to down size, so “Mini” sounds good right now. I hope more companies will consider the mini, micro, nano ethos. 

After checking out Sarma’s extensive photo albums on their site, and finding out who they are and their reputation I felt like it was worth a try. So, I ordered a black one from ebay. There are many other colors to choose from though. They custom made it in five days, and shipped from Israel which took just over two weeks to arrive. Waiting was the hardest part.  I watched Panzer’s video a few times during the wait. Ha. Also while waiting for it to arrive, I found out that Sarma will work with you to customize the finer details to your needs, Cool! Something I will have to keep in mind for next time. 

Once it arrived I immediately noticed it’s high quality materials were on par with anything else I have in my collections. Very nice heavy duty 1000D, 500D, 420D, 210D Nylon, YKK #8 & 10 smooth zippers. Also sturdy paracord zipper pulls, ITW Dura-flex hardware, velcro, webbing and stitching is sown straight, glad to report it’s all good. Also all main zippers have dual zipper pulls. Another nice feature is the main pockets zipper storm flaps that can be folded away from you to give unrestricted access to the zippers. Very impressed indeed.

Torba’s concept of “Multi-Position” and the extra Kit that includes quick attach buckles and a lightly padded shoulder strap, a waist and top position straps to use for different options really stood out as a stroke of genus. All together the extras Multi Position Kit includes 4 quick attach buckles, 2 top quick attach straps, 1 waist strap, 1 padded shoulder strap, and 1 dual coupling buckle. I have confirmed that the UTX Dura-Flex buckles in the kit are compatible with other bag makers UTX hardware allowing the Torba-Mini to be “Tiered” to an existing pack that can except it, such as 5.11’s Tier Strap system. I’m thrilled to have discovered this fact, as I have a few of the Rush/Haz series packs and have multiple sets of Tier Straps. The top straps work great for hanging the bag as well as securing say a jacket.

There’s basically two main pockets, the front admin and a back general utility/ccw pocket. I was able to fit an iPad Mini and case in the back pocket along with a few smaller items, like sunglasses cases ect. The back pocket (approx. 3″D x 8″H x 9″W) does have a large velcro field across the rear side for securing other hook pouches and gear. The back of the bag is padded to help smooth out any protrusions from the back pocket. A thin bit of padding exists between the front and back pockets. I was not expecting these added touches. Nice!

I really like the admin organizer (approx. 2″D x 6.75H 8.5W) with the quick detachable keyring and small zipper pouch. The 10 main admin slots/pockets are generously sized and have a vinyl edging sown across the top for added grippy retention of items. Layered in three rows front to back (see pics). They can hold anything from an Altoids tin to a chapstick and pens. Just enough elastic (5 slots) of differing sizes to secure items. The clear map pocket is quite large and is great for items that need to stay dry. On the outside front of the Torba is two zipper pockets that are separate from each other, an upper and lower one. These are nice for quick access items. Across the front is a nice wide section of loop velcro for patches. Only two rows of pals webbing on each side just in case I need a side pouch. The adjustable shoulder strap is lightly padded and is comfortable and has pals attached front and back that can also adapt to waist carry.

Overall the size is smaller than I’m used to carrying for my EDC. This made me rethink the “bags in a bag” ethos. My retired old messenger was larger than I really needed which allows me room for extras. However, I was always finding ways of adding and expanding stuff until I began to really feel the weight and bulk while all the extra space was slowing disappearing. Sound familiar? I was determined to make my essentials fit for the scaled down Torba Mini as I shared earlier. It has been a good challenge to scale back the bulk, if I want. Of course, I can always have my larger go-to bags if I need to move more gear. It’s nice having a smaller option now. Who doesn’t want options in their EDC? I feel like I have all the bases covered size wise. In all, I’m very satisfied with the Torba Mini!

Thanks for letting me share my latest bag addition (addiction). 

Cheers,
Red Five

Here’s Torba Mini in mysterious black pics …

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