Code of Bell NX Case 2 Review: A Wallet-Style Sling With Unusual Versatility

Introduction

Code of Bell is a brand with a distinct design language, and the NX Case 2 is one of their more unusual pieces: a small, wallet-sized sling rather than a true gear pouch. This review covers the size and materials, the strap system, and the interior organization, along with what actually fits inside.

The company also makes a larger, modular backpack with a mounting system that can incorporate this sling, but here the focus is the NX Case 2 on its own.

Size and Materials

This is a small sling, measuring 8.3 x 4.7 x 1.4 inches and listed with a 9-litre capacity. In practice, though, the abundance of sleeves, dividers and pockets eats up much of that volume. You can store plenty of small items, but not much bulky gear, so it is best to think of the NX Case 2 as a wallet rather than a pouch.

The materials are genuinely impressive for the size. Code of Bell uses Ecopack EXP, a recycled waterproof laminated fabric similar in concept to X-Pac, but with a smoother nylon face on the exterior. The hardware is also high quality throughout: water-resistant YKK zippers, large nylon swivel clips, buckles and strap adjusters, plus a magnetic Fidlock slide-adjuster buckle on the strap.

The Strap System

The carry system is the most distinctive part of the sling, and also the most complicated. It is designed to carry multiple ways, horizontally or vertically, with a strap that adjusts from very short to hanging much lower. With multiple strap sections and four attachment points on the back, it can feel confusing out of the box if you do not know how it is meant to work.

The main setup is one long piece of webbing running through an adjuster and ending in a flat buckle, with a second smaller webbing section ending in a swivel buckle. On the opposite end there is a short section with a Fidlock buckle and another swivel clip, which exists for disconnecting the bag quickly, not for adjusting length.

The key insight is to keep both swivel buckles attached to the bag at all times and adjust length only through the strap at the flat buckle. The four attachment points let you choose horizontal or vertical orientation. The most basic configuration gives a medium-length strap. Detaching the flat buckle and running the strap up through the adjuster extends it fully, with the buckle sitting neatly beside the adjuster out of the way. For lengths in between, a small strap keeper stops the extra webbing from dangling.

Shortening is the trickiest part. Pulling webbing through the adjuster creates an awkward loop of loose material. A cleaner method is to detach the clip and attach it lower down on the bottom attachment point, then use the strap keeper to tidy things up. Done this way, the bag rides higher on the body with no loose, floppy bits.

Interior Organization

The layout consists of two main compartments: a large organizational pocket and a front pocket. The front pocket has its own volume and sticks out from the bag, and fully expanded its width is nearly as wide as the entire main compartment. However, the zipper opening is fairly small, so nothing large like a phone will fit in there. Small items such as hand sanitizer, a travel adapter or sunscreen work well.

Inside, the main compartment is packed with thin pockets and dividers, very much like a wallet. There are three large sleeves: one in the middle, one on the side, and one zippered pocket that works well for cash. Notably, the middle sleeve handles smaller notes and dollars comfortably, but taller notes and larger denominations do not fit. The zippered pocket and the sleeve behind the credit card slots handle all note sizes easily, and the cash sleeve behind the cards is generously deep.

In front of that are eight credit card sleeves, four on each side, plus two small webbing pockets, three stretchy extension pockets, another zipper pocket, and a pen holder.

How Much Fits Inside

Loaded up, the NX Case 2 holds a surprising amount of small gear: a full set of credit cards, a good stack of cash, earbuds, a small audio accessory, a passport in the zip pocket, a mini multi-tool, receipts in the middle zipper pocket, and a pen. Once packed, though, the volume is essentially maxed out. The zipper still closes easily, but there is not much room left for anything more.

That confirms the core character of this bag: small but versatile, and clearly optimized for flat, wallet-style carry rather than bulky items.

Things to Consider Before Buying

The strengths are easy to list. It is a well-made sling with high-quality materials, an attractive look, and a versatile strap system that supports multiple carry orientations and lengths.

The drawbacks matter, too. The size is small and there is little room for larger gear. The front pocket is nice, but there are arguably too many interior pockets for a sling this size. It works great as a wallet, but does not have the capacity to hold much more. A slightly deeper body or fewer internal dividers would improve functionality considerably.

Buying Advice

Buy the NX Case 2 if you want a refined, compact carry solution for cards, cash, passport, earbuds and small everyday items, and you appreciate thoughtful, unconventional hardware. Skip it if your goal is a general-purpose pouch with room for phones, chargers or larger accessories. It is a specialized tool, and it is excellent at its specific job.

Conclusion

The Code of Bell NX Case 2 is a beautifully built, wallet-style sling with clever materials and a strap system that rewards a little learning. Its limits are just as clear: small volume and heavy internal compartmentalization. Match it to the right use case and it is a genuinely satisfying piece of everyday carry gear.