This is a comprehensive review of the Magpul DAKA Essential Slim wallet. Here we will list all the pros and cons of this wallet, in order to help you in your quest for the ideal minimalist wallet. So, let’s see if the Magpul Essential Slim wallet will fit your needs and style.
Magpul DAKA Essential Slim Wallet Review
The Magpul DAKA Essential Slim is a minimalist wallet that is well suited for your daily needs. This wallet is extremely resistant and highly durable due to the reinforced polymer fabric from which it is made. In terms of design, the wallet focuses on simplicity and functionality. The wallet is ideal for carrying only the necessary cards and a few cash bills.
Should you buy the Magpul DAKA Essential Slim wallet?
I would recommend the Magpul DAKA Essential Slim to anyone looking for an easy-to-use and convenient wallet.
If you are looking for a reliable replacement for your large conventional wallet, this may be a great solution. The DAKA Essential Slim wallet is suitable for active, outdoorsy, and adventurous people who prefer to pack lightly. The wallet is one of the best slim wallets available on the market today, and it is so light and thin that you will often forget you are carrying it.
Keep on reading if you are interested to find out more about the Magpul DAKA, its features, the company that manufactures it, and so on.
Buying
You can purchase the Magpul DAKA wallet on Amazon.
Price and value
The Magpul DAKA essential slim wallet costs between $16.95 and $23.25 (depending on the style and color), and in my opinion is one of the best wallets under $30 right now.
Shipping
The Magpul brand offers free shipping for orders over $75. Shipping for orders under $75 is calculated separately and varies depending on your location. All orders will likely ship within 1 to 3 business days.
U.S. customers will receive their package via FedEx shortly after placing the order. Keep in mind that the transit time will also vary depending on your location. Don’t forget to check your email for confirmation and other details regarding your purchase.
Besides wallets, Magpul sells other equipment like weapons and survival gear. Some products of this nature require an export license. Because of this, the company doesn’t ship internationally, meaning all orders must have billing and shipping addresses located within the US.
Customer support
There are two ways to contact Magpul customer services. You can send them an email, question, or comment via an online web form. The other option is to call them on this phone number: (877) 462-4785.
The customer services working hours are from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM, CST. Magpul promises friendly and helpful customer support, ready to assist all of your requirements and address any concerns you may have.
Warranty
The Magpul brand appreciates loyal customers and guarantees 100% user satisfaction. In case you receive a faulty, damaged, or wrong product, you can replace the item very fast and with great ease.
Return and refund policy
The company offers a 60-days testing period after which you can keep or exchange the product.
Before making a return you’ll have to contact customer service to receive a return merchandise authorization number. Note that packages without an RMA number won’t be accepted. Additionally, you’ll have to provide basic personal information like name, address, phone number, email, and reason for the return.
It is preferable to wrap the product in the original packaging or a similar box with protective padding for transport. The return shipping label should be on the outside of the box.
Afterward, you’ll receive a refund to the credit card used for the purchase.
The Magpul brand
Magpul was founded in 1999 and is named after the original product – Magpul. Today the company offers a wide range of equipment and gadgets that are easy to use and accessible to everyone. The customer base largely consists of gear enthusiasts and highly trained military members.
The company’s goal to offer simple, intuitive and affordable products has been constant since its beginnings. The brand focuses on designing functional and easy-to-use gear. Thanks to the original company mission and design philosophy, Magpul has a broad spectrum of loyal customers.
Where are Magpul DAKA wallets made?
The Magpul DAKA wallets are made in the USA.
Basics
The Magpul DAKA essential slim wallet is compact, strong, and resistant. This minimalist wallet is made for carrying only the essentials, like cards and cash, without bulking your pockets.
Unboxing
Chances of damage during transport are almost non-existent, so the wallet comes in simple packaging. The Magpul DAKA essential wallet will arrive wrapped in a paper slip with the brand’s logo imprinted on the front and some basic information about the product on the back.
How to use
The Magpul company prides itself on creating user-friendly products and this wallet is no exception.
The DAKA Essential Slim wallet does not require instructions or a user manual. With this wallet, what you see is what you get.
It has three separate pockets, one on one side and two on the other. The wallet doesn’t have any folding mechanism or closure, but the pocket slides are tight and safe to use.
You will be able to place and pull out your cards and money without any difficulties. This minimalist wallet is significantly slimmer than the traditional thick wallets that tend to overload your pockets. The Magpul DAKA essential wallet will force you to utilize the space in your wallet more efficiently by getting rid of unnecessary clutter.
Quality
The Magpul DAKA Essential Slim wallet should last you a lifetime. Numerous satisfied buyers confirm that this wallet has passed the test of time.
Durability
The wallet is resistant to almost everything and will keep your everyday essentials secure. It has rounded corners glued together with permanent RF welded seams. The RF welding forms a strong air-tight wallet. The wallet is quality tested to ensure maximum longevity during daily use.
Materials
The wallet is made with reinforced polymer fabric that has an anti-slip texture. This material has high chemical resistance and is less likely to corrode. Additionally, the wallet is non-hygroscopic and will not retain moisture.
Known issues and problems
If you’re considering buying this wallet, it’s important to be aware of all the possible issues and problems that you may encounter with this wallet.
Most of the complaints about the Magpul DAKA essential are about the size of the wallet. This product, as advertised, is extremely slim, but that may be a concern if you need to carry more cards than recommended.
The second known issue is related to the first. Many buyers complain about the tightness of the card slides. They say that the openings are very narrow, so pulling out cards becomes a difficulty. This is especially a problem if you carry more than 7 cards and some cash at all times.
An additional problem is the lack of an ID window. The fact that the wallet doesn’t have this feature affects people who need to access their ID card often.
Few customers raise a security concern. The Magpul DAKA essential slim wallet doesn’t have any closure. As stated previously, your possessions won’t fall out since the card pockets are tight. However, some buyers appreciate the extra security that a folding mechanism or closure offers.
Also, the Magpul DAKA essential slim wallet doesn’t have RFID blocking technology. If this is a big concern for you, I would recommend a minimalist RFID-protected wallet, which is actually the majority of minimalist wallets out there.
A small number of reviews complain about the overall quality of the wallet. Some customers have reported that the welding loses its strength with usage. If you encounter a similar issue regarding the quality of your wallet, contact customer services immediately. Thanks to the 60-day test period, you will be able to replace the faulty product. Contact the company if you have a similar problem after the test period. The Magpul brand aims towards 100% user satisfaction, so the dedicated customer service team will try to assist you.
Aesthetics and design
The design of this wallet is clean and foolproof. Тhe Magpul DAKA essential slim wallet is not burdened with unnecessary elements and accessories that would compromise its size. Modern and vibrant men will love this wallet because of its minimalist aesthetic and timeless look.
Colors
The Magpul DAKA essential slim wallet is available in four different colors:
- Black
- Flat Dark Earth
- Stealth Gray
- Olive Drab Green
Regardless of the color you choose, the wallet will look good, elegant, and it will easily fit your style.
Fit to clothing style
The DAKA Essential is one of the best outdoors wallets, primarily made for dynamic men who enjoy sports, camping, hunting, and hiking. It is also a good fit for members of the military or workers who move a lot during the day.
However, everyone can use this wallet daily despite habits, way of life, and fashion style. Simply put, the DAKA is for people who are looking for a minimalist alternative to their clunky, impractical wallets.
Features and functionality
Let’s take a closer look at some of the unique features of the Magpul DAKA essential slim wallet:
- Reinforced polymer fabric with anti-slip texture
- Permanent RF welded seams
- Rounded corners
- Chemical resistant
- Non-hydroscopic
- Eliminates the bulk and clutter of unnecessary cards
Weight, size, dimensions
The Magpul DAKA essential slim wallet is relatively small in size and lightweight. Its dimensions are:
- width: 2.75 in / 6.98 cm
- length: 4.13 in / 10.5 cm
- depth: 0.12 in / 0.3 cm
The wallet weighs 1.05 oz / 29.9 g.
Water resistance
The Magpul DAKA Essential Slim wallet is somewhat water-resistant. It’s made from reinforced polymer fabric which is non-hygroscopic. This type of material doesn’t absorb water easily.
So, if the wallet gets wet, the moisture won’t affect it significantly.
However, the wallet is not completely enclosed, so it’s not advisable to submerge it underwater when full. If this happens, empty it right away to avoid possible damage to your possession. After that, the moisture can be easily removed by wiping the material with a cloth and letting it air dry for a few hours.
Chemical resistant
Chemicals can affect the strength, flexibility, appearance, and dimensions of a wallet. Therefore, chemical resistance can be an important feature, especially if you are frequently around chemicals.
The polymer has some ability to tolerate chemical attacks for a specific period. Because of this, the Magpul DAKA Essential Slim is resistant and won’t be affected by various unfavorable outside influences. You can carry this wallet in different environments without experiencing any problems.
Permanent RF welded seams
The Magpul DAKA Essential Slim wallet has permanent RF welded seams. This feature adds additional protection and ensures safety.
RF welding is the process of fusing multiple layers of materials by heating them. A highly perfected RF welding technique makes for a precise manufacturing process. This way, the quality of each wallet is guaranteed. Thanks to this feature, the wallet is super slim and compact.
How many cards can the Magpul DAKA Essential Slim wallet hold?
The Magpul DAKA Essential Slim is designed to comfortably hold 3 to 7 cards. The small storage capacity can be a big plus or a major disadvantage, it all depends on your preference and needs. If you are looking for a wallet that will help you get rid of unnecessary cards, then this wallet will be just enough. Its card pockets are made to fit all US credit and ID cards. However, some business cards or coupons may be too large.
How much cash can the Magpul DAKA Essential Slim wallet hold?
If you carry only 3 to 4 cards, you will be able to fit a few slips of cash inside the wallet. Ideally, you should not store more than 5 folded bills while carrying several cards.
In case you need more capacity for your cash, check out my guide on the best wallets for cash.
Magpul DAKA essential wallet VS Trayvax Ascent wallet
Here we have two US-made minimalist wallets with the same capacity for cards and cash. Inside both wallets, you can carry roughly 5 cash bills and up to 7 cards. They both lack a coin compartment.
However, the Trayvax Ascent wallet has RFID blocking and a small ID window on one side. Additionally, this wallet has a nylon pull tab in the middle that allows somewhat easier access to cards. The Trayvax Ascent can be personalized with engravings since it’s made with leather and has visible stitching.
The DAKA essential wallet is made from less luxurious material. Keep in mind that the anti-slip reinforced polymer fabric is very durable and tested for longevity.
Both wallets are similar in size, but still, the DAKA essential wallet is slightly slimmer and lighter. The Trayvax Ascent weighs 3 oz / 85 g, while the DAKA essential is only 0.12 in / 0.3 cm thick and it weighs 1.05 oz / 29.9 g.
When it comes to price, the Magpul DAKA Essential Slim has the advantage with its incredible price of $16.95. The Trayvax Ascent wallet is pricier and costs $59.99.
Reviews and customer satisfaction
This wallet is highly praised and beloved by many satisfied customers. An amazing number of positive ratings on Amazon support this statement. So far, there are about 1800 global reviews for this wallet, 74% of which have rated it with five stars.
Most of the buyers say that the Magpul DAKA is ultra-slim, compact, and small in a good way. They praise its ability to fit comfortably in any pocket, front or back. According to them, you’ll probably forget that you are carrying it since the wallet is very light and made for a daily carry of just the essential things.
Further, many customers are satisfied with the low price and comment that for under $20, the wallet is more than worth it.
Some buyers who have been using this wallet for a long time confirm that it is very durable and made to last for years.
Who should not buy Magpul DAKA Essential Slim wallet?
This wallet isn’t for you if you need a minimalist wallet with a large capacity for carrying cards. The Magpul DAKA Essential Slim can comfortably carry 7 cards, which is a significant issue for people who need to carry more cards, and I suggest seeing my guide on the best wallets for lots of cards if you need that capability.
You shouldn’t buy this wallet if you mind having a minimalist wallet with extra tight pockets. The RF-welding provides security, but it can cause trouble if you need to pull out one of your cards often and quickly.
Another big con may be the lack of RFID blocking. If you consider this to be a key feature for a minimalist wallet, then the Magpul DAKA shouldn’t be your first choice.
Finally, while being affordable is usually a very in-demand quality, some people may be looking for something more exclusive, in which case I suggest checking out my guides on the best wallets under $50 or the best wallets under $100.
Who should buy the Magpul DAKA Essential Slim wallet?
There are many reasons why you should buy this wallet.
First, you should buy this wallet if you appreciate fine craftsmanship. The Magpul DAKA Essential Slim is made from anti-slip reinforced polymer fabric which is tightly sealed together with RF-welded. This manufacturing process makes this wallet simple and slim yet immensely practical and durable. Additionally, the wallet has flexible and round corners that allow commutable carry inside pockets and pouches.
You should buy the Magpul DAKA if you like to eliminate the unnecessary clutter in your wallet. The Magpul DAKA essential wallet is one of the most compact minimalist wallets on the market, and it will help you to cut down on unwanted mess and chaos. Unlike most bi-fold or three-fold wallets made of thick and heavy materials, DAKA essential has a low profile due to its slender design. However, you’ll still be able to hold all of your necessary cards and money.
The Magpul DAKA essential wallet stands out for its resistance to various external conditions. It’s created for everyday use and is ideal for people with an adventurous lifestyle. You should buy the Magpul DAKA essential if you require a reliable, long-lasting minimalist wallet.
Another notable pro regarding this wallet is the affordable price at which it is sold. A wide range of buyers can afford to purchase the Magpul DAKA Essential Slim since it costs only $16.95. This is an excellent deal for a minimalist wallet with outstanding features.
Where to buy the Magpul DAKA Essential Slim from?
Magpul DAKA Essential Slim Specifications
| Type | minimalist |
| Max n. of cards | 7 |
| RFID blocking? | no |
| TSA compliant? | yes |
| Materials used | anti-slip reinforced polymer fabric |
| Height | 4.13 in / 10.5 cm |
| Width | 2.75 in / 6.98 cm |
| Depth | 0.12 in / 0.3 cm |
| Weight | 1.05 oz / 29.9 g |
| Features | reinforced polymer fabric, anti-slip texture, permanent RF welded seams. rounded corners, chemical resistant, non-hygroscopic |
| Water resistance | some |
| Warranty | 60-days testing period |
| Return period | 60 days |
