Darsie Beck Sketch Bag Review

I recently decided to invest (and it is a bit spendy) in a fancy bag meant for sketching, called the Darsie Beck Sketch Bag.

For many years, this has been my sketching bag:

But when I stumbled across the Darsie Beck bag, I knew that I had to try it.  I put together a video all about why:

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Useful Information About the Darsie Beck Sketch Bag

The Darsie Beck Sketch Bag is designed to function as both a supply bag and a wearable sketching table. Its standout feature is a stiffened front flap that becomes a work surface when attached with Velcro, allowing you to sketch, paint, write, or collage without needing an actual table.

Some of the most useful features I point out in the video:

• Built-in work surface: A clear plastic insert stiffens the front flap, creating a stable platform for your sketchbook and supplies.
• Adjustable work angle: The Velcro attachment lets you change the angle of the platform so it can sit flatter or tilt more toward you.
• Watercolor palette holder: An elastic strap across the platform holds a watercolor palette in place. It even accommodated a fairly large Sakura palette.
• Hands-free sketching: Because the bag stays strapped to your body, the platform essentially becomes a small table attached to you. This makes it easier to work while standing or moving around.
• Accessible storage: Even when the platform is open, you can still reach the main zippered compartment of the bag.
• Multiple pockets: There are interior pockets, mesh pockets, exterior storage, individual pen loops, and an expandable mesh pocket that could hold something like a water bottle.
• Removable tool pouch: A small Velcro pouch attaches directly to the shoulder strap, keeping frequently used pens, markers, or a water brush within easy reach.
• Adjustable shoulder strap: The strap has a generous adjustment range. At 5’8″, I had it shortened considerably, suggesting it could also accommodate taller users.
• Roomy interior: There is enough space for a substantial collection of sketching supplies, including a large watercolor palette.

There are also a few drawbacks worth knowing about. If you use lots of pens, markers, inks, and mixed-media supplies, the built-in organization may not be enough. I ended up putting an additional pen pouch inside the bag so supplies wouldn’t roll around loose. The removable strap pouch is convenient while you’re actively sketching, but supplies can fall out fairly easily when the pouch isn’t upright, so it may be better to attach it only when you’re ready to work.

What makes the bag especially interesting is that it isn’t limited to traditional watercolor sketching. The platform also works well for a mixed-media sketchbook practice. You can secure the sketchbook, pull out collage papers and a glue stick, and have both hands available for working. Moving the bag toward the center of your body also creates a more comfortable, straight-ahead working position.

The main question is probably whether the built-in table justifies the price. It was more expensive than I would normally want to pay for a sketch bag, but the wearable work surface is unusual enough that I haven’t found another bag that did quite the same thing.

Bottom line: The strongest reason to buy the Darsie Beck Sketch Bag isn’t simply storage. It’s the ability to create a stable, adjustable working surface almost anywhere. In my opinion, this is less a fancy supply bag and more a portable studio surface!

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Finding the Right Sketch Bag for You

I don’t think that everyone needs a fancy bag. I’ve been happily juggling my art supplies since I started sketching in 2011.  I look for spots to sketch where a table or a chair (and therefore my lap) is available.  I sometimes even carry a sketching stool with me. 

I eyed this bag on etsy for quite some time…

…but then decided that I really needed the built-in platform to make the bag the most useful.  Otherwise, you’re still trying to juggle a paint palette and a book and that’s not easy!

So, my overall review is: I’m glad I got the bag.  There really isn’t anything else out there like it!

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Learn How To Keep a Sketchbook

If you’re interested in learning how to keep a mixed media sketchbook, join me for my online class “Sketchbook Habit: Keeping a Visual Diary.”

There are 30 video lessons – including lessons on how to work outside!  You have lifetime access to class so do all 30 lessons in 30 days or take your time and complete the class over several years.  It’s totally up to you!  Sign up HERE.

You can also check out my other sketchbook blog posts HERE.

Thanks for stopping by!