Form, Function, Design

The SlimFold Micro Wallet Reviewed

“An ultra-thin wallet with a minimalist design”
That’s the tag line for the new product from Dave Zuverink Design and in this it delivers in spades. Made of Tyvek, a sheet plastic used in everything from FedEx envelopes to hazmat suits, it commands a high level of durability. This makes the Micro waterproof, rip resistant, and 100% recyclable. Having passed on the Original due to concern over its height, I found myself unable to resist the shorter yet just as thin SlimFold Micro. How is it you ask? While it may not be perfect, it delivers on every one of it’s promises and more.

Let’s take a look.

As you can see in the pictures here, and on the website, this is a truly thin wallet. When first taking it out of its packaging I found myself falling into a common psychological trap. “This is so light and thin, how can this possibly hold up to daily use.” I was worried I had just wasted my money and, more importantly, wasted my excitement on something ‘cheap’. Impressed by its looks and determined to keep an open mind, I filled it with cash and cards and encountered my first real negative. Compared to its other card holders, the ID window slot is quite loose. If it weren’t for the folding design of the wallet, my ID would fall right out. I’m unsure if this is an isolated case or inherent to the design. In addition, it seems to have been made for IDs with the photo on the left hand side. If, like me, you live in a place where your photo is on the right, your face will likely be completely covered. I would have preferred a second set of card slots mirroring those on the right side of the Micro.

Most days, I carry with me four cards and around five bills of cash. With this configuration its as thick as some of the slim card cases I have used in the past. The Micro however is much lighter and despite my initial skepticism, feels like it will hold itself together longer. Although, those who look upon the pictures with dreamy desire for those sharp straight lines and corners, take note, they do not last. After just a day, the top right corner with nothing to support it, developed quite a curve. The left and bottom edges have started to round off to accommodate the profile of the cards within. It still looks striking, but needs a little manipulation to get it to look how it did new out of the box. It seems the less you have in it, the more it keeps its original shape. Due to this, I found myself evaluating what I needed to carry with me.

“Do I really need that rewards card tucked neatly into one of the inside pockets? How much money do I need to carry with me day to day?”

My effort to keep it as thin as possible led me to find that cash seems to be the biggest culprit in adding bulk. With the gradual movement away from physical money I wonder if we might see a version of the Micro in the future without a bill pocket.

Corners and edges aside, the only complaint I have left is the color. I’m not talking about your choices, which are a wide color gamut, but that the color is printed onto the Tyvek. A day in I had already noticed lighter patches on the front and back, and small white specks along the seams from wear. None of this looks to have an impact on its durability, but buyers should be aware that the Micro “breaks in” rather quickly.

With a focus on the drawbacks, you might read this article and think your best course of action is to steer clear. I really do feel that would be a mistake. This is a case where the pros far outweigh the cons. You can tell something is special about the Micro at first glance. Each time you take it out to pay, the chance for new conversation increases.

Some may dismiss it as I first did, and see you as foolish for trusting it with your valuables. Others will see you as hip, someone open to fresh ideas. With the Micro you can be assured you’re the latter. It is the lightest, slimmest and arguably the best looking wallet you are likely to come across. I can’t see myself finding a better match for my needs (less of course a windowless model is released). The quality and minimalist design you get for the low price of $20 + shipping proves you can’t go wrong with the SlimFold Micro.