I’m always on the lookout for wallets, whether for personal use or to give them away to friends (they make great gifts). I’ve tried multiple types of wallets over the years and wanted to try something new, so after looking for an Ekster wallet review and not finding any, I purchased one and decided to write my own.
I bought their Parliament Wallet in one of the lightest colors (Roma Cognac), learning that it was one of their most popular products.
Here is my Ekster wallet review after using it daily for the last couple of weeks.
About Ekster
After deciding they wanted to provide their consumers leather wallets that were more feature-rich than the competition, two Dutch students started their business through a Kickstarter campaign. At that time, they’ve expanded into other daily carry things including phone cases and a few extra gadgets.
Their Instagram account already has more than 130,000 followers, so the quality of their products appears to have had an effect.
Their products are offered not only online but also at some significant American retailers like Macy’s.
Materials for Ekster wallet
One of Ekster’s most notable distinctions from other brands is their commitment to sustainability.
Their products are available not only online, but at some major retailers in the US like Macy’s as well.
man holding up ekster wallet in front of laptop
Ekster wallet materials
One of the most significant differences with Ekster compared to other brands is their dedication to sustainability.
Although their products resemble natural leather in appearance, texture, and scent, they are actually manufactured of vegan recycled leather from auto windscreens.
I honestly can’t tell that this wallet isn’t typical leather from the way it feels in my palm right now.
When you invest in companies like these, especially when they are working towards becoming entirely climate neutral, you get a nice little extra.
Esker what kind of wallet?
Ekster advertises its wallet as a slim one (.3cm thick)
Review of the Esker Parliament pocketbook
I chose the straightforward Parliament wallet since I was interested in their unique function, rapid card access. After a week of placing the order, it was at my door.
packing for ekster wallet
The box is relatively plain but has a subtle gloss over the Ekster logo, giving it a pleasant little shine when you examine it from an angle.
opened ekster wallt box revealing wallet
When you open it, the wallet is there waiting for you, wrapped simply in branded tissue (not pictured here). Because to the tight fit inside, shipping and packaging costs are reduced.
Tan ekster wallet on a white background
The natural colour of leather has always attracted me, and this is no different. I appreciate how these gentle tan colours look wonderful right out of the box but gradually darken with use, giving it some character.
a close-up of the ekster wallet system
As you can see, the wallet has a very simple appearance. On the outside, it has a straightforward debossed logo in the bottom right corner, stitching along the borders, and the recognisable thumb switch for quick access to all of your cards.
standing Ekster Wallet at a white counter.
Although it is rather small for a wallet, the centre, where all of your cards are stored, is slightly thicker.
Opening the Ekster wallet reveals an elastic band inside.
A little brand can also be seen on the elastic band that encircles the main compartment when you open up the wallet to reveal a bit more detail, including their complete logo.
Ekster Wallet floating on white counter
The most defining feature is the thumb switch. I liked how the designers kept it protected with the leather enclosure but cut out just enough room for easy access.
Close up of ekster wallet logo
I rarely carry cash anymore, but the elastic band on the inside is where you can store it. I always found that buying wallets was a bit of a gamble up here in Canada since some wallets are designed with slimmer US currency in mind.
The good thing about this sort of cash storage is that you never have to worry about it not fitting.
Ekster wallet flipped over showing backside
Flipping it over, you can see the back is pretty straightforward as well. No branding is visible; instead, you have a small slip that’s perfect for 1-2 additional cards.
man using release mechanism for ekster wallet review
Here’s the fun part.
After you depress the button, you’ll see your cards gracefully fan out at the top of the wallet. Instead of including additional paperwork in the box, Esker provided instructions in card format, which allows you to see the quick release in action as soon as you open the box.
Smart.
Card packaging laid out on table
The wallet came with these six individual cards, and they are all pretty similar to the thickness of a regular credit card. These cards include how to give feedback on their products, a QR code for the user manual, their story, their Instagram account for giveaways, as well as their referral program.
Ekster wallet with card on the outside
How many cards can the esker wallet fit?
The Ekster Parliament can have around ten to fifteen cards in the wallet. The quick-release compartment comfortably holds 6, and the rest can be split evenly between the three additional pockets.
Who is the Esker wallet for?
The Ekster is an excellent choice for someone with a fair amount of cards they need to carry around but still want to keep them in as much of a minimal package as possible.
Who is the Esker wallet not for?
If you’re only carrying around a few cards at a time, I wouldn’t recommend this wallet. Other slimmer options on the market are better suited for fewer cards because they don’t need the extra space for quick-release hardware.
Ekster wallet
The Ekster Tracker Card
I thought this was pretty interesting – Ekster also offers this credit card-sized tracker card that allows you to locate your wallet if you ever lose it. You just download the mobile app, link it to the card, and it’s ready to get lost.
It’s got a two-month battery in it, and it has a small solar panel on it for easy charging.
How to set up Ekster tracker
Double-tap the Eskster logo on the card
Download the Chipolo app from the app store (iPhone and Android)
Turn Bluetooth on, open the Chipolo app and connect it to your Eskter
Find Eskter in the list of products, and connect the app to your card
Good to go!
FAQ
Is an Ekster wallet worth it?
Secrid wallet vs Ekster wallet
Ekster vs. Secrid
The other main wallet in this quick-release market is the Secrid. I received one of these as a best man gift a few years ago and used it daily for about two years.
Both are similar in size and design, but the Secrid doesn’t let you carry as many cards.
If I were forced between picking between one of them, I would go for the Ekster. I like how the switch is inset into the design, rather than out in the open like it is on the Secrid.
It seems to be a pretty hot topic on reddit, where people typically go back and forth between which one they prefer.
man holding ekster wallet in hand
Can you sit on the Ekster wallet?
Yes, but it probably won’t be comfortable because of the hardness from the quick release section. I would probably recommend either carrying it in your front pocket or just removing it when you want to sit down.
Man taking card out of ester wallet, with cash visible
How long do Ekster wallets last?
Leather is notoriously strong, so I don’t think you would have to worry too much about this thing falling apart. There is a mechanism for the quick release, but it’s pretty simple and shouldn’t be that prone to failure, from what I can see.
Ekster wallet warranty
It looks like Ekster stands behind the quality of their products by giving customers a 1-year warranty from the date of delivery. If you’re not happy with the wallet, you can always return it within 30 days of receiving your order.
Is Ekster legit?
They’ve been around for a while and have sold a ton of wallets. I can’t find many bad things online about them, and their site boasts over 22600+ reviews. Not bad.
Hand holding Ekster wallet with plant in background
Ekster wallet discount
Ekster wallets do go on sale once in a while. I bought my Parliament for $67 from $89 for their cyber week sale, but I imagine they have ongoing promotions throughout the year. Keep an eye out on their social media or newsletter, and I assume they’ll send out some notifications.
Where to buy Ekster wallet
The cheapest place to get Ekster wallets is directly from their site.
Final thoughts
Overall, I think if you’re the kind of person that has at least six cards in their wallet but want something slim and well-designed to hold them in, I would recommend this.
The quick-release feature is excellent, and it’s honestly a bit weird to go back to my old wallet and have to dig out the cards one by one.
I haven’t personally tried the tracker card that they recommend purchasing with the wallet, but I’m now curious to try one myself based on all the positive reviews.
If you’re looking for another solid option, check out my review of the Bellroy Hide & Seek