The 24 Best Sling Bags for Everyday Carry

The use of sling bags is on the rise. With minimalism securely in the zeitgeist, we’re trimming down and carrying less, so a 20-30L backpack is overkill for some. A good sling snugs tight to the carrier and allows freer movement and quick access to essentials on the go.

And when worn on the chest, it makes pickpocketing pretty darn tricky.

A good sling should:

- - – be lightweight
  - – have a long, padded and adjustable strap that can flip from right to left depending on user preference
  - – have a padded back panel so you’re not getting jabbed with pens and sharp things
  - – good organization for smaller things (it can generally fit a phone, iPad and sometimes a small laptop)
  - – shift easily from the chest to the back and vice versa, so getting access on the go is smooth and friction-free
  - – Allow freedom to move, be it gliding across busy platforms or riding a bike
..
And to help you on the way to carry freedom, check out our picks of the 24 best sling bags for everyday carry…
.
–

Basics Sling (US$ 18.99)

Practical and versatile, this sling is a great budget-friendly option with a slim design and multiple pockets. The angled pockets provide easy access to items such as a wallet, phone, keys, and passport, while the main compartment fits up to a 7.9″ iPad mini. Plus there’s an interior RFID-blocking pocket for securely storing cards. The slim design can be worn over clothing or beneath a jacket for a more low-key option, making this a useful bag for work, travel and EDC needs.

Dakine Sling 6L Pack (US$ 34.95)

Compact and inexpensive, this 6L sling keeps things functional and straightforward for carrying the essentials. The bag features two zippered pockets including a padded iPad mini sleeve, as well as a mesh interior pocket. It’s also available in a choice of colorways and includes a useful grab handle.

Life Behind Bars The Slingshot (US$ 49)

The weatherproof Slingshot offers quick access with a magnetic Fidlock buckle, and a 9L volume that can accommodate items such as a 9.7″ tablet, notebook, wallet, small camera, phone and more. Organization options include an exterior pocket, two interior pockets, a U-lock holster and a light loop. There’s also a removable stabilizer strap for active use and a choice of colorways to suit your personal style.

KAVU Rope Sling Bag (US$ 50)

KAVU’s Rope Sling rocks casual style for day-to-day and travel needs, with a host of colorways to appeal to diverse tastes. The water-resistant bag offers a variety of organization options including two vertical zip pockets and two further pockets that are handy for items such as keys and a phone. For added user comfort the bag also features a padded back panel and an adjustable shoulder strap.

Aer Sling Bag (US$ 60)

The Aer Sling Bag merges clean style with a functional design for carrying gym gear. Useful features include a ventilated shoe compartment that keeps shoes separate from the rest of your gear, a main compartment for the likes of clothes and a water bottle, plus a quick-access pocket for smaller items such as a phone and wallet.

Keep Pursuing Sling (US$ 69)

The water-resistant Keep Pursuing Sling packs plenty of features into an understated design that suits a variety of urban and travel settings. A secret compartment securely stores a passport or other small valuables, a padded compartment takes care of tech devices, and a choice of interior pockets keep smaller items organized. The sling includes a zipper loop lock to help deter thieves, a waist strap for securing the load during active use, and an adjustable shoulder strap that can be worn over the left or right shoulder.

Timbuk2 Delta Sling (US$ 69)

The Delta Sling is a handy companion for keeping travel essentials and minimalist work carry setups within easy reach. The bag can stash the likes of lunch, an outer layer, a small camera and a wallet and phone. Plus there’s also a rear zip pocket for storing an iPad or e-reader, and a loop for securing a bike light. The Delta Sling includes an adjustable strap and can be worn as a waistpack or sling. As a bonus, it also comes with Timbuk2’s lifetime warranty.

Pacsafe Vibe 325 Anti-Theft Cross Body Pac (US$69.95)

The Pacsafe Vibe 325 Anti-Theft Cross Body Pack is well suited to the city and traveling, with a sleek design and a versatile 10L volume that accommodates a range of items. The bag features a padded iPad/tablet sleeve, along with additional pockets and compartments for stashing the likes of a phone, wallet, compact umbrella and snacks. Additionally, integrated low-key security features keep your gear safe on the go, including an RFIDsafe pocket, eXomesh Slashguard, Carrysafe slashguard strap, and Roobar Sport locking system.

Incase Quick Sling Bag for iPad Air (US$ 69.95)

The Quick Sling is great for carrying tech in protected, clean style that suits work and play alike. The bag features a dedicated padded iPad compartment, and a convenient exterior pocket for quickly accessing items such as a phone or wallet. The main compartment includes a slip pocket that’s handy for storing a wireless keyboard, while a quick-release strap enables easy access on the move.

Patagonia Atom Sling (US$ 69.98)

The 8L Atom Sling excels at carrying the essentials in urban and travel environments, with a teardrop-shaped design that helps keep the load comfortably behind the shoulders. The water-resistant construction is complemented by a choice of pockets for organization, including a quick-access pocket on the strap that’s handy for keys, cash or cards.

5.11 Tactical RUSH MOAB™ 10 (Mobile Operation Attachment Bag) (US$ 79.99)

If you dig a tactical vibe to your gear and plenty of pockets, this sling is definitely one to keep on your radar. The clamshell-style main compartment opens wide for easy access, and there’s no shortage of pockets and webbing for organizing items and attaching extra gear externally if desired. The ambidextrous strap features a handy pocket for a phone with passthrough access for earphones. The 18L bag is also hydration bladder compatible and includes a port for quick and easy hydration on the go.

Chrome Industries Kadet (US$ 80)

Sleek and tough, the Kadet is ideal for storing items such as a light outer layer, keys, wallet, tablet and small camera. Features such as daisy-chain loops and a padded rear U-lock holster provide options for carrying additional items, and the quick-release strap makes access convenient on the go. As an added bonus, the reliable build is guaranteed for life.

Chrome Industries Niko Sling (US$ 80)

Looking for a compact and weatherproof camera bag? The Niko Sling is a worthy contender that fits a DSLR and lens, with an exterior pocket for small accessories. The strap includes a quick-release buckle with an integrated bottle opener, so you can reach your camera quickly when a great shot presents itself, and celebrate with a cold brew afterwards.

Gregory Switch Sling (US$ 82.53)

The compact Gregory Switch Sling is a functional and useful piece for carrying the essentials. The 5L volume holds a range of items such as a water bottle, wallet, phone, book and notebook. The vertical front pocket features an interior accessory sleeve and a key fob, while the wide-opening main compartment provides easy access to gear and also includes an interior divider sleeve. The strap can be configured to wear on either shoulder, and an exterior loop and lash strap provide storage for bulkier items if required.

Aer Travel Sling (US$ 100)

Aer’s Travel Sling combines understated aesthetics with practical organization to make travel easier, whether you’re on holiday or a business trip. The main compartment includes a padded pocket that fits up to a 13″ laptop, as well as multiple pockets for organizing smaller items. Exterior quick-access pockets keep items such as travel documents, a phone, pens, and a wallet within easy reach. The bag can be worn horizontally or vertically, and also features a rear carry handle that doubles as a luggage passthrough strap.

Vertx EDC Transit Sling (US$ 119.99)

The Vertx EDC Transit Sling is a useful option for those wanting tactical functionality in their carry without overtly tactical aesthetics. The bag features multiple compartments designed to store a tablet or small laptop, as well as a weapon. A choice of interior pockets and a MOLLE-compatible front panel allow for customized gear setups to suit changing needs. And for added functionality the bag can be secured to rolling luggage using the passthrough back panel.

bagjack Slingbag (~US$ 121)

This lightweight and low-key sling is made by hand in Berlin, and suits both work and weekends away. The bag keeps up to an 11″ tablet or laptop safe and secure in a padded compartment with side access, while a front zipped pocket stores quick-access items within easy reach.

Maxpedition Kodiak Gearslinger (US$ 134.55)

The Kodiak Gearslinger provides tactical functionality and spacious storage for everyday and travel use. The 22.6L bag fits up to a 15″ laptop, and opens wide for convenient access to the contents. This is a great option for users who appreciate lots of organization in their carry gear. A wide array of interior and exterior pockets combined with PALS webbing provides plenty of storage for keeping items tidy and within easy reach.

Topo Designs Sling Bag (US$ 139)

Displaying Topo’s signature casual and colorful aesthetics, this sling is a versatile carry companion for the commute and EDC alike. Items such as documents, clothing, and other larger essentials can be stored in the main compartment, while the exterior zip pocket keeps smaller items at the ready. The bag includes a 13″ laptop sleeve, a mesh bottle pocket, as well as side bungees for securing additional items or cinching down the load when it’s time to move.
Peak Design Everyday Sling (US$ 149.95)
.
Camera gear. Work tools. Travel essentials. Peak Design’s Everyday Sling takes them all in stride with a highly versatile design that easily adapts to changing needs. FlexFold dividers enable customizable organization, while multiple pockets keep smaller items in order. The 10L Everyday Sling offers dedicated storage for up to a 13″ tablet or laptop, as well as exterior carry straps for bulkier items such as a tripod or umbrella. And if you need a little extra space, an expandable secondary compartment lets you stash an outer layer, snacks or other EDC essentials.
.
DSPTCH Slingpack (US$ 152)

Durable and adaptable, the DSPTCH Slingpack lends itself to work, EDC and travel needs. Made in the USA with Ballistic Nylon, the bag fits up to a 15″ laptop within a padded sleeve in the main compartment. A concealed security pocket is handy for stashing valuables, while the front pocket is useful for storing quick-access items and includes interior organization to keep gear tidy while you roam.

côte&ciel Riss (US$ 205)

The Riss is an elegant fusion of Parisian style and Japanese practicality. Inspired by traditional Japanese armor, the bag can be worn over the shoulder or across the back and comes in a range of materials and colorways. A padded compartment fits up to a 13″ tablet or laptop, with two zippered pockets providing secure storage for smaller items. This is a suave piece for the office, sightseeing on your travels, or carrying EDC in eye-catching style. And hey, if you need something a little smaller, try their Isarau.

Tumi Alpha Bravo Monterey Sling (US$ 249.95)

Tumi’s Alpha Bravo Monterey Sling combines stylish urban-friendly aesthetics with durable Ballistic Nylon construction that will withstand daily use for years to come. The adjustable strap can be worn on the left or right, and quick-access side pockets keep items such as keys, a wallet, phone, and water bottle within easy reach. The bag also includes a padded tablet compartment for tech protection, and is a versatile piece for moving between business and downtime needs.

BRIEFING Tactical Sling (US$ 310.69)

As the name suggests, this sling will appeal to users who appreciate a more tactical aesthetic in their carry gear. Built in the USA with tough Ballistic Nylon, the sling offers multiple exterior webbing attachment points and handy front and side quick-access pockets. The interior is large enough to fit A4 documents and extra items such as lunch and an outer layer. The main strap can be configured for left or right-side use, and the stabilizer strap helps keep the load secure when moving quickly on foot or by bike.
*If you dug this guide, you might dig these too!