Grab and Go: The 18 Best Sling Bags For Men

Pack it the night before, grab it, and get out the door in a flash—that’s the promise that every sling bag makes good on. They’re a wonderful alternative to a briefcase, messenger bag, or full size backpack that lets you narrow down your gear to just the essentials. 

And since sling bags are generally very affordable, it’s easy to pick one up to extend your options for successful everyday carry. We’ve collected 15 of the best sling bags for men in this guide, representing a full range of style and size options that will let you fine tune your adventure-ready fit.

Chrome Industries Kadet Sling Bag

You know that any bag brand favored by New York City’s hardworking bicycle messengers has to be good—and Chrome definitely delivers on that front. Their legendary lineup of ultra durable messenger bags and backpacks has been winning legions of fans for the past couple decades. And with their Kadet Sling Bag, they’ve perfected the art of quick carry bags.

The large zippered main pocket gives you the room you need for your most essential gear, while thoughtfully placed pockets let you keep individual pieces in their own dedicated places. Chrome’s signature buckle makes for the fastest on-and-off of any sling bag on this list, and a hi-vis treatment on the bag’s exterior means you’ll be lit up for safety even when you’re traveling at night.

• Body Material: 1050D Nylon
• Capacity: 9L
• Dimensions: 7.75” H x 16.5” W x 3.5” D
• Weight: 1.1 lbs
• Price: $100
• Key Features: Seatbelt buckle closure with integrated bottle opener, high vis reflective panel and trim

Bellroy Venture Sling 9L

Bellroy is one of the biggest names in today’s everyday carry scene, thanks to their winning combination of pared-down style and thoughtfully designed functionality. With their Venture Sling, they offer a just-big-enough nine-liter storage capacity that’s great for packing layers for a quick day hike, or carrying your camera and a lens for urban exploration.

A half dozen pockets give you plenty of room to organize all your gear, and the innovative zipper system can open from both ends for wide-open access in a flash. That’s all topped off with a gusseted design that folds flat on its own when you don’t have it stuffed full, keeping this bag slim and minimalist or allowing it to expand when you need it most.

• Body Material: Water-resistant recycled synthetic fiber
• Capacity: 9L
• Dimensions: 320 x 180 x 120mm
• Weight: 400 g (14 oz)
• Price: $129
• Key Features: Expandable storage, two way zipper, padded tech pockets

Camelbak Arete Sling 8

If you’re most familiar with Camelbak for their industry-leading hydration bladders, you might not know that they make a darned fine sling bag as well. Check out their Arete Sling 8 for proof: Designed around their .6 liter Tritan Renew bottle, it’s a cleverly built alternative to carrying a hydration pack that still has the slim, streamlined style Camelbak is known for.

The generously padded mesh back and strap make this little bag great for impromptu outdoor adventures, and the three-pocket interior gives you just enough storage for your keys, wallet, phone, and a few accessories. To round things out, each of these bags is made entirely from recycled materials—making it the gold standard in eco-friendly sling bag design.

• Body Material: Recycled synthetics
• Capacity: 8L
• Dimensions: 15” H x 8.25” W x 6” D
• Weight: 13 oz
• Price: $55
• Key Features: 3D vent mesh harness, water bottle pocket with included .6L Tritan bottle, lifetime warranty

Patagonia Stealth Sling 10L

You may already know Patagonia for the quality and attention to detail they put into making all their gear imminently outdoor-ready. But did you also know that they’re one of the most environmentally responsible manufacturers out there today?

Take their 10-liter Stealth Sling, for example: It’s made entirely with recycled materials, and sewn in Fair Trade Certified factories. Taken together, that means this bag is doing good for the world during every step of its production journey. Oh, and it’s pretty awesome to carry too—the expanding pockets give it big storage capacity, and it’s super lightweight and quiet to boot.

• Body Material: Recycled ripstop nylon with polyurethane and TPU coatings
• Capacity: 10L
• Dimensions: 21.5″ H x 9” W x 6″ D
• Weight: 1 lb 6.92 oz
• Price: $159
• Key Features: Light, quiet, water resistant, and Fair Trade Certified sewn

5.11 LV10 2.0 Sling Pack

Be ready for anything with the 5.11 LV10 2.0 Sling Pack. Designed for tactical, law enforcement, and active combat use as well as your daily commute, the bag features a CCW compartment with removable holster retention strap, loop panel, and “hot pull” system that keeps your weapon in easy reach and ready to draw at a moment’s notice. The side compression straps and built-in grab handles make it easy for you to carry this bag however you find most comfortable and convenient.

Storage-wise, you’ve got a fleece-lined top zipper pocket, dual internal mesh pockets (with quick access), a front zippered pocket, internal MOLLE webbing, a padded tablet sleeve, and admin organizers. Thanks to the bottom webbing straps, you can carry more gear or expand the pack to accommodate a water bottle for on-the-go hydration. It’s the most versatile sling pack on this list, not to mention one of the most durable. 

• Body Material: 840D Nylon
• Capacity: 13L
• Dimensions: 10.5”H x 16.25”W x 5.75”D
• Weight: 2.1 lbs
• Price: $115
• Key Features: CCW compartment with “hot pull” system and holster retention strap

Alpaka Bravo Sling Mini

For your next European holiday or Central American adventure, sling this bag on your back and you’ll keep all your most important items close at hand. The Alpaka Bravo Sling Mini is made to resist theft, with lockable zippers that’ll keep light-fingered thieves from stealing your passport, IDs, or cash. The integrated key tether makes it easy to keep all of your keys together and neatly organized, and the MOLLE webbing lets you configure the storage space however you want.

The pack is sized to house either an iPad Mini or Nintendo Switch for on-the-go gaming. Thanks to the waterproof nylon inner lining and YKK waterproof zippers, you can trust your electronics are as safe from the rain as they are from pickpockets.

• Body Material: X-PAC VX-21
• Capacity: 4L
• Dimensions: 13.8” W x 7.5” H x 2.4” D
• Weight: 320g
• Price: $79
• Key Feature: Anti-theft, lockable zippers ensure your bag’s contents are fully secure

Oakley Extractor Sling Pack 2.0

Planning an active day strolling around town or running errands? Let the Oakley Extractor Sling Pack 2.0 be your companion for style, comfort, and convenience. Its 23L size lets you carry a lot of gear with you, and the interior mesh pockets make it easy to keep your chargers, tablets, cellphone accessories, headphones, notebooks, and other EDC essentials neat and tidy. The MOLLE webbing on the bottom and both sides let you add even more storage space and accessories outside the bag, so you can adapt it to suit your needs to perfection.

Thanks to the compression-molded back panel, the bag will feel solid and sturdy against your back. Best of all, the integrated air channels will prevent you from getting sweaty and overheating if you’re hustling around town, and the cross-body strap ensures it’s comfortable to carry all day long. It’s even water-repellent so you can trust it’ll withstand rain, sleet, snow, and hail.

• Body Material: 600D poly
• Capacity: 23L
• Dimensions: 16.05cm Lx 20cm W x 40.62cm H
• Weight: 1.54 lbs
• Price: $115
• Key Feature: Compression-molded back panel with integrated air channels for maximum breathability

Osprey Packs Daylite 6L Sling

When you’re heading out into Mother Nature on a hiking, backpacking, camping, cycling, or fishing trip, the Osprey Packs Daylite 6L Sling will be your trusty companion. Though it’s small, it features a variety of internal pockets that ensures all of your essentials stay organized and easily accessible. The DWR-treated ripstop recycled materials will keep the bag’s contents dry even in a heavy downpour, and makes the bag perfectly safe to pack on a boat, kayak, or paddleboard. 

The anatomically shaped strap hugs your body tightly so the bag won’t bounce when you’re hiking or biking, and the NeoSpacer mesh will ensure the bag and strap are both fully breathable. The strap is designed for both right-handed and left-handed use, adjustable to wear over either shoulder. Best of all, it’s the most affordable sling pack on our list but is still backed by a lifetime warranty.

• Body Material: 150D recycled polyester and 600D recycled polyester
• Capacity: 6L
• Dimensions: 14.2 x 8.7 x 5.1 in
• Weight: 8.4 oz
• Price: $34
• Key Feature: PFC-free DWR coating makes it fully waterproof 

Heimplanet Transit Line Sling Pocket

Hop onto any crowded bus or train fully confident your EDC items are secure and close at hand with the  Heimplanet Transit Line Sling Pocket strapped to your back. 

The bag is small (just two liters of storage space), but sized right for minimalist travel. You can easily fit your phone, AirPods, chargers, and a few other small essentials, and the Dyecoshell exterior will keep them safe from impacts, abrasions, and rainfall. Organization is made easy thanks to the scratch-free front pocket and the multiple internal pockets. Heimplanet also makes nods to sustainability by using Dope Dyed recycled fabrics. 

For a truly compact carry solution, you’ll find this sling pack is just what you’re looking for.

• Body Material: DYECOSHELL 800D x 660D Nylon PU
• Capacity: 2L
• Dimensions: 9.84 x 5.91 x 3.15in
• Weight: 0.44 lbs
• Price: Approximately $87 (prices are in Euros)
• Key Features: Waterproof, ultra-compact, and lightweight

Topo Designs Mountain Sling Bag

While it’s an everyday clothing and outdoor gear staple now, nylon is just as remarkable today as it was when it was introduced in the 1930s. The fully synthetic fiber has an incredible strength-to-weight ratio, and that’s put to great use in Topo Designs’ Mountain Sling Bag.

Made from recycled 200D ripstop nylon, it combines the best of grab-and-go functionality with long-lasting durability. That’s all in addition to excellent water resistance that’s further emphasized by weatherproof zippers on the quick access front pocket. And if you’re into tactical EDC gear, the molle webbing on the exterior gives you plenty of added storage space.

• Body Material: 100% recycled 200D nylon
• Capacity: 6.5 L
• Dimensions: 7″ H x 13” W x 4.5” D
• Weight: 8 oz
• Price: $99
• Key Features: Large top entry compartment, adjustable cord for adding extra gear, bottom compression straps

Peak Design Everyday Sling V2 6L

As one of the smallest sling bags on this list, Peak Design’s Everyday Sling V2 is still seriously capable of hauling gear. The minimalist design has enough storage space for an 11-inch laptop or tablet, as well as two large and six small expandable pockets.

This makes it perfect as a rough and ready tech bag, where its 400D nylon-based exterior will protect your electronics from the elements and any accidental scrapes. And while it’s one of the pricier bags on our list, it’s covered by a lifetime guarantee that makes it a smart investment for long term use.

• Body Material: Nylon/polyester/EVA/Hypalon
• Capacity: 6L
• Dimensions: 13.8” W x 9.3” H x 4.7” D
• Weight: 1 lb 11.5 oz
• Price: $99.95
• Key Features: Weather resistant, dedicated tech sleeve (up to 11”), 8 internal pockets

Herschel Supply Co. Heritage Sling Pack

The classic backpack design has a lot going for it—perhaps most of which is its familiarity, making a standard backpack easy to load up and organize without really having to think about it. If you’ve been hesitant to switch to a sling bag because you’ll have to relearn your packing, consider Herschel’s Heritage Sling Pack.

At its core, it’s essentially a miniaturized version of your favorite two-strap backpack, adapted for easy on-the-go use. The whole thing is made of a durable synthetic canvas too, giving it true go-anywhere readiness.

• Body Material: Polyester canvas
• Capacity: 8L
• Dimensions: 15″ W x 7.5” H x 3″ D
• Weight: 11.2 oz
• Price: $49.99
• Key Features: Front pocket with key clip, internal storage sleeve and mesh organizer pocket

DSPTCH Sling Pouch Medium

Somewhere between tactical efficiency and streetwear style, you’ll find DSPTCH’s Sling Pouch. For the tactical side, it’s made of a military-grade ballistic nylon and covered by a lifetime guarantee—i.e., it’s never going to quit on you, and if by some tragedy it does, DSPTCH will repair or replace it. But the sleek and streamlined style looks great as part of an urban outfit, with quick-release straps for easy access and plenty of interior tech pockets for all your electronic devices. Better yet, the whole package is made entirely in the USA, too.

• Body Material: 1680D Ballistic Nylon with DWR coating
• Capacity: Not specified
• Dimensions: 9.5″ W x 6″ H x 2.5″ D
• Weight: 5 oz
• Price: $122
• Key Features: Quick release hybrid webbing strap with detachable magnetic buckle, made entirely in the USA, lifetime guarantee

Pacsafe Vibe 325 ECONYL Sling Pack

For all the benefits that come with nylon and other synthetic fibers, there’s a big drawback too: They’re not always easy on the environment. To help offset the negative effects of synthetic materials, brands like Pacsafe have started making great use of recycled nylon—as evidenced in their Vibe 325 Econyl Sling Pack.

Made from recycled fishing nets and nylon waste, it’s a sturdy 10-liter pack that’s an excellent alternative to a traditional backpack. Heavily cut-resistant straps and body material are paired with lockable zippers to make it a darned fine anti-theft backpack for travel, too.

• Body Material: ECONYL fiber regenerated from discarded fishing nets and other nylon waste
• Capacity: 10L
• Dimensions: 15.8” H x 9.1” W x 3.1” D
• Weight: 1 lb 6.1 oz
• Price: $109.95
• Key Features: RFID blocking pocket, 10” tablet pocket, lockable zippers, cut resistant strap

Timbuk2 Vapor Sling Crossbody Bag

When it comes to pockets on a sling bag, Timbuk2 has gone above and beyond expectations with their Vapor Sling Crossbody Bag. Four pillowy front pockets offer quick access with zipper openings, letting you keep your essentials both organized and readily available at a moment’s notice. Then, the whole thing pops open to store your larger gear like smartphones, tablets, and even good old fashioned hardbacks. That’s all topped off with a true ambidextrous design, where the weight sits evenly and comfortably no matter how you’d like to wear it.

• Body Material: Recycled nylon and polyester
• Capacity: 7L
• Dimensions: 15.7” H x 7.09 “ W x 3.35” D
• Weight: 11.2 oz
• Price: $89
• Key Features: Easy access exterior pockets, soft and tech-friendly lining, ambidextrous shoulder strap

AER City Sling 2 X-Pac

If tactical- and outdoor-ready sling bags aren’t really your thing, look towards AER’s City Sling 2 X-Pac instead. It’s a dedicated urban EDC bag, designed to get you through your daily grind in the concrete jungle all while keeping a refined style.

The exterior for this bag is made with a lightweight but heavy duty sailcloth material, treated with tough weatherproofing that will keep your gear dry even in a downpour; YKK Aquaguard zippers further reinforce this waterproof construction. Quick-access pockets round out the whole package, opening to reveal a high visibility orange liner that makes it super easy to find all your gear.

• Body Material: VX-42 X-Pac sailcloth by Dimension-Polyant
• Capacity: 2.5L
• Dimensions: 13” L x 4.5” W x 3.5” D
• Weight: 14.4 oz
• Price: $109
• Key Features: Stowaway sling strap with magnetic fastener, high-vis orange liner, quick access front pocket with keychain

Tumi Bozeman Sling

Tumi’s Bozeman Sling might just be the best way to make sure that you and your gear end up in the same place while traveling. Why? Because of their innovative TUMI Tracer—a permanent 20-digit code that’s hidden away in your bag, and paired with a program that helps reunite owners with their lost or stolen bags. That’s doubly awesome in light of how well-made this bag is, effectively guaranteeing that you’re going to have a lifelong companion in your newest sling bag.

• Body Material: Not specified
• Capacity: Not specified
• Dimensions: 6″ W X 13.5″ H X 2.6″ D
• Weight: 1 lb 6.4 oz
• Price: $325
• Key Features: Key leash, TUMI tracer, quick-release padded adjustable strap

Cargo Works EDC Sling

And for what might be the overall best value for what it has to offer, check out Cargo Works’ EDC Sling. All the benefits of a much more expensive bag are represented here: Super durable 1000D nylon construction, generous sizing for an 11-inch laptop or tablet, and plenty of pockets and loops for storage and organization. But it’s available at such an affordable price, anyone can add this to their EDC setup with ease. And it’s ambidextrous design means that whether you’re a righty or a lefty, you’re covered to carry this sling bag comfortably.

• Body Material: 1000D nylon
• Capacity: Not specified
• Dimensions: 13.5” H x 7.9” W x 3.5” D
• Weight: Not specified
• Price: $64.90
• Key Features: 11” tablet sleeve, pen loops, three internal pockets, detachable shoulder strap

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