Sling bags have become a popular accessory for men in recent years. They offer a convenient way to carry your essentials without the bulkiness of a traditional backpack or the limited space of a pocket.
Sling bags come in different styles, sizes, and materials, making them suitable for various occasions and preferences. Whether you need a bag for daily commute, travel, or outdoor activities, there's a sling bag out there that meets your needs.
In this blog post, we have compiled a list of the 15 best sling bags for men in 2024, based on factors such as design, functionality, durability, and user reviews. Whether you're a minimalist or a tech enthusiast, a fashion-conscious or a practical guy, you'll find a sling bag that fits your style and purpose.
Let's dive in and explore the world of sling bags!
Top 15 sling bags for men in 2024
1) Peak Design Everyday Sling 10L Bag
The Peak Design Everyday Sling 10L is a low-profile day bag designed for those who prefer to carry light and stay organized. This bag is perfect for photographers who want quick and easy access to their gear, as well as anyone who wants to travel light without sacrificing functionality.
The bag features lightning-fast strap adjusters, which allow you to adjust the length of the strap with one hand. The side-loading main compartment uses origami-inspired FlexFold dividers to keep your gear organized, and the bag also has an expandable outer pocket for extra storage.
The external carry system allows you to attach additional items to the outside of the bag, such as a tripod or water bottle. The Everyday Sling 10L is made from weatherproof 400D nylon canvas, which provides protection against the elements. The bag packs flat, making it easy to store inside a larger bag when traveling.
2) Patagonia Atom 8L Sling Bag
The Patagonia Atom 8L Sling Bag is a versatile and sustainable pack that is perfect for everyday use. The bag is made from 100% recycled polyester with a PFC-free DWR finish, which provides durability and water resistance without the use of harmful chemicals. The pack has a volume of 8 liters, providing ample space for daily essentials, and features an ergonomic, single-strap harness that distributes weight evenly across the body for all-day comfort.
The bag has a zippered front pocket that is ideal for storing frequently used items such as a phone or wallet. The main compartment is divided, allowing for easy organization, and there are two main compartments with dedicated storage for easy access to your belongings. Additionally, the pack features tuck-away front straps for carrying a yoga mat or an extra layer, providing added functionality.
One of the best things about the Patagonia Atom 8L Sling Bag is that it is Fair Trade Certified™ sewn, meaning that the people who made it earned a premium for their labor. This commitment to sustainability and ethical manufacturing is a hallmark of Patagonia products.
3) Timbuk2 Vapor Sling Crossbody Bag
The Timbuk2 Vapor Sling Crossbody Bag is a stylish and functional bag that is perfect for everyday use. The bag is constructed from an eco-friendly, recycled nylon fiber that is made from pre-consumer waste, making it a sustainable choice for environmentally conscious consumers.
The front of the bag features a pillowy soft, satin fabric with four zip pockets, providing ample storage space for your daily essentials. The tricot-lined top pocket is perfect for protecting your sunglasses and smartphones from scratches, while the roomy main compartment is ideal for larger items such as a tablet or notebook. The exterior zipper allows for easy access to the interior padded sleeve, which is designed to hold iPads, readers, and other similar devices.
The adjustable and ambidextrous carry strap allows you to wear the bag around your chest or sling it across your back, providing flexibility and versatility. The front zip pocket comes with a key keeper, ensuring that you always know where your keys are.
One of the best things about the Timbuk2 Vapor Sling Crossbody Bag is that it is made from 100% recycled nylon and polyester from pre- and post-consumer materials, making it a sustainable and environmentally friendly choice.
4) Chrome Industries Kadet Sling Messenger Bag
The Chrome Industries Kadet Sling Messenger Bag is a versatile and durable bag that is designed to withstand the demands of city life. With its water-resistant tool belt design, the Kadet Sling is a favorite among commuters and travelers alike.
The bag features Chrome Industries' iconic buckle in lightweight aluminum, which doubles as a quick-release with a bottle opener. The crossbody adjustable sling has a padded strap for comfortable wear, and with 9 liters of space, the Kadet Sling can fit all your daily essentials, including your phone, keys, and wallet, with room to spare for a camera, tablet, or lightweight jacket.
The Kadet Sling Bag is also perfect for travel, with external pockets that can fit a passport, earbuds, and other small carry-on items. Its compact design allows it to fit under your seat while still providing plenty of legroom. The bag is designed with the iconic quick-release buckle, which makes navigating security lines a breeze.
5) Bellroy Venture 9L Sling Bag
The Bellroy Venture 9L Sling Bag is a versatile and spacious crossbody bag designed for all-day organization and comfort. Made with 100% recycled, water-resistant woven fabric and backed by a 3-year warranty, this bag is both eco-friendly and durable.
The bag features an innovative zipper that opens from both ends, creating an ultra-wide opening for easy access to your belongings. It also has a variety of pockets, including zipped, slip, pop-out, and soft-lined pockets for intuitive organization. The front zip pocket has a built-in key clip, and the bag also has a soft-lined pouch to keep your phone or sunglasses scratch-free.
The adjustable and ambidextrous shoulder strap ensures all-day carrying comfort, and the strong quick-release buckles let you detach the strap from either side. The bag can expand or self-compress depending on your needs, making it perfect for day hikes or everyday use.
6) Aer Day Sling 2 Bag
The Aer Day Sling 2 Bag is a lightweight and functional bag designed for everyday carry. Made with a 1680D Cordura® ballistic nylon exterior, YKK® zippers, and Duraflex® plastic hardware, this bag is durable and long-lasting.
The main compartment of the Day Sling 2 features a tablet pocket and additional pockets for small items, allowing you to organize your essentials. The bag also has multiple internal pockets for small accessories, providing further organization options.
The adjustable shoulder strap ensures comfort and quick access to your belongings, and the hidden back pocket keeps your passport or wallet safe and secure.
7) Mission Workshop Notch Sling Bag
The Mission Workshop Notch Sling Bag is a versatile and durable bag designed for daily carry and travel. Made from Dimension Polyant X-Pac® fabric and featuring an ultra-thin laser cut waist belt, the Notch is designed for maximum comfort and mobility.
The Notch can be worn cross-body, as a hip pack, attached to any of Mission Workshop's Arkiv® Modular Backpacks, or simply dropped into a bag as an everyday organizing pouch. The waist belt tucks away neatly when attaching it to an Arkiv® pack, allowing you to fasten it securely using the optional four-piece buckle set for a customized carrying experience.
The Notch features multiple pockets, compartments, and a key clip to keep your gear organized and easily accessible. Its durable construction ensures that it can withstand whatever your daily needs and travels may bring.
8) KAVU Rope Sling Bag
The KAVU Rope Sling Bag is a popular and versatile bag that fits the body like a bag should. With a design similar to its fraternal twin, the KAVU Rope Bag, the Rope Sling is made of water-resistant polyester.
The bag features an ultra-comfortable adjustable rope shoulder strap with a side release buckle, ensuring a customized and comfortable fit. It also has two vertical zip compartments, two key or cell phone pockets, and a padded back with KAVU embroidery.
Available in a wide variety of colors and patterns, the KAVU Rope Sling Bag allows you to express your style while providing a functional and reliable bag for everyday use.
9) Topo Designs Mini Quick Pack Sling Bag
The Topo Designs Mini Quick Pack Sling Bag is a versatile and compact bag that can be worn over the shoulder or around the waist, fanny pack style. The bag features an external bike light attachment loop and internal organization pocket for practical daily use.
The external zippered pocket has an internal key clip to keep your keys handy and not lost. The Mini Quick Pack is the younger sibling of the bestselling Quick Pack, designed for shorter trips and daily errands. The bag takes all of the best-loved features of its larger version and adds them to an even more streamlined and compact package for on-the-go use.
The bag is made with all recycled nylon materials and features a main compartment with an envelope pocket, bottom compression straps, and heavy-duty YKK zippers.
10) Nomatic McKinnon 8L Sling Bag
The Nomatic McKinnon 8L Sling Bag is a versatile and durable camera bag made from the same water-resistant materials as the McKinnon camera bag 25L. The sling bag can comfortably fit a mirrorless or small DSLR camera with an extra lens, and features a rigid wireframe construction for quick access and full visibility.
The bag's interior includes dedicated pockets for memory cards and camera batteries, as well as an elastic zippered mesh pocket. The sling bag's padded and pivoting shoulder strap can be worn as a shoulder bag, crossbody or sling, and its EVA foam formed back panel allows for added airflow and comfort.
The bag also features external attachment points for accessories such as tripods or jackets, and has a roller luggage pass-thru for easy travel. Additionally, the sling bag can be easily carried inside the McKinnon Camera Pack 35L, making it a great addition to your camera gear setup.
11) Herschel Supply Co. Heritage Shoulder Sling Bag
The Herschel Supply Co. Heritage Shoulder Sling Bag is a versatile and functional bag that merges classic backpack styling with the function of an oversized crossbody.
It features a zippered main compartment, a front pocket with a key clip, and internal storage sleeves including a zippered mesh pocket and internal mesh organizer pocket. The bag is designed to be clipped in and worn across either shoulder comfortably with a clip-fastened webbing crossbody strap.
The bag also features the signature diamond detail, signature striped liner, and classic woven label of Herschel bags.
12) Tumi Torque Sling Bag
The Tumi Torque Sling Bag is a modern and lightweight bag designed as a part of the TUMI | McLaren 60th Anniversary Collection. The bag features McLaren's signature Papaya color and CX6 carbon fiber accents, giving it an automotive-inspired look. The bag is made of HTLS® fabric, which is high-tenacity and durable with low shrinkage properties to maintain its shape in different weather conditions.
The bag has a zippered opening to the main compartment, a luggage tag, back vertical zip pocket, and an open pocket with a magnetic snap on the exterior. The interior has a hook with a leather strap for a keyring, a card pocket, open pocket, pen loops, and a TUMI Tracer®.
The Tumi Torque Sling Bag is designed with the shared appreciation of unparalleled quality, technical innovation, and design excellence of both McLaren and TUMI. The collection reflects the aerodynamic lines of McLaren supercars with a touch of McLaren's signature Papaya color. The bag is a seamless integration of lifestyle, fashion, and technology with racecar resilience.
13) WaterField Designs Sutter Tech Sling Bag
The WaterField Designs Sutter Tech Sling Bag is a versatile bag designed for everyday use. It can hold an iPad Pro, MacBook, or Surface Pro, as well as a folio and stylus, making it perfect for creative explorations. The sling stays balanced on your back and can be easily swung around one shoulder for easy access in crowded spaces. The strap can be quickly adjusted with one hand while the bag is on, making it easy to find the right fit and balance.
The bag features rear mesh padding, an interior key fob attachment, interior hand pocket, and a swing around front pocket accessible via the left or right side. It also has gold interior lining, three interior pen pockets, a padded tablet/laptop compartment, a removable shoulder pad, and flexible strap options.
The one-handed cam lock buckle allows for quick adjustments to how the bag rests against your body without moving it, while the inset waterproof front zippers keep the bag protected from rain. The D-ring-to-strap 180-degree swivel strap attachment means the bag stays flat on your back, regardless of positioning. The bag is made in the USA with high-quality materials and is built to last.
14) Thule Aion Sling Bag
The Thule Aion Sling Bag is a versatile hip pack or crossbody bag that provides quick access to your most important items. The bag features an internal divider and zippered pocket to keep everything organized, a key fob lash point to secure your keys, and a hidden exterior security pocket for safeguarding your passport, ID, or cash while traveling. The bag can also double as a supportive hip belt when used together with Thule Aion backpacks (sold separately).
The Thule Aion Sling Bag is made from durable and water-resistant waxed canvas fabric that ages well and is free from toxic PFCs. The bag's shell fabric, lining, and mesh are made from 100% recycled materials and all Thule Aion products are bluesign® certified for environmental sustainability. The bag has been extensively tested at the Thule Test Center™ in Hillerstorp, Sweden to ensure safety and quality.
15) Pacsafe Vibe 325 Anti-Theft Sling Bag
The Pacsafe Vibe 325 Anti-Theft Sling Bag is a spacious and secure bag designed for city exploration. It can be worn on the back or across the front for quick access to belongings, and features innovative anti-theft technology to give extra confidence while on the move.
The bag is made from ECONYL® regenerated nylon, making it a more sustainable choice. It has lockable zippers and cut-resistant materials to protect your belongings, while the cut-resistant anchor strap locks around a fixed object for added security. The RFID blocking pocket protects your credit cards and passport against unwanted scans. The bag fits an 11-inch tablet in a padded sleeve for extra protection and has internal pockets to keep your gear organized.
Additionally, the bag has an internal attachment point for wallets and keys, and a pen loop for easy storage. It's also worth noting that this bag is made from 5 recycled plastic bottles.
Key features to consider in a sling bag
Material and build quality
The material and build quality of a sling bag can impact its durability, resistance to wear and tear, and overall aesthetic. Sling bags can be made of various materials, including leather, nylon, canvas, polyester, and others. Leather sling bags offer a classic and stylish look, but they can be more expensive and require more maintenance than other materials. Nylon and polyester sling bags are lightweight, water-resistant, and easy to clean, making them ideal for outdoor activities and travel. Canvas sling bags are durable and versatile, with a rugged and casual appearance that can fit various styles. The build quality of a sling bag can affect its performance and lifespan. A well-constructed sling bag should have sturdy zippers, buckles, and straps that can withstand frequent use and weight.
Size and storage capacity
The size and storage capacity of a sling bag are crucial factors to consider when choosing a bag that fits your needs. Sling bags come in different sizes, from small to large, and can have different carrying capacities. A small sling bag can fit essentials such as a wallet, phone, keys, and a small water bottle, while a larger sling bag can accommodate a tablet, a camera, a change of clothes, and other items. It's essential to choose a sling bag that can fit your daily essentials and any extra items you may need for your activities.
Organization and compartment layout
The organization and compartment layout of a sling bag can affect how easily you can access your items and keep them organized. Some sling bags have several pockets and compartments, while others have a more minimalist design. Consider what you need to carry and how you like to organize your items before choosing a sling bag. Some features to look for include a dedicated pocket for a water bottle or umbrella, a padded compartment for a laptop or tablet, and a secure pocket for valuables.
Comfort and adjustability
The comfort and adjustability of a sling bag can impact how comfortable it is to wear for extended periods. Look for a sling bag that has padded straps or back panels that can distribute weight evenly and reduce pressure points. Adjustable straps can also ensure that the bag fits comfortably and snugly to your body, reducing movement and discomfort when walking or running.
Style and design
The style and design of a sling bag can reflect your personal taste and complement your overall outfit. Sling bags come in various designs, including casual, sporty, and formal, and can have different colors, patterns, and textures. Consider what occasions you plan to use the sling bag for and what style suits your personality and wardrobe. A versatile sling bag can fit different outfits and occasions, while a specialized sling bag may have a specific style and function that suits your needs.
How to choose the best sling bag for your needs
Assess your intended usage
When choosing the best sling bag for your needs, consider your intended usage. Do you need a sling bag for daily commuting, travel, sports, or outdoor activities? Different sling bags are designed for various purposes, and the features that suit one usage may not work for another. For example, a sling bag for sports may need to have specialized compartments for sports equipment, while a sling bag for daily commuting may prioritize accessibility and organization for essential items such as keys, wallet, and phone.
Consider your budget and desired features
Sling bags come in different price ranges, and your budget can play a role in determining which sling bag to choose. Consider your desired features and what you are willing to pay for them. For example, if you prioritize durability, you may need to invest in a higher-quality material, such as leather or a durable synthetic material. If you want a sling bag with multiple compartments and organization features, be prepared to pay more for those features.
Evaluate storage capacity and organization
The storage capacity and organization features of a sling bag can affect how functional and efficient it is to use. Consider how much storage space you need and what type of organization features you prefer. For example, if you are a minimalist and only carry a few essentials, a smaller sling bag with fewer compartments may suffice. If you need to carry a lot of gear, look for a sling bag with multiple compartments and pockets to help you stay organized.
Factor in personal style and design preferences
Sling bags come in various styles, colors, and designs, and choosing one that matches your personal style and preferences can make a big difference in how satisfied you are with your purchase. Consider what types of activities you will use the sling bag for, as well as your preferred aesthetic, and look for sling bags that match your style. For example, if you prefer a minimalist and sleek design, look for sling bags with clean lines and minimal branding. If you want a more rugged and outdoorsy look, a sling bag made of durable materials like canvas or leather may be more suitable.
By assessing your intended usage, considering your budget and desired features, evaluating storage capacity and organization, and factoring in personal style and design preferences, you can choose the best sling bag for your needs.
Final Thoughts
There are many options available when it comes to choosing the best sling bag for men in 2024. With so many materials, sizes, styles, and designs to choose from, finding the right sling bag can be overwhelming.
However, by considering key features such as material and build quality, size and storage capacity, organization and compartment layout, comfort and adjustability, and style and design, you can narrow down your options and find a sling bag that meets your needs and preferences.
Our list of the 15 best sling bags for men in 2024 provides a range of options, from casual to formal, minimalist to feature-packed, and everything in between. We hope this guide has helped you find the perfect sling bag for your lifestyle and needs. Remember, the best sling bag is the one that fits you, your belongings, and your style, so choose wisely!
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