The 25 Best Sling Backpacks

Gone are the days when sporting hefty, bulgy backpacks across town was the social norm. With trends leaning towards minimalistic, functional and ergonomically safe everyday carry options; it is no wonder why sling backpacks are making waves in unisex fashion. Sling bags are built to be longer instead of bulkier like a traditional backpack, and its one strap design makes it easy to “sling” the bag from your back to front for accessibility.

Many sling bags offer the durability, waterproof protection, and organizational compartments that you love from a traditional backpack but come in a smaller, leaner, EDC-friendly form. For some great sling bags to add to your EDC collection, check out our 25 picks below.

 

dakine 6l sling packDakine 6L Sling Pack

Heftier than it looks, the Dakine Sling Pack can contain 6 liters or 266 cubic inches. That means it can easily carry around your tech devices without getting too bulky. A top access zip closure is roomy enough to see what you’re accessing, and a padded tablet-sized pocket is on the outside for even quicker storage. Adjustable straps will succumb to your comfort level depending on what you’re carrying. The everyday look makes it the ideal choice for camping, festivals or sporting around the city.

  • Material: 600D polyester

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Bagjack Sling BagBagjack Sling Bag

Extremely sleek and versatile, the sling bag by Bagjack can be easily worn from office to weekend getaway road trip. A super slim construction keeps it snug to your body even when it’s securely carrying your laptop or photography gear. A diagonal zip closure opens up the bag nicely to organize your stuff and features a padded compartment to store quick access items. The padded crossbody strap features a front access zip pocket to shove your keys or wallet in.

  • Material: Limonta nylon

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Maxpedition Kodiak Gear SlingerMaxpedition Kodiak Gear Slinger

A tough looking little number, the Maxpedition Kodiak Gear Slinger is your number one choice for hauling a lot of things in the smallest bag possible. A 22.6-liter depth means it will carry whatever you need on your hiking trip, and an anti-theft zipper capture system keeps your items safe while exploring the bustling city. An ergonomic fixed strap rotates 270 degrees to the front of the body, so you can easily access each of its compartments while sitting, standing, or on the go. A concealed carry pocket keeps your wallet safe and reachable while traveling.

  • Material: Nylon

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TimBuk2 Delta SlingTimBuk2 Delta Sling

Who says fanny packs belong in the 90’s? The Delta Sling by TimBuk2 can easily be worn around the waist (we all know nothing is as accessible as a fanny pack!) or flung across the body for a sling style carry for when you’re on the move. A vista loop is available to attach a blinking light for when you’re biking at night. The duo pocket style compartmentalizes your items and buckles them securely. A rear zip pocket safely stores your E-reader, tablet, or perhaps the book you’re catching up on.

  • Material: 1830D cordura canvas

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Chrome Niko Sling Messenger BagChrome Niko Sling Messenger Bag

Tiny but mighty, the 3-liter capacity Niko Sling Messenger bag by Chrome will easily store the gear you need without killing your back in the process. Featuring a unique signature seatbelt buckle strap with a stunning logo on the release, and a waterproof zipper enclosure that unzips the entire mouth of the bag. Customizable inner compartments will organize your items neatly, and a slim external pocket will keep your memory card or keys. A tough denier nylon outer shell and military-grade truck-tarpaulin liner means your stuff won’t get destroyed in a rainstorm or heat wave.

  • Material: 600D interior lining, weatherproof 1050D nylon outer shell

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under armour compel sling 2.0Under Armour Compel Sling 2.0 Backpack

From the brand that brings you tough workout gear for any occasion, UnderArmour’s Compel Sling 2.0 Backpack offers the same durability and water resistance you find in your running gear. The UA Storm gear series uses a DWR finish to repel water in case of a downpour, but still lets your stuff breath and not get stuffy. The front zip organization pocket keeps your small items handy, and a water-resistant valuables pocket will safely store memory cards and other tech items. The backpack holds a 1000 cubic volume while still remaining lightweight.

  • Material: 100 percent polyester

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incase quick sling bagInCase Quick Sling Bag

A minimalist design, the Quick Sling Bag by InCase is a super sleek bag that makes a perfect addition to your everyday carry collection. A front zipper slices the front in half and can store your quick-access items, while a wide zipper above the strap will store your tablet or other thin gadgets. The main zipper compartment contains interior zippers and storage slots to organize basically anything, and the thickly padded construction keeps everything safe and in place while on the run. A quick release strap makes it easy to go from rear to frontal carry.

  • Material: Durable tech canvas construction with water repellent coating

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dsptch slingpackDSPTCH Sling Pack

Weighing in at a mere one pound, lightweight doesn’t even begin to describe the sling pack by DSPTCH. The 15-liter capacity is distributed in a 15-inch padded main compartment, a frontal zipper storage that includes mesh pockets, and a top zip hidden compartment to store your phone or other valuables. External straps will carry some gear outside the bag, and the sling strap includes a padded portion for extreme comfort.

  • Material: Ballistic nylon, duraflex hardware, and Mil spec webbing

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Gregory Single Shoulder BackpackGregory Single Shoulder Backpack

Slim and long instead of small and bulky, the Single Shoulder Backpack by Gregory looks good on the back of a suit just as much as a casual tee. The strap adjusts to eight lengths to fit any body type and size comfortably. The duo zipper opening zips down completely for full access to several compartments and pockets to store just about anything. With a huge variety of colors and patterns, you will easily find a design to suit your needs.

  • Material: 420D packcloth nylon and 600D polyester

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KAVU Rope Sling BagKAVU Rope Sling Bag

Taking on the ideal shape of a traditional sling bag, the Kavu rope sling bag offers up over 35 color and pattern choices for any age and any stage of life. The strap is composed of 4 thick ropes bound together with canvas loops, and a buckle fastener that will quickly release to take off the bag. Two external accessory pockets, one with a zipper and one with a flap closure, will keep some items handy while you’re in transport. The main side zipper opens up to a spacious 10.8 liter capacity with an internal zipper pouch. The water-resistant polyester outer shell makes it the ideal choice for hiking, rafting, camping and around the city exploring.

  • Material: 100 percent 600D polyester or 12-ounce cotton canvas, water resistant

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Keep Pursuing Sling BagKeep Pursuing Sling Bag

For an everyday carry bag that doesn’t need to lug around large equipment, the Sling Bag by Keep Pursuing is the ideal startup bag worth investing in. Offering trendy color patterns, a water-resistant nylon lining for multiple weather conditions, and Zamak 5 zinc alloy components for a sturdy carry – this bag has the ideal storage capacity for your everyday items. The centralized padded compartment easily fits a Kindle and a few notebooks and chargers, while the outer pocket holds your keys and phone safely.

  • Material: Nylon outer with custom Infiwave interior

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patagonia atom sling backpack bagPatagonia Atom Sling Bag

A teardrop-shaped sling bag, the Atom by Patagonia offers a birch white, water-resistant fabric bag that wicks away moisture and keeps your belongings safe from damage. The ergonomic single strap design features a zipper pocket that sits at the front near the chest, where you can easily throw your phone and wallet for later use. A wide-mouthed zipper opens up the main compartment, where mesh pockets keep your things organized. Two expandable buckles on the front of the bag allow you to hold a yoga mat, umbrella or tripod for quick transport. An integrated waist belt is included to keep the sack close to your torso while biking or hiking.

  • Material: Water-resistant fabric

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Lexdray Sao Paulo Sling BagLexdray Sao Paulo Sling Bag

Made of super durable weather-resistant fabrics for any climate or condition you throw at it, Lexdray’s Sao Paulo sling bag is made with military grade hardware and Neoprene to promise a sturdy carry. Three external zipper pockets sit at the front, while a slimmer zippered pocket lays flat on the back for your iPad or other narrow devices. The zippered “lid” contains two mesh pockets for cables and smaller items, while the padded three-compartment main component keeps larger items safe and snug. Each internal divider includes a velcro’d wall, so it can lay flat to place a large item in the bag.

  • Material: 85 percent nylon, 15 percent Neoprene

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Aer Travel Sling Messenger BagAer Travel Sling Messenger Bag

Another minimalistic approach with lots of usable space, Aer’s Travel Sling Messenger Bag is sleek in design but completely functional for EDC. A welded zip pocket front opens up for slim items, while a stash pocket for quick access is on the buckled flap. An interior padded sleeve will hold your laptop, and internal organizational pockets stash away your smaller belongings. The jet-black ballistic weave makes the bag suitable for the office or the ideal carry-on item for a business trip.

  • Material: Ballistic weave

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top nice sling bagTop Nice Sling Backpack

The Sling Backpack by Top-Nice is the small but practical must-have for your EDC collection. Designed to have the strap drape on your right shoulder so the bag sits under your left arm, the ease of access to each of the bag’s zippered storage pockets is super simple. Splash-proof fabric keeps the bag dry and safe, and a night reflective warning belt keeps you safe when out and about in the dark. A small inner zipper pocket at the front contains RFID blocking technology, so your credit cards and identification are safe from scanners. A large main zipper pocket will hold your everyday items easily, and a variety of front zippers including a magnetic snap phone pocket will keep your stuff organized and accessible.

  • Material: Water-resistant fabric

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Tumi Alpha Bravo Monterey SlingTumi Alpha Bravo Monterey Sling

For a rugged bag that won’t get too bulky, try out Tumi’s Alpha Bravo Monterey sling bag. A single pocket interior zippers open for accessible storage of your tech gear or everyday items, A single file pocket two-way zip in the back will store flat tech devices or folders. Two long side pockets zip open to stuff your phone, chargers, and cables in easily. A built-in luggage tag sits at the front for customization. The single shoulder sling strap can be hooked to either side for versatile carry options, so it is comfortable for both left and right-handed travelers.

  • Material: Ballistic nylon

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Vertx EDC Transit SlingVertx EDC Transit Sling

A roomy nylon sling bag in either grey or black, the EDC Transit Sling by Vertx is the low profile, compact, and fully functional option for everyday use. Giving a traditional knapsack vibe, a variety of zipper pockets at the front will store smaller items while the main compartment will easily hold a 12-inch netbook while still having room to spare. The single padded strap makes for convenient and ergonomically friendly transportation.

  • Material: 100 percent nylon

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511 tactical rush MOAB 10 backpack5.11 Outdoor Tactical RUSH Moab 10 Backpack

This is the bag you want for extensive hikes, endurance marathons, or an outdoor weekend getaway with the guys ; introducing the Moab 10 from the 5.11 Tactical RUSH series. Including 5.11 Tactical’s tier system, this little EDC bag will attach to other RUSH backpacks to create additional storage. The ambidextrous cross-body shoulder strap system offers different carrying options. The name of the game in comfort and convenience, and the Moab 10 effortlessly makes that happen with a 1.5-liter hydration pocket with a pass-through port, and a coms pocket with a pass-through for earphones. Unlimited modular storage expandability means this bag can handle some heavy gear, or will easily just transport for everyday items for a day out on the town.

  • Material: 100 percent nylon

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Waterfly Sling Shoulder BackpackWaterfly Sling Shoulder Backpack

For the ultimate outdoor travel companion, the sling shoulder Waterfly backpack offers up a rain and snow proof bag built for any environment you throw at it. A padded back, dilated shoulder strap, and YNS buckle makes it easy to carry the bag on your back or across the chest depending on your needs. The 9-pouch system means your stuff will stay ultra-organized, and a 10-liter capacity will hold whatever you need for the day. An extra shoulder strap pouch will hold your phone or wallet for quick access, while the side mesh will hold your water bottle. Offering a variety of colors, it won’t take long to find a bag that fits your lifestyle.

  • Material: 100 percent nylon

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Peak Design Everyday SlingPeak Design Everyday Sling

Whether you’re a photographer or just an on the go guy, Peak Design’s everyday sling will suit your needs. The internal system of pockets can easily organize just about anything, with pockets ranging in size and depth. Internal origami-inspired Flexfold folders will expand and contract to fit your item’s needs. External utility straps can carry larger items, from a tripod to your umbrella. The weatherproof shell and zipper protect your valuables inside. The design is clean and anything but sloppy yet can contain all of your gear easily and organizationally.

  • Material: Durable mixed cotton twill with Hypalon-reinforced stress points, weatherproof 500D Kodra shell

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Seeu Oversized Sling BackpackSeeu Oversized Sling Backpack

If you are on the hunt for a bag that will carry all of your tech equipment, or an ergonomic option for a weekend adventure, the Oversized sling backpack by Seeu and its 28-liter capacity will fit the bill. A surprisingly roomy main zipper pouch can hold all your essentials for a photo shoot, a hike, or everyday travel to school or work. Enjoy your jams on the go with the headphone hole, while mesh pockets will hold your drinks safely. A convenient handle easily transforms the sling into a handbag when in a hurry. The stress bearable mechanics will keep your load feeling light and the padded shoulder sling provides comfort on the go.

  • Material: Double layer scratch-resistant polyester

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Chrome Kadet Nylon Messenger BagChrome Kadet Nylon Messenger Bag

The Kadet by Chrome is built to be durable, compact, and perfectly on-the-go efficient. Fashioned with abrasion-resistant 1050D nylon, no accidental tears will happen while hiking up a mountain or storing it while on a flight. Chrome’s signature quick-release seatbelt buckle features its handsome logo and a fun way to release the shoulder strap connection. Daisy-chain mounted loops are available to hold your additional accessories that won’t fit in the bag, while the inner deep pocket offers storage for small and large items. The bag is perfectly sized for a day of exploring small towns or a night in the city.

  • Material: Abrasion resistant 1050D nylon

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aer sling bagAer Sling Bag

The ideal bag to tote your gym items in, the Aer sling bag is both minimalistic and functional. Featuring a dedicated ventilated shoe pocket that is water resistant, a quick access pocket for your phone or keys, a removable shoulder pad and a large main compartment that will easily store your clothing, tech items, and gear. Interior mesh pockets keep everything organized, and the polyester lining keeps moisture out. You wouldn’t know that this small, sleek bag holds a 17-liter capacity, perfect for your daily needs.

  • Material: 1680D ballistic nylon exterior with polyester lining

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pacsafe vibe 325 cross body backpackPacsafe Vibe 325 Cross Body Pack

When safety and security is your number one priority while traveling, the Vibe 325 cross body pack by Pacsafe is your ideal choice while on the go. The pack has 9 built-in safety features, including the eXomesh Slashguard (a webbed stainless steel wire mesh to prevent slash-and-run), RFID-blocking capabilities, PopNLock security clip on the base of the strap, smart zippers that interlock and a Roobar Sport locking system. The 10-liter volume and the weight of 45 ounces means you can store your tech and everyday items in its roomy compartments without the added weight. Padded shoulder straps swing easily to carry the bag on your back or at your chest for quick access.

  • Material: Nylon and polyester with built-in eXomesh Slashguard

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timbuk2 catapult sling bagTimbuk2 Catapult Sling

For a barely-there feel while on the go, the Catapult sling by Timbuk2 will be your best friend. A smaller bag that easily holds a notebook or two, small tech gear, your everyday items and a glasses case, you will have everything you need for your daily adventure without excess weight or bulk. A dedicated front pocket for your wallet or glasses, an ambidextrous shoulder strap with a quick release buckle, and a ballistic nylon construction all come together to make this bag convenient and functional.

  • Material: Ballistic nylon

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