Sling bags have surged in popularity recently for good reason: they strike the perfect balance between spaciousness and compactness, offering more room than your average purse while still being easy to carry and secure. Looking for a stylish bag for everyday errands, a travel-friendly option for flying or hiking, or something to elevate shopping outfits? This collection features a range of sling bags from trusted brands, tested for all needs. From weatherproof outdoor bags built to handle the elements to sleek leather slings that pair with any wardrobe, these top-quality options combine practicality with durability, ensuring reliability wherever life leads.
Top 10 Tested Sling Bags for Men
Whether an adventurer, commuter, or frequent traveler, there’s a sling bag design to suit any style, from minimal and sleek to rugged and sporty. If the options feel overwhelming, there’s no need to worry. Our fashion team has tested and narrowed down the best choices, making it easy to find the perfect bag without the stress.
1. WATERFLY Crossbody Sling Bag
This Amazon best-seller is perfect for your next adventure, especially if you’re hitting the trails. It’s packed with organizational features, including mesh side pockets for water bottles or umbrellas, a front zipper pocket for smaller items, and a spacious interior thoughtfully divided into smaller compartments for things like keys, snacks, and passports. The main compartment is roomy enough for a tablet, making it an excellent travel pick. Plus, a convenient earphone opening on the front lets you easily enjoy music during your commute. With a range of colors, the baby blue version with reflective details is a standout, offering both style and nighttime visibility.
2. The Sak Tess Sling Bag
If you’re looking to skip the sporty look of most sling bags, The Sak Tess Sling Bag is a stylish alternative that leans toward a chic crossbody design. While it’s not massive, it’s surprisingly spacious for a smaller bag, making it perfect for everyday use. Our editor, Jackie Cucco, could fit all her essentials, like an iPhone, passport case, wallet, AirPods, sunglasses, and makeup, with some room left over for extra items.
It has one large slip pocket for your phone, a smaller zipper pocket for smaller valuables, and an adjustable strap for added comfort and versatility. With over two dozen styles, including leather, hand-crocheted yarn, and eco twill, we tested the black leather version, which felt luxurious and justified its price tag. Overall, it’s a well-designed, stylish bag suitable for various occasions.
3. Dagne Dover Nova Sling Bag
If you are seeking a designer sling bag that combines style and functionality, Dagne Dover offers the perfect option. The size is perfectly balanced, not too big or small, making it ideal for everyday use. The crossbody strap features seven elastic loops that keep cables, pens, and other small items neatly in place, while two pockets easily fit your phone and iPad. The breathable mesh material adds comfort, and the bag is especially great for biking or hiking, thanks to its cording drawstring that securely closes the top to keep everything in place. Plus, the milky creme color is versatile enough to complement both your casual outfits and active gear.
4. Carhartt Mono Sling Bag
Carhartt delivers a reliable, rugged sling bag that’s built to handle the elements. Made with durable 600-denier polyester, it’s water-resistant, ensuring your belongings stay dry even during unexpected showers. The main compartment offers plenty of space, and a padded tablet sleeve keeps your iPad safe, while the fleece-lined front pocket is perfect for holding your phone and sunglasses. Our adventure-loving editors love the bag’s rugged, outdoor-ready look, and the cushioned strap makes it comfortable to carry, evenly distributing weight across your shoulder. Whether you’re heading out for a hike or need something dependable for everyday use, this bag is built to last.
5. Patagonia Atom Sling Bag 8L
Patagonia is recognized for its durable and dependable bags; the Atom sling bag is no exception. Made with durable polyester fabric and a water-repellent coating, it’s designed to keep your gear safe and dry. The harness is crafted for comfort, ensuring the bag stays close to your body, and there’s a front zip pocket to keep your valuables secure. Whether navigating the city or needing a secondary bag while traveling, this sling is a great choice. The flexible spandex mesh pockets are perfect for holding items of different shapes and sizes, keeping everything snug and secure. While the Atom comes in several colors, our editors love the classic black version. It’s versatile and timeless and pairs well with anything.
6. KAVU Remix Rope Bag
Kavu’s sling bag stands out with its unique design, featuring a strap of four climbing ropes braided together for added durability and style. The bag is made from a blend of 600D polyester and cotton canvas, which not only resists water but also feels soft and comfortable, making it built to last. It has three pockets, two perfect for your phone and keys, and one zippered pocket on the back for smaller valuables. While its bold color block design catches the eye, it pairs best with simple outfits, like a classic white t-shirt and blue jeans, to let the bag’s standout style shine.
7. Oakley Extractor Sling 2.0
Oakley’s Extractor Sling mimics a backpack, making it ideal for work commutes. With plenty of compartments and pockets, it can easily carry everything from your hand cream and portable charger to your office laptop, offering ample space without the bulk. The bag’s versatility shines, fitting gym clothes for a quick workout after work. The back panel, designed with air channels, enhances breathability and comfort while carrying. Although it’s heavier than other sling bags tested, its generous capacity makes it a solid option for those who need to pack more without overloading.
8. Tumi Gregory Sling
Some of the best sling bags come in rich leather, and this sleek piece from Tumi is a prime example. Its minimal yet chic design pairs perfectly with dressier outfits, like a knit sweater and a neat pair of pants. Inside, you’ll find thoughtful details like a key leash, a padded pocket for extra protection, pen loops, and the brand’s tracer for peace of mind in case it’s lost or stolen. The bag has a five-year warranty covering defects, adding extra value. While it’s a bit pricier than other options, its timeless style and classic monogram make it a piece that will never go out of fashion.
9. Béis The Sport Sling
The Beis Travel The Sport Sling is a travel essential designed with all the correct details to make your journeys smoother. It offers plenty of space for your travel must-haves, like a passport, phone, hand sanitizer, and multiple convenient compartments to keep everything organized. There’s a front slip pouch, a front zip pocket with three credit card slots, and extra room for things like a wallet or essential paperwork. Inside the main compartment, you’ll find a small pouch and a mesh zippered pocket for even more organization. In contrast, a hidden zippered compartment on the back ensures your valuables stay safe and secure against your body. It’s a thoughtful, well-organized bag that checks all the boxes for travel.
10. Cotopaxi 13L Sling Pack
Cotopaxi’s roomy sling pack is a mini backpack with a crossbody strap, perfect for extended outings needing extra storage. Its 13-liter capacity offers more than double the space of our best overall pick, with a roomy main compartment for jackets, tablets, or a water bottle, plus smaller pockets for essentials like car keys and phones. Made from TPU-coated nylon for water resistance, this sling can handle rain, snow, or sleet without compromising your gear.
The padded back panel and strap make it comfortable to wear over either shoulder, providing great support during long hikes and bike rides. It still looks brand new after six months of use and has become a go-to for outdoor adventures. While it might be a bit large for some, it’s perfect for anyone needing a spacious, durable sling bag.
What to Keep in Mind
- Dimensions and Storage Capacity: The best sling bags for men should be designed with your needs in mind, offering thoughtful features that make life easier. Choose a layout that provides convenient access to compartments and pockets, with designated areas for your laptop, smartphone, tablet, and water bottle. The ideal bag should also offer plenty of storage capacity (usually measured in liters) to help you stay organized and keep everything within easy reach, making it a practical choice for everyday use.
- Fabric and Longevity: When choosing a sling bag, it is essential to look for durable materials that can handle everyday wear and tear and more rugged outdoor activities. Opt for high-quality fabrics like nylon, polyester, or leather, known for their durability and ability to withstand the demands of daily use. Don’t forget to check the stitching and overall construction to ensure the bag is built to last so you can count on it to stand up to whatever life throws your way.
- Comfort and Sizing: When choosing the best sling bag for men, comfort should be a top priority, especially since these bags are typically worn over one shoulder or across the body. Look for bags with adjustable straps and padding to ensure the weight is evenly distributed across your shoulders and back. This will help prevent discomfort or strain, even during extended periods of use. A lightweight sling bag is generally more comfortable and easier to carry, which is especially important if you use it for extended periods or during activities like hiking. Remember that the weight will vary depending on the bag’s size, design, and purpose, but finding the right balance of comfort and functionality is key to making it your go-to accessory.
Stay Hands-Free with the Perfect Sling Bag
The best sling bags for men combine practicality, comfort, and durability, making them perfect for various needs, whether commuting, hiking, or traveling. From compact, stylish designs for everyday use to rugged, spacious options for outdoor adventures, there’s a sling bag out there that fits your lifestyle. Key factors to consider include storage capacity, durable materials, and a comfortable, adjustable fit. With thoughtful features like dedicated compartments, water-resistant fabrics, and easy access to essentials, these sling bags are built to last and keep you organized while on the go. No matter your style or activity, the right sling bag can help keep your hands free and your gear secure.
