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Best Sling Bags
Standout Picks
Criteria Used for Evaluation
Style
This is going to be a reflection on your personal style- so we wanted to give you a lot of choices.
We were drawn to brands that allowed users to select from a wide variety of colors and styles. For the most part, many companies stuck with the most popular color options such as black and gray. These colors are going to be the most versatile for carrying to work or travel, and they are also going to be less likely to show dirt and dust which means you won’t have to clean them as frequently.
There were a few brands out there on the market that offered interesting and unique patterns and colors, but those designs were in the minority. We also wanted to make sure that we selected a wider range of structures as well. The most popular shape for a sling bag was the teardrop shape- wider at the base and tapered at the top- because it is able to really hug your body without adding a lot of pressure to your upper back.
However, we also wanted to make sure that we selected designs that were a little more boxy, which would allow users to carry more gear. These designs may be a little rougher on your back, but they also make it easier to carry things like tablets and notebooks.
Materials
The quality of materials used is going to dictate how long it is going to last, as well as how easy it will be to clean.
Leather is a great option because it is the most durable material out there on the market, but it often comes in at a much higher price point and it is a little more difficult to clean. The most popular material choices for these products are going to be canvas or nylon.
Canvas is great because it is incredibly soft and easy to clean, and most have been treated with a water-resistant coating that makes them perfect for when you get caught in rather soggy conditions. However, canvas often is a little less water-resistant than nylon, and it absorbs odors more than nylon.
Nylon, on the other hand, isn’t going to be as soft and comfortable as canvas, but it is going to be much easier to care for. Due to the fact that nylon isn’t very porous, it is less likely to hold on to water, and users typically don’t need to clean them at all because dirt and odors don’t penetrate the surface they way they do with canvas options.
Features
Pockets and shoulder straps are one of the biggest reasons that users land on a particular design, and it was something that we really considered in-depth for most designs.
Pockets are the main reason that you are considering one of these designs, so we wanted to select options that are going to work for your needs. A large main zippered compartment is a must because it allows you to carry a lot of your bigger gear such as a notebook and tablets. Smaller pockets are also important because they provide a space for miscellaneous but important items.
Separating the big compartments from the smaller compartments is important because it means you can stay more organized and there will be less time spent rummaging for items.
Shoulder straps are also something that we really considered because one of the biggest features of these products is the fact that they are comfortable. One of the most popular features, we found, was a shoulder strap that came with a buckle that the base that made it easier to take on and off without the need of lifting it up over your head. We also liked designs that added a little bit of extra foam to the shoulder for additional comfort.
Size
The dimensions of a product are going to dictate how much gear you are going to be able to carry.
One big thing that we noticed when researching these products is that users often found that they were much smaller than they had anticipated. When looking at a style, be sure to consider all of the dimensions. It may measure to be 15 inches long, but the teardrop shape means that you are going to lose a lot of space towards the top. Another thing to keep in mind is how deep each design runs. The average depth of these designs measures to be about 3 inches- which isn’t all that deep.
To avoid being disappointed by the smaller shape of these products, you need to keep in mind that they aren’t designed to be your average backpack or tote- they are made to provide you with some extra pockets without weighing you down. If you did want something that is a little bigger, there are designs that are made to be over 3 inches deep. However, we have found that users often complain that the larger options feel awkward and uncomfortable on their backs.
Value
As always, we want to save you a little bit of money when we can.
Luckily, these products often come in at a really affordable price point that, on average, will set you back about the same amount that you may spend on a large pepperoni pizza. However, there are a few exceptions to this rule. If you opt for a material that is considered to be a higher-end, such as genuine leather- you are likely to pay twice as much as you would for some of the more affordable options. Another exception to this rule depends on the dimensions of the product. On average, most measure to be under 3 inches deep and under 8 inches wide. If you venture to products that measure to be above this average, be prepared to pay a much higher price point.
Another great product we reviewed is the Patagonia Atom Sling Bag, so make sure to check it out as well.
Top 10 Sling Bags
1. Outdoor Master
The reason that we placed this design at the top of our list is that it has all of the things that you would want from one of these products. It comes in a lot of fun and unique color options, it has plenty of pockets, and it is made from a breathable and lightweight material without breaking the bank.
Read moreStyle
The style of this option is a good blend between sporty and stylish. It is offered in color options that include matte colors such as gray, black, and navy, as well as brighter colors such as green, maroon, blue, and teal.
Materials
One of the things that users like the most about this design are the back is made from a breathable mesh that is going to be incredibly breathable when worn for long periods of time. The front is made from an incredibly sturdy nylon material that is water-resistant so you won’t have to worry about getting caught in the rain.
Features
Plenty of pockets on the inside, as well as the outside, makes it incredibly easy to keep all of your gear nice and organized for easy access, and all of the pockets are able to be zippered shut. It also comes with a mesh water bottle pocket on the side as well.
Size
This design is a little bit smaller than many of the standard sizes. It measures to be 18 inches long and 12 inches wide, and it hugs your body when strapped over a shoulder.
Value
One of the best things about this design is that it is offered at a very affordable price point that won’t break the bank, and is one of the more reasonably priced options out there on the market.
Overall
If you are looking for something that is going to be a little smaller and compact that can be worn all day without being uncomfortable, this is going to be one of your best options.
2. Maleden
The thing that we liked most about this option from Maleden is that is has a more squared-off design that is going to be a perfect fit for a lot of your tech gadgets such as tablets and laptops, but it still offers a flatter design that is going to feel a lot more comfortable on your shoulders over a traditional backpack.
Read moreStyle
Users will have the option to pick from a lot of fun colors that include orange, blue, green, purple, and your basic black. All of the color options are bright and cheery, and stand out from some of the other designs that we have seen.
Material
The interior and exterior of this option are made from 100 percent nylon materials. This means that this pack is going to be incredibly sturdy and durable on those long hiking trips, and it is going to allow for the rain to bead up and roll off of the surface to keep your gadgets safe in the rain. It also has a very padded and breathable shoulder strap for added comfort.
Features
The thing that users like most about this design is that instead of having many smaller pockets, this unit has 2 main zippered pockets that is going to be ideal for larger items such as tablets and notebooks. The buckles on the shoulder are also going to make it easier to strap it on and off without the exaggerated motion of lifting it up over your head to take it on and off.
Size
This unit is just a little more narrow than most, and measures to be about 14 inches long and about 7 inches wide. It also weighs in at just 7 ounces, which is one of the lightest designs that we have seen.
Value
One of the best features of this design is that it comes in at a really affordable price point that is going to set you back about the same amount that you would spend on a paperback and the airport gift shop.
Overall
For those that are in the market for something that is going to be a perfect fit for all of your bigger gadgets and gear, while still keeping a low profile and comfortable fit, this is going to be one of your better options in our opinion.
3. Leaper
What we liked about this design from Leaper is that is has a more sophisticated style that is going to make it perfect to take into the office with you, but it is also durable enough to take with you on the trails or to the airport.
Read moreStyle
As we mentioned before, the style is what really sets these options apart from the rest. It has a more squared-off central pocket that is cinched closed with a pair of dual buckles for a professional finish. It is offered in colors that include black, coffee, khaki, olive green, and gray.
Materials
This pack is made from a very durable washed canvas that is going to be something that is going to be incredibly durable (however, it is not considered to be water-resistant. Faux leather accents are made from PU leather. While the outside is rough and durable, the inside canvas is much softer than the exterior.
Features
One thing that users really love about this design is that it has the perfect amount of zippered pockets. There is a large central zippered pocket that also is fitted with smaller pockets on the inside. There is also a flat pocket along the front flap, and a small side zippered pocket as well.
Size
This design is going to be much bigger than other options out there on the market. It measures to be 10 inches wide and just over 14 inches tall.
Value
You are going to pay just a little bit more for this design than you would some of average priced designs out there on the market. However, when you consider that you are going to have a little bit more room for your gear, this is actually a pretty great value.
Overall
For those that are on the hunt for something that will be able to transition quite well from the office to the trials, this design from Leaper is going to be one of your better options if you are willing to pay just a little bit more than average.
4. Meru
For those that are looking for something that has a little more spunk and playfulness, you are really going to like the colors and styles offered from this design from Meru. Plus, it has a smart shape that will allow you to carry it all day without your shoulders getting tired.
Read moreStyle
Users will have the option to pick from a lot of fun colors that include pink with an Aztec pattern, blue geo, acid gray, black and white plaid, pink, or tobacco brown- just to mention a few of the standouts.
Material
The interior and exterior of these options are made from 100 percent canvas, which is going to offer a really soft exterior that is also going to be lightweight and incredibly durable.
Features
While it does offer an excellent pocket design that is going to be ideal for all of your important accessories, the real star of the show lies in the shoulder strap. This strap is padded with a layer of memory foam that will conform to the shape of your shoulder the more that you wear it for a superior fit for all shapes and sizes.
Size
This design is surprisingly a little bit larger than many of the other options that we have seen. It measures to be about 20 inches long, and almost 12 inches wide.
Value
The downside to this design is that it is priced to be much higher than many of the more affordable options out there on the market. However, when you consider the fun prints that are offered as well as the larger size, this is actually a really great value.
Overall
For those looking for something a little outside of the box that isn’t your standard black on black color choices, this is going to be well worth the slightly higher price point to help you stand out from the pack.
5. Nicgid
If you are going to be away from your home base for a while and you need something that is going to be able to hold all of your gear while still offering superior comfort, this design from Nicgid is going to be one of your better options. It is important to note that due to the fact that it is able to hold more gear, it is going to be slightly bulkier than most.
Read moreStyle
This option offers a very sporty and tactical frame. It is a little more squared-off than some of the other teardrop designs, which means that it is going to be able to hold more gear- especially things like tablets and notebooks. Users can select from color options that include black, army green, and dark green.
Materials
Made from water-resistant nylon, this is going to be something that you won’t have to worry about getting caught in the rain, because water simply beads up and rolls off of the surface. It also has a heavily padded shoulder strap that is going to allow you to wear it comfortably all day long.
Features
Pockets are the big takeaway when it comes to this design. It has a large central pocket this is perfect for all of your bigger, gear, and smaller inside pockets will safely store all of your miscellaneous items. One thing that we really liked about this design is that it has a special phone pocket with a hole to run headphone wires.
Size
Looks can be deceiving when it comes to this option. While it may look larger than most, it actually measures to be 12 inches long and 8.3 inches wide- which is a little on the smaller size.
Value
The good news here is that this design comes at a really affordable price point. It isn’t one of the least expensive designs out there on the market, but it is far from being one of the most expensive designs.
Overall
For those that are looking for something that is a little more sporty and tactical to take with you out on the trails or for traveling, this is going to be a really great choice.
6. Tinyat
One thing that we noticed right away about this design is that it is long and slender and has a style about it that will be perfect to take to the office with you but will also work well out of on the trails or for traveling.
Read moreStyle
As we mentioned before, the very first thing that we noticed about this design is that it is long and sleek, and will work great in a professional setting while giving you all of the functions that you will need to keep your life organized. It is offered in colors that include a basic black, as well as a light color gray with sharp black accents along with the zippers.
Materials
What makes this design just a little bit different is that it is made from 100 percent polyester, which means that it is going to be incredibly durable to whatever you throw at it, and it also makes it scratch resistant and water-resistant (as well as really easy to wipe down if it gets a little dirty).
Features
The main pocket is the perfect size for larger gear such as tablets, and a smaller, flat pocket on the front is going to be ideal for holding smaller pieces of gear such as phones, pens, and keys. We liked that the backside has a headphone hole to run the wire from your headphones, and it also has a detachable strap with a buckle that makes it easier to take on and off if you are in a hurry.
Size
If you are planning for a heavy load- this may not be ideal for your needs. It measures to be about 2.6 inches deep, about 13 inches long, and only about 6 inches wide.
Value
While it might not be able to hold a whole lot, one thing that we really liked about this design is that it comes in at a really affordable price point. If you are looking to save a little bit of money, this is a great value.
Overall
This design from TINYAT gets an A+ when it comes to its superior style. It is long and thin and will hug your body in a comfortable way, and it comes in at a really affordable price point.
7. Osoce
Many of the designs out there on the market have been made to store your gear when you head out of the trails, only to be accessible for when you sit down and open up your pack. This design from OSOCE, on the other hand, has a flatter design with a myriad of pockets that are going to be a little easier to access than most.
Read moreStyle
Users will then have the option to select from just a few basic color options that include black and a few shades of gray. One thing that we liked most about this option is that it lies flat against your body, so you can wear it on your back or across your chest.
Materials
This pack is made from 100 percent composite nylon that is going to be incredibly durable as well as easy to clean. It is considered to be water-resistant, which means that light water exposure will roll off of the surface, but it is not intended to be used in heavy rainfall.
Features
The most notable feature about this design is that the pockets are placed on top of each other so that you will have easy access to all of our gear without rooting around inside of your pack. It is designed to fit flat against your body, so it will feel like you aren’t wearing anything at all.
Size
While it isn’t very deep and cannot hold very bulky gear, it is just a little bit bigger than some of the designs that we have seen. It measures to be about 12 inches wide, and just over 13 inches long.
Value
The best part about this design from OSOCE is that it comes in at one of the most affordable price points out there on the market. It isn’t going to be able to hold the same amount of gear, but the price is perfect for those that just need just a few more pockets.
Overall
We liked this design because it allows users to have better access to their gear than some of the other designs out there on the market. Plus, it hugs your body better than some of the other designs, which will work great if you want to wear it across your chest.
8. Patagonia Atom
We are going to start out here with a disclaimer- yes, this pack is small! With only 8L of capacity, this bag is small yet mighty. It has two main compartments and a small zippered pocket on the strap. If you have a larger item, such as a rain jacket or yoga mat, you can strap it on the pack using the exterior buckles.
Read moreStyle
This unisex pack has a neutral style and a small size that could easier pair with just about any attire. Depending on which online retailer you choose to support, you’ll find a range of different color options. Some of these options include red, white, black, navy, gray, teal, and violet.
Materials
This bag is made up of a couple of different durable materials. On the exterior, you’ll find 630 denier nylon which is half recycled and half high tenacity. On the inside, the bag is lined with 200 denier recycled polyester. The Atom is finished with a DWR finish that makes the item repellant to water and other liquid menaces. Additionally, for breathability and comfort, the back panel and shoulder strap have mesh pads built-in.
Features
There are two main pockets, one that is larger and features a padded sleeve for a tablet. The other main compartment is smaller and has a key clip. The smaller pocket is better suited for small accessories. On the strap of the pack, there is a zippered pocket that is ideal for your phone or cash. The buckles on the outside are great for strapping something to the bag that wouldn’t normally fit inside, such as a yoga mat or a towel.
Size
The dimensions of this pack are 17.3” x 10.2” x 3.5”. It weighs 9.9-ounces. Overall, it can hold up to 8L worth of items. This is smaller than most of our other options. The size is the main complaint concerning this pack. Many reviewers have had issues fitting their cell phones in the zippered strap pocket.
Value
For such a small item, it is expensive. As long as you are well aware of the size, and accept that, the rest of the bag is quite impressive. The materials used to construct it are durable and slightly weather-resistant, there is a padded laptop sleeve and plenty of color choices.
Overall
This is a great minimalist option. It makes a great addition to a beach day, a hiking trip, a vacation, or even just running around town. The only thing you need to aware of is the truly small size of this pack.
9. Charminer
For those that are looking for something that will stand the test of time while still offering a sleek and professional look like you would get from a high-end briefcase, this leather option from Charminer is going to be one of your better options. Just keep in mind that it comes in at a price point that you would expect from something made from real leather.
Read moreStyle
There are no color options to select when it comes to this design- is it only offered in a very rich coffee brown. Users love that it offers a very sophisticated style while still providing a good deal of function with well-placed pockets.
Materials
The best part about this design is that it is made from 100 percent cowhide leather. This means that is is going to offer a great and durable space for all of your gear. However, there is no listing on the product description whether this design is water-resistant, so it is best to keep it away from water.
Features
There are two things that users really like about this design of this product. The first thing is that it has a convenient headphone wire hole that runs along the backside so that you can listen to music without taking your phone out of your pack. The second great feature is that it has a shoulder strap with a buckle so taking it on and off is incredibly quick and easy.
Size
This design runs about in the middle of the road in terms of how much it can carry. It measures to be just over 2 inches deep, 17 inches long, and about 7 inches wide.
Value
The downside to selecting something that is made from genuine leather is that it comes in at a much higher price point than most. However, if you are in the market for something that is made from really high-quality and sophisticated material, this is going to be well worth the elevated price point.
Overall
If you don’t like the idea of carrying your gear in a pack made from nylon or canvas, and you want something that is a little lusher, this design from CHARMINER is going to be one of your better options if you are willing to pay the higher price point.
10. Neatpack
The best adjective to describe this product is already in the name. It's neat. It functions nicely, keeps your items organized, and has a great RFID blocking pocket. With the exception of a few flaws, this is a great option.
Read moreStyle
This unisex pack has a sleek style that adapts to just about any outing. It is available in two colors, either gray or black. One of the best features of this item is the fact that it can be worn over either shoulder. The strap can be unclipped and attached on either side of the bottom of the bag.
Materials
The bag itself is made from durable and water-resistant polyester canvas. The strap is comfortably padded with mesh on the inside for improved breathability. To help keep you safer in low-light situations, there is also a reflective strip built into the pack. Reviewers have been impressed with the overall durability and build of the NeatPack.
Features
This is a great option for travelers or anyone who lives in or often visits the big city. There is an anti-theft pocket along the back that has built-in RFID blocking technology. Radio Frequency Identification blocking technology keeps your personal items, such as credit cards and passports safe from passing by technology hackers. In addition to this impressive feature, there is also a 12” pocket for an iPad or laptop. You’ll find a mesh water bottle pocket on the exterior side, a zippered cell phone pocket (up to an iPhone 6S) with headphone cord exit on the front strap and two main compartments.
Size
The liters of the bag is not available, but it seems as though this option holds a great amount of gear. The measurements are 12.5” x 4” x 18.5” and it weighs 15.2-ounces. This option has a great number of compartments, making this a great option if you are looking for a product with optimal organization.
Value
This pack is averagely priced and comes with a 100% lifetime warranty, after registration. Customers rave about the comfort and compartments of this product. There have been a few complaints about the durability and function of the zippers, but we didn’t find that to be enough to leave it off of this list.
Overall
If you’re a neat-freak, the NeatPack would be a great option for you. The RFID blocking pocket is great for keeping your personal items secure and water-resistant durable materials ensure that this bag will last you for many years to come.
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