18
PHOTOS
Sling bags, along with their cousin the bum bag (or fanny pack for our US readers) have slowly but surely become a part of everyday carry culture. With the bare essentials for any outdoor trip being a smartphone, a portable charger and a wallet, we no longer need a large backpack to facilitate our everyday needs.
Of course, if you plan on doing some travelling, or know you’ll be needing more gear with you than what you could realistically fit into a sling bag, then these best backpacks for men will hold you in good stead.
Back to the sling. What was once a hit in the 90s died a death in the early noughties, but now they are back in a big way. Not only do they provide a genuine purpose, but sling bag designers are able to inject their own stylish flair into their respective models, providing you with an extra accessory through which to show off your personality.
The rise in popularity of the sling bag – and their adoption by men – has also meant more and more manufacturers are jumping on board the bandwagon, giving you even greater choice. That does, however, make our task of finding the best sling bags that little bit trickier, but we think we’ve nailed it with this definitive list.
You Might Also Like
- Best Carry On Luggage & Bags To Buy Right Now
- Cool Toiletry Bags For Men That Will Elevate Your Travel Style
GALLERY BEGINS AFTER THIS ADVERTISEMENT
1 of 18
Bellroy
No list of best bags or backpacks would be complete without Bellroy. The Australian bag maker extraordinaire consistently produces bags of high quality and with ingenious design features.
The company's Sling is one of the best on the market. Available in numerous colours, some of which comprise recycled materials, the Sling has two compartments: one large and one smaller, but its ingenuity comes in the form of an expandable design. You can easily compress the bag down to a smaller size when it doesn't have much in, simply by adjusting the shoulder strap. Clever.
The company's Sling is one of the best on the market. Available in numerous colours, some of which comprise recycled materials, the Sling has two compartments: one large and one smaller, but its ingenuity comes in the form of an expandable design. You can easily compress the bag down to a smaller size when it doesn't have much in, simply by adjusting the shoulder strap. Clever.
2 of 18
Everlane
One of our absolute favourite brands here at DMARGE is Everlane. The direct-to-consumer retailer regularly drops incredibly well made pieces that are even more incredibly priced. The majority of Everlane's collections are made from recycled materials, and you can even see how the company landed on the price.
The ReNew Transit Bag is made from 100% recycled polyester and provides ample storage for your everyday essentials. Available in a triage of colours, Everlane's bag provides an inexpensive avenue into the world of sling bags.
The ReNew Transit Bag is made from 100% recycled polyester and provides ample storage for your everyday essentials. Available in a triage of colours, Everlane's bag provides an inexpensive avenue into the world of sling bags.
3 of 18
Peak Design
Also high up on the list of incredible bag designers is Peak Design. The American outfit has an extensive range of everyday, travel and camera bags that are all designed to make your life as easy as possible when out and about.
The Everyday Sling is testament to that, coming in three size options, with all being suitable as a camera bag, should you wish and the two larger models even have space for your tablet. Peak Design's proprietary strap technology is out in full force, which allows for quick and easy adjustments and 400D outer shell makes the Everyday Sling completely weatherproof.
The Everyday Sling is testament to that, coming in three size options, with all being suitable as a camera bag, should you wish and the two larger models even have space for your tablet. Peak Design's proprietary strap technology is out in full force, which allows for quick and easy adjustments and 400D outer shell makes the Everyday Sling completely weatherproof.
4 of 18
Herschel Supply Co.
Hipster's favourite Herschel Supply Co. is a force to be reckoned with in the bag industry. The Canadian company recorded stratospheric success soon after it was founded in 2009, thanks to well-designed and well-made bags that were – and are – suitable for any purpose.
The Seventeen Hip Pack may be called a hip back, but its strap can just easily be worn over the shoulder, transforming it into a sling. Available in a wide range of colours and offering up 3.5-litres of internal storage, the Seventeen offers just the right amount of space for the bare essentials and keeps them close in a stylish package.
The Seventeen Hip Pack may be called a hip back, but its strap can just easily be worn over the shoulder, transforming it into a sling. Available in a wide range of colours and offering up 3.5-litres of internal storage, the Seventeen offers just the right amount of space for the bare essentials and keeps them close in a stylish package.
5 of 18
Rains
Scandinavian supplier of weatherproof outerwear and bags Rains has quickly occupied a unique space in the market and now enjoys an instantly recognisable lifestyle.
The company's Box Bag is unequivocally Danish in its design and oh so chic, but it has substance too. Naturally, it's made from Rains' waterproof fabric – the zipper is waterproof too – and sports one main 2.5L compartment.
The company's Box Bag is unequivocally Danish in its design and oh so chic, but it has substance too. Naturally, it's made from Rains' waterproof fabric – the zipper is waterproof too – and sports one main 2.5L compartment.
6 of 18
Hugo Boss
For designer fashion without eye-watering price tags, Hugo Boss has you sorted. The German menswear master has always been one to push the boundaries of fashion and style, often serving up eclectically-designed pieces that make a surefire statement on the streets.
This belt bag/sling bag is rather understated by Hugo Boss standards. Part of the Hugo collection and made from a nylon twill fabric, this sling bag comprises a singular internal compartment and two external pockets, one of which plays hosts to a reflective logo patch.
This belt bag/sling bag is rather understated by Hugo Boss standards. Part of the Hugo collection and made from a nylon twill fabric, this sling bag comprises a singular internal compartment and two external pockets, one of which plays hosts to a reflective logo patch.
7 of 18
Horizn Studios
Horizn Studios lives up to the claims of German efficiency. The Berlin-based company is rather adept at producing bags with real purpose, just check out their range of carry-on luggage and you'll soon see what we mean.
As for sling bags, however, Horizn Studios offers the Gion Cross-Body M. An 'S' version is also available, but we're not entirely sure what you could realistically fit in it. The M, however, is a much better option. Available in four colours and is made from vegan tarpaulin material which is both waterproof and designed to retain its shape no matter how old it gets.
Big enough to fit an iPad Mini and with extra padding for added comfort, the Gion Cross-Body M is a premium, over-the-shoulder companion.
As for sling bags, however, Horizn Studios offers the Gion Cross-Body M. An 'S' version is also available, but we're not entirely sure what you could realistically fit in it. The M, however, is a much better option. Available in four colours and is made from vegan tarpaulin material which is both waterproof and designed to retain its shape no matter how old it gets.
Big enough to fit an iPad Mini and with extra padding for added comfort, the Gion Cross-Body M is a premium, over-the-shoulder companion.
8 of 18
Carhartt Work in Progress
Carhartt has always been known for its technical prowess, employing materials that are designed to withstand a great range of outdoor elements. The Work in Progress label takes that same philosophy and gives it a healthy dose of streetwear credibility.
This super stylish hip bag can go over your shoulder and is kitted out with plenty of padding an linings for comfort and to keep your gear scratch-free.
This super stylish hip bag can go over your shoulder and is kitted out with plenty of padding an linings for comfort and to keep your gear scratch-free.
9 of 18
Mystery Ranch
Founded in Montana in 2000, Mystery Ranch came up with four guiding principles for all its products: function, comfort, quality and durability. These qualities still ring true today, and the company has enjoyed much success, being the bag manufacturer of choice for emergency service teams and military personnel.
The Full Moon Hip Pack can be worn around your waist or over your shoulder, and in a similar vein to Bellroy's Sling, Mystery Ranch's bag has dual compression straps to minimise the size wherever possible. You get one large compartment with its own smaller internal pocket, as well as a large exterior pocket on the front. It can hold pretty much anything you want, is available in a great choice of colours and is incredibly affordable. Sign us up.
The Full Moon Hip Pack can be worn around your waist or over your shoulder, and in a similar vein to Bellroy's Sling, Mystery Ranch's bag has dual compression straps to minimise the size wherever possible. You get one large compartment with its own smaller internal pocket, as well as a large exterior pocket on the front. It can hold pretty much anything you want, is available in a great choice of colours and is incredibly affordable. Sign us up.
10 of 18
Mission Workshop
If there's one company that knows how to make products to survive practically anything the great outdoors can throw their way, it's Mission Workshop. The Californian company has been making bags ever since it was founded, and all of them are still made in the USA, resulting in exceptional quality.
The Axis Modular Waist Pack is another that can be worn around the waist or over the shoulder. It's fully waterproof and due to its modular design, can be attached to Mission Workshop's larger Arkiv bags. The 2.5L compartment floats inside the main shell to keep your gear protected, and a separate internal pocket has been integrated specifically to hold your phone and wallet.
The Axis Modular Waist Pack is another that can be worn around the waist or over the shoulder. It's fully waterproof and due to its modular design, can be attached to Mission Workshop's larger Arkiv bags. The 2.5L compartment floats inside the main shell to keep your gear protected, and a separate internal pocket has been integrated specifically to hold your phone and wallet.
11 of 18
James Perse
For those after a more luxurious sling bag from a world renowned designer, you'll be pleased to know James Perse has thrown his hat into the arena. The LA-based designer can do nothing wrong in our eyes, taking the everyday essentials and giving them a luxe makeover, resulting in pieces that not only look great, but are built to last.
The Nylon Utility Belt Bag is another one with a versatile design, being able to be worn over your shoulder should you wish. Made from a lightweight yet durable nylon, you're presented with a large main compartment with enough space for anything you could need for daily use, along with a zippered front pouch which you can remove if you need.
The Nylon Utility Belt Bag is another one with a versatile design, being able to be worn over your shoulder should you wish. Made from a lightweight yet durable nylon, you're presented with a large main compartment with enough space for anything you could need for daily use, along with a zippered front pouch which you can remove if you need.
12 of 18
Roark
Roark designs and makes all of its bags by way of genuine real world experience. Twice each year, they explore a somewhere new, and with each new location comes a new series of challenges. This allows the team to develop new design ideas and materials, so you're always covered.
The Compadre bag can be worn as a waist pack or slung over your shoulder and is made from a highly durable 210D nylon ripstop material. The internal compartment is padded, so will happily gobble up a camera, and you even get a pop out water bottle pocket, handy if you find yourself going on long walks. Pockets for smaller items and your sunglasses only add to its practicality.
The Compadre bag can be worn as a waist pack or slung over your shoulder and is made from a highly durable 210D nylon ripstop material. The internal compartment is padded, so will happily gobble up a camera, and you even get a pop out water bottle pocket, handy if you find yourself going on long walks. Pockets for smaller items and your sunglasses only add to its practicality.
13 of 18
Smythson
If it's the ultimate in luxury and quality you're looking for in a sling bag, you can't get much better than Smythson. The British leather goods manufacturer has been kitting out customers with some of the absolute finest leather bags, wallets and other everyday carry items since 1887 and even has Royal Warrants to be the official supplier of stationary equipment to the Queen of England.
The Panama Sliding Strap Crossbody Bag is made from the company's iconic Panama crossgrain leather – a Smythson stalwart since 1908 – and can be worn either landscape or portrait. One main compartment gives way to three further internal pockets, while on the exterior you'll find two more zipped pockets, providing plenty of storage space. It is further lined in smooth calf leather.
The Panama Sliding Strap Crossbody Bag is made from the company's iconic Panama crossgrain leather – a Smythson stalwart since 1908 – and can be worn either landscape or portrait. One main compartment gives way to three further internal pockets, while on the exterior you'll find two more zipped pockets, providing plenty of storage space. It is further lined in smooth calf leather.
14 of 18
Adidas
For simple, affordable sling bags, you can always turn to the sportswear brands. Often favoured by school kids or gym-fanatics, sportswear brands such as Adidas can always be relied upon for all your bag essentials.
This Crossbody bag is part of the brand's Essential series, and can be worn either around the waist or over the shoulder. Two zipped compartments is all you get, and although it might not be the largest bag on this list, it's more than big enough for your phone, wallet, sunglasses and keys.
This Crossbody bag is part of the brand's Essential series, and can be worn either around the waist or over the shoulder. Two zipped compartments is all you get, and although it might not be the largest bag on this list, it's more than big enough for your phone, wallet, sunglasses and keys.
15 of 18
Nike
Keeping with the sportswear theme but offering a little more in terms of brand appeal and usefulness is Nike. The US brand is always looking for areas within which to innovate or use effective materials, and that extends to its bag selection..
This Tech hip pack can be worn in multiple orientations and rocks three zipped compartments, one of which includes a dedicated loop for attaching your keys. The woven fabric is designed to be far more durable than your run-of-the-mill polyester, while the chunky zips and pull-tabs make opening and closing compartments a breeze. Certainly on the larger side of sling bags, resembling a small, single-strap backpack, Nike's sling bag should provide all the space you could need.
This Tech hip pack can be worn in multiple orientations and rocks three zipped compartments, one of which includes a dedicated loop for attaching your keys. The woven fabric is designed to be far more durable than your run-of-the-mill polyester, while the chunky zips and pull-tabs make opening and closing compartments a breeze. Certainly on the larger side of sling bags, resembling a small, single-strap backpack, Nike's sling bag should provide all the space you could need.
16 of 18
Timbuk2
Timbuk2 has been a driving force in bags of all shapes and sizes since its founding in 1989 and is one of the pioneers of the now-ubiquitous messenger bag. Today, the company produces custom-order bags in its San Francisco workshop, but also offers an extensive range of ready-to-use bags alongside.
Timbuk2 prides itself on its bag design, offering as much usable space from bags that are as compact as possible, and a prime example is the Vapor sling crossbody bag. Made from a recycled nylon for added durability and serving up four separate zipped pockets including a soft, tricot-lined pocket for sunglasses, a large main section that will happily gobble up a tablet and a front pocket that is perfectly placed to take your keys and other quick-access essentials.
Timbuk2 prides itself on its bag design, offering as much usable space from bags that are as compact as possible, and a prime example is the Vapor sling crossbody bag. Made from a recycled nylon for added durability and serving up four separate zipped pockets including a soft, tricot-lined pocket for sunglasses, a large main section that will happily gobble up a tablet and a front pocket that is perfectly placed to take your keys and other quick-access essentials.
17 of 18
Arc'teryx
Is there's one company that understands the great outdoors and the gear you need to survive any situation, it's Arc'teryx. The Canadian outdoor gear specialist is no stranger to mountainous regions, multi-day hikes and climbing, and so develops a range of products built to withstand whatever may come their way, while serving a purpose in the process.
The Mantis Sling Pack is, expectedly, smaller in size, coming in at 4-litres, so while it may not necessarily be suitable for a particularly tough hike, it's the perfect accompaniment for inner-city explorers. You get enough space inside to carry a 10-inch tablet, side loops let you attach a water bottle and a panel on the back of the bag offers a prime spot to put your phone, any form of transit pass, or other small items that you need quick access to.
The Mantis Sling Pack is, expectedly, smaller in size, coming in at 4-litres, so while it may not necessarily be suitable for a particularly tough hike, it's the perfect accompaniment for inner-city explorers. You get enough space inside to carry a 10-inch tablet, side loops let you attach a water bottle and a panel on the back of the bag offers a prime spot to put your phone, any form of transit pass, or other small items that you need quick access to.
18 of 18
Tumi
Purveyor of high-end bags and suitcases Tumi is one that puts durability and quality above all else. Its bags are made from an instantly recognisable black ballistic nylon that make them some of the toughest in the business.
The Campbell Utility Pouch is designed for those who spend the majority of their time in the city, but also need a small, practical bag to take with them into the great outdoors. Not only does it get Tumi's ballistic nylon, but it also features the Tumi Tracer, which offers an easy way to find your bag should it go missing. Three pockets and a key loop round out the list of features.
The Campbell Utility Pouch is designed for those who spend the majority of their time in the city, but also need a small, practical bag to take with them into the great outdoors. Not only does it get Tumi's ballistic nylon, but it also features the Tumi Tracer, which offers an easy way to find your bag should it go missing. Three pockets and a key loop round out the list of features.
ENJOY THIS STORY?
If so, there’s more where that came from.
Each Monday, Wednesday and Friday we will deliver our top stories to your inbox. Expect to receive the latest in celebrity style & watches, rare and collectable cars, latest business travel and airlines news plus much much more.
