10 Best Sling Bags for Men 2024, Tested by Style Editors

See our top picks from brands like Lululemon, Oakley and Patagonia.

Our product picks are editor-tested, expert-approved. We may earn a commission through links on our site. Why Trust Us?

WHEN YOUR TRUSTY backpack or duffle bag feels like overkill for going out, the best sling bags for men can step in and save the day. They’re easy to carry, super practical and able to transport all your daily essentials using a bunch of accessible compartments. Whether you’re an adventurer, commuter or traveler, there’s a range of designs that can serve every person—from minimal and sleek, to rugged and sporty. If you’re stuck on which sling bag to pick, don’t sweat it—our fashion crew has already tested and sorted out the top contenders.

Below, we’ve included 10 options that combine style and convenience that let you stay comfortable and organized on the go. Of course, they’re worn across the body, but we’ve also featured a couple silhouettes that can be sported like a fanny pack. Keep reading to see the best slings for men from notable brands like Lululemon, Oakley and Patagonia.

The best sling bags for men should offer features that cater to your needs. Consider the layout and accessibility of the compartments, pockets, and dedicated spaces for laptops, smartphones, tablets, or water bottles. All in all, there should be ample storage capacity (usually measured and listed in liters) that allows for smart organization and easy reach.

Your sling bag should come in durable materials that can withstand everyday use and even outdoor activities. Look for high-quality materials like nylon, polyester, or leather that will help extend a sling bag’s lifespan and easily resist daily wear and tear. Also, pay attention to the stitching and construction of the sling bag to ensure it is sturdy.

Since sling bags are often worn over one shoulder or across the body, the best sling bags for men need to have adjustable straps and padding to distribute weight evenly across your shoulders and back—a properly fitted sling bag should feel comfortable and not strain you even when worn for extended periods. Therefore, pay attention to the strap’s material, width, and adjustability.

A lightweight sling bag is usually better since it is easier to carry and feels better on your body by preventing unnecessary strain on your shoulders and back, especially if you plan to use the sling bag for hours on end, or carry it while hiking. Ultimately, the weight of a sling bag will depend on the bag's capacity, design, and intended uses.

Read More: Best Fanny Packs for Men

To find the best sling bags for men, our style team led by Fashion Director Ted Stafford, put them through real-life situations. We loaded them up with our usual gear—phone, wallet, keys, even a water bottle—to see how they handle the weight. The ones we tested have been worn at outdoor festivals, during light hikes, in course of errand runs and through long-haul flights. We paid close attention to the pockets and zippers, but really made sure to assess how comfortable the adjustable straps laid on our shoulders. Continue scrolling as we reveal our top 10 picks.

We gave 20 different sling bags a test run, but Lululemon’s offering takes the cake. The Everywhere Belt Bag is all about making things easier for the man on the go. For starters, you can throw it over your shoulder or wear it around your waist like a fanny pack for when you're on the trail or at an outdoor concert (or any other time you want to be hands-free). The main pouch features a double two-way zipper that opens 3/4 of the way, letting you see and reach everything inside without having to dig around blindly. Another bonus: there’s a smaller pocket tucked into the back with a single zipper, which makes it ideal for hiding cash, cards, and other small valuables.

Thanks to the water-resistant nylon exterior, anything stowed away will remain dry, in the event it starts to pour down raining. Our favorite part, however, is the strap that we found to be one of the most comfortable ones that we’ve tested. As for the colorway, you can choose from a bunch of neutral tones, but our fashion team recommends going with the eucalyptus hue—you’re bound to be the center of attention.

While it can’t store a water bottle, we love how effortlessly our gadgets and snacks fit inside. Not to mention, it has so much versatility in regards to style. You can wear it with your best sweatsuit or casual fit and look fly for the day’s festivities.

Read More: Best Fanny Packs for Men

This Amazon best-seller is spot-on for your next trail adventure. It’s really got organization in spades with mesh pockets on two sides for bottles or umbrellas, a small front zipper pocket for smaller devices, and a big space inside that’s designed like a backpack. It’s smartly compartmentalized into smaller sections for anything from keys, passports, snacks, and other bits and bobs. The main pocket inside is also big enough to store tablets, a feature that we deemed essential in a travel sling bag.

You can even enjoy your music on your commute as the convenient opening on the front provides easy access to your earphones. It comes in every color imaginable, but the baby blue and reflective details will help you stand out and offer nighttime visibility.

As one of the smaller—or the smallest—sling bags on the list, Topo Designs Mini Quick Pack has a substantial storage where it matters most. We found that its capacity is perfect for shorter trips and daily errands, and the straps are a piece of cake to adjust (though there are quite a few straps). Whenever we don’t need a backpack and want to pack light, this little guy is a star.

In our experience, we’ve worn it on the waist and across the body. Either way, it will keep up with your movements. With a decent amount of space and interior organization for a phone, cardholder, and other odds and ends, our editors have also tucked it under a thin coat when we’re in a tight spot.

If you’re looking for a designer sling bag that combines flair with functionality, Dagne Dover has the perfect match for you. As far as size is concerned, the bag is not too big, not too small, rather just right. Scaling down the crossbody strap is seven elastic loops, perfect for securely holding cables, pens, or other small essentials. Your phone and iPad can easily slip into two pockets, while the mesh material offers plenty of breathability.

Based on our extensive testing, we found that this version is ideal to have on deck when it’s time to go biking or hiking. With its cording drawstring, you can pull the top of the bag tightly closed, so nothing falls out along the way. On top of that, the milky creme colorway is a safe bet as it won’t clash with any performance fit or casual look.

Count on Carhartt to make a solid sling bag that can withstand the elements. This water-resistant style is made with a 600-denier polyester, meaning it's tough enough to keep your things dry through abrupt showers. The main compartment measures 19 inches, while the padded tablet sleeve protects your iPad and the fleece-lined front pocket holds your phone and sunglasses. Our adventure-loving editors love its rugged aesthetic, which looks fitting for nature explorations. We also love how comfortably the cushioned strap rests on our shoulder and distributes weight evenly. All in all, it’s a reliable option for long-term use, no matter how much wear and tear it goes through.

Tough bags are what Patagonia is known for, and this version is no exception. The polyester fabric, for instance, is enhanced with a durable water-repellent coating, and we love how the harness makes sure the weight stays close to the body for more comfort. Complete with a front zip pocket for your valuables, this is as stylish as it is functional.

Whether you’re navigating the city streets or looking for a secondary bag to carry essentials while traveling, this is your bet. Not to mention, the Atom is armed with spandex mesh, meaning it has flexible pockets that can snugly hold items of different shapes and sizes without slipping out. While it comes in multiple colorful tones, our fashion editors prefer the black silhouette since it’s timeless and will pair with any outfit without clashing.

With four climbing ropes braided together for the strap, Kavu’s sling bag is created with a durable, yet completely unique design. And of course, you can adjust it to your comfort level. It’s produced with a blend of 600D polyester and cotton canvas, so the fabric can resist water, feels soft and ultimately, built to last. In total, there’s three pockets—two ideally for your keys/phone and one zippered in the rear for smaller valuables. Even though aesthetics is what earned its placement on this list, we found the colorblock gear should be paired with a simple outfit like a white t-shirt and blue jeans.

Oakley’s Extractor Sling is basically a backpack in disguise, making it perfect for work commutes. It has the capacity to serve as one with several compartments and pockets to transport goods like your hand cream, portable charger and office laptop. We found this sling bag specifically useful for when we want to pack more without overdoing it.

You can even fit your gym shorts and workout shirts inside to hit a quick session once you’re off the clock. Plus, the back panel is equipped with air channels to help deliver more breathability and comfort while you’re on the move. Although the downside is that it is heavier than others we’ve tested, it’s got the volume you need to load it all in.

The Arc’teryx Granville Crossbody Bag is perfect for anyone who values simplicity. It’s streamlined and straightforward with just enough space for essentials—no extra bulk, no unnecessary frills. Whether you’re embarking on a hike up the mountains or heading out for a quick errand run, this compact size feels super light and not like a ton of bricks on your shoulders. The ripstop fabric is made with a durable water-repellent finish, so it can keep your belongings dry and safe, even in unpredictable conditions. In terms of organization, there’s pockets for your phone and keys secured by WaterTight zippers that prevent moisture from seeping through the seams. Plus, the interior is designed with a brighter color to make it easy to locate your things inside.

Some of the most top-notch sling bags often arrive in rich leather. Take this sleek number from Tumi. The silhouette is quite minimal yet still very chic, and looks great with dressier fits. Our fashion team recommends wearing it with a knit sweater and a neat pair of pants. Interior details include a key leash, a padded pocket for extra protection, pen loops, and the brand’s tracer—in case it goes missing or gets stolen.

It also helps that the bag comes with a five-year warranty, which means you’re covered for defects in materials and workmanship. While the price tag may be on the higher spectrum compared to others on this list, it’s a style that’ll never fade. Plus, a classic monogram comes with your purchase, adding a unique, personalized touch.

Many sling bags are actually designed to accommodate laptops or tablets. These sling bags usually fall on the larger, more functional side, with a large capacity and spacious interior compartment, as well as dedicated padded compartments or sleeves that offer protection and secure storage for your electronic devices.

Sling bags are versatile just like backpacks, hence, with the right style and design, they can work in a variety of places. A sleek, leather option looks professional enough for the office and goes well with your office fits. A rugged, weather-resistant one is great for outdoor activities—in fact, there are sling bags designed for purposes like hiking and traveling. For your casual outings, a small, stylish sling bag will work wonders.

At Men’s Health, we don’t produce product reviews that don’t actually involve testing anything hands-on or in person. For each product, we always use items ourselves first before considering whether to include them. Therefore, rest assured that our product recommendations derive from first-hand experience. You can read more about our testing process here.

More importantly, at Men’s Health, we have a whole fashion closet dedicated to calling in, trying out, and selecting the best as well as the newest products. We put them on ourselves to see how the items look and feel before making our final decision. And we constantly go into the fashion closet to feel a product’s materials and test it.

Lastly, you can trust our opinions on product recommendations and tips. Not only do we have Fashion Director Ted Stafford and Deputy Editor, Commerce Christian Gollayan who know the pros and cons of materials, but we also have a panel of influencers, stylists, and experts—including designers at top brands or retailers—whom we regularly seek shopping guides from. Therefore, our product recommendations and buying tips are all driven by professional, expert opinions.

Best Fanny Packs | Best Gym Bags | Best Travel Backpacks | Best Luggage Brands | Best Laptop Bags | Best Briefcases | Best Messenger Bags

Christian Gollayan oversees e-commerce content for Men's Health and Women's Health. Previously, he was the Associate Managing Editor at TheManual.com. Christian's work has also been featured in Food & Wine, InStyle, the New York Post, and Tatler Asia.

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