If you are not familiar with edc sling bags, you might confuse them with a one-strapped backpack or a messenger bag holding the body tight. While sling bags look like backpacks and messenger bags, they are neither of those things but they are a little of both. Sling bags, including backpacks and messenger bags, usually contain a large pocket to hold heavy items like a book or tablet, and some small pockets for other important things such as phones, wallets, and keys. Having the best edc sling bag that securely snuggles into you makes for easier mobility and easy access to items on the go. And it makes pick-pocketing pretty difficult when carried on the chest with a crossbody.
For most folks, their idea of EDC is what would comfortably fit in their pockets, but that may not be enough for others. It’s time to find an edc sling bag when you’re trying to bring more stuff than can suit in the pockets of your clothing but not sufficiently for a full-sized backpack or daypack. They provide a lightweight carry alternative for warm weather and lengthy trips and only fit sufficiently for full-day walkabouts without becoming too clunky or bulky. Although the perfect carry for everybody will be different, it’s better to choose one that fits your own unique requirements for storage and organization.
In a Hurry? The test winners after 12 hrs of research
Osprey Daylite Shoulder Sling Bag – Premium Pick
Why is it better?
- Mesh panel (air can go through) on outside pocket perfect for slightly wet items
- Well designed main interior pockets with 3 organizers (key clip also)
- Nice capacity to hold water bottle and other essentials
- Detachable buckle on the shoulder strap
Fitdom Tactical Sling Bag for Men – Best Value
Why is it better?
- Not very or overly militaristic
- Lots of space and organization
- The orange lining inside makes it so much easier to find things
- The outside pockets are good-sized for the stuff you need quick access to
Best EDC Sling Bags – Overview
There are a few tips to adopt anytime you decide to get a sling bag to yourself. Your sling bag should have a single thick, reinforced, and adjustable strap. Your sling bag’s back panel will always come with a reinforced back cover. This gives warmth to your back and while you’re on the run, no pen or sharp object should pierce through. Most sling bags give the resilience, waterproof security, and storage compartments you appreciate from a typical backpack that comes in a lighter, sleeker, EDC-friendly style. Check out our 10 picks below for the best edc sling bags for your needs.
EDC Sling Bags Reviews
1. Osprey Daylite Shoulder Sling Bag – Premium Pick
Throw the Osprey Daylite Shoulder Sling Bag over your shoulder and go. Go where you say? Anywhere. To the store, school, or on a quick hike. While grabbing brioche buns from the bakery, or veggies from the farmer’s market. Maybe storing your valuables at the festival or on holiday at the beach? Wherever you go, it’s always nice to have a way to simply and securely carry a few daily essentials.
The Daylite Sling uses a breathable and soft NeoSpacer™ mesh material on it’s single, anatomically shaped shoulder strap for next-to-skin comfort, even on hot days. The front zippered mesh pocket is great for storing smaller items you regularly need access to, the main compartment has sleeves for organization plus a key-clip, and you don’t have to remove the pack to grab your gear; just rotate the pack over your shoulder. Be sure to also check out our list of travel daypacks for more great items like this.
Key Features:
- Breathable, anatomically shaped single shoulder strap with stretch mesh pocket
- Front zippered stretch mesh storage pocket
- Large zippered main compartment
- Interior mesh organizer and key clip inside the main compartment
- Designed to be worn over the wearer’s right shoulder
Specifications:
- Brand: Osprey
- Capacity: 6L
- Dimensions: 14.5″ H x 8″ W x 5″ D
- Weight: 0.51 lbs
- Mesh panel (air can go through) on outside pocket perfect for slightly wet items
- Well designed main interior pockets with 3 organizers (key clip also)
- Nice capacity to hold water bottle and other essentials
- Detachable buckle on the shoulder strap
- May be overlooked due to price
2. OZUKO EDC Sling Bag
The OZUKO EDC Sling Bag is made of high-density Oxford fabric, waterproof and wear-resistant. Breathable and decompression carrying system, heat dissipation, ventilation, shock absorption. It’s more comfortable carrying a heavy load, relieves the stress of your shoulder. Offering your back plenty of cushioned comfort.
The main compartment comes with a lockable zipper design, convenient for locking your valuables. The hidden anti-theft pocket on the back protects your items from thieves. The surface of the package is printed with reflective design perfect for those night excursions.
Key Features:
- External USB design
- Adjustable straps
- Security anti-theft password lock
- Breathable and decompression carrying system
Specifications:
- Brand: OZUKO
- Dimensions: 13.4″ H x 6.7″ W x 3.2″ D
- Weight: 0.51 lbs
- Built-in lock is a nice feature
- Lightweight and comfortable
- Has padding on the back and strap for long term comfort
- Large enough storage for most belongings
- The bag can easily flop open when you fully unzip the bag to access your belongings
3. Fitdom Tactical Sling Bag for Men – Best Value
Looking for a quality and stylish sling pack that can hang with your everyday lifestyle? Your search ends here. The Fitdom Tactical Sling Bag for Men is made with heavy-duty 600d polyester and stitching is cover by extra blinding. This means it will last years without ripping even carrying a water bottle or Ipad. So you can carry all your necessities and gadgets where you go with just one bag. Extra-wide waist strap made for all body size from 20′ to 56′.
Keep our personal belonging organized with 2 quick access pockets and 4 sealed compartments. Never have to worry about items get mixed with the other or wasting your time looking for them. This bag is packed with features such as multiple key attachments, molle webbing for your gadgets, cloth strap for your sweater, and more. Whether you are going for a hike or traveling, you can count on it to satisfy your personal need. You may also be interested in some of the best small tactical backpacks from our list, so check them out.
Key Features:
- 600D luggage polyester
- Extra-wide waist strap
- 2 quick access pockets and 4 sealed compartments
- MOLLE webbing
Specifications:
- Brand: Fitdom
- Dimensions: 12″ H x 7″ W x 3″ D
- Weight: 1 lbs
- Not very or overly militaristic
- Lots of space and organization
- The orange lining inside makes it so much easier to find things
- The outside pockets are good-sized for the stuff you need quick access to
- Front pockets should go on either side of bag to minimize depth and decrease silhouette
4. Condor EDC Bag
An Every Day Carry (EDC) bag should see lots of usage, and you want one that can hold up to the toughest conditions. You ‘re sure to love the Condor EDC Bag ‘s quality. This pack contains all of the essential elements. The central compartment comes with double zippers and sleeves for the inside. There are also sleeves in the front pocket and it also includes elastic loops. On the flap is a zipper pocket, and each side provides webbing for any interchangeable accessories you ‘d like to use.
The Condor EDC Bag comes with a hidden pocket in case you have some cherished belongings you want to have with you but want them to stay out of reach. Both the shoulder strap and the waist strap are adjustable for your own comfort. For further comfort, the backing is lined. This bag is an ideal option for someone in need of a high-quality bag, and surely it would fit with your needs. You may also be interested in some of the best sling bags for men from our list, so check them out.
Key Features:
- Front drop-in zipper pocket on flap
- Webbing on both side for modular attachments
- Concealment pocket with hook and loop panel
- Adjustable shoulder strap with side-release buckle
Specifications:
- Brand: Condor
- Dimensions: 9″ H x 4.5″ W x 10″ D
- Weight: 1 lbs
- Materials and general build quality is excellent
- Lots of storage compartments
- The MOLLE webbing on the sides of the bag is nice
- The back of the bag has a mesh outer layer for breathability with ample padding underneath for comfort
- There should be a double zipper on the concealed carry compartment
5. Pacsafe Unisex Venturesafe X Anti-Theft Sling Pack
Pack smart with the Pacsafe Unisex Venturesafe X Anti-Theft Sling Pack. This pack boasts room enough for all of your essentials and designated placements for your important documents. Constructed from a durable 210D Nylon Diamond Ripstop. Designed to be used by left and right-handed people with equal ease.
The shoulder straps are made to allow airflow through and can be tucked away when not in use. The eXomesh® slashguard panels protect against knives and blades. Slashguard anchor strap and Roobar™ anti-theft anchor lock help keep your belongings safe. Smart zipper security™ keeps wandering hands from entering your bag. Our guide to the best anti-theft travel bags offers more great products like this.
Key Features:
- Top carry handle
- Attachment points on shoulder straps for small items such as pouches or Water bottles
- Two lockable zip compartments
- Rear zip security pocket
Specifications:
- Brand: Pacsafe
- Dimensions: 14.57″ H x 7.87″ W x 4.33″ D
- Weight: 0.93 lbs
- Strap has a hook that you can attatch a D-ring or other items to
- Pick-proof clasps which are great for trains, buses and other crowded places
- Hidden compartments all throughout
- The interior is light gray, making it easier to see inside because the bag is deep
- The key ring clip is plastic
6. Meru EDC Sling Bag
Meru EDC Sling Bag is a uniquely designed small bag made from breathable all-natural cotton canvas for all your edc needs. Features a large inner compartment with a zippered storage pocket, an insulated iPad/tablet pocket, a cellphone pocket, a security pocket, a hidden cardholder and a water bottle holder.
This bag also features an exclusive ‘soft carry’ memory foam single strap bag men and women will love. With dozens of styles, both solid colors and patterns, you’ll be sure to find the right sling bag to fit your personal style. And with plenty of room for all your every day carry items, there’s a good reason why it’s a very popular sling bag for men and women!
Key Features:
- Memory foam strap
- Inside zipper pouch
- Made from all natural cotton canvas
- Adjustable straps
Specifications:
- Brand: Meru
- Capacity: 8.5L
- Dimensions: 19.5″ H x 12″ W x 4″ D
- Weight: 0.93 lbs
- High quality fabric. it’s soft, not rigid canvas on the outside, but it’s still very durable
- Two large zippered compartments that have their zippered openings on the top edge of the bag
- The smallest cargo pocket in front is zippered
- There is a mesh water bottle holder inside the bag
- Zippers and plastic strap clasp appear to be good but not great quality
7. MARK RYDEN Anti Theft Sling Bag
The MARK RYDEN Anti Theft Sling Bag can fit a tablet up to 7.9”. The bag can be either carried with the hand handle or adjustable shoulder strap. It comes with an external USB with a built-in charging cable. Soft air permeability padded back cushion shoulder straps make it light and comfortable. An anti-theft zipped pocket is also present for your valuables.
Designed for comfort, this bag is made of water repellent nylon fabric, lightweight, no more aching neck, back & shoulders like with a backpack! Ergonomically designed, padded, breathable strap makes you forget you’re even wearing this bag.
Key Features:
- External USB with built-in charging cable
- Padded shoulder straps
- Front zipped pocket
- Anti-theft zipped pocket
Specifications:
- Brand: MARK RYDEN
- Dimensions: 12.1″ H x 7.9″ W x 4″ D
- Weight: 0.93 lbs
- Fits comfortable on your back or front and your can adjust the strap to whatever side fits more comfortable
- Hidden zippers to store items and your not worried about thieves
- Compact but still holds everything you need for the day
- Nice reflective strip
- The clip that attaches the strap to the bag is made wtih plastic and not metal
8. Helikon-Tex EDC Sling Bag
Helikon-Tex EDC Sling Bag is truly a compact, yet versatile sling pack. It was designed to provide as much personalization capabilities as possible. Therefore, the main compartment lacks any internal pockets and instead is lined with soft velour compatible with a versatile insert system. Additionally, on the front part of the pack, there are two pockets – one zippered with the side access and one open-top, secured with the buckle, partially elastic that will hold a small jacket or shirt.
A very important part of the pack is the hidden back compartment. Closed with the zipper with quick access via a Hypalon puller. The interior is lined with the soft velour, designed mainly for attaching a pistol holder insert. Thanks to this, you are able to carry your handgun truly concealed, without limiting the rapid access to it. Last but not least, the pack is equipped in a padded, profiled shoulder strap with a small, zippered pocket.
Key Features:
- Profiled shoulder strap lined with 3d mesh
- Compatible with Versatile Insert System
- Zippered pocket on shoulder strap for small objects
- Hidden compartment with quick access
Specifications:
- Brand: Helikon-Tex
- Dimensions: 16.5″ H x 10.2″ W x 2.4″ D
- Weight: 1 lbs
- The bag is designed around use as a CCW bag complete with an easy access compartment
- Big enough to fit everything you want yet still small enough to prevent overloading
- Shoulder strap has good padding
- The material is name brand Cordura and the stitching is also very nice
- No water bottle pouch
9. REEBOW Tactical Sling Bag for Everyday Carry
The REEBOW Tactical Sling Bag for Everyday Carry is a tactical sling pack with double-stitched, heavy-duty zippers and utility-style cord pulls, front load compression system-Y strap. Comfortable breathable padding back area, molle straps, and both side pockets as molle tactical sling pack or edc bag.
This sling bag has an adjustable and comfortable single shoulder strap and also has a waist strap to help reduce the sway of the bag while moving as a small military tactical rover shoulder sling bag. It also features a velcro in the concealed back compartment, perfect as a pistol sling range bag for 1-2 handguns and lots of ammo or as a tactical assault pack. Our handy guide to the best concealed carry backpacks features more great products like this.
Key Features:
- Zipper closure
- Velcro in the concealed carry pocket
- Adjustable single shoulder strap
- Hydration compartment up to 2L
Specifications:
- Brand: REEBOW Tactical
- Dimensions: 14″ H x 12″ W x 7″ D
- Weight: 1 lbs
- The main compartment is nicely divided and has a zippered pocket
- It has a zippered compartment on the back of the bag which would rest against your body
- The padded/vented pocket on the back fits the notebook computer nicely
- Construction looks good overall
- A few too many extra straps on the outside of the bag
10. Maxpedition Kodiak Gearslinger
The Maxpedition Kodiak Gearslinger is the granddaddy of fixed strap Gearslingers, optimized to meet rugged and urban conditions and offering enhanced space with additional pockets and all the great Gearslinger features. This single shoulder backpack is designed to maximize utility when rotated towards front of your body and fits up to a 15.4″ laptop computer.
The iconic Gearslinger product family from the Maxpedition Legacy series, largely comprised of durable and ergonomic single shoulder strap backpacks commonly known as sling packs. The ergonomic fixed-strap Gearslinger rotates 270 degrees to the front of the body, giving you complete top-down access to horizontal pockets. You can easily get to your gear while sitting, standing, or moving throughout your day.
Key Features:
- Anti-Theft Zipper Capture System
- Y-Compression Strap
- Ergonomic Fixed-Strap
- Additional retention strap
- End-buckle distress whistle
Specifications:
- Brand: Maxpedition
- Capacity: 22.6L
- Dimensions: 20″ H x 13.5″ W x 7.5″ D
- Weight: 2.8 lbs
- Water bottle holder on the outside is super helpful
- Excellent variety of compartments
- Tons of molle attachment points, allowing for a crazy amount of customization options if you buy other tactical pouches
- Very tough material used throughout
- Load to capacity it is extremely uncomfortable
Buying Guide
Weather Resistance
You’ll typically bring essential things like your mobile phone, money, and passport in your sling bag. A bit of resistance to weather is a major benefit because it will shield those essential items from injury. Plus, you can easily wipe a weather-resistant sling bag, so you won’t have to wear a sopping soaked sling around your chest — not a pleasant experience. In comparison, extreme weatherproofing is overkill. Full-blown waterproof or ultra weather-safe fabrics are designed with only that, preventing water and does not really suit an edc sling bag.
Straps
Good sling bags provide a long, lined, and adjustable strap that can turn from right to left ideally based on the user ‘s choice. Few smaller, lightweight sling bags do not need padding in the strap since they are not designed to hold large loads. But they can have versatile adjustability. So while a fanny pack does not need a strap to carry it across the waist, you’ll always want the freedom to fasten or loosen the strap if necessary.
Organization
It’s irritating to have to rummage for smaller items, and waste energy. Therefore find a sling bag with ample organization to fit your carry system. Maybe you need just one or two pockets to get a phone and keys. Alternatively, you may like a lined tablet or laptop pocket, or secure hidden storage of valuables.
Accessibility
One of the key advantages of a good edc sling bag is that it helps you to quickly reach your equipment on the go without needing to pull it out. So pick one that conveniently moves from chest to back, and vice versa for easy, friction-free access on the go. Once you are wearing it as a waist pack, for easy and convenient access it should still enable you to swivel it around easily.
Zippers
While moving, a broken zipper can contribute to a broken heart. It may sound tragic, but you would realize just what we say if you’ve ever seen a zipper fall on you while traveling. Usually, we prefer YKK, RiRi, and SAB zippers – all of which have proven to be the most reliable ones. You also don’t need something too big for sling bags like a #10 zipper. If they’re too large they will jingle the zips, and cause them to deteriorate faster.
Frequently Ask Questions
Are sling bags good for travel?
Sling bags are great for travelling. If you are going on a longer journey, it’s good to have your bulkier backpack as an option for use as an EDC on day trips. Although usually they don’t have enough room for the important overnight, they ‘re great for bringing everything you need for a day out.
Why are sling bags popular?
Sling bags are popular because they provide a better alternative to a men’s briefcase. You can fit a considerable amount inside, and they usually have useful features such as organizers and extra pockets, and anti-theft devices often. They’re a cool, comfortable alternative to a massive backpack, since they’re held on your back.
Are sling bags good for your back?
As long as you’re not going crazy with the bag’s weight, sling bags are all right for the back. If they are really large, there is a chance that they can trigger ‘one-sided pressure.’ However, you can ease it by switching sides.
Conclusion
We hope this guide was helpful for finding the best edc sling bags as well as our guide on features to look for in an edc sling bag. If you have any questions or concerns regarding this guide, feel free to let us know in the comments section.
If you are interested in edc backpacks, check out our guide for the best edc backpacks.