If you’re stuck on which sling bag to pick, don’t sweat it—our fashion team tested and narrowed down the top contenders. Below, we’ve included 10 standout picks that combine comfort, style, and hands-free functionality from notable brands like Coach, Lululemon, and Oakley.
What to Consider
Size and Capacity
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.
Material and Durability
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.
Comfort and Fit
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
How We Selected
To find the best sling bags for men, our style team led by Deputy Editor Christian Gollayan, put them through real-life situations. We loaded them up with usual gear like our phone, wallet, keys, snacks, 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.
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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
| Shell Materials | 100% Recycled Nylon |
| Capacity | 2L |
| Dimensions | W 21cm x D 5.7cm x H 14.6cm |
| Weight | 0.5lb |
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. During a camping trip, we made use of the main pocket inside, which is big enough to store your phone and tablet, 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 teal blue and reflective details will help you stand out and offer nighttime visibility. And unlike others on the list, this one comes with a water bottle holder, so you stay hydrated on your next hike.
| Shell Material | 100% polyester |
| Capacity | 6L |
| Dimension | 7 x 3.5 x 15 inches |
| Weight | 0.94lbs |
Eddie Bauer’s Mini Crossbody Bag proves that you don’t have to spend big to get a reliable everyday carry. Made from nylon, this compact bag punches above its weight when it comes to utility. During testing, we found the slightly 0.8L capacity to be just right. It’s big enough to fit your phone, wallet, keys, and a chapstick, but small enough to stay light and nimble when you’re clocking your daily step count goal. I love the front cargo pocket that has a flat closure. It kept essentials like subway cards or AirPods secure but easy to access when we were on the go.
Yeah, it’s too small to carry a tablet or water bottle, but it comes in clutch for light carry days and quick errands. One tester wore it on a weekend trip and appreciated how easy it was to sling over a jacket without feeling bulky. The strap adjusts smoothly and stays comfortable during hours of walking, and after a few days of use, the bag still looked good as new.
| Shell Materials | 100% nylon |
| Capacity | 1L |
| Dimensions | 7.87″H x 4.92″W x 2.36″D |
| Weight | N /A |
The North Face’s Base Camp Voyager Sling is basically a mini backpack in disguise that’s built to take a beating. This thing held up through packed subways, bike rides, and overhead bin shoves without a single scuff. The shell’s made from abrasion-resistant polyester fabric, the same ultra-tough material as the brand’s duffels, which are designed for actual expeditions, so your daily commute? No sweat.
There’s a padded sleeve that snugly fits a tablet, reflective accents for low-light visibility (great for late-night rides), and a thick, padded shoulder strap that’s actually comfortable to wear all day. Bonus: there’s a zip pocket on the strap that perfectly fits your phone, so no more digging around at crosswalks.
We also loved how the design leans more towards a backpack than a bag. It’s minimalist, structured, and doesn’t flop around when you’re on the move. Whether you’re weaving through downtown foot traffic or navigating an airport terminal, this is the kind of sling that keeps up, and doesn’t look out of place when you stop for a coffee.
| Shell Materials | 300D recycled polyester |
| Capacity | 11 L |
| Dimensions | 10.5” x 15” x 4.5” |
| Weight | 1 lb 4.1 oz (570 g) |
Most dressier sling bags have a basic boxy shape. Coach took a different approach with this triangle cut. The silhouette gives it a more modern edge and sits naturally against your body. I’ve worn it during city commutes, and even got caught in a light downpour, but the leather fabric held up like a champ. There was no warping or stains.
What really sets it apart, though, is the leather itself. It’s soft but structured, with a smooth, slightly matte finish that feels just as premium as some of the higher-end designer slings we’ve tested. This isn’t stiff or plasticky like the leather on a lot of mid-tier bags. It has that broken-in, luxe feel right out of the gate.
I found it pairs surprisingly well with more polished fits too; think a knit polo, tailored pants. Whether I slung it across my chest or rocked it on my back, it stayed put. It doesn’t come with a ton of interior pockets, but the smart triangular build gives it more space than you’d expect. I even managed to fit a slim water bottle in there without it feeling bulky. Sure, the price tag may be on the higher spectrum, but it’s not a trend piece. It’s one of those forever-in-rotation bags.
| Shell Materials | Leather |
| Capacity | 8.5L |
| Dimensions | 9.25″ x 15.0″ x 3.75″ |
| Weight | 0.9-1.0lb |
Cons
- Pricier than other picks, but has a long-lasting build
Porter’s sling bag is reliable for outdoor gear because it combines smart construction and water-resistant materials. Inspired by military flight jackets, it’s designed with an emergency-orange padded lining and nylon twill shell that can withstand rain and wind. I wore this during a rainy evening commute, and everything inside from my phone to loose bills, stayed bone dry.
What makes it even better: the three-layer fabric. You’ve got a durable outer shell, a weather-blocking middle membrane, and a soft inner lining. In other words, this bag is bomber-jacket tough and built to hold its shape. It may look compact, but there’s plenty of space and interior pockets to keep your stuff organized without looking overloaded.
And when I don’t want to wear it slung across my chest, it easily converts into a fanny pack. Yes, it’s the most expensive option on the list, but for the water protection, durability, and stylish-edge, it earns every penny.
| Shell Materials | 100% Nylon Twill |
| Capacity | 2-3L |
| Dimensions | 19cm x 14cm x 6cm |
| Weight | 0.55-0.75lb |
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.
| Shell Material | 600D polyester |
| Capacity | 23L |
| Dimension | 6.3 x 8 x 16 inches |
| Weight | 1.55lbs |
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.
| Shell Material | 100% REPREVE® Recycled Polyester |
| Capacity | 7.5L |
| Dimension | 9.5” L x 4” W x 12” H |
| Weight | 1lbs |
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.
| Shell Materials | 600D polyester, cotton canvas |
| Capacity | 10L |
| Dimension | 20 x 11 x 5in |
| Weight | 0.8lb |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can sling bags carry laptops or tablets?
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.
Can I use sling bags on different occasions?
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.
As the Style and Commerce Editor for Men’s Health, Joseph covers all-things fashion and grooming. Previously, Cheatham was a commerce editor for Spy, and he has written for Travel + Leisure.
Christian is the deputy commerce editor at Men’s Health and Women’s Health, where he oversees shopping content for both brands. He started his magazine career as an accessories assistant at Vogue, and has since held editorial roles at Tatler Asia and The Manual. When he’s not online shopping, you can find him on long walks with his two corgis.
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