12 Highly Rated Sling Bags for Men in 2021 (Plus Buying Guide)
Credit: horizn-studios.co.uk
Reviews
Backpacks with Hidden Pockets
Backpacks for Techies
Everyday Carry Backpacks
Eco-friendly backpacks
Nordace Siena similar backpacks
Backpacks with lots of pockets
Waterproof backpacks
Laptop backpacks
North Face Borealis vs Jester
Hardside Luggage
Carry-On Luggage
Luggage for Int’l Travel
Wireless Headphones
Wireless Earbuds
Mosquito Repellents
Sleeping Bags
Power banks
Looking for functional (yet stylish) sling bags for men?
Hop on board.
In this list, you’ll find the 12 best sling bags for men that are designed to be practical, comfortable and with quick-access to your essentials on-the-go.
Ranging from office designs to casual ones, the styles are impeccable with options for every guy’s style and budget.
I’ve also included a buyer’s guide and FAQs to give you all the info you need.
Whether you’re going on a run, dinner, or heading to the park, these very practical sling bags for men will keep your valuables close to your heart while leaving you hands-free and unfettered by baggage.
Let’s dive into the sling bags for men.
Table of Contents
12 Best Sling Bags for Men
In my view, the best sling bags for men in 2021 are:
- Best overall: Ozuko Sling pack
- Best waterproof: Black Ember TKS Sling Bag
- For gym: AER Sling Bag 3
- Best budget: D’yallee Sling Bag
- Best laptop sling bag: AER Tech Sling 2
- For conscious men: Gion Cross-Body M
- Most stylish: Mark Ryden Antitheft Sling bag
- Best for Security: Pacsafe Metrosafe LS150
- Most versatile: KL928 Canvas Sling Bag
- Most discreet: RAW X Rolling Papers Sling bag
- Best storage: Chrome Kadet sling
- Best leather: Leatherio leather sling bag
Best overall: Ozuko Sling pack
Check Deal on Amazon
Summary: The Ozuko Sling is touted for its style, comfort and reasonable price point.
The Ozuko sling is the ultimate all-day, everyday companion for the modern man.
This highly rated bag is among the best sling bags for men to keep their valuables organized for a day out in the city.
It has a large main capacity and lots of pockets for your tablet, smartphone, coins, phones, keys, pens, and even a change of clothes.
You’ll also appreciate that its design offers easy access to your items and can be worn on both sides.
What’s more?
The Ozuko sling is water resistant and is made of high-density oxford fabric.
As if that’s not tempting enough, it’s very comfortable to wear.
You get a nicely padded back panel that protects your back from hard or pokey items and makes wearing the sling bag for hours seem like child’s play.
Also, there’s an inbuilt USB port design for charging on the go.
What we also love
The bag has an antitheft password coded zippers and a hidden back pocket to protect your valuables from prying eyes and hands.
Not to mention its very modern, fashionable design.
You will be proud to be seen with this pack around your shoulders and even around your house.
Whether it’s commuting, running, or travel, the Ozuko sling is your guy.
What’s not great
Some users were less than pleased with the bag’s zipper. In some cases, were complaints of broken zippers and in others, the locking mechanism not being as effective.
Best waterproof: Black Ember TKS Sling Bag
Check Deal on Blackember.com
Summary: The TKS Sling bag is a sweet hybrid between a sling and a tech pouch.
The TKS Sling bag definitely qualifies as one of the top sling bags for men because it is so versatile and well made.
It’s a 2-in-1 flavor whether you want a waterproof compact sling or a dedicated tech kit pouch you can use with your larger carry.
And, it is sleek, black and feature rich.
You can proudly carry it as a sling or as a waist pack.
The best part is that the TKS Sling bag is highly durable and waterproof.
It is made from quality materials ranging from Microhex HTX, ripstop nylon, Woodjin hardware, YKK Aquaguard zippers and more.
What’s more?
This 2.5L has clever organizations to boast of.
It comes with two storage compartments, accordion pocket with 6 pockets and a clamshell design that allows you organize your tech to your heart’s content.
So you know no fumbling for items as there are pockets for your tablet, phone, power bank, cables, passport, wallet, field notes, etc
Aside from easy access to your tech, there’s also anti-theft protection on the Hypalon zipper pulls.
Even better, it makes for an easy carry thanks to easy-to-operate buckle, tuck-away strap and smooth zippers.
What we also love
You can charge your phone in this bag too, even if you’re using a wireless charger or USB (there’s a pass-through hole).
I like also that the TKS Sling is black, beautiful and very theft-proof.
What’s not great
It’s not a big sling.
This means no room for your water bottle, e-reader, laptop, etc.
Also, there are complaints about the straps being somewhat fastidious.
For gym: AER Sling Bag 3
Check Deal on AER
Summary: Your gym/office bag just got smaller, cuter and more practical.
The Sling Bag 3 is another top pick for gym sling bags for men.
Because who needs a bulky gym bag when you can fit your office and gym essentials in a sleek carry?
Designed to help you transition from the office to the gym, this bag comes with lots of handy features including, a spacious interior, a padded laptop sleeve and a separate shoe pocket.
At 13L capacity, it’ll fits up to 13″ laptop/tablet, a size 12 shoes, phone, wallet, water bottle, and even a change of clothes.
And it is cute, so you won’t have to look like a gym rat.
And guess what?
The interior liner is treated with antimicrobial coating to control bacterial odors while the shoe compartment is ventilated.
Translation: It won’t get super stinky if you store your sweaty clothes or shoes post-workout.
Crafted with water-resistant 1680D Cordura ballistic nylon, YKK zippers, and Duraflex hardware, it is close to being indestructible.
What a total winner!
What’s also great
If you’re right or left-handed, you can adjust the shoulder straps to your preference.
The Sling Bag 3 is thus great for walking, biking, or even riding to work on public transportation.
What’s not great
The shoe compartment eats into the internal organization when in use.
Best budget: D’yallee Sling Bag
Check Deal on Amazon
Summary: An affordable bag every man can take anywhere with flair.
For affordable sling bags for men with room for your everyday essentials (without taking up too much space), the D’yallee Sling Bag is superb.
Made of water-repellent and tear-resistant nylon, this will for sure be your favorite pair for days on end.
It’s big enough for your iPad Pro, phone, wallet, eyeglasses, notepad, pens, keys, back-up battery, charger, ear buds, spare handkerchief, or more.
You know, just your barest essentials.
With 4 compartments, 8 pockets, and RFID blocking liner, you’re good to go.
Plus, it has a USB charging port to charge on the go.
And the strap and back are padded, comfortable and breathable.
What we also love
It is available in nine different color options, and has a classic textured finish.
And it is just under $16!
What’s not great
The side pocket can barely fit a basic water bottle and even when you force a bottle in, it eats into the room of the main compartment.
Best laptop sling bag: AER Tech Sling 2
Check Deal on AER
Summary: Keep your tech organized and safe in the AER Tech Sling 2.
If you want the best tech friendly and organized sling bags for men, you can’t go wrong with the AER Tech Sling 2.
It is fully padded and organization friendly for your laptops, tablets, or other expensive electronics.
The front compartment features an organizer panel for smaller accessories and a tablet, while the separated and padded compartment keeps up to a 13″ laptop safe within its cushioned interior.
On top of that, it also has a quick-access top pocket with a soft lining that protects your phone, or passport, in case of travel.
Plus, you can trust AER’s quality signature.
Made with durable 1680D Cordura ballistic nylon with a water repellent coating exterior, YKK zippers, and Duraflex hardware, this is one of the most durable tech sling bags for men.
What we also love
Thanks to its sleek and clean vibe, this 8L bag weighs just 1.4 lbs and is perfect for everything from running to meetings to commuting to the office and even a business trip.
And the shoulder strap and back panel are padded and breathable, for cushion.
What’s not great
There’s no room for overloading.
For conscious men: Gion Cross-Body M
Check Deal on Horizn Studios
Summary: Waterproof, stylish and durable; the Cross-Body M Sling is an ethical elegance.
If you’re looking for reliable sling bags for men, the Cross-Body M Sling is an ethical alternative to consider.
Yes, this minimal and aesthetically pleasing bag boasts of durable vegan construction that’s built to last.
And oh, it gets better.
The Gion sling is made from waterproof, and hard-wearing tarpaulin material with water resistant zippers, so you know your valuables will always stay dry, no matter what the weather throws at you.
With a 2-litre capacity, it can fit a mini iPad, wallet, passport, smartphone, air pods, and more.
It features a main compartment with a key clip and internal pockets as well as a front and back pocket to keep those small items close to your heart.
And I love its versatility.
The adjustable strap allows you to wear the bag three ways — on your chest, on your back, or around your waist in a true fanny-pack fashion.
Also, the strap is two dimensional, which means you can wear the sling on your left or right.
What we also love
It comes with padding on the back so you can move around more comfortably.
And with a range of handsome, low-key colorways (I prefer the Graphite), you get to carry something of high quality and look good doing it.
What’s not great
A downside is that this sling can get scratched easily.
Most stylish: Mark Ryden Antitheft Sling bag
Check Deal on Amazon
Summary: Practical, stylish, and well-rated, the Mark Ryden bag can take you everywhere, from errands to airplanes.
The Mark Ryden Sling is one of the best sling bags for men who wish to go about their daily grind in style.
As one of the best sling bags for men, it’s a great bag for biking around town, hanging out with friends, or everyday use.
And will fit hold your daily essentials and more.
It features a main compartment with pockets for an 11″ iPad Pro, a front pocket for quick organization, and a hidden back pocket for valuables, with a mini zipper shoulder pocket.
It also made from high-quality water-resistant fabric and SBS zippers that won’t snag or come off the track.
What’s more?
The Ryden Sling also comes with a 3D back breathable back panel for ventilation and a heavily padded adjustable shoulder strap for carrying comfort.
What we also love
You can keep your devices powered up while on the go with an external USB port and an octopus phone sucker design that holds your phone firmly and frees your hand.
It’s a smart and handy design.
What’s not great
Some users complained that the straps are not long enough to fit men with muscular figure.
Best for Security: Pacsafe Metrosafe LS150
Check Deal on Amazon
Summary: The Metrosafe LS150 allows you move to carry your essentials secured on your body.
If safety is a priority in your quest for the best sling bags for men, you may want to give the Metrosafe LS150 a closer look.
You can sling the pack in your front or back with confidence, knowing only you have access to your valuables.
There’s a hidden anti-theft pocket, a cut-resistant exterior material as well as zippers you can lock for additional peace of mind.
Apart from this, the shoulder strap is also cut-resistant and is lockable around a fixed object so your bag isn’t taken away, in an unguarded moment.
Identity theft you ask?
With RFID-protected pockets that prevent cards scanning, the Metrosafe LS150 is one of the safest and best sling bags for men for a reason.
You just can’t go wrong with Pacsafe, my guy.
The shoulder strap has a breathable design and the bag is durably made with water resistant 210D nylon diamond ripstop and polyester for the lining.
And its 7-litre capacity is quite decent.
There’s a padded 11-inch tablet sleeve, pen loop, internal pockets and even an attachment point for your wallet and keys.
You’ll still be able to squeeze in a few odds and ends like a phone, wallet, passport, charger, power pack, sandwich, small water bottle, and even a rain coat.
Also, the shoulder strap and back panel of the sling are padded.
Plus, the strap is fully adjustable too.
What we also love
Sleek, small and secured, it’s the right companion for any form of travel, be it planes, trains or automobiles.
What’s not great
It deters easy access to items on the go, but I guess that’s a small price to pay for security.
Most versatile: KL928 Canvas Sling Bag
Check Deal on Amazon
Summary: Whether it’s for day hiking or city breaks, you’ll love the Canva Sling for its versatility.
If you wanna keep it casual and trendy, it doesn’t get better than the effortlessly cool Canva sling pack.
The popular carry is one of the best sling bags for men because of the ways it allows you to switch it up to your preferred style.
With its unique zippers, you can change the bag into a chest bag, crossbody bag or a small backpack.
All you gotta do is just zip or unzip to your desired taste.
It’s thus perfect for travel (compact enough to slide beneath the seat), festivals, minimalist hikes, walking the dog, or everyday use.
Also, it boasts of an impressive low-profile organization.
There is a spacious compartment and both internal and external pockets for your bare essentials, like tablet, phone, books, and even a water bottle!
And it has a hidden antitheft pocket where you can stow away your phone, wallet or any small items from prying eyes and hands.
For good measure, it’s made of durable, water-resistant canvas material with sturdy zippers, so you know you can trust its quality day-in and day-out
The straps have a nice, comfortable layer of padding and the pockets couldn’t be more easily accessible.
Plus, it is affordable.
What we also love
It has a pretty unique style that helps you stand out in the crowd of people while attracting more than a few appreciative glances.
The bag also comes in seven vibrant colors so you can easily pick a style suitable for you.
What’s not great
Some users have criticized how the sling has this bad smell that takes a while to wear of.
Most discreet: RAW X Rolling Papers Sling bag
Credit: Amazon
Check Deal on Amazon
Summary: Carry your weed and other essentials in the smellproof RAW Sling bag.
If you need both a secure stash bag and something with a bit more room and functionality, the RAW Sling bag comes to the rescue.
It has a smell-proof interior and coated zippers so your personals stay, well…personal.
Aside from fitting your go-smoking essentials nicely, it also has several pockets for your other day to day essentials, like wallet, phone, smoking accessories etc.
I like that it can be worn as a hip bag, so you can give your shoulders a break and of course, as a sling bag.
And most importantly it works as it is supposed to – It contains odors.
What we also love
Special details —like a removable foil pouch and adjustable strap – allow you customize this black sling to taste.
You’ll also find the hidden back pocket handy for items you need easy access to.
Sophisticated, compact, and discreet, this one really hits the spot as the best sling bags for men.
What’s not so great
Its compact size won’t suit those who need to carry bulkier items.
Best storage: Chrome Kadet sling
Summary: The Chrome Kadet is dependable, easy to carry, and has enough room to hold your valuables.
Technically, any sling bag can hold your bare everyday essentials, but not all offer the storage capacity that’s a teeny bit close to a messenger bag.
Chrome Kadet sling is that bag.
One of the top sling bags for men, this sucker can do it all – from everyday carry to festivals or travels.
And with enough room to complement your adventure.
It comes with a whopping 9-litre capacity – so it can carry more than just a phone and wallet.
That’s right, there’s room for your light jacket, tablet, camera, keys, water bottle, wallet, earplugs, tech pouch, and snacks, of course. And you can also utilize the D- ring to attach more accessories, if you like.
It’s even better because you have easy access to your gear. And it’s Chrome Industries, so you know this one is made to last.
The construction is high quality with water resistant zipper and exterior, so you should be okay in the rain.
Complete with a U-lock holster for which you purchase a lock, and you’ve got a bag to keep your possessions safe.
The strap is great- padded and breathable. And there’s a removable sternum strap to help on days you’ve loaded the sling to brim.
Whether you choose to wear it on your back, front or over one shoulder, the strap is adjustable so can go with the style that’s more comfortable for you.
What we also love
You can take this well-built, secure bag for travel (or running errands around town… or biking the perfect downhill line).
What’s not great
Unlike the AER Tech sling, the Chrome Kadet sling cannot fit a laptop. And yet, due to its capacity, it’ll look awkward if you have a small frame.
Best leather: Leatherio leather sling bag
Summary: A classy choice for the urbane gentleman.
The Leatherio sling bag’s vintage appeal and sleek aesthetic are exactly what make it the ideal option for the best sling bags for men.
Made from cowhide leather with a water-resistant exterior, it will keep your gear dry in damp weather conditions.
You can certainly take this to the office, run errands, and then out on a trip immediately after the workday- whatever the mood dictates.
No matter what the occasion is, you will come to appreciate its original look.
I mean just look at this sucker!
Also, the Leatherio sling is impressively versatile.
You can wear it as a messenger, crossbody or shoulder bag.
And it is perfect for daytime activities that don’t require lots of items.
It has two main compartments with pockets, including a mini iPad pocket and a back pocket make it easier than ever to stay organized.
What we also love
There’s a convenient charging port and an earphone port so you stay powered up even as you blast music to fuel the day.
What’s not great
Because the Leatherio sling is small, it is only great if you plan to always pack super light.
Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose the Best Sling Bags for Men
When looking for sling bags for men, you will be spoilt for choice.
But how do you choose one that you can count on to keep your essentials safe and accessible while being practical and suited for different occasions?
Getting it wrong could mean struggling to fit your stuff or worse, a low-quality pack you are too embarrassed to be seen with.
To help you make the right decision, check out these tips.
Quality
The best sling bags for men should be able to protect your expensive devices and withstand the demands of constant use.
This means a waterproof/ water-resistant exterior, tough fabrics, and reinforcements, especially in high-stress areas.
That way, you won’t have to deal with a nasty issue of broken zip, damaged seam, or even a bag without weather protection.
All in all, the best sling bags for men are durable, comfortable, and with protection from the weather.
Style and Design
The best sling bags for men are trendy and versatile.
If you’re looking for sling bags for men, it makes sense to find one that will seamlessly blend with your overall look no matter what you’re wearing.
And of course, one that you can hit the street in style.
You know, something you can take to the gym, park, dinner, and in a pinch, travel with.
So, consider the color, design and what style you can wear the bag- as a sling, waist pack or a cross body.
Space for your essentials
Take into account how many daily items you carry at any given time.
Determining how much gear you carry on the daily would affect the capacity of the bag you go for when shopping for sling bags for men.
Say you’ll be going about with your laptop or tablet; your sling bag should have the capacity and a protective sleeve to hold your device.
There should also be handy pockets inside and outside the sling bag for carrying important items like credit cards, cash, passport, phone, etc.
Comfort
Comfort is key, especially for a bag that you’ll wear every day.
To avoid discomfort especially when worn for a long period of time, sling bags for men should have padded shoulder straps and even breathable back panel.
Equally important are detachable and adjustable straps you can easily manipulate to transform your bag into a crossbody bag or sling or as a fanny pack, if you would.
Sling bags for men with these features are much more comfortable to log about with.
The stitching quality
Sling bags for men should be able to withstand the demands of constant use.
If you are looking for the best sling bags for men, look at their materials, zippers, and stitching, especially in high-stress areas.
Convenient features
These days, there are handy features that have been incorporated into the designs of a sling bag to make your life easier.
They could be a designated laptop/tablet sleeve, a water bottle holder, a key fob, a secret hidden compartment, a tech pocket, or weather-proof fabric for stormy weather.
The best sling bags for men should give easy access to your devices or other items you know you’ll be needing at a moment’s notice.
There should also be handy pockets inside and outside the backpack for carrying important items like credit cards and cash.
And if you are a conscious shopper, you can go for bags that are sustainably made without damage to our planet.
Go for one with features that best suits your needs.
FAQs
Should men use sling bags?
Men should absolutely use sling bags.
Rushabh Lalan says sling bag is a great option for men because it’s usually just the right size – not too big and not too small.
Also, the best sling bag for men is comfortable -not heavy or bulky- and can be worn on the front of your body or on the back of your body.
Why, sling bags are practical, stylish and comfortable, especially when not loaded out.
Are sling bags good for travel?
Credit: AER
Despite its small capacity, sling bags are in fact good for travel.
And I mean both day trips and long trips alike.
On a long trip, you can use a sling as an alternative to your bigger backpack or luggage. And on day trips, you can just throw in your everyday essentials for use as you wander around town.
For instance, the AER Tech Sling 2 is roomy enough to fit a 13″ laptop and other items with you, and even has a trolley sleeve to attach to your luggage.
Also, sling bags for men offer quick access to your items on the go, and can be worn in comfort even on long hours because they are lightweight compared to a backpack.
You should however note that sling bags for men are small bags and so are not spacious enough to use exclusively for overnight or long trips.
Are men’s sling bags in style?
Hell yeah!
Sling bars for men are in style mostly because of how cool, convenient, and practical they are.
They epitomize elegance, making them perfect for enhancing your professional appearance and the transition to a more casual vibe.
Are sling bags popular?
Sling bags are popular because of how trendy and convenient they are to use.
Sling bags for men are great for daily, travel and walkaround use especially when you don’t need to bring a lot of gear.
It’s small enough, allows you to hand free and won’t weigh you down like a backpack or cross body bag.
What brand is best for sling bags?
The best brand of sling bags is those designed to protect and transport your everyday essentials safe from scratches, accidental drops, theft and other damages.
Also, they are well made and feature an ergonomic strap for carrying comfort and a rain cover for protection from sudden downpours.
Equally important is a sling design that’ll give you easy access to your items while on the go.
If I’m to choose the best brand for sling bags for me, I’ll go with AER.
This is because their sling bags are well made, comfortable to wear, have protective sleeve for your tech/phone and look good
References
5 Reasons Why You Need a Trendy Sling Bag for Men by Trendydukaan.com
Is a sling bag a good travel bag? By packinglighttravel.com
The Definitive Guide that You Never Wanted: Environmental Sustainability in Backpacks by Pangolinswithpacks.com
The Definitive Guide that You Never Wanted: Shoulder Straps by Pangolinswithpacks.com
Bottom Line
And it’s a wrap on the 12 best sling bags for men!
Whether it’s for sturdiness, fashion or comfort, at least one of these sling bags for men are sure to suit you.
I hope this list helps you to decide on the bag that suits your needs.
Over to you.
Do you agree with these picks or do you have any recommendations for the best sling bags for men?
Take the lead in the comment sections, I’d love to hear from you!
If you’re interested in camera sling bags with great protection for your devices, be sure to check out my guide to the best camera sling bags for photographers on the go.
- Â
Ten articles before and after
18 Bestselling Aesthetic Backpacks You’ll Want to Wear Everywhere | Junyuan Bags
The 10 Best Tumi Backpacks That Are Worth Splurging On | Junyuan Bags
13 Best 18 x 14 x 8 Bags You Can Carry On Most Airlines As Personal Item | Junyuan Bags
12 Cat Backpacks with Window to Transport Your Pet in Comfort and Style | Junyuan Bags
Best Backpack for College Students in 2020 – Bag Academy
15 Most Stylish and Functional Laptop Backpacks for Women | Junyuan Bags
12 Best Convertible Backpacks for Work, Play and Travel in 2021 | Junyuan Bags
10 Best Waterproof Laptop Backpacks to Help Keep Your Device Dry, Safe and Organized | Junyuan Bags
9 Best Smell Proof Backpacks (Bags) To Help You Carry Your Smelly Things Discreetly | Junyuan Bags
12 Best Motorcycle Backpacks with Enhanced Fit & Functionality for Spirited Riders | Junyuan Bags
Waterproof Laptop Backpack craftsman tool bags
Mobile/What's App/Wechat
E-Mail
ADD
