Morgan Scott September 8, 2020 More Carry

19 Best Sling Backpacks – Laptop and Tablet Side Backpack

Morgan Scott September 8, 2020 More Carry

What’s a sling backpack? It’s a one-shoulder bag that has the capability to be worn on your back, side or even chest and they are great for accessing items quickly. Some other common terms are sling pack, sling bag or side backpack.

One thing you should know about sling backpacks is that they are usually much smaller in capacity than a regular two-shoulder backpack. This is because carrying a large heavy bag just isn’t as comfortable with all that weight on one shoulder. A heavier bag also doesn’t have the same functionality to just swing around for quick access which is usually the main benefit of choosing a sling backpack over a regular backpack.

So where does that leave us? Expect a smaller capacity (under 20 liters) and more of an emphasis on easy-access pockets and compartments. But small or less doesn’t mean worse.

There are tons of sling backpacks available today that make amazing everyday carry bags. Some have dedicated laptop and tablet pockets, others are fully waterproof and more than a few have really unique features that you’ll never know how you lived without.

Here are 19 of the best sling backpacks available today.

Best Sling Backpack for Laptop

Peak Design Everyday Sling

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Made for both photography and everyday carry, the Peak Design Everyday Sling is a versatile sling backpack for those who want the convenience of a sling bag but still need the extra room for their daily essentials. We love that the 10-liter version is equipped with a 13-inch laptop sleeve and plenty of pockets while still feeling compact and streamlined thanks to its minimalist design. These features coupled with durable weatherproof materials really elevates the Peak Design Everyday Sling 2.0 to one the best sling backpacks for laptops. 

The Peak Design Everyday Sling 2.0 comes in 3 different sizes: 3L, 6L and 10L for varying capacity of carry. We recommend the 10-liter size for anyone looking for a laptop sling backpack and the 6-liter version for just tablet carry.

• Capacity: 10L

• 13” Laptop Sleeve

• Doubles as an everyday carry and photo sling: can fit Mirrorless camera body, lenses and other gear.

Code of Bell X-Pac Sling Pack

Gallantry

Code of Bell offers a true laptop sling backpack experience with a ton of customization options for maximum versatility. The main compartment is expandable from 11 liters to 23 and features a 13” padded laptop sleeve and plenty of pockets for your daily grind. This makes the X-Pak Sling versatile enough to use as a work sling, workout bag or as a daily commuter bag.

Equipped with a stowable shoulder strap and detachable chest stabilizer strap, the X-Pak Sling Pack can be used as a side backpack for easy access to all of your gear or as a one-handed brief for a more sophisticated look. If you are looking for the best sling backpack for a laptop that offers excellent customization for whatever life throws your way then the Code of bell X-Pack Sling Pack is definitely worth a closer look.

• Capacity: Expandable 11 liters to 23 liters

• 13” Padded laptop sleeve

• One of the only sling backpacks with an external water bottle pocket

• Customizable carry features: stowable shoulder strap, removable chest straps and side handle

Kolo Derby Sling Backpack

Topdrawer

The Kolo Derby features a slim profile yet is wide enough to carry a 13” laptop in its interior tech sleeve. This allows you to wear the Kolo Derby on your back or as a side backpack while lessening the bulk!

One huge way the Derby stands out from other sling bags is in Kolo’s focus on on heritage design and construction. Each Derby Sling bag is made from 100% organic cotton canvas which is naturally water and abrasion resistant. It’s one of those materials that only looks better as it ages and that’s what Kolo is all about: making timeless bags that last forever.

• Capacity: 6.36L

• 13” laptop sleeve

• Made to last with high quality materials and construction

• Available in tons of color options

Gulu Made Changemaker Sling Pack

Gulu Made

The GULU Made Changemaker is a 9-liter laptop sling bag with enough room for up to a 13” laptop or tablet, accessories and other daily essentials.

What we love most about the GULU Made Changemaker is that it has all the best features of a daily backpack in a much more compact size. Along with a padded laptop sleeve you have a water bottle pocket, front quick-stash pocket and mesh pockets for organizing smaller essentials on the inside. If comfort, versatility and serious packing room is what you are looking for in a sling bag then the Changemaker is definitely worth a closer look.

• Capacity: 9L

• 13” laptop compartment

• Made of water resistant ballistic nylon

• Dedicated water bottle/umbrella pocket on the outside

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Alpaka Alpha XL Sling

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The Alpaka Alpha Sling was designed with style in mind while still keeping all of the functionality and convenience of a sling bag. On work days the Alpha Sling XL allows you to carry both a laptop and tablet with plenty of pockets in the front for organizing smaller essentials. One of the best features is the expandable internal compartment that can grow from 7 liters to 10 liters. This allows you to keep the bag nice and streamlined while still giving you the extra room if you ever need it. With all of these features and more we think the Alpaka Alpha Sling XL is a versatile laptop sling backpack for everything from work meeting to running weekend errands.

• Capacity: 7L (expandable to 10L)

• Fits 13” Macbook Pro and 12.9” iPad Pro

• Multiple compartments and smaller pockets to keep everything organized

Boundary Supply Arclite Sling Pack

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The Boundary Supply Arclite Sling Pack offers the convenience of a sling bag with full side backpack functionality thanks to its large 15 liter capacity, padded laptop sleeve and numerous organizer pockets for smaller items. Plus, it just looks really cool and futuristic and we really like that.

If you are worried about getting caught in the rain then you’ll be pleased to learn that Boundary Supply has you covered. Each Arclite Sling Pack is equipped with waterproof YKK zippers and the exterior fabrics are DWR coated for water resistance. Anyone looking for a high-performing laptop sling backpack that is sure to turn some heads will love what the Boundary Supply Arclite Sling Pack has to offer.

• Capacity: 15L

• Fits 13” laptop in padded sleeve and up to a 15” laptop in main compartment.

• Versatile: Left or right shoulder carry options

Best Tablet Sling Backpack

Mission Workshop The Spar Sling Pack

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The Spar by Mission Workshop is a best in class sling backpack system that is more than meets the eye. What makes The Spar special is it’s carry options. The main compartment entry can be configured as a simple flap down or as a roll-top. You even have the option to purchase a backpack harness system to turn the sling bag into a daypack. Add in a micro-fleece lined tablet pocket, quick-access pockets and weatherproof materials and you have one of the best sling backpacks on the market today.

• Capacity: 8L

• 10.5” microfleece-lined iPad sleeve

• Can be converted to backpack with optional backpack harness

• Made in USA

Pacsafe Vibe 325 Anti-Theft Sling Pack

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While the Pacsafe Vibe 325 sling pack may look minimalist in design it’s anything but simple. Pacsafe has done a great job with small anti-theft design features that make all of the difference when traveling or commuting. 

Not only does Pacsafe include a 10” padded table sleeve and plenty of internal organizer pockets but the Vibe 325 is also built from the ground up for safety. Features include an anti-theft PopNLock security clip to allow you to lock the bag to a chair or table leg, an integrated zipper locking system and a eXomesh slashguard that prevents razors from penetrating the material. It’s these features and more that make the Pacsafe Vibe 325 one our favorite sling bags for travel and city carry.

• Capacity: 10L

• 10” padded tablet sleeve

• Anti-theft: Designed to keep your stuff safe

Timbuk2 Vapor Sling Bag

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Designed for both style and functionality, the Timbuk2 Vapor is a lightweight sling backpack with some serious pockets for daily carry. In addition to it’s 7-liter main compartment, you’ll find a padded tablet pocket, a tricot-lined phone pocket and more padded pockets for small items like glasses and tech. This sling is recommended to anyone who values easy and quick access to their essentials without too much fuss.

• Capacity: 7L

• 10.5” padded tablet sleeve

• Feels nice: Made of a soft feel stain fabric

Alpaka Bravo X Sling

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Made for carrying tech on the move, the Alpaka Bravo X is a tablet sling backpack that has some pretty awesome features found in few other slings. Along with a padded 11” tablet pocket you’ll find an external USB charging port and hidden SIM card holder. Alpaka also throws in some free accessories like a free USB-C cable and a nano phone stand pull tabs.

Alpaka also does a great job making the Bravo X anti-theft. Each Bravo X is built with an entire RFID blocking rear compartment, lockable zippers and a cutproof Kevlar mid-layer.

• Capacity: 7L

• Fits up to 11” iPad Pro

• Anti-theft: Anti-slash materials and lockable zippers

• Made with weatherproof fabrics and waterproof zippers

Solo Alpine Table Sling

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The Solo Alpine is perfect for anyone looking for a tablet sling backpack on a budget thanks to its sleek profile, water repellent coated fabric and pockets for organizing daily essentials. As a tablet sling you’ll have a padded compartment to protect a tablet or small laptop up to 12.9 inches.

• Fits tablet up to 12.9”

• Water repellent fabric

• Slim profile

Best Sling Bags and Side Backpacks

Patagonia Atom Sling

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The Patagonia Atom is a daily-driver sling backpack that’s built to handle everything from running quick errands to a leisure day outdoors thanks to its tough nylon construction and DWR water repellent coating. Each Patagonia Atom is equipped with plenty of pockets including a padded tablet sleeve, easy-access phone pocket and a comfortable single strap harness system designed for all-day wear.

• Padded tablet sleeve

• Comfort first: ergonomically designed single strap design

• Water resistant

Reebok Imagiro Bag

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Perfect for both workouts and daily carry, the Reebok Imagiro can be worn as a backpack, a crossbody bag or a side backpack thanks to its clever strap design. Want to use the Imagiro as a satchel book bag? No problem! The roomy 26.5 liter main compartment is large enough to store books and binders for school or a change of clothes and shoes on a training day.

• Capacity: 26.5L

• Versatile: Can be worn as a sling bag, crossbody or backpack

• Free shipping, returns and exchanges on Reebok.com

Nomatic Messenger Bag

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The Nomatic Messenger Bag is a special one because it includes all of the functionality of a good backpack with the convenience of side carry. Nomatic packs it with all sorts of great features such as a water bottle pocket, tons of organization pockets and even a full perimeter zipper that gives you complete access to the 15 liter main compartment. If you are looking for good a sling backpack don’t write off messenger bags altogether before you take a closer look at the Nomatic Messenger Bag. You may be surprised with what you find!

• Capacity: 15L

• Fully padded laptop compartment

• Organized: Tons of inside pockets and organizers

Topo Designs Block Bag

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The Topo Block Bag is the best sling bag for versatile everyday carry. At 5 liters it’s small enough to stay out of the way yet offers enough room for daily essentials. Although this sling bag doesn’t have a dedicated tablet or laptop compartment, it more than makes up for it with a rugged construction that you can be sure will stand the test of time. The heavy-duty YKK zippers and tough nylon pack cloth body make it rugged enough for daily abuse while the multiple color options just make life a little bit less boring.

• Capacity: 5L

• Tough: Made with 420D Nylon Pack Cloth with Heavy Duty YKK Zippers

• Affordable: Grab one for under $50

Everyman Hideout 5-Way Commuter

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Everyman has introduced a very interesting bag. Their Hideout 5-Way Commuter can not only be worn as a backpack but it can also be converted into a briefcase, sling bag or messenger bag depending on your mood. 

This bag has two main sections; the tech and organizer compartment that features a Wooltech soft-lined laptop sleeve and the 18 liter main compartment which is lined with soft velcro so that you can attach packing cubes for even more organization if you need it. All in all the Everyman Hideout 5-Way Commuter is a hybrid bag that really gives you some serious carry options!

• Capacity: 18L

• TSA Approved laptop compartment

• Convertible design: Backpack, Sling Bag, Briefcase, Messenger Bag or Clutch

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5.11 LV10 Sling Pack 13L

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The 5.11 LV10 is a discrete tactical sling that can be worn on your back or as a side backpack for instant access to your gear. A tablet compartment, water bottle pocket, and a whole 13 liters of carry capacity make this sling backpack a beast of a bag!

• Capacity: 13L

• Padded tablet sleeve

• Internal MOLLE for attachments

ICON 1000 Sling Backpack

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The ICON 1000 is a sling backpack made for motorcycle riders but we think it’s a great option for daily carry thanks to it’s cool design, amazing materials and tough construction. This beast of sling backpack is equipped with 12 liters of carry capacity, a laptop compartment and great easy access to pockets when the bag is slung around.

• Capacity: 12L

• Laptop compartment

• Water resistant and great quality construction

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Black Ember TKS Waterproof SlinG

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The Black Ember TKS is a waterproof sling bag that acts as a lightweight tech kit when you are on the move. The inside is designed to hold all of your daily essentials like a phone, battery pack, cables, glasses, face mask and more! 

It’s no secret that Black Ember makes some of our favorite waterproof backpacks and their newest TKS sling bag really keeps a lot of the design features that make their full-size backpacks so great. Waterproof YKK zippers and textiles protect your valuables from even the harshest weather conditions while a sleek minimalist design keeps you looking your best.

• Capacity: 2.5L

• An essentials-only portable tech kit

• Waterproof zippers and materials keep valuables dry

Our Favorite Brands for Slings

Alpaka

Alpaka is a small brand with a large offering of sling, messenger and side backpacks for those who value great quality, creative designs and sustainability in the manufacturing process. Their sling bags are tech focused and offer great features such as padded laptop and tablet compartments, external usb ports for charging on the move and weather resistant materials to keep your expensive gear nice and dry.

Solo NY

For the budget minded, Solo NY offers affordable slings at reasonable prices while still maintaining the quality, style and functionality usually lacking in cheap sling bags. If you are looking for a great bag for work then we recommend looking into their messenger bag offerings as you can usually grab a really nice one for under $50.

Pacsafe

Perfect for urban commuters and travelers alike, Pacsafe sling bags are the best bang for your buck when it comes to great style, reliable quality and the best anti-theft safety features. Pacsafe offfers a few different styles of slings and side backpacks that are worth taking a closer look at. Styles include anti-theft camera slings, everyday carry slings and smaller sling packs for just your essentials.

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