For most people, their concept of EDC essentials is what would easily fit in their pockets, but for others, this may not be enough. When you’re looking to carry more gear than would fit in your clothes’ compartments, but not enough for a full-sized bag or daypack, it’s time to consider a compact sling bag. They offer a lightweight carry option for warm weather and long errands, and pack just enough for full-day walkabouts without being too clunky or heavy. Since everybody’s ideal carry would be different, it’s best to find one that meets your own specific storage and organization needs. In this guide, you’ll find 13 examples of EDC-worthy sling bag options for every carry scenario.
The Bellroy Sling Mini features 4 liters of capacity in a gusseted design that expands when filled and compresses for lighter loads. Woven fabric made from recycled plastic bottles provide a water-resistant chassis divided into two compartments: a main compartment with a soft lining for sunglasses and a built in key clip, and a front compartment with two mesh pockets for a bit of organization. It has enough capacity to let you bring along a small water bottle, aside from your usual EDC essentials. Padded backing, soft nylon webbing straps, and a convenient magnetic clasp make carrying this classy sling comfortable and easy.
Meant as an on-the-go hip pack, the Topo Designs Mini Quick Pack features a bike light mount and adjustable compression straps for attaching extra gear on the outside. A large diagonally zippered front pocket provides easy access to your small items, and includes an integrated clip for your keys. The main compartment has a hanging pocket for a bit of organization, and both compartments use brightly colored liners to help you sort through your stuff easily. Tough oversized YKK zippers pair with the brand’s signature paracord pulls for easy access to your gear. Finally, two external carry handles let you comfortably tote around the Mini Quick Pack when it’s not on your shoulder or hips.
The most distinct feature of the Hazard 4 Bandoleer is the molded hardshell construction of the bag itself. The technique involved turns the already-durable and water-resistant 1000D CORDURA fabric into something even more ready to deal with the scraps of daily use. With 2 liters of space, there’s enough room for your essential tech and carry gear without weighing you down and ruining your mobility. The bag features internal organization spaces for smaller items like stationery, keys, and small flashlights. There’s also a dedicated space that’s compatible with hook and loop holsters for defensive CCW needs. The exterior of the bag is also further extensible with Hazard 4’s HardPoint hardware accessories.
This lightweight convertible sling easily transitions from a crossbody or chest pack to a fanny pack with its easily adjustable strap. If your’e looking for a convenient and uncomplicated way to lug around your daily essentials, the Timbuk2 Slacker Chest Pack offers simple organization and a comfortable carry. Reflective zipper pulls let you access the single but spacious main compartment, which has enough room for your wallet, sunglasses, keys, and other small items. The durable nylon exterior features a padded air mesh panel on the back for comfort and breathability, helping you avoid that awkward sweaty spot on your chest or back.
If you’re looking for a sling option that allows for easy internal and external personalization, consider the Helikon-Tex Possum Waist Pack. The adjustable and detachable hip belt combined with double YKK zippers for the main compartment allows for left or right hand oriented carry. Inside, a zippered mesh pocket sits across an internal organizer for your documents, cash, and small items like a flashlight, pen, and folding knife. PALS-/MOLLE-compatible side wings give you expansion options, while a zippered blind-side pocket lets you tuck in some of your more sensitive stuff for security. A Velcro ID panel covers the external front pocket, and lets you easily attach your own badges and patches to make this pack truly yours.
With an 8 liter capacity, the Aer Tech Sling 2 is meant to be an EDC work bag, able to carry up to a 13-inch laptop in its padded quick access pocket. Outside, the combination of nylon construction with CORDURA side paneling provides a durable and weather-resistant chassis for your everyday commute. Inside, the main compartment provides a lot of pockets for organization, while a smaller external soft-lined top pocket lets you easily access your valuables. You can carry it via the densely padded shoulder strap during transit, then switch to the thoughtfully provided carry handle for a briefcase-like look when you get to your destination. Premium materials, which includes Duraflex hardware and YKK zippers, round up the features that make this a great everyday work companion.
400D weatherproof recycled nylon canvas with DWR and dual poly surface coating
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The Peak Design Everyday Sling 3L v2 is a minimalist and low-profile EDC pack that carries easily and provides just enough room for your everyday valuables and essentials. Its low weight and ergonomic details, such as angled strap mounts and easily adjustable strap, make for a comfortable and unrestricted all-day carry. Inside, the customizable internal organization system utilizes a FlexFold divider to ensure that your valuables, including your phone and camera, sit securely and safely. Multiple internal stretch pockets and a zippered external slip pocket ensure you’re never out of ways to organize and pack your things for your everyday adventures.
If you’re looking for a rugged and bike-friendly option, the North St. Bags Pioneer Hip Pack,- with its 1000D nylon construction, removable waistbelt, and ability to be easily mounted onto the front of your bike might be what you’re looking for. There’s enough room for your commuting EDC in the soft, packcloth-lined main compartment, while a front pocket gives quick and easy access to your valuables. Water-resistant zippers keep it all safely tucked in, and operation is easy with conveniently long zipper ties. This handcrafted hip pack is a tough and functional companion for your daily bike- or transit-based commute.
The high-tech, waterproof, and durable Dyneema Composite Fabric keeps the Hyperlite Mountain Gear Versa Sling just under 3 ounces, yet tough enough for your EDC needs. The removable waist strap and multiple carry options give you a versatile pack that can transition from sling bag to fanny pack to an external accessory pouch that you can attach to your backpack. Three pockets provide plenty of organization options: a main pouch for food, beverages, your camera and GPS gear, a front zipper pocket for valuables, keys, and your phone, and a stash pocket on the back for things you need within quick and easy reach. Durable YKK zippers and buckles keep your stuff safely stashed for this adventure-ready pack.
If you’re more into hiking and all-day trips, the Teppo Sling Pack, a collaboration between Moosejaw and bagmaker Mystery Ranch, offers a large, durable, ergonomic crossbody bag for your needs. This ambidextrous pack features a convertible shoulder strap that adapts to whichever side you prefer. The mesh padded strap and back panel combined with a stabilizer cross strap make for a comfortable carry. YKK zippers with custom embossed leather pulls give you access to the spacious main compartment from either side, while an external fleece-lined pocket provides easy access storage for your phone or sunglasses. Water-resistant 1000D nylon construction with a Teflon coating and a PU laminate ensure this pack will last you a long while.
Expandability lets the CODEOFBELL X-POD Sling Pack take on more than just your EDC essentials like your phone and wallet, while being compact enough for a convenient and comfortable carry. The expandable front compartment nearly doubles this pack’s overall capacity from 2.3L to 4.5L, and is spacious enough when unfolded to carry a small water bottle and a lightweight jacket. The rear compartment plus zippered pockets on both side paddings provide more storage, while detachable compression straps allow for external gear attachment. A top grab carry handle combines with a magnetically-buckled shoulder strap for multiple carry options, making this expandable sling a versatile everyday companion.
You may not carry your laptop with you all the time, but being able to carry a tablet or a book in your EDC sling means you can pack some productivity or entertainment during your walk-around or commute. The conveniently-sized DSPTCH Medium Sling Pouch lets you do just that, aside from carrying your other essentials like your phone, wallet, and sunglasses. Ballistic nylon construction with a DWR coating provides toughness and water resistance, while external straps, a row of webbing, and a removable D-ring combine with modular attachments to let you bring more than what this pack’s modest size suggests.
Large in capacity but low-profile enough to be worn over or under your jacket, the The Brown Buffalo Consealsling lets you take all your EDC necessities in one go. Its 5-liter capacity is spread over three zippered compartments. The main compartment is padded and takes up to an 11.5" tablet. Front and back accessory zipper pockets let you stash smaller and flatter items like your phone and passport, while an internal Velcro looped panel allows you to attach and admin panel or other internal organization options. The adjustable shoulder strap uses 2-inch wide seatbelt-style webbing for a comfortable carry, while the durable and waterproof VX21 fabric used in the exterior means it protects whatever you’re packing in this tactical sling.
