While backpacks have been a staple in the EDC community for decades, their compact and convenient counterpart – the sling bag – has become an increasingly popular alternative. The smaller profile makes them a great option for carrying essentials in a discreet (and stylish) way.

My sling bag collection is extensive. Here is a list of some of my favorite options for hands-free hauling. Three bags are ones that I use personally, and the last one is on a wishlist that has a pesky habit of always growing.

Topo Designs Mini Quick Pack

This is my go-to hiking/outdoors sling bag. At 1.7 liters, it’s big enough to carry easy-access essentials like sunscreen, chapstick, and sunglasses while out exploring. It has carry handles at the top, which is unique for a sling, and is especially handy for travel. You can access it easily if you pack it into a larger bag, and it’ll hang well on external hooks for storage. There’s even a bike light attachment loop for those early morning or late night adventures. The folks at Topo Designs sure understand their market demographics.

Lululemon Everywhere Belt Bag

I’ve bought this bag twice because it’s just that good. It’s a simple, no-frills option that comes in a bunch of different colors that vary based on the season. At 1L, it’s large enough to keep a few items handy, but small enough to blend into any environment. It leans a bit more fashion-forward than some bags, and might not be everyone’s aesthetic. But at a sub-$40 pricepoint, this is a solid sling.

Fjällraven Kanken Hip Pack

I had a man stop me on a flight to ask how to pronounce “Fjällraven” and where the name came from. He learned that I don’t speak Swedish, but I do speak sling bag. And this one’s got just about everything you want from a 2L pack. Similar to the Topo sling, this one has a carry handle which makes transport a bit easier if you decide to take it off or store it somewhere else. It has zippered pockets in the front and the back, as well as an internal storage compartment. The water-resistant Vinylon F fabric gives me confidence to wear this one out in the rain. My one qualm: the strap is pretty narrow for a 2L bag and I find that the wearing experience can be different from other slings if I’ve packed the bag especially full. 

Filson Dryden Crossbody Bag

This one’s on my wishlist, and is a littler pricier than the two options above. It’s also significantly larger at 3L, which means it could be a good option for long days away from home. Filson is a powerhouse in the gear space, and also makes a wide range of outerwear and other attire. I love the amount of internal organization this sling boasts. And the colorways – khaki, olive, and black – connect the bag to EDC’s military roots (while also ensuring it’ll match 90% of the rest of your kit… us EDCers stick to what we know).

Whether you’re hitting the trails, catching a flight, or just don’t want to fit anything else in your pockets, a good sling bag proves that you don’t need much space to carry what matters.