Best Sling Bag is a new award category we’re welcoming this year. But it definitely merits the attention. The sling game has really stepped up in recent years, with designers building on the foundations of more traditional waist bags/fanny packs and taking them to the next level. Seriously upping style, honing functionality, improving organization and access, and playing with portability options to enhance that always appreciated versatility.

And so to our Best Sling Bag finalists below. All designed with these points in mind. But which one brings them together in a particularly noteworthy way? Cast your vote.

VOTING CLOSED

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Aer Day Sling 2

Aer are all about fusing urban minimalism and functionality. And the Day Sling 2 expertly delivers both. The understated aesthetics are well complemented by a tough, water-resistant build featuring 1680D Cordura ballistic nylon. A harmonious mix of low-key style and durability that blends easily into a variety of everyday and travel environments. The organization is on point too, with front and back pockets for frequently used items and a range of further pockets in the main compartment, including space for a 7.9″ tablet. A solid go-to solution for carrying work, play or travel essentials.

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DSPTCH Unit Sling Pouch RND Edition

Part of DSPTCH’s experimental RND line, the Unit Sling Pouch does a fine job of merging simplicity, straightforward functionality and quality construction. It’s made with Dyneema Composite Fabric and weatherproof YKK zippers, so you get reliable durability and protection from the elements in a bag that weighs a mere 7 oz. The quick-adjust shoulder strap lets you easily secure and access the bag on the go. Plus it’s removable, so you can transform the bag into a large pouch if desired. Two zippered compartments provide uncomplicated organization. All in a design that exudes technical street chic.

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Bellroy Sling

Smart enough to carry work essentials in style, low-key enough to zip through travel environments without standing out, and easy to integrate into a wide range of day-to-day carry needs. The Bellroy Sling does all of this with an elegantly understated design that integrates useful features in a clever way. The centered strap and two-way zippers create an ambidextrous design, with a magnetic strap clasp to quickly and conveniently remove or secure the sling. The clever design also offers effortless expandability when you need to carry a little extra, with simple self-compression when you don’t. And two compartments are on hand to organize your gear, with an interior soft-lined pocket for delicate items like sunglasses.

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CODEOFBELL X-POD

Want the flexibility to haul larger loads, with the convenience of more compact carry when you just need the essentials? While enjoying a range of options to keep your gear tidy? The X-POD is well up to the task with dual compartments, the front of which expands to provide an extra 2.2L of space if required. There are also multiple pockets at the ready to neatly stash smaller items. And it’s all delivered with slick urban styling in a tough, weatherproof and comfy build that can be worn across the back, chest or around the hips to suit your preferences.

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The Brown Buffalo Concealsling

Functional, stylish and adaptable, the Concealsling is a versatile piece that works just as well carrying commute essentials as it does storing important travel necessities or EDC items for a day about town. Made with abrasion-resistant, water-resistant 420D nylon, it makes organizing and accessing gear straightforward with a choice of three compartments. And side compression straps allow you to cinch it down when you’re traveling light and breezing through traffic.

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Greenroom136 Metrodrifter

The Metrodrifter is a tough and trusty sling that can tackle a range of carry needs and environments. An exterior pocket and webbing take care of quick-access items, while further pockets in the main compartment provide additional organization, including storage for a 9.7″ tablet. And the extended inner shell does double duty keeping items in while keeping wet weather out. The adjustable strap includes a removable shoulder pad, and the build is backed by a lifetime warranty for added peace of mind.

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CamelBak Pivot Sling

Sleek and minimalist in style, practical for everyday and travel use, and giving a nod to eco-conscious construction, the Pivot Sling is an enticing choice for carrying smaller loads. It’s made with 70% recycled materials and backed by a lifetime guarantee. It can be worn as a sling or around the waist, and offers a discreet exterior back pocket along with a choice of pockets in the main compartment and handy two-way zip closure.

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Minaal Crossbody

Uber-clean aesthetics and a compact form allow the Minaal Crossbody to effortlessly glide into a range of travel or day-to-day settings. But don’t let those minimalist looks fool you. It’s not lacking in functionality, dishing up useful features such as layered interior pockets for easier access, a discreet security pocket, a magnetic quick-release strap clip for one-handed removal, as well as a custom-molded foam back panel and stretch-fabric wings for enhanced user comfort.

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The North Face Purple Label Cordura Nylon Lumbar Pack

The North Face Purple Label Cordura Nylon Lumbar Pack delivers the brand’s signature Japanese streetwear vibe in a durable, versatile design for tackling the city streets or travel adventures. It’s made with a combination of 500D Cordura nylon and 100D ripstop nylon. Front and side pockets store small essentials at the ready, while the main compartment houses larger items. And compression straps allow you to adjust the bag’s size when you’re after a slimmer profile.

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master-piece x FDMTL Sling Bag

The master-piece x FDMTL Sling Bag does a great job of fusing eye-catching aesthetics with a nod to tradition. The expert Japanese carry crafters team up with a brand renowned for their Japanese denim clothing to create this boro-inspired sling bag. The enticing textured fabric showcases a digital print of an antique cloth pattern. The easy-access main compartment is complemented by quick-access pockets for smaller items so you can easily reach frequently used items on the go.

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Fredrik Packers Bike Pack Light

The Bike Pack Light is clean and classic Japanese design on show. The easily adjustable shoulder strap makes access and comfort simple. Two front pockets and D-ring attachment points complement the main compartment. And the water-resistant and durable 500D Cordura nylon construction will take regular use in its stride. Uncomplicated, stylish, and functional, it’s a fine example of timeless carry.

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Heimplanet Transit Sling Pocket

Want to carry light and compact with small essentials? The Heimplanet Transit Sling Pocket does the job well. The main fabric is eco-friendly, durable DYECOSHELL, with a water-resistant YKK zipper for protection from the elements. The main compartment features interior pockets for organization, with an exterior fleece-lined front pocket at the ready for your phone or sunglasses. EVA foam padding in the back panel and an adjustable strap keep you comfy on the move. All in a sleek, lightweight package that comes in at just 0.2 kg (0.45 lbs).

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Chrome Industries Vale Sling Bag

Classy looks and an adaptable design come together in the Vale Sling Bag. A smart, durable and versatile piece that features expandability for those days you need to accommodate a little extra, as well as a choice of interior and exterior pockets to neatly store your gear on the move. The sling includes a 13″ laptop sleeve and is made with an attractive polyester/600D Twill melange fabric and an EVA back panel. A savvy pick for work and weekend walks alike.

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Mission Workshop The Spar

The Spar delivers Mission Workshop’s slick urban aesthetic, durability and functionality in a go-to solution for more pared-back loads. The build quality is top-notch, with a choice of premium weatherproof fabrics complemented by weatherproof YKK zippers and a magnetic Fidlock V-buckle for super satisfying one-handed opening and closing. Top and side access gives you options for reaching gear, with a quick-access front pocket and a microfleece-lined 10.5″ tablet sleeve in the main compartment.

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Dayfarer Sling

Multiple carry options, a sleek and stylish aesthetic and a practical, user-friendly design makes the Dayfarer Sling a solid choice for your work, travel and weekend carry needs alike. It’s made with a durable and water-resistant 1680D ballistic nylon exterior and features a convenient magnetic Fidlock snap buckle on the flap, along with a magnetic Fidlock V-buckle on the strap. The bag can be carried as a sling, shoulder bag or a briefcase courtesy of the top handle and removable shoulder strap. You’ll find a choice of interior pockets and a magnetic key clip, along with a water-resistant exterior back pocket for discreet quick-access storage. And it’s easily expandable when you need to squeeze in that little bit extra.

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1733 Side Pack

Crafted in-house in 1733’s Chicago studio, the Side Pack is a worthy finalist from a small maker doing things right. It can be worn across the body, around the waist or carried with the top handle. The sturdy, weatherproof build combines X-Pac VX21 fabric and YKK AquaGuard zippers for long-lasting durability and protection when inclement weather strikes. And the bag is decked out with a range of flexible organization options, including interior and exterior pockets, removable shock cord, webbing attachment points and bottom carry straps.

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Porter Switch

The Porter Switch strips back unnecessary elements to focus in on simple, well crafted, uncluttered design that switches easily between day-to-day and travel needs. Interior and front pockets provide simple organization that doesn’t impair the water-repellent bag’s minimalist feel. The Switch can be worn as a waist bag or across the body, and also features a reflective logo for added visibility at night.

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Trakke Banana Crossbody Bag

The updated Banana Crossbody Bag serves up Trakke’s distinct modern-heritage styling in an ergonomic, practical bag for carrying essentials around town or on your travels. Handmade with dry-finish waxed canvas and weatherproof zips, it’s built to last through years of adventures while keeping gear safe and sound from the elements. The Banana Crossbody Bag features a wide opening for easy packing and access. Plus a back pocket provides a stealthy spot to stash valuables you want quick access to.

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Vote now!