Tested: The Best Small Sling Bags for Everyday Carry

There’s a moment when your daily EDC gear hits critical mass. Your phone’s fighting for space with your keys, your wallet’s creating an unsightly bulge, and that morning coffee run suddenly requires a strategic assessment of which pocket can handle what. Adding earbuds, a portable charger, or any other modern necessities quickly pushes you past your pocket’s breaking point.

Enter the EDC sling—but not just any sling. We’re talking about small bags that truly function as extensions of your pockets, keeping your gear organized and accessible without the weight or bulk of a backpack. So, with a hard 3-liter carrying capacity cut-off, we set out to uncover the best small slings for everyday carry. Let’s get into it.

How We Tested

With so many EDC sling bags on the market, the right choice will depend on your daily needs. However, they should all nail the core mission of being a thoughtful extension of your pockets that keeps your daily essentials organized, accessible, and secure. For this guide, we wanted to assemble a group of bags that each brought something unique to the table. Being in this space for over a decade now, we used our extensive knowledge to compile a short list, looking first and foremost to our favorite bag brands.

Focusing on a 3-liter capacity, we compiled our shortlist for testing, looking at the form and function of each bag, how well they organized, and how intuitively they were designed. Our findings are detailed below.

Chrome Sabin 3L Sling

Most Affordable: Chrome Industries has been making messenger bags for urban cyclists since 1995, building a reputation for indestructible gear that can handle whatever the city throws at it. Originally founded in San Francisco, their heritage runs deep in the courier community, making bags that prioritize function over form.

While our overall favorite sling from Chrome remains the Kadet Mini, the 5-liter capacity didn’t quite make the cutoff for this guide. Enter the Sabin 3L, Chrome’s answer to those who want their signature build quality in a slightly larger package that still qualifies as a proper EDC sling.

Dimensions & Exterior

At 6″ x 13″ x 1.5″ with a 3-liter capacity, the Sabin maintains Chrome’s commitment to streamlined design while pushing right up against our size limit. Weighing just 0.49lbs, it’s constructed from 400D recycled crinkle nylon that feels substantial without the weight penalty.

Despite the “crinkle” designation, the material is surprisingly quiet in use. The dual YKK zippers on the main compartment and single YKK zipper found on the hidden rear pocket are devoid of any waterproofing, while the front pocket features a protective Hypalon flap that effectively sheds water. No external grab handles or attachment points here; Chrome keeps things clean and minimal.

The wide nylon webbing shoulder strap distributes weight well and slides smoothly when transitioning the sling from front to back carry. However, the plastic buckle is permanently fixed to one side, which may require some reorientation depending on your preferred carry style.

Loadout & Interior Layout

When it comes to organization, the Sabin is a simple, yet effective affair. The front pocket, while compact, provides quick access to essentials like keys, lip balm, or earbuds, protected by that weather-resistant Hypalon flap.

The hidden rear pocket spans the full width and length of the bag, making it ideal for flat items like phones, wallets, or passports. It’s completely concealed and sits snug against your body, which is perfect for keeping valuables secure.

The main compartment features Chrome’s signature internal organization: two smaller mesh pockets, one larger mesh pocket that barely accommodates an iPhone Pro Max, and a pen loop. These “floating” mesh pockets maintain their shape while preserving the main compartment’s overall capacity.

Overall Thoughts

The fixed buckle position forces some accommodation, there’s no padding for sensitive items like sunglasses or devices, and we’d love to see a key leash. But at $60, the Sabin delivers Chrome’s legendary durability with thoughtful organization in a package that won’t break the bank. It’s a no-nonsense, affordable option built by a brand that’s cut their teeth on the demands of urban professionals for nearly 30 years. 

Tom Bihn Side Effect

Most Versatile: Tom Bihn has been crafting exceptional bags in Seattle since 1972, building a devoted following among professionals who value American-made quality and thoughtful design. Founded by Tom Bihn himself, the company has maintained its commitment to building bags that last decades, not seasons.

The Side Effect represents Tom Bihn’s philosophy distilled into its purest form: a simple, versatile pouch that functions equally well as a sling, crossbody bag, waist pack, or organizer insert. It’s not trying to be everything to everyone, just exceptionally good at being exactly what you need it to be, when you need it.

Dimensions & Exterior

At 9″ x 5.5″ x 3.1″ with 1.7L of capacity, the Side Effect sits comfortably below our 3L threshold while maximizing utility. The construction showcases Tom Bihn’s material expertise, sporting a bluesign certified 630D High-Tenacity 2×2 Ballistic nylon.

The 200D Halcyon interior provides a smooth, rubbery feel that’s exceptionally tear-resistant. Falling in line with Tom Bihn’s signature touch, the interior color always contrasts with the exterior, making gear instantly visible. Beefy #8 YKK coil zippers with optional plastic pulls complete the package.

Admittedly, it looks more like a crossbody purse than a tactical sling — and that handbag aesthetic is sure to put off some users. We will say, however, the handbag silhouette was actually well-suited for hip carry, sitting comfortably off-center where you can access your gear without backpack strap interference.

Loadout & Interior Layout

Tom Bihn prioritizes customization over fixed organization. The main compartment features two open-top divider pockets for essential organization, plus four O-rings positioned strategically throughout the space. These O-rings accept Tom Bihn’s extensive ecosystem of organizer pouches, allowing you to build exactly the organization system you need.

The front zippered pocket spans the full width and includes an O-ring with Tom Bihn’s excellent 8-inch key strap. It’s sized perfectly for passports and smaller items, though you should always be careful when loading loose items as things can fall out when you pull your keys out of this quick access compartment. Not a fault of Tom Bihn’s design as we love integrated key leashes, but rather a word of caution for this key leash setup.

The included shoulder strap, which is certainly one of our few complaints on this bag, attaches via O-rings and features ball-head spin-adjusters to combat twisting (though it still happens occasionally). While we can appreciate the simplicity here, the ⅝-inch strap is really thin and doesn’t provide a ton of support or comfort.

Optional waist straps and handle loops expand carry options, while external loops provide discrete attachment points for gear.

Overall Thoughts

The Side Effect’s handbag aesthetics won’t appeal to tactical enthusiasts, some users may find the organization too minimal, and that strap is just not built for long days or heavier loads, but Tom Bihn’s lifetime warranty, modular design philosophy, and U.S. manufacturing create a compelling value prop at this price point.

Bellroy Venture Ready Sling 2.5L

Best for the Outdoors: While they originally got their start with slim wallets back in 2010, Bellroy has since expanded deep in the world of bags and EDC gear. The Melbourne-based brand has always prioritized thoughtful design and premium materials, but their typical offerings have been tailored to the urban-dwelling creative rather than the backwoods.

Enter the Venture Ready lineup. While it is still inherently more refined than a true outdoor brand, the Venture Ready Sling 2.5L was designed with adventure in mind. It’s Bellroy answering the question: What if we made a sling that could handle both city streets and light hiking trails?

Dimensions & Exterior

Measuring 6” × 10” × 3” deep, the Venture Ready Sling packs a 2.5-liter capacity into just 7.06oz, and is constructed from the brand’s Baida Nylon. Named after the Korean word for “sea,” it’s a 100% recycled nylon boasting a crinkled texture with water resistance and durability. 

YKK AquaGuard zippers seal the main and front compartments with knotted paracord pulls that perfectly match the outdoor aesthetic. The rear security pocket uses a standard YKK zipper with a fabric welt for a lower profile. 

A 1⅝-inch Adjustable webbing strap complete with magnetic clasp rounds out the exterior.

Loadout & Interior Layout

Turning to the interior organization, the front pocket features a clever internal divider running down the middle. It separates gear and prevents the pocket from completely folding out when opened. There’s a paracord key leash inside that’s long enough to reach doorknobs when wearing the sling on your side, plus space for small daily essentials like earbuds, lip balm, or a pack of gum.

The main compartment uses a unique reversed-zipper design where the opening gaps are on each side rather than between the zippers. It takes some getting used to, but offers more flexible access whether you approach from left or right. Inside, you’ll find a padded phone sleeve (sized for larger devices like a Max iPhone) and an elevated mesh pocket perfect for sunglasses protection. It also comes with the “hidden” Bellroy AirTag Slip built into the branded tag for discreet tracking.

The hidden rear security pocket sits snug against your body, ideal for flat items like passports, cards, or a minimalist wallet. 

Overall Thoughts

Unlike some of its Fidlock counterparts, Bellroy’s generic magnetic buckle can disengage if pushed at just the right angle (it’s only happened to us once over the last few months but we have read other reviews mentioning this issue). But outside of that, there’s not much to not like about this sling. It’s sized well for everyday carry, just the right amount of organization, and Bellory’s minimalist aesthetics are easy to fall in love with.

Evergoods CIVIC Access Sling 2L

Most Comfortable: Founded by industry veterans Jack Barley and Kevin Dee, EVERGOODS has been making waves in the carry world since 2016, and we’ve definitely been fans since Day 1. With Barley’s background as co-founder of GORUCK and Dee’s experience at Patagonia, the Bozeman-based brand brings serious pedigree to the table. They’ve built their reputation on merging urban and outdoor functionality into thoughtfully designed packs. And their Civic Access Sling 2L perfectly embodies this philosophy.

Unlike flashy slings that prioritize style over substance, EVERGOODS approaches design with a “function-first” mentality. The CAS2 isn’t trying to be the the most stylish sling at the coffee shop; it’s engineered to be an extension of your pockets, quietly and efficiently carrying your daily essentials without getting in the way.

Dimensions & Exterior

The CIVIC Access Sling 2L measures 11″ long, 3″ wide, and 5.5″ tall, with a 2-liter capacity and weighing just 13oz. Interestingly enough, this is actually one of the larger footprints we’ve seen for a 2L sling, but there’s method to EVERGOODS’ madness.

The shell is constructed from EVERGOODS’ custom-developed 840D balanced ballistic nylon 6. The solution-dyed black version we’ve been using not only has excellent durability and abrasion resistance but also uses a more eco-friendly dyeing process. The fabric feels durable without being overly stiff, and it’s treated with a DWR finish for water resistance.

Hardware-wise, you’re getting YKK zippers throughout — specifically #10RC and #8RC with DWR finish — paired with Duraflex buckles. The zippers feel substantial, almost oversized for the application. But we found they worked really well during daily use.

What sets this sling apart is its ergonomic construction philosophy. Rather than forcing a rectangular bag to conform to your body, EVERGOODS actually patterns the CAS2 to curve naturally with your torso. It’s a subtle detail that makes a massive difference in real-world comfort.

Loadout & Interior Layout

Open up the CAS2, and you’ll find what might be the most thoughtful organization in a 2-liter sling. EVERGOODS employs a dual-compartment setup that plays to different gear types.

The front pocket is essentially a large, open volume designed for quick access to bulkier items. No fussy organization here, just raw space that can easily swallow over-ear headphones, a water bottle, or a light jacket. There’s a vibrant red key leash tucked inside, which provides a nice pop of color against the gray 210D nylon lining.

The rear compartment is where the organizational magic happens. You’ve got a zippered mesh pocket divided into multiple zones, perfect for cables, pens, and smaller tech accessories. Behind that are two drop-in liner pockets: one taking up about two-thirds of the back wall, the other claiming the remaining third. These are ideal for flat items like passports, cards, or a slim phone.

Between these organizational areas sits what EVERGOODS calls a “security pocket” — a hidden space that keeps valuables pressed against your body and out of sight. Your phone fits perfectly here with easy one-handed access.

Overall Thoughts

The CIVIC Access Sling 2L has a larger footprint than other 2L slings and an unpadded strap that could dig in with heavier loads, but it nails the essentials—premium materials, thoughtful dual-compartment organization, and genuinely comfortable breathable construction that keeps you cooler than expected. And of all the slings we’ve been testing, EVERGOODS arguably feels like the most well constructed of the bunch.

At $99 with a lifetime warranty, it’s hard to argue with EVERGOODS’ approach: a no-nonsense sling that prioritizes function over flash and simply gets out of your way.

Peak Design Everyday Sling

Best Sling for Photographers: Peak Design emerged from a successful Kickstarter campaign in 2010, quickly establishing themselves as the go-to brand for photographers and creative professionals who need smart, functional gear. Founded by Peter Dering, the San Francisco-based company has built their reputation on thoughtful design and innovative features that solve real problems.

While Peak Design’s heritage runs deep in photography, the Everyday Sling represents their deliberate expansion beyond pure camera gear. The “Everyday” name isn’t just marketing but signals the brand’s recognition that their modular organization and premium build quality works brilliantly for general EDC, not just creators hauling lenses and bodies.

Dimensions & Exterior

Measuring 7.48″ x 11.8″ x 4.72″ with a 3-liter capacity, the Everyday Sling 3L weighs about a pound, which is substantial for its size, and far and wide the largest sling on this guide. Like all of Peak’s bags, the sling sports an ultra padded, structured build that creates a larger footprint than bags with comparable carrying capacity, but also provides additional protection and a free-standing design for convenient gear loading/unloading.

The 100% recycled 400D double poly-coated nylon canvas shell features DWR treatment for weather resistance, while the 900D waterproof bottom liner provides extra protection.

Peak Design’s collaboration with Zoom Zippers resulted in their proprietary UltraZips — remarkably smooth, durable, and waterproof zippers that feel like they’ll outlast the bag itself .

The bottom of the bag features four webbing attachment points, giving you the ability to create a suspended cinch system with the external carry straps for hauling larger gear like a jacket or water bottle. 

The star feature is that revolutionary swivel strap with Peak Design’s quick-release adjuster. You can instantly loosen it for gear access, then snug it back up for secure carry. When not in use, excess strap tucks into a dedicated compartment for a clean, dangle-free experience. The strap can also detach completely. A sturdy top grab handle rounds out the exterior design.

Loadout & Interior Layout

Interior organization mainly takes place in the bag’s main compartment. 

Open the main compartment and you’ll find Peak Design’s signature FlexFold divider system, consisting of origami-like dividers that configure to hold everything from camera gear to daily essentials. You can create custom compartments, use them as props for gear, or remove them entirely for open storage. Two flexible side pouches are perfect for stashing the included Cord Hook external carry straps or other accessories.

The zippered top quick-grab pocket features 3 dedicated slots sized perfectly for small items—whether that’s camera accessories or everyday tech like USB drives, batteries, and cables.

The smaller front pocket sits slightly higher than the original design, providing easy access for frequently used items like filters, batteries, or everyday essentials. 

Overall Thoughts

On a guide full of compact slings, the Everyday Sling sticks out like a sore thumb. It’s big (relatively), and Peak’s aesthetic is distinctly Peak Design: bulky, structured, and sometimes a bit overly feature rich. This isn’t a sling that blends in, for better or worse.

But, on the flip side of that same coin, Peak Design’s innovation in strap design and modular organization really provides a ton of flexibility and protection, especially if you do carry camera gear on the daily. 

Black Ember TKS

Best Tech Pouch Sling: Black Ember burst onto the scene with a clear mission: create urban gear that bridges tactical functionality with modern aesthetics. Founded by Chris Gadway (whose resume includes stints as Global Creative Director at Nike and The North Face), the brand quickly earned a reputation for obsessive material selection and engineering-forward design. Almost to the point of over-engineering their carry solutions… not that we’re complaining.

The TKS (Tech-Kit Sling) embodies this philosophy perfectly. Rather than creating yet another standard sling, Black Ember engineered a hybrid carry solution that functions as a tech pouch until you need it to be a sling — then transforms via a hidden belt system stored in the back panel.

Dimensions & Exterior

Measuring 11″ x 5.5″ x 3″ with a 2.5-liter capacity, the TKS presents a boxy, pill-like profile that stays relatively understated. Black Ember collaborated with CORDURA to debut their new re/cor RN66 fabric, the first 100% recycled nylon textile from CORDURA.

The construction showcases Black Ember’s signature BOND-STITCH process with laser-cut precision. YKK Aquaguard zippers provide weatherproofing across all storage compartments, while those distinctive Hypalon zipper pulls aren’t just aesthetic but lock together for theft deterrence. Every detail feels intentional, from the T6 aircraft-grade aluminum hardware to the laser-etched FIDLOCK magnetic V-buckle.

That hidden belt system is a clever touch considering the hybrid sling/tech pouch nature of this bag. Pull it from the padded back panel, snap the FIDLOCK buckle, and you’ve transformed a tech pouch into a crossbody sling. The wing-style attachment points create some forward tilt when worn sling-style, but it’s a reasonable trade-off for the dual functionality.

Loadout & Interior Layout

While the exterior is impressive, the interior is where we think the TKS really lives up to its tech-focused name with genuinely thoughtful organization. The front compartment features a FIDLOCK magnetic key clip, a side-opening mesh pocket for phones, and a laser-cut cable pass-through that connects to the main compartment, which is perfect for power bank charging setups.

The main compartment opens clamshell-style, revealing a frame sheet held down by another FIDLOCK magnet. Behind it sits an accordion-style organizer with six individual pockets designed specifically for tech gear: power banks, cables, dongles, and adapters all have dedicated homes.

A zippered mesh compartment on the opposite side provides additional storage for larger items, while a Hypalon pen loop on the frame sheet grips securely (though it’s not stretchy enough for larger writing instruments). The 200D ripstop lining adds durability throughout.

Overall Thoughts

It’s hard not to love what Black Ember has done with TKS. For us, it’s the perfect amount of over-engineering, and if your EDC runs more tech-centric, we’d argue that there’s no better solution than the Tech Kit Sling. 

But, we also understand that it might be too convoluted for a normal, everyday user. It skews much more technical than other slings on this guide, and is geared for a specific carry organization.

With that being said, Black Ember’s material obsession and engineering thoughtfulness still make it perfect for tech professionals who want their gear organized to the extreme and available when they need it.

Aer Day Sling 3 Ultra

Best Urban Sling: Continuing down the path of over-engineered carry solutions, Aer’s standard Day Sling 3 might’ve found its way onto our guide. But, when they debuted the Ultra version, we knew it was a shoo-in.

Since 2014, Aer has been refining their approach to urban carry from their San Francisco headquarters, and the Day Sling 3 represents the culmination of that evolution. Each iteration has addressed previous shortcomings while maintaining their signature aesthetic — and this third generation might be their best yet.

When Aer launched their Ultra Collection, they didn’t just slap new materials on existing designs (although there are plenty of upgraded materials found throughout). They engineered the lightest and strongest Aer bags to date using Challenge Sailcloth’s cutting-edge ULTRA400X composite material. For enthusiasts like us who geek out over space-age materials, the Ultra variant takes everything great about the Day Sling 3’s refined design and wraps it in next-level soft goods technology.

Dimensions & Exterior

At 11.5″ long, 6″ wide, and 3″ deep with a 3-liter capacity, the Day Sling 3 Ultra maintains the same footprint as the standard version while weighing just 0.8lbs. The magic is in that ULTRA400X exterior by Challenge Sailcloth — a composite fabric that’s lighter than their typical 1680D Cordura while being significantly stronger, naturally water-resistant, and more abrasion-resistant. In fact, the Ultra material is, gram-for-gram, 15x stronger than steel.

The Ultra colorway features that distinctive sailcloth texture with subtle reflective elements that catch light beautifully. Unlike the all-black standard version, the Ultra variant has a technical, almost industrial aesthetic. The hi-viz green interior hits (a signature of the Ultra Collection) provide a nice contrast when you open the bag.

The Ultra version features YKK Aquagard zippers on both the front and main compartment zippers, and standard YKK zippers on the backside compartment, all outfitted with Hypalon pull tabs and Duraflex plastic hardware throughout. The magnetic Fidlock V-BUCKLE remains a point of debate among enthusiasts, but it’s undeniably smooth in operation and perfectly positioned off-center to avoid interference when worn with a backpack. There’s also a pass-through grab handle found above the back pocket and an off-centered hang loop near one of the strap attachment points.

Loadout & Interior Layout

The Day Sling 3 Ultra’s organization represents a complete rethink from its predecessor. The hi-viz green-lined front pocket lost its internal mesh organizers in favor of a larger dump pocket with just a carabiner-style key clip — a trade-off that prioritizes volume over organization.

The real magic happens in the main compartment. That horseshoe-style zipper opens wide, revealing a gray ripstop interior. Two new mesh pockets now live on the front side, while the back features two larger stacked mesh pockets plus a zippered compartment (complete with hi-viz green interior). Behind that sits a dedicated device sleeve that perfectly fits an iPad Mini or Nintendo Switch.

The hidden back pocket remains a standout feature, completely concealed by a gusset and sealed with a low-profile Hypalon zipper pull. It’s sized perfectly for passports, cards, or anything that needs to stay close to your body and out of sight.

Overall Thoughts

The Day Sling 3 Ultra trades some front pocket organization for a cleaner aesthetic and superior materials, but the magnetic buckle can occasionally disengage under specific stress angles. This is rare, but worth noting. That said, the ULTRA400X fabric alone justifies the $119 price point for material nerds, and the improved main compartment organization more than compensates for the simplified front pocket. This is Aer at their most refined — a perfectly executed everyday sling that happens to be wrapped in some of the most advanced soft goods materials available.

Code of Bell Annex Kit

Best Expandable Sling: Okay, so we’re going for the over-engineered hat trick here with the undisputed king of over-engineered EDC gear, Code of Bell.

Code of Bell emerged in 2017 under the vision of Shiro Suzuki, who brings a unique perspective shaped by time spent between Japan and Los Angeles. This cross-cultural design sensibility shows up in every Code of Bell product: technical precision meets functional aesthetics with just enough tactical DNA to keep things interesting.

The ANNEX KIT represents Suzuki’s approach to solving modern carry challenges through intelligent design. Rather than creating another single-purpose pouch, he engineered something that seamlessly transitions between tech organizer, travel kit, and compact sling. Because, why should you carry three different bags when one brilliant design can do it all?

Dimensions & Exterior

Measuring 9″ x 5.5″ x 2.7″, the ANNEX KIT initially appears modest until you discover its party trick: the front compartment expands from 2.5L to 4L using adjustable elastic cords. It’s clever engineering that gives you more capacity exactly when you need it.

Construction showcases Code of Bell’s material expertise. The expandable front panel uses their custom ECOPAK EPX — a fully recycled waterproof laminate that feels substantial without the weight penalty. The main body employs CORDURA re/cor recycled nylon with CrossPly reinforcement. It’s sustainability done right, with no performance compromises.

YKK Aquaguard zippers create a weather-resistant barrier, while those external bungee cords aren’t just aesthetic but functional lash points for extra gear. The rear MOLLE webbing adds attachment options that’ll satisfy tactical enthusiasts without overwhelming urban carry scenarios.

The detachable shoulder strap connects via swivel carabiners for tangle-free movement and FIDLOCK magnetic buckle provides one-handed operation on-the-go. A padded top grab hand handle rounds out the external affair.

Loadout & Interior Layout

Pop open the ANNEX KIT’s main compartment and you’re immediately hit with that signature orange camo ripstop lining, which is a nice touch for quickly sifting through your gear. The main compartment reads like an organizer enthusiast’s dream: zippered mesh pocket, dual standard mesh pockets, elastic slots, card holders, secondary zip-pocket, and an elastic sleeve storage system that adapts to whatever you’re carrying. There’s even a dedicated slip pocket that’s perfectly sized for your smartphone.

The expandable front compartment houses a slip pocket and magnetic key hook. When you need extra volume, those elastic cords let the compartment breathe — perfect for stuffing in a travel adapter or emergency layer.

Rounding out the organization setup, the hidden rear pocket provides stealth storage for carrying discrete items.

Overall Thoughts

Admittedly, not all over-engineered gear is treated equally, and the ANNEX KIT is probably where most people would draw the line. The tactical aesthetic and overly-developed features and organization are almost objectively intimidating, and creates a slight learning curve for your average daily user.

But, as we’ve said before, if you appreciate obsessive material selection, technical details, and the kind of over-engineering that only a gear nerd could love, there’s something undeniably satisfying about how Code of Bell approaches everyday carry problems.

Tiny Titans: The Best Micro EDC Essentials

Perfect for fitting into a small sling bag, these micro EDC essentials have been compiled and tested for our latest guide.