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The one shoulder, or sling backpack has become popular among men whose pockets just aren’t big enough. It’s hands-free, convenient, and stylish. Many companies, including Coach, Patagonia, and Adidas, have jumped on the bandwagon to produce them, and you can now find one shoulder backpacks for everyone from the handsome rebel to the working professional.
For a casual bag with plenty of storage, we recommend NeatPack's Versatile Canvas Sling Bag. Its adjustable strap and padding make it super comfortable and it even has a pocket for your phone! Browse the rest of our top 10 one shoulder backpacks below. And check out our buying guide for tips on choosing the right bag for your needs.
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Table of Contents
Everyone has different preferences for a shoulder bag, so check out the details before you buy one. Do you want one for tackling the rugged mountains or for just day-to-day use? Let’s take a look.
For daily wear, consider what items you need to have with you, like your wallet, cell phone, and keys. Most one shoulder backpacks are smaller than a standard backpack and should be able to fit these items easily. However, if you also carry around taller items, like a water bottle, double-check the bag's dimensions to ensure they'll fit.
Every fabric has its ups and downs. You may have your own preferences, but if you choose a bag without thinking about where and when you’ll be using it, it may just end up getting soaked and stained. To avoid this, choose a material that's well suited to the weather and your needs.
These types of bags typically have simple designs and solid colors, making them easy to pair with any outfit. From street casual to business formal, these bags will complement your style.
Some worry about using shoulder bags because they put a lot of weight on the neck and shoulder. To ease some of that burden, we recommend using a nylon or polyester bag. Made from thinner fabric, these lightweight one shoulder bags will add minimal extra weight to whatever you're carrying.
In addition, nylon and polyester bags have some stretch so they can carry more. If you want to lug around a lot of materials, but still have the bag itself be lightweight, consider investing in a nylon or polyester shoulder backpack.
For those who are eager to get out and exercise, bring along a bag with mesh on the back and strap. If you sweat, it won’t be absorbed into the interior of the bag. And since mesh is so thin, even if the bag gets wet, it’ll dry faster than other materials.
The area where the bag rests on your back is a point where heat is easily trapped, especially in the summer. This can cause a rash on sensitive skin and even discoloration on the bag. Mesh in these areas will help increase air circulation.
One shoulder bags can look casual, but here's where the influence of material comes into play. Leather, faux or genuine, can bring your outfit from “laid-back weekender” to “street chic” in a single swing. It’s also resistant to dirt, keeping your bag cleaner for a longer period of time.
Genuine leather comes in various textures and patterns. Some are soft to the touch, while others have a glossy, patent finish. Choosing a neutral color, such as brown, gray, or black, makes it easier to pair your leather bag with any outfit.
When it comes to one shoulder bags, it matters whether they zip shut from the left or the right. To access your things, you need to swing the bag around to your front. Depending on which shoulder you wear it on and the design of the bag, this could result in the zipper ending up on the bottom of the bag or in a hard-to-reach place.
Know which shoulder you prefer to wear your bag on and check that the zippers will be conveniently located. For the most flexibility, look for double zipper pulls, which you can slide around to adjust their position. These are especially useful if you like to switch shoulders often.
Some shoulder straps are fixed in one place, while others can be detached and angled for a left or right fit. If you like to switch shoulders, this type of adjustment can help reduce the strain on your shoulders.
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Price | Key features | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | NeatPack Versatile Canvas Sling Bag | $32.95 High Mid | Extra Padding for More Comfort | ||
2 | Nicgid Sling Bag | $27.99 Mid | A Sturdy Bag to Keep You Organized | ||
3 | Peak Gear Sling Compact Crossbody Backpack | $17.99 Low Mid | Wear It in the Back or Front | ||
4 | OutdoorMaster Sling Bag | $21.99 Mid | Water-Resistant and Lightweight | ||
5 | JUMO CYLY Men's Sling Bag With USB Charging Port | $13.89 Low | Faux Leather for a Stylish Look | ||
6 | 5.11 MOAB 10 Sling Bag | $140.28 High | A Durable Bag For the Outdoor Enthusiast | ||
7 | Kavu Original Rope Pack | $59.95 High Mid | A Patterned Bag Adds Some Color | ||
8 | Leaper Canvas Messenger Sling Bag | $26.99 Mid | Get the Messenger Bag Look | ||
9 | Waterfly Chest Sling | $18.99 Low Mid | Spacious and Sturdy Enough for College Students | ||
10 | Eland Clear Sling Bag | $14.99 Low Mid | A Clear Bag for Stadiums and Concerts |
The bag has three compartments, secure zippers, and a side pocket for your water bottle. There's even a cell phone pocket on the front of the strap for easy access to your phone. The main compartment is spacious, with room for laptops up to 12 inches.
Some reviewers said this bag was too small, while others had issues with the zippers breaking. However, the majority of reviewers found this bag to be functional and easy to carry. They liked the generous compartments and the phone pocket and said this backpack easily held all of their daily necessities.
This sling bag from Nicgid is packed with pockets and compartments to keep all of your items organized. The large main pocket can fit a 13-inch laptop, while the smaller compartment is perfect for an iPad or Kindle. A flap with a zipper pocket covers two more external compartments.
On the back, there's a hidden anti-theft pocket for your valuables. The bag is made from water-resistant nylon with a durable inner lining. The strap and handle are padded and the strap has an adjustable buckle for a left or right side fit.
Some reviewers complained that the seams began to unravel or the zippers broke with a small amount of use. On the other hand, most reviewers liked the size of this bag and were pleased that it was roomy enough for their laptop and other necessities. They said the material felt strong and durable.
This versatile sling backpack from Peak Gear can be worn as a crossbody bag on the left or right, or across the front of your body for extra security. The adjustable strap is lined with mesh for breathability and features a small pocket. With a depth of just under three inches, this bag has a slim profile that won't get in the way.
There's an interior pocket with organizing compartments and an exterior zipper pocket. An additional compartment closes with a magnetic snap for items you want easy access to. This bag also has a lifetime recovery service, with a unique code on the tag to help the finder identify it and get it back to you.
Some reviewers complained that the closures broke. Others found the bag to be uncomfortable to wear. Still, many said this is a great bag for everyday use. They liked how compact it is and said they were able to fit all of their necessities inside without it becoming too bulky.
There's a side pocket to fit your water bottle and a pocket on the strap for small things you need easy access to, like credit cards. There's also a hidden anti-theft pocket that can fit a cell phone. The shoulder strap has mesh for ventilation and can be worn on the left, right, or across your body.
Some reviewers complained that the zipper seams ripped and that the water bottle pocket was too small for a reusable bottle. On the other hand, many reviewers said this bag was very comfortable and spacious. They liked the number of pockets and their convenience and said it made a great daypack for hiking or other trips.
Combine fashion and function with this faux leather sling bag. Made from polyurethane, it not only looks stylish but is water-resistant too. It features a main pocket and two exterior zippered pockets. An anti-theft buckle on the outside helps keep your items safe and the strap is padded for a comfortable fit.
The bag also comes with a USB charging port and hole for your headphones, so you can leave your phone in the bag to charge and still listen to music. If you want more room, this bag also comes in a large size.
Some reviewers warned that no charging brick is included, just the USB cord. Others found issues with the bag's construction and thought the material felt cheap. Still, many reviewers said this bag was a great budget option. They said it was stylish and lightweight and fit all of their daily items.
Specialty pockets include a coms pocket at the shoulder, a fleece-lined sunglasses pocket, and a one-and-a-half liter hydration bladder pocket. The interior is the perfect size for a tablet and accessories and the bag's 5.11 Tier System integrates with the brand's other tactical bags and equipment
Some reviewers said this bag was uncomfortable. Others said it became too heavy for a single strap to be comfortable. Still, most reviewers found the bag to be sturdy and high quality. They liked the numerous pockets, which helped keep everything organized, and said this bag was great for everyday use or work.
The bag features two main compartments for holding books, tablets, and other larger items, as well as an internal zip pocket. On the exterior, there are two smaller pockets that can hold your phone and other easy access items. Choose from a variety of fun patterns.
Some reviewers didn't like the material of this bag, saying it was too thin and parachute-like. Others said the seams split. On the other hand, many reviewers liked how lightweight it is and said the material was easy to clean. Many bought this bag specifically for travel and said it met their needs.
Carry the bag using the handle at the top, use the adjustable strap to sling it over either shoulder, or wear it as a cross-body bag. The top flap closes with magnets, with decorative buckles for some vintage flair.
Some reviewers complained that the zippers broke or that the magnetic closures weren't secure. However, most reviewers loved the stylish look of this backpack and appreciated the multitude of compartments. They said it was good for everything from work to school to travel.
The interior of the bag has multiple compartments, including a zippered mesh pocket, two pencil pockets, and a buckle to hang your keys from. An interesting feature is the quick release clip, which releases the strap without needing to slide it over your shoulder.
Some reviewers warned that the water bottle pocket is too slim for a reusable water bottle. Others said the zippers broke or that the strap was uncomfortable. Still, many reviewers found this bag to be lightweight with useful compartments. They said it was able to fit all of their necessities with room to spare.
This clear bag makes it easy to see what's inside at a glance. Breeze through security at stadiums and concerts, take it to the beach, or use it for items you need quick access to. It's made from cold-resistant non-toxic PVC with an adjustable mesh strap that can extend to over 50 inches.
The bag can be worn on your front or back. There's a roomy main compartment as well as a small exterior zip pocket for personal items. A mesh pocket on the side can fit water or other slim items.
A handful of reviewers said this bag was smaller than expected. However, most reviewers found it to be sturdy and easy to clean. Some used it at work to store their tools, while others took it to events. They were able to fit all of their necessities inside and said the see-through material was very convenient.
Whether you're going on a weekend trip or to the office, there will always be things you'll need to take with you. Here are some of our other favorite men's bags for all occasions.
No. 1: NeatPack|Versatile Canvas Sling Bag
No. 2: Nicgid|Sling Bag
No. 3: Peak Gear|Sling Compact Crossbody Backpack
No. 4: OutdoorMaster|Sling Bag
No. 5: JUMO CYLY|Men's Sling Bag With USB Charging Port
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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