The Wallet Shoppe
We get asked this one a LOT!
Although you can fling either one over your shoulder, sling bags and messenger bags are very different. We’ll walk you through the differences, with the pros and cons of each.
Let’s settle this debate once and for all. (There’s a clear winner here!)
The Differences Between Sling Bags and Messenger Bags
All right, let’s go factor by factor.
Size
Generally, sling bags are smaller. They’re made for your everyday, day-trip or in-flight essentials: sunglasses, snacks, wallet, keys and phone.
Messenger bags have lots more room. Think laptop, pens, water bottle, tablet and more.
| Your usual load | A useful starting point |
|---|---|
| Phone, keys, wallet, earbuds | Small sling |
| Tablet, notebook, charger | Larger sling or small messenger |
| Laptop, folders, lunch | Messenger |
| Long walk with several heavy items | A two-strap backpack beats either one |
Style
Our take: style is the main difference between the two.
Sling bags are certainly having a moment in streetwear, if you want to rock that urban look. Every so often a designer tries to get men carrying a smaller bag of some kind, and this is the latest round.
Messenger bags, on the other hand, are classic. They look smart (especially leather ones) and fit right in at the office.
Remember that word: classic.
Material
OK, fair’s fair: when it comes to material, nylon sling bags are very in. They’re affordable, lightweight and easy to look after, which makes them perfect streetwear accessories.
Messenger bags mostly come in office-friendly, tough materials. Leather is the most popular, though you can also find them in tough-but-stylish ballistic nylon (cough, Tumi).
Sling Bag Pros
So what do you get with a sling bag?
Easy access. One of the best perks of a sling is that you can get at your things without taking it off. Wear it on your chest and the zipper is right there; wear it on your back and you can swing it around to the front.
Convenience. There’s nothing as convenient as a light, small bag for your essentials that leaves your hands free. That makes it a good fit for travel and day trips, with the bag hugging your torso.
It feels safer. Speaking of travel, it certainly “feels” safer to have your bag in front of you where pickpockets are concerned. Plenty of people carry their passport and wallet in a sling for this reason alone. Of course, thieves are fully aware of this too…
It’s trendy. Fanny packs fell out of favor a long time ago, then came back as crossbody slings. Even the luxury fashion houses make them now.
Sling Bag Cons
They’re small. As we said, most slings only fit your essentials. If you need to pack a laptop, a book or a water bottle, a sling probably isn’t what you’re looking for (though athletic slings are a bit bigger). Our EDC slings under 8L are as big as we’d go.
They’re not for the office. Let’s be blunt about this. Going to the office with a sling bag is probably not the best idea. They just don’t say “I’m a serious professional.” That isn’t a flaw in the bag itself; it’s just a casual bag.
Messenger Bag Pros
Some of the best things about messenger bags:
Storage. There’s room for everything you need: water bottle, folders, even a 16-inch laptop in the bigger sizes. Most have several pockets and compartments too, so you won’t be rummaging for your keys. That’s why students and professionals alike carry them.
Convenience. Your things are within reach without putting the bag down, and your hands stay free, just like with a sling.
Class. There’s an undeniable elegance to a sleek, simple leather messenger bag that you don’t get with a backpack or a big laptop bag. It gives you a professional air at the office.
Versatility. Obviously there’s nothing stopping you wearing one on the weekend too. A messenger hits the sweet spot between a casual backpack and a classic briefcase.
The Timbuk2 Classic is the one everyone knows. The Medium holds 16L, with room for a laptop up to 16 inches.
Messenger Bag Cons
It’s probably clear by now we’re big fans of messenger bags as stylish carry for men! To be fair, though, there are a couple of downsides.
They can be uncomfortable when heavy. A messenger isn’t uncomfortable in itself, but pack it with heavy stuff and it’ll pull on your shoulder and swing as you walk (and throw off your balance on a bike). The key here is heavy. Don’t overpack it, and we think the messenger clearly comes out on top. Our guide on messenger bags and your back has more.
They’re not ideal for heavy travel days. If you need to carry a lot and still want your hands free, a backpack that fits under an airplane seat is probably the better option.
Sling Bag vs Messenger Bag: Before You Go…
Cards on the table now.
Sling bags are essentially fanny packs, rebranded and popularized. Messenger bags are chic, classically styled bags that work just about anywhere.
Our take: don’t be a fanny pack guy. Get a stylish messenger bag already! Read our next article for more on these bags:
Different Types of Messenger Bags (And When You’ll Want Them)
