Men’s sling bags for travel offer a convenient and stylish way to carry essentials while exploring new destinations in Vietnam. SIXT.VN provides a range of travel solutions, including airport transfers and hotel bookings, that complement the ease of using a travel sling bag, making your Vietnamese adventure seamless. Consider SIXT.VN for tours, day trips, and cultural immersion experiences.
1. What Exactly is a Sling Bag?
A sling bag is designed to be worn comfortably across the chest or back, secured with a cross-shoulder strap. Buckles are often off-center, straps connect diagonally, and the bag has an oblong shape, though variations exist. The key is the cross-body design, offering a hands-free carrying experience that’s perfect for travel. Sling bags offer travelers functional fashion.
1.1. Sling Bag vs. Messenger Bag
While both sling bags and messenger bags feature a single, crossbody strap, they’re not the same. Messenger bags are larger, boxier, and don’t contour to the body like sling bags. Consider a sling bag a compact, streamlined alternative, perfect for carrying essentials without the bulk.
1.2. Sling Bag vs. Hip Pack
Sling bags and hip packs (also known as fanny packs or waist packs) are often confused, but they’re distinct. A hip pack is essentially a rebranded fanny pack, while a sling bag is something different. Hip packs can sometimes function as sling bags, but a sling bag is rarely a hip pack.
2. Why Choose a Men’s Sling Bag for Travel?
A men’s sling bag offers numerous advantages for travelers in Vietnam, from convenience to security. Here’s why it might just be the perfect travel companion:
- Hands-Free Convenience: Keeps your essentials accessible without needing to hold a bag.
- Security: Worn across the chest, it deters theft, especially in crowded tourist areas.
- Comfort: Distributes weight evenly, reducing strain on your shoulders and back.
- Style: Adds a touch of modern flair to your travel outfit.
2.1. Streamlining In-Flight Essentials
Navigating airports and flights becomes easier with a men’s sling bag. Keep your essentials organized and accessible during travel. Instead of rummaging through a backpack or overstuffed pockets, a sling bag keeps everything within easy reach. It’s a great place to keep your pocketable items, especially while in transit. Just toss all of your stuff in your sling and throw the entire thing in a bin as you breeze through airport security like a pro, thus avoiding the much-dreaded “security shuffle.”
Here’s what you can carry in your sling bag:
- Smartphone
- Snacks
- USB cables
- Tech chargers
- Battery bank
- Earplugs
- Eye mask
- Headphones
- Notebook and pen
- Tissues
- An e-reader or book
Once in flight, you can use a carabiner to hook your sling bag to the seat in front of you. That way, you can quickly grab a snack before you get hangry, some tissues because the movie you picked happens to be a lot sadder than you thought it’d be, or a phone charger because Tetris drains battery life surprisingly quickly. You know, only the essentials.
2.2. Perfect for Day Trip Essentials
Whether exploring ancient temples or bustling markets, a men’s sling bag is ideal for day trips in Vietnam. Pack your essentials without the bulk of a backpack. Sometimes all you need are the basics—wallet, keys, phone—and while pockets may get the job done.
A sling bag allows you to bring:
- Extra camera lenses
- Extra camera batteries
- Snacks
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen
- Chapstick
- Makeup
- Nintendo Switch
Sling bags truly are the middle ground between a daypack and your pockets. If you’re usually a daypack kind of person, switching to a sling bag forces you to think about what you’re bringing. And your back will thank you for leaving that copy of War and Peace behind because, let’s be honest, you’re just going to look at memes on your smartphone anyway. Alternatively, if you’re usually a pocket kind of person, you can avoid overly-full pockets and think less about what you’re bringing, tossing all sorts of fun goodies into your sling bag just because you can.
2.3. Lightweight and Packable
Designed for travel, sling bags weigh almost nothing and can easily lay flat in your travel backpack. You can pack it and forget about it until you require your sling’s services.
2.4. Easy Access
Sling bags are ridiculously easy to get in and out of. When worn on your chest, the pocket(s) is (are) literally right under your nose, and when worn on your back, you can shift it around to your front.
2.5. Sling Bags Are En Vogue
At least for the time being, sling bags are “in.” You’ll find them in pretty much every high street store, and even luxury brands like Louis Vuitton are selling them. We don’t know about you, but we love it when fashion and convenience merge.
2.6. Other Use-Cases for Sling Bags Include:
- Festivals (both for convenience and trendiness)
- Everyday carry (especially for those who cycle to work)
- Hiking and outdoor adventuring
- Exploring cities
- Amusement parks
- A million other things
Sling Bag Essentials
Sling bags truly are the middle ground between a daypack and your pockets.
3. How to Find a Dependable Sling Bag for Travel and EDC
When choosing a men’s sling bag for your Vietnamese adventure, consider size, profile, and weather resistance.
3.1. Volume & Size
We’re partial to small slings since they are, point blank, the best for travel. Small slings are more comfortable to carry, easier to pack inside a larger travel backpack, and will be considered a personal item on most airlines (in the States, anyway). At some size, a sling bag just becomes an uncomfortable backpack.
While a sling’s size is measured in liters, the liter size of a sling bag can vary from company to company. One brand’s 5 liters is another brand’s 2 liters (exasperating, right? Get it together, people!). So it’s equally important to consider the shape of the sling bag, the internal organization, and the thickness of the material—all of which will affect how much usable space is available.
Staying within 1-8 liters and under 4-5 pounds ensures comfort and practicality.
Some sling bags are expandable, which is excellent for travel since they’ll take up little space when not in use or when you don’t have much to carry—but you can still fill them with a decent amount of stuff when expanded. This trick works well on small sling bags but can be overkill on bigger ones, which can expand to be comically bulky.
CODEOFBELL X-POD II
CODEOFBELL X-POD II
With an expandable main compartment, the CODEOFBELL X-Pod II works equally well on days when you only need the essentials and on trips where you want everything but the kitchen sink. Plus, it never looks too bulky and manages to stay comfortable even when fully packed—an impressive feat we don’t often see.
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3.2. Profile
The profile of a sling bag has a significant impact on its overall look and comfort level. Most sling bags have an oblong shape to better fit the chest and back.
With sling bags, you’ll usually find one of two orientations: tall or wide. They’re both equally great options that work better or worse for different use-cases and style preferences.
Topo Designs Mini Shoulder Bag Walking Back
Topo Designs Mini Shoulder Bag
Tall sling bags are just that—tall—and wear more like a purse or mini-backpack. As you would expect, they work well for things that you want to pack vertically, say a phone case with bunny ears. Tall sling bags aren’t usually tight against the body, nor can they only be worn on your back.
[ 7.5
Topo Designs Mini Shoulder Bag Review ](https://packhacker.com/travel-gear/topo-designs/mini-shoulder-bag-2/)
Topo Designs Mini Shoulder Bag
This sling bag can be carried crossbody or as a hip pack with the same strap. Whichever you choose, the horseshoe zipper makes it easy to get to your gear, and the vertical orientation allows you to get a decent look inside the bag and squeeze in your hand without too much trouble.
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Chrome Industries Kadet Nylon Messenger Bag
Chrome Industries Kadet Nylon Messenger Bag
If you want to look like you don’t know how to wear a fanny pack correctly, then a wide sling may be your style of choice. That’s to say, they are more closely related to the fanny pack in the looks department, for better or worse, and usually sit tightly against the body.
[ 7.3
Chrome Industries Mini Kadet | Using the sling bag in Detroit ](https://packhacker.com/travel-gear/chrome/mini-kadet/)
Chrome Industries Mini Kadet
Chrome Industries prides itself on its unique, recognizable designs. And this sling bag is definitely unique. Its oblong shape is reminiscent of the typical fanny pack, but its larger size, seat belt buckle, and stiff shape are all its own. It can overwhelm smaller frames—particularly when full—but it’ll hold all of the essentials and then some.
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3.3. Weather Resistance
Protect your essentials from unexpected rain showers. Look for water-resistant materials and zippers.
You’ll likely carry important gear in your sling bag such as your cell phone, money, and passport. Unless you’ve got special powers that allow you to avoid rain and snow indefinitely, a bit of weather resistance is a major plus, as it will protect those essential items from damage. Plus, a weather-resistant sling can be wiped down quickly, meaning you won’t have to wear a sopping wet bag against your chest—not a fun experience.
On the other hand, too much weatherproofing is overkill. Full-blown waterproof or super weather-resistant materials are built for just that—resisting water. Generally speaking, they’re not going to hold up to everyday use as well as other fabrics (more on that below), and they may not look as nice or feel as comfortable on your back/chest.
If push comes to shove and you need to protect your sling from a sudden rainstorm, they’re usually small enough to fit under a rain jacket. Just beware—people may think you are either smuggling a small animal under your coat or have a bizarrely shaped chest. (This could be a pro or con depending on your personality.)
[ 7.8
ALPAKA Bravo Sling Max V2 Back Outdoor ](https://packhacker.com/travel-gear/alpaka/bravo-sling-max-v2/)
ALPAKA Bravo Sling Max V2
A sling bag designed to carry your essential tech—small laptops included—better have some weather resistance. The ALPAKA Bravo Sling Max V2 doesn’t disappoint, with high-quality, durable fabric and weather-resistant zippers.
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4. Sling Bag Durability & Quality
With the popularity of sling bags on an exponential rise, you’ll find sling bags ranging from ten bucks to thousands. While we don’t recommend going out and buying a sling bag that costs as much as a car (unless you have money to burn), we do recommend purchasing a sling made of durable, high-quality materials—and that may cost you more than ten bucks.
4.1. Zippers
A broken zipper may lead to a broken heart while traveling. That may sound dramatic, but if you’ve ever had a zipper break on you while abroad, you’ll know exactly what we mean. We usually trust zippers from YKK, RiRi, and SAB—all of which have solid track records for making quality products, our favorite being the Japanese manufacturer, YKK. YKK zippers have rarely let us down, even when we’ve put them through the wringer over years and years of testing. They account for about half of all the zippers in the world for a reason.
YKK Zipper on the Chrome Industries Kadet Nylon Messenger Bag
YKK Zipper on the Chrome Industries Kadet Nylon Messenger Bag
Beyond the brand, it’s important to consider size, which is measured on a scale of one (small) to ten (large). While the main zippers on sling bags fall all over this spectrum, the most common sizes are #5 or #8—seriously, out of the 50 + slings we’ve tested, a very, very high majority have either #5 or #8 zippers. Anything less than a five and you’ll likely run into durability issues.
With sling bags, you also don’t need—or want—anything too beefy, like a #10 zipper. If they’re too big, the zips can jingle, which gets annoying for us around the five-minute mark. Maybe you’re more patient than we are. Larger zippers can also rub against your chest or back, which is just as uncomfortable as it sounds.
Some companies purposefully design their sling bags with oversized zippers or zipper teeth to look extra dope. If you’re into this aesthetic, you may have to get used to the jingling. Fashion is pain and all that.
Moment MTW Mini Fanny Sling 1l brand
Reverse Coil Zipper on the Moment MTW Mini Fanny Sling 1L
For the zippers on internal or less-frequented pockets, you’ll be okay with a smaller size. They can also help with the aforementioned weather resistance. When looking at zippers, you may see the letters RC stamped next to the size (#5RC, #8RC, etc.). RC stands for reverse coil, a term that describes zippers with internally—rather than externally—facing teeth, which helps prevent water from percolating into the bag. But a reverse coil zipper isn’t that water-resistant. So don’t go thinking it’ll protect your phone in a monsoon.
For further protection, there are water-repellent zippers—like the YKK AquaGuard zipper—which have a thin polyurethane coating to, you know, repel water. If you’re planning on going to an unusually wet area with your sling bag, then you may want to look for this style of zipper. Otherwise, you’ll likely be fine without that extra water resistance.
4.2. Hardware
Buckles are a major component of most sling bags, and if there’s no buckle, there will be some sort of clip. You don’t want the hardware to break on you because that’ll make the sling practically useless. Unless you MacGyver up a big knot, which will help with the usefulness but, let’s be real, look totally ridiculous.
Large Duraflex Buckle on the Chrome Industries Ruckas Sling Bag
Large Duraflex Buckle on the Chrome Industries Ruckas Sling Bag
Again, the brand matters here. Some trustworthy companies are Duraflex, YKK, Woojin, and ITW. As long as you stick with them, you should be good to go. We also love metal buckles—as opposed to plastic—but when it comes to slings, they can be uncomfortable and add a good bit of weight. If durability is a priority however, metal buckles can’t be beaten.
4.3. Fabric & Material
Unlike in the 1800s—or even the mid-1900s—bag designers (engineers?) have a ton of fabrics to choose from to make their bags, all of which have pros and cons. As we’ve already mentioned, you want to balance durability with weight and capacity. A sling bag won’t have to do as much work as a travel backpack; therefore, it doesn’t have to be as tough. Some materials you may run into are:
4.3.1. Nylon
You’re probably familiar with nylon since it’s a common synthetic fabric that manages to be soft, durable, and lightweight (go science!). These qualities make it suitable for a variety of products, and slings are no exception. That said, it’s more of a blank canvas these days and is often infused with weaves, sewing patterns, or extra fibers that make the fabric more durable, tear, or weather-resistant.
4.3.2. Ballistic Nylon
Ballistic Nylon
Ballistic Nylon
Initially developed for military body armor, ballistic nylon is strong…and possibly a bit overkill on a sling bag. While we love that you won’t have to worry about the exterior of your bag falling apart on you, it does weigh more than other fabrics and feels stiff against the body. Still, it’s a great choice thanks to its exceptional resistance to pilling and water. Plus, it won’t do any damage to your clothing as it rubs against it.
4.3.3. Ripstop Nylon
The magic of ripstop nylon is all in its name. Due to its magical properties—AKA, the extra fibers that are sewn into its square weave—ripstop nylon prevents punctures from spreading into full-on rips. Moreover, like plain old nylon, ripstop has a high strength-to-weight ratio, meaning it’s lightweight but still remarkably strong—a significant asset for a sling bag. Plus, it’s currently used in ejector seat parachutes for fighter pilots(!), and if it’s good enough for fighter pilots, it’s good enough for us.
4.3.4. Polyester
Polyester
Polyester
Polyester is another standard synthetic fabric, but clocks in at a lower price than nylon. It’s generally heavier, too. If you’re looking to buy a cheap sling bag to hold some beer at music festivals and you don’t care that it won’t last more than one season, polyester will suit you well. We should point out that there are some reasonably-durable polyester sling bags out there, but those are usually blended with other fabrics (especially in the lining and/or other sensitive areas).
4.3.5. CORDURA® Grade Fabrics (Nylon & Polyester)
CORDURA® is a brand, not a fabric, but it’s still worth mentioning since you’ll likely run into it more than a few times. CORDURA® nylon and polyester is the exact same as traditional nylon and polyester, the only difference being that the fabric has come from a CORDURA®-approved mill and production line. The CORDURA® label is basically a stamp of quality assurance—it’s pretty much a guarantee that anything CORDURA® will have excellent abrasion resistance and an impressive strength-to-weight ratio.
4.3.6. Canvas
Canvas
Canvas
You aren’t going to see a lot of canvas sling bags out there, but the few that do exist have an antiquated and sophisticated air about them. That’s because canvas—particularly cotton canvas—was the fabric that started it all. Canvas is heavier and more susceptible to abrasions than synthetics, but unlike synthetics, its weatherproofing is usually obtained by wax, which can be re-proofed, ensuring continual water-resistance and durability.
4.3.7. Leather
Remember when we just said that canvas is the fabric that started it all? Well, technically speaking, that isn’t entirely accurate because leather has been around a lot longer. But in today’s day and age, you aren’t going to see a ton of leather sling bags—especially in a travel context (they’re more common on runways). Leather isn’t great for travel since it’s heavy, sensitive to the elements, and requires a decent amount of maintenance. We suggest sticking with a leather wallet and finding a sling bag made of basically anything else.
While this isn’t a comprehensive list of all of the fabrics you’ll run into while shopping (sorry sailcloth and polypropylene) a majority of sling bags will be made with one or multiple of the materials mentioned above. But the material itself isn’t the be-all, end-all.
Usually, you’ll see a number followed by a D associated with the material—250D, 950D, 1000D, etc. The D stands for denier, which is the unit that measures the weight or thickness of fabric. In general, the higher the number, the more durable the fabric—but higher numbers also mean higher weight.
Because every fabric has its individual strengths (nylon is inherently stronger than polyester) the denier won’t help you much when comparing two different types of fabrics, or even two types of weaves within one fabric family. Instead, it helps you compare two fabrics of the same type. 500D Ballistic nylon is less durable than 1000D Ballistic nylon, for example. But the 500D Ballistic nylon will also be much lighter (about half as light, in fact!).
4.4. What Material Should a Sling Be?
When it comes to sling bags, higher denier is generally better, but you start maxing out around 500D. As far as we’re concerned, any fabric over 500D is a bit overkill for a sling bag. As you get up into the 500D range, the weight of the fabric will start to become more substantial, but because sling bags are small—and thus don’t have a lot of fabric—you’ll hardly be able to notice this difference in weight. And because sling bags don’t take as much abuse as, say, a full-blown travel backpack, we don’t think the extra durability of 500D+ fabrics is necessary.
Moreover, the other aspects of a sling bag, including its zippers and hardware, also have to be high-quality. It does you no good if your ballistic nylon exterior has held up if your zippers break on week three. Best to keep everything well-rounded.
[ 8.9
Aer City Sling 2 Review ](https://packhacker.com/travel-gear/aer/city-sling-2/)
Aer City Sling 2
Bordering on too durable, the Aer City Sling 2 is made of some tough stuff—1680D CORDURA® Ballistic nylon, to be precise. If you’re looking for a sling bag that will keep up while you roam the world, this one should be on your radar.
See Full Review & Buying Options
[ 7.4
Chrome Industries Tensile Sling Bag Review ](https://packhacker.com/travel-gear/chrome/tensile-sling-bag/)
Chrome Industries Tensile Sling Bag
Made of recycled nylon and polyester with a ripstop sailcloth for extra durability, the Chrome Industries Tensile Sling Bag uses a mix of materials that makes for a unique look and toughness. Particularly eye-catching is the 5 Bar webbing that helps structurally reinforce the bag, enabling it to feel solid and well-protected even when it’s not fully packed out and half-filled with empty space.
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5. User Search Intent
Here are five key search intents related to “men’s sling bag for travel”:
- Best sling bags for travel: Users want recommendations for top-rated sling bags suitable for travel purposes.
- Sling bag vs backpack for travel: Users are comparing the pros and cons of sling bags versus backpacks for carrying travel essentials.
- Waterproof sling bag travel: Users are looking for sling bags with waterproof features to protect their belongings during travel.
- Sling bag travel security: Users want to know how sling bags can enhance security and prevent theft while traveling.
- Sling bag travel essentials: Users are seeking advice on what items to pack in a sling bag for travel.
6. Addressing Travel Challenges in Vietnam
Planning a trip to Vietnam can be exciting, but travelers often face challenges like language barriers, navigating transportation, and finding reliable services. SIXT.VN is here to help. We provide:
6.1. Addressing the Challenges
- Difficulty in detailed planning: SIXT.VN offers customized itineraries to match your interests and timeframe.
- Language and cultural barriers: We provide local guides and 24/7 support to bridge the gap.
- Concerns about reliable services: SIXT.VN is a reputable provider with vetted partners and transparent pricing.
- Transportation and navigation issues: Our airport transfer and private car services ensure seamless travel within Vietnam.
- Booking assistance: We offer quick and easy booking for hotels, flights, and tours.
6.2. How SIXT.VN Helps
- Customized Travel Itineraries:SIXTVN helps to develop personalized travel plans tailored to individual preferences and schedules.
- Airport Pick-Up Services: SIXTVN helps to arrange reliable and convenient airport transportation.
- Hotel Booking Assistance: SIXTVN provides numerous hotel options that are suitable for different budgets and location preferences.
- Guided Tours: SIXTVN offers consultations and reservations for guided tours of famous locations.
- Flight Ticket Booking: SIXTVN provides help with locating affordable flights and appropriate travel schedules.
7. Experience Vietnam with SIXT.VN and Your Perfect Sling Bag
With a men’s sling bag and SIXT.VN, your Vietnamese adventure will be unforgettable. Here’s how we enhance your travel experience:
7.1. Seamless Airport Transfers
Start your trip stress-free with our reliable airport transfer services. Book in advance, and our driver will be waiting for you upon arrival, ensuring a smooth transition to your hotel.
7.2. Comfortable Hotel Bookings
Choose from a wide selection of hotels that suit your budget and preferences. SIXT.VN offers competitive rates and convenient booking options, ensuring you find the perfect accommodation for your stay in Vietnam.
7.3. Expert Tour Guides
Explore Hanoi’s iconic landmarks and hidden gems with our knowledgeable tour guides. They provide insights into local culture and history, making your sightseeing experience enriching and memorable.
7.4. Flexible Flight Options
Find the best flight deals that align with your travel plans. SIXT.VN offers a user-friendly platform for booking flights, making it easy to secure your tickets and manage your itinerary.
8. Vietnam Travel FAQs
8.1. What is the best time to visit Vietnam?
The best time to visit Vietnam is typically during the dry season, which varies depending on the region. For northern Vietnam, including Hanoi, the ideal time is from October to April.
8.2. Do I need a visa to enter Vietnam?
Visa requirements depend on your nationality. Many nationalities can enter Vietnam visa-free for a certain period. Check the latest visa regulations on the official website of the Vietnam Immigration Department or consult your local embassy.
8.3. What is the local currency in Vietnam?
The local currency in Vietnam is the Vietnamese Dong (VND). It’s advisable to carry some cash for smaller establishments, but credit cards are widely accepted in major cities.
8.4. Is it safe to travel in Vietnam?
Vietnam is generally a safe country for tourists. However, like any travel destination, it’s important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions against petty theft, especially in crowded areas.
8.5. What are some must-try dishes in Hanoi?
Some must-try dishes in Hanoi include Pho (noodle soup), Bun Cha (grilled pork with vermicelli noodles), and Cha Ca La Vong (turmeric fish with dill).
8.6. How do I get around in Hanoi?
Hanoi offers various transportation options, including taxis, ride-hailing services like Grab, and local buses. Motorbike taxis are also popular but require caution. SIXT.VN provides private car services for convenient and reliable transportation.
8.7. What should I pack for a trip to Vietnam?
Pack lightweight and breathable clothing, comfortable walking shoes, sunscreen, insect repellent, and a hat. Don’t forget a universal adapter for your electronic devices.
8.8. Are there any cultural customs I should be aware of?
When visiting religious sites, dress respectfully and remove your shoes before entering temples. Avoid public displays of affection and always ask for permission before taking photos of people.
8.9. Can SIXT.VN help with arranging tours outside of Hanoi?
Yes, SIXT.VN can assist with arranging tours to various destinations across Vietnam, including Ha Long Bay, Sapa, and Hoi An.
8.10. How can I contact SIXT.VN for assistance during my trip?
You can contact SIXT.VN via our hotline/WhatsApp at +84 986 244 358 or visit our website at SIXT.VN for immediate assistance. Our team is available 24/7 to support you.
9. Call to Action
Ready to explore Vietnam with ease and style? Visit SIXT.VN today to discover our full range of travel services, including airport transfers, hotel bookings, and curated tours. Let us take care of the details so you can focus on creating unforgettable memories. Contact us now and start planning your dream trip to Vietnam!
Address: 260 Cau Giay, Hanoi, Vietnam
Hotline/Whatsapp: +84 986 244 358
Website: SIXT.VN
