Quick and reliable carry options, tested and reviewed.

So a backpack is too big. And a sling bag is too small.  You know what’s going to be a perfect fit? A medium-sized shoulder bag.

Made specifically with both mobility and storage in mind, shoulder bags offer the best of portability and organization. 

We took five different shoulder bags out for testing, and wrote this guide to accompany our video review to give you the best of both worlds. So read on (or watch the video on YouTube) to research and discover what might be your next everyday carry shoulder bag.

Black Ember Forge SB

Let’s start this guide off with the biggest bag: Black Ember’s Forge SB. Measuring in at an impressive 20 liter carrying capacity, it also manages to keep the weight down by utilizing the most technical fabrics and hardware available.

The name of the game here is versatility. As with all Black Ember products, the Forge SB is absolutely jam-packed with storage options and thoughtful touches. An external fast-access panel lets you grab your most important items at a moment’s notice; a quick-release strap makes for easy transitions throughout the day; and magnetic key rings, laptop sleeves, and compression straps complete the easy-to-customize package.

For all of these features and excellent quality materials, combined with its generous sizing, the Forge SB still comes in at a fairly reasonable price. We’d definitely recommend it for people who carry a lot of tech gear with them on a daily basis, but it might be a little bit too big for casual EDC users.

• Dimensions/Capacity: 19 x 13 x 6, 20 liters
• Materials: 420D Cordura, YKK Aquaguard zippers, Fidlock magnetic hardware
• Notable features: External fast access panel, many magnetic features
• Best for: Versatile carry styles, carrying anything you need
• Country of origin: Designed in California, manufactured overseas
• Price: $229

Tom Bihn Pilot

For a certain sort of traveler, the Tom Bihn Pilot is obviously the way to go. Designed with a luggage handle pass-through, an unconventional front pocket assembly, and an expandable body, it’s a near-perfect fit for frequent flyers. If you’re often in transit from one place to another, the Pilot offers an excellent blend of lightweight versatility and affordability.

Additionally, the Pilot can semi-transform from a shoulder bag into a handle-carried briefcase. And even with all of this expandable storage capacity and versatile organization options, it’s still designed to fit easily under the seat in front of you on an airplane. So all said and done, we’d recommend Tom Bihn’s Pilot shoulder bag for anyone who plans on doing a lot of air travel and needs a reliable quick-access bag.

• Dimensions/Capacity: 15.4" x 11.4" x 5.1", 13 liters
• Materials: 630D ballistic nylon, YKK water-repellent zippers
• Notable features: Luggage handle pass-through, carry-on friendly
• Best for: Frequent flyers
• Country of origin: United States
• Price: $185

NutSac TacSac 13

Next up for review is our very own TacSac 13. This was one of our first popular products, and it remains a staple in the NutSac family of bags.

Made of water-resistant waxed canvas and accented with full-grain leather, the TacSac 13 features metal hardware and a heavy-duty adjustable canvas strap. It’s made to accompany you on just about any journey, and backed up by a lifetime warranty to boot.

Among the bags we’re reviewing today, the TacSac 13 is definitely on the smaller side. It’s a quick grab-and-go option that’s perfect for everyday carry, but perhaps won’t be your first choice for long-haul flights. Even so, an integrated Molle panel system makes it compatible with a wide range of customizable carry options, proving that more isn’t always better.

• Dimensions/Capacity: 13″ x 9″ x 3.5″, 7 liters
• Materials: Waxed canvas, full-grain leather, metal hardware
• Notable features: Integrated Molle system for customizable carry options
• Best for: Buy-it-for-life everyday carry
• Country of origin: United States
• Price: $199

Mismo M/S Satchel

Mismo is a relatively new brand for the Carry Lounge — we’ve been following them for quite a while, but this is our first chance to review one hands-on. And this Dutch brand definitely does not disappoint.

First things first, this bag is definitely not cheap; it’s roughly in the same price category as Filson’s bags, and it has a very similar look, feel, and quality. Its hand-sewn detailing gives it a particularly rugged aesthetic, emphasized by the bridle leather and brass accessories that adorn a (non-waxed) canvas body.

The most notable feature of Mismo’s M/S Satchel is that it can transform from a messenger bag into a briefcase by folding the top flap over and pulling out an interior handle. That’s a really cool feature, and something that you don’t see in many shoulder bags. So if you’re looking for a bag that can easily transition from casual to professional and back again, this one is well worth your attention.

• Dimensions/Capacity: 14” x 11” x 5”, 14 liters
• Materials: Canvas, bridle leather, brass accessories
• Notable features: Transforms into a briefcase
• Best for: Both business and pleasure
• Country of origin: Denmark
• Price: $620

Will Leather Goods Wallace Messenger Bag

Made by a company in Eugene, Oregon, the Will Leather Goods Wallace messenger bag is a beefy but classical shoulder-carry bag. Made of (non-waxed) cotton and full-grain leather, it’s a heavy-duty bag with a timeless aesthetic that will look good with just about any outfit.

Weighing in at six pounds and sporting a 17 liter capacity, the Wallace is quite a bulky shoulder bag. And like the Mismo featured above, it’s not waxed — which means that, at first, it might feel a little floppy. But when fully loaded, these bags will feel — and look — great to carry around town. There are plenty of interior pockets to organize your EDC gear, and a laptop sleeve for when you need to take your work on the go.

• Dimensions/Capacity: 16” x 5.5” x 12”, 17 liters
• Materials: Canvas, full-grain leather, and YKK zippers
• Notable features: Vintage aesthetic, large carrying capacity
• Best for: Fashion-conscious EDC
• Country of origin: Imported, unspecified

How to Choose the Best Shoulder Bag for You

Shoulder bags and messenger bags are — essentially — one and the same. So what should you take into account before committing to purchasing one?

Here’s what we look for as we’re reviewing shoulder bags to figure out which one is the best:

• Size: You could be carrying a backpack or a small sling — but the shoulder bag offers a fine blend between the two. Just big enough for a laptop, yet not large enough to carry your whole life around in, the shoulder bag is a reliable go-to for everyday carry for the office and errands around town. Try to match a shoulder bag’s size with your laptop size, while allowing a little bit of room for unexpected pickups.

• Organization: Shoulder bags can range from being simple, one-compartment affairs to elaborately detailed organization systems. So we recommend asking yourself: How many different things will you want to be carrying on a daily basis? And which bag has compartments specifically for your EDC loadout?

• Durability: If you’re packing your most cherished everyday items inside of your shoulder bag, you know that you want the best protection for them. But beyond that, if you’re investing a few hundred dollars in a solid EDC bag, you want to know that it will last. So look for durable materials first and foremost — either reinforced nylon or canvas are certainly our favorites.

• Price: How much do you need to spend for the best shoulder bag in town? That depends on exactly what you expect to get out of it — but we’re of the mind that if you have the budget, you should buy one shoulder bag that will last you a lifetime. If not, just know that you’ll be replacing it a few years down the road.

• Warranty: Hand in hand with the price of a shoulder bag, you should always check out its warranty. After all, if you’re investing top dollar in a solid bag, you should know that it’s (literally) guaranteed for a lifetime.

Taking each of those factors into account should point you towards the perfect bag for your own tastes and individual needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

And before we go, we’d like to answer a few questions about how to find the best shoulder bag in today’s market.

How Should A Shoulder Bag Fit?

Any shoulder bag used for everyday carry should fit comfortably in either a crossbody position or slung over just one shoulder. That means it should have a strap long enough to comfortable fit your size of body, as well as adjustability that allows it to conform to your carry style.

What are the Benefits of a Shoulder Bag?

Shoulder bags are an excellent in-between option: Larger than a sling bag, but not as bulky as a briefcase or backpack. If you’re carrying just a handful of EDC essentials, they’re a perfect way to travel light while still maintaining excellent functionality.

How Should You Carry A Shoulder Bag?

Shoulder bags have three main modes of carry:

1. Cross-body. This is the best way to carry a shoulder bag if it’s loaded close to its capacity, and it’s also great for bicycle travel.
2. One-shouldered. This casual carry style is great for when you’re traveling light in urban environments.
3. By the carry handle. Many shoulder bags can transform into briefcase-like carry modes for professional purposes.