Tactical or not to Tactical?

When looking for the perfect bag, you want to ensure that there aren’t too many straps in the way. A sling, which uses a single piece to stay around your back, is the perfect choice for anyone on the go that needs a bit more storage than your traditional fanny pack. We’ve broken down slings into two categories: tactical and non-tactical.

Like this option from G4Free, a tactical sling is typically made of high denier nylon fabric, adorned with MOLLE webbing, and a superfluous number of compartments, zippers, and pockets. It’s packed with customization options, the MOLLE ( Modular Lightweight Load-Carrying Equipment) webbing allows you to attach extra pouches and accessories. That modularity can be super useful for anyone who needs organization, and compartmentalization, or loves the look of a military or survivalist aesthetic. Its waterproof material is designed to handle the harshest elements and the toughest conditions. 

Tactical Vs. Non-Tactical

The non-tactical option like Nutsac's Classic Waxed sling, relies on a rugged waxed canvas, a sleek silhouette, and a modest design language for an everyday-friendly aesthetic. It’s a lot more toned down, looking like a traditional bag you’d use to carry around your belongings out in suburbia or on the trail. This bag relies on its rugged waxed canvas, sleek silhouette, and minimalist design language for an everyday-friendly aesthetic.

The design of each type of bag is very different. The NutSac sling’s minimalist design pairs beautifully with everyday clothing like jeans, a nice shirt, or a blazer. Made of waxed canvas and leather, it's designed to last, aging beautifully and earning more character over time. The bag’s storage is simply down the essentials, skipping the endless pockets you’d need to shuffle through, making it streamlined and super comfortable for daily commutes or errands. 

Design

The Nutsac can still carry all the essentials, like your phone, wallet, and keys, without overcomplicating your loadout. It’s simple but alluring. With just a main compartment and a few small pockets, you have an easy access four-way zipper into the main portion of the Pack. There’s even a quick access pocket on the outside which means less rummaging and fewer forgotten items in hidden pockets

Now when you look at the tactical sling, the difference is striking. The aggressive aesthetic is packed with MOLLE loops, zippers everywhere, and a shape that screams ‘I’m ready for action!’ All of the pockets can be useful if you need to hold everything on your person or if you tend to carry a lot of MOLLE spec gear. You’ve got a couple of pockets on the front, hook and loops, side pockets, a main pocket, and then a large back pocket with a holster attachment. There are even different buckles and attachment points which is not at all uncommon for a tactical sling.

 

Which Bag is Right For You?

The tactical option would be perfect for a BugOut bag that you can grab in an emergency, but might not be the best for anyone who just needs something to help them in their everyday. Personally, we prefer the simplicity of the non-tactical option. 

As for wearability, the tactical option is padded and can distribute loads well but can feel very bulky when filled up. If you are in a regular situation where you don’t need every single piece of gear, the bag is going to feel like it's dragging you down rather than helping. The NutSac on the other hand is lightweight and moves comfortably from your back to your chest. In our opinion, it’s more comfortable for daily commutes, quick errands, or even traveling through airports—without looking like you’re deploying for a mission.

If you aren’t a daily warrior who needs every tool known to man at a moment’s notice, the tactical option probably isn’t for you. Though it's great to have a sling designed to handle the harshest elements and deepest ravines, most people aren’t globe-trekking in dangerous environments with their bags. 

But for most people on an average day, we think the sleek, minimal NutSac sling wins out. It’s stylish without being flashy, durable without feeling bulky, and fits seamlessly into everyday life. There’s no need to go over the top and overburden yourself while on your commute or grabbing coffee.