The 6 Best Small Bags for Everyday Carry

Not every carry needs to be large. Sometimes, less is more. Whether you’re heading out with just the essentials or looking to lighten your daily load, a well-built small bag can be the perfect solution.

Here are six standout options we think are worth your attention—each one built with care, thoughtfully designed, and suited for a variety of carry preferences.

1. NutSac MBD

The MBD—short for “Man Bag, Dammit”—is one of NutSac’s most popular bags. It’s a simple, minimal design with just enough room for your core essentials: phone, wallet, keys, knife, iPad mini, and a few extras.

The exterior features a front zip pocket, a main compartment, YKK zippers, a grab handle, and a heavy-duty cotton webbing strap. Inside, you’ll find a clean open layout with a full-width zippered stash pocket on the back panel for valuables.

What makes the MBD special is its simplicity and build quality. It’s handcrafted from waxed-canvas and leather, feels durable in hand, and wears beautifully over time. For a compact daily carry, this one is hard to beat.

• Dimensions: 10″ L × 6″ H × 2.5″ D
  
• Materials: Martexin American waxed-canvas, premium leather leather
  
• Volume: Approx. 2.5L
  
• Weight: 10 oz

2. Tom Bihn Sidekick

The Sidekick is a functional, no-frills bag from Seattle-based Tom Bihn. With a clean, understated design, it’s equally suited to travel and everyday use.

Externally, you get a front zippered pocket with a key tether and a strap system with an anti-slip pad. Internally, it’s all about organization—seven pockets in total line the interior for thoughtful storage. The main compartment features a bright contrasting liner that makes locating gear quick and easy.

If you want something practical, discreet, and extremely well-made, the Sidekick delivers.

• Dimensions: 9.6″ L × 7.5″ H × 2.8″ D
  
• Materials: 630d ballistic nylon, ripstop lining
  
• Volume: 3L
  
• Weight: 7.5 oz

3. Stubble & Co Shoulder Bag

This vertical shoulder bag offers a unique silhouette compared to the others. It’s compact, lightweight, and ideal for those who prefer to carry upright.

Outside, you’ll find a quick-access slip pocket. Inside, a high-vis orange liner brightens the space and highlights its folio-style layout, including mesh and zippered pockets for added organization.

It’s the slimmest and smallest profile of the group. If that’s your vibe—something sleek, minimal, and distinctly different—this is a great option to explore.

• Dimensions: 5.3″ L × 7.5″ H × 2″ D
  
• Materials: 900D recycled PET, water-resistant zippers
  
• Volume: 2.7L
  
• Weight: 0.44 lbs

4. NutSac Satchel 11

If the MBD is the essentials-only bag, the Satchel 11 is its slightly bigger sibling. With enough space to carry a full-size tablet and then some, this bag offers a little more room while still maintaining a compact footprint.

It features NutSac’s signature strap and post closure, along with a front zip pocket, top grab handle, padded shoulder strap, and smooth YKK top zipper. Inside, you’ll find a couple of open pockets and a secure zippered stash pocket.

Crafted with the same premium materials as all NutSac gear, this one wears beautifully and balances minimalism with added space. If you're looking for something small, but not too small, this is it.

• Dimensions: 11″ L × 7.5″ H × 3″ D
• Materials: Waxed-canvas, full-grain leather, metal hardware
• Weight: Approx. 1 lb

5. Nomatic Navigator Lite Sling 1L

• Dimensions: 10″ L × 6″ H × 2.5″ D
• Materials: 400D durable nylon
• Volume: 1L
• Weight: 0.5 lbs

The Navigator Lite is a no-frills, compact sling with a surprisingly smart design. It includes a well-structured main compartment with internal mesh organizers and a slick strap system featuring a sturdy buckle.

One clever detail is the back zip, which opens to reveal a bit of extra capacity—useful if your gear load fluctuates throughout the day.

This is a great lightweight option for commuting, travel, or simply carrying the bare minimum. It’s also one of the most affordable bags on the list, which adds to its appeal.

• Dimensions: 10″ L × 6″ H × 2.5″ D
• Materials: 400D durable nylon
• Volume: 1L
• Weight: 0.5 lbs

6. JSD Bombus 

Handmade by Jakob Skidan under the JSD label, the Bombus pack is a small-batch, high-function sling that packs an impressive amount of organization into a compact footprint.

It features three compartments, including a front zip pocket, a secondary tech-ready compartment, and a main section with a loop panel for customization. The strap system includes a Fidlock buckle and is removable.

This is the most customizable and “modular” bag of the roundup. For those who love pouches, panels, and setup options, this one's a standout. Jakob’s doing some seriously thoughtful work here—and it shows.

• Dimensions: 9.4″ L × 6.7″ H × 3.5″ D
• Materials: XPAC fabric
• Volume: Approx. 3.5L

Final Thoughts

Small bags offer a liberating way to carry—less weight, less clutter, more intentionality. Whether you lean toward rugged waxed canvas, technical XPAC, or ultralight nylon, there’s a bag in this list that can meet your needs and complement your style.

Thanks for reading—and if you're ready to carry less, any one of these bags is a great place to start.

FAQ: Small Bags & Everyday Carry

Why carry a small bag?

Because most days, you don’t need a big bag. A small bag offers a more comfortable, streamlined way to carry just the essentials—wallet, phone, keys, maybe a few extras—without the bulk. It’s practical, lightweight, and keeps your gear organized and close at hand. For commutes, quick errands, or travel days when you want to stay nimble, a small bag just makes sense.

What is considered a "small bag"?

In the world of everyday carry, a small bag is typically any bag with a volume under 5 liters. These include slings, crossbodies, shoulder bags, and compact pouches designed to carry just the essentials—think phone, wallet, keys, and maybe a tablet or notebook.

 What can I fit in a 2–3L bag?

Most 2–3L bags are surprisingly capable. You'll generally be able to carry:

• Phone
• Wallet
• Keys
• Sunglasses
• Pocket knife or multitool
• Passport or small notebook
• Some can even fit a tablet (like an iPad Mini), depending on dimensions and internal organization.

Are small bags good for travel?

Absolutely. Small bags are excellent for travel, especially for day excursions, airports, or crowded environments where you want to keep your valuables close. Look for ones with internal organization, water-resistant zippers, and adjustable straps for comfort.

What’s the difference between a sling, a crossbody, and a shoulder bag?

Great question. These terms often overlap:

• Sling Bags are designed to be worn across the back or chest, usually with a single strap.
• Crossbody Bags also have a single strap but tend to sit lower and may favor style over technical carry.
• Shoulder Bags typically sit at the side and may include messenger-style layouts with more structure.

How do I choose the right small bag?

It comes down to a few things:

• Size & capacity – 1–3L is best for minimalists; 4–5L if you carry more.
• Materials – Waxed canvas for ruggedness, nylon for ultralight carry, XPAC for technical weatherproofing.
• Features – Do you need a key tether? MOLLE? Fidlock buckle? Think through your daily use.
• Carry style – Make sure the strap works for your dominant shoulder and preferred position (front, back, side).

Can men wear small bags?

Absolutely—and they do. Small bags are incredibly popular among men looking for more freedom in how they carry their essentials. Think of them as modern-day utility pouches with better design.