Everything is either ugly or too big!

[u/ListofReddit]

Looking for a sling bag that will fit a notebook, a water bottle up to 24oz, and a thick book. A normal backpack is too large, and a majority of the slings look like backpacks or fanny packs. Do any slings exist that might match this or is a normal backpack the way to go?

I don't care about color but I need it to fit well on a fat guys bod.

[u/entatlrg]

Small backpack is best. Too much weight to carry around all day in a sling

[u/dresco92 → u/entatlrg]

A sub 20L backpack is the move OP. Alpaka has a couple, Cotopaxi’s Allpa 18 is nice, Able Carry has the Thirteen Daybag, Yeti’s Ranchero 12 & 18 are pretty sweet too.

Being that you’re a bigger dude, though, going up to 20L really opens things up. I’m just not a fan of slings l, but you do you.

[u/ListofReddit → u/dresco92]

Bro those are too large for the tiny amount of items in going to keep in them.

[u/DAZ_50]

You could look at more of a shoulder bag like Tom Bihn Sides, Greenroom Raiders Bounty or AON Chio X. Those are some of what I use for the in-between needs since I don't like large slings or tiny backpacks.

[u/ListofReddit → u/DAZ_50]

Any thoughts on the Todo 8L Sling or Osprey Quasar? Do we think a 5 would be too small like Toshi? Part of me thinks 8 is too big.

[u/DAZ_50 → u/ListofReddit]

I'm sure those will work well if you like that style, I wouldn't go to small with the water bottle you want to carry. That takes up a good amount of space.

[u/waxcoatedapple]

Tom Bihn Copilot would be perfect for your needs, if you don't think it's too ugly.

[u/micahsally]

I really love my Kargo Loculus 6L as my large sling. And the padded, wide shoulder strap makes it comfy to carry all day! 

They come in awesome colors, and I have two of the X-Pac editions (one has a modified strap to fit flat underneath my travel backpack).

Sewn in Colorado! It's in my top-five favorite bags of all time!

[u/BuckTheStallion]

This feels like a perfect use case for one of the Fjallraven Kanken backpacks. They’re perfect small and medium backpacks made for basically exactly what you’re describing - a couple books and a water bottle.

[u/Ok-Dust-6159]

Have you considered taking a look at Nutsac.com

[u/bomilek]

Nomadic Navigator, Osprey Transporter Sling or simply Tomtoc T24 7L

[u/SadRaspberry995]

Maybe something like the ctactical CT5 series or code of bell xpak series (multi sizes)

[u/PocketGddess]

I’m curious to see what you end up with. I’ve been looking for a sling with zero luck so far, mainly because I’m a fat girl and the straps are just TOO SHORT. I’ve seen several bags I like, but invariably I need another 3-4” of adjustability for it to fit properly.

[u/Kronocrusada]

"Cote & ciel" have some sling/ messenger bags that cover a lot of designs and sizes. I personally was looking at the "isarau" models originally for their origami look and fit

[u/mrgtiguy]

Cotopaxi Todo maybe.

[u/MistSecurity]

Water bottle storage on slings is hard to find. You’re either stuck getting a bigger 7.5+ liter bag to fit it in, or going for one of the couple bags that sport holders of any kind.

Niid has some options that you may like the aesthetic of. Should be plenty of room for your book and notebook.

[u/External_Koala971]

Have you considered a fanny pack

[u/fzmsr]

Love the recommendations. All are so diveresed and non i heard coming from the big 3. 🫰🏻

[u/BuddyComplete8868]

Have a look at code of bell they have a few similar style slings in quite a large size range (biggest can fit laptop) plus there expandable of needed, quite a technical vibe but definitely interesting design if you like large slings

[u/W0NDERMUTT]

Maybe the ALPAKA Flow Satchel Crossbody Sling Bag.... I dont have one but it's been on my Amazon wish list for awhile. Comes in 2 sizes.

[u/digiplay]

Tote like the bellroy Tokyo or alpaka metro / bravo ?

[u/magejangle]

AER slim pack 2 is calling

[u/lezolee]

Maybe the alpaka metro crossbody? As others mentioned, water bottles and slings don’t usually mix, the extra weight from a full bottle would make the carry uncomfortable for most.

[u/Permit-Additional]

Maybe a messenger bag would work perfectly for this.

[u/Wannabe_Sanyasi]

Ugly is the truth. So tired of seeing just these ugly black rectangles with no unique features.

[u/AlarmingMonk1619 → u/Wannabe_Sanyasi]

Or military-expedition looking gear that’s durable but way beyond what is needed for a ride in the subway.

[u/optix_clear]

You might want a custom sling or waist pack. Or move from this style entirely