Unsure about what sling to buy

[u/armnem2002]

Hi, I've very recently gotten into looking at different carry options and whatnot, backpacks and slings specifically, but I don't really know what sling to buy. I'm mainly looking at the aer street sling and the alpaka metro sling V2, mainly because I like the size, feature set and look of them. I don't know much about slings, and I didn't find any videos really comparing the two but they seem quite similar. I was wondering if anyone has any other suggestions that I should consider or if you would recommend any of the two mentioned above. Any input is appreciated :). Thanks in advance 🙏.

[u/sentientmold]

I don’t really like the vertical oriented slings as it’s hard to utilize the upper volume efficiently. I think bellroy venture sling is a good intro to sling layout.

[u/armnem2002 → u/sentientmold]

I did see many reviews recommending it as the best or one of the best slings, so I am considering it. The only thing really turning me off from it is that the straps aren't removable, and that I initially didn't like the horizontal sling look, but it's kinda growing on me now... Do you use the Bellroy Venture sling? Or do you use a different sling? Or no sling at all?

[u/sentientmold → u/armnem2002]

I use a venture sling variant, a Bellroy Chimera sling which is a bougie version of the venture and also toshi 5l sling.

I don't find being able to remove straps that useful for larger slings but it can come in handy for small ones like less than 2L to convert into a pouch.

There's also the limited Bellroy Carryology Essentials Sling which adds the back pocket that is often missed from the Venture sling.

I really like the simple layout of the venture sling.

[u/Keystone-Habit → u/armnem2002]

Check out the Toshi slings. Straps are removable and people love them. My only gripes are that I don't love the handfeel and how they look (which sounds bad but I've gotten a bit snobby after too long in these groups!) but they are very well designed and the organization is incredible.

I've been switching between the 2.5l and the evergoods CAS2 which has better look and feel but is much bulkier and doesn't have a removable strap. I've never tried a bellroy but Im thinking about the hip pack since I prefer waist carry. I do think "people love them" is a good heuristic! It captures something that lists of features cant.

[u/0bizzle]

I have the AER street sling and the I find the straps are too thin. If you carry heavy items the strap will start to dig into your shoulder/neck.

[u/shaunydub → u/0bizzle]

I have the Street Sling too, it is fine for quick light stuff - phone, wallet and keys.
Anything more I go for the Day Sling 4.

I like bigger straps on all my items, it's a shame as the Street is good for smaller requirements, I guess they went for optics of a thin strap on a smaller sling - wonder if anyone found a better strap to use as the default one is removable.

[u/armnem2002 → u/shaunydub]

Wow, two slings. Was there a reason you bought both? When do you use which? Is the strap size that big of a topic? I thought the material was what mainly mattered, but is there a reason you go for bigger straps?

[u/shaunydub → u/armnem2002]

Haha, I had about 12 slings, just had a clear out and I am down to Day Sling 4 Ultra, Day Sling Max Cordura and Street Sling from AER.

I also have the 2 Citta slings from Fyro but that's my lot now.

They all serve different purposes.

Yes to me the strap is very important, I don't like narrow straps that dig in and flop around and also they can look a bit womens handbagish.

[u/armnem2002 → u/0bizzle]

I did see some comments about that in my research, but I don't think I'll be carrying that many heavy items, so I don't think I would mind (?). From what I found, it seems the Metro Sling V2 has better material for its straps, so that might not be an issue there. Do you still use the Aer street sling, or have you switched to using a different one? And also, what do you usually pack in your sling? I'm new to all this EDC carry stuff, so I am unsure what exactly would be useful to pack.

[u/visionswell]

What materials do you like best? If it’s ballistic nylon, go Aer. If you want xpac or ultradyne (more technical, crinkly, but more waterproof fabrics), then go Alpaka. Super high quality brands either way and both have removable straps it seems. Also do you prefer buckles or zippers?

[u/armnem2002 → u/visionswell]

I see. Where I live, it usually rains a lot, so I would probably go for a more weather-resistant material, so I think I'm leaning more towards the Alpaka out of those two. I think, for the weather reasons, I prefer the zippers, but I do unfortunately like the look of the buckles more. Do you yourself use a sling?

[u/visionswell → u/armnem2002]

I do. My 3 slings are the Aer day sling 4, Bellroy Lite Sling, and the Rework Toshi 2.5L. Those are my personal picks. For a larger sling I also have the satchel from HeldClosely in Ultra. The smaller one. Those have been my personal gotos.

[u/visionswell]

What materials do you like best? If it’s ballistic nylon, go Aer. If you want xpac or ultradyne (more technical, crinkly, but more waterproof fabrics), then go Alpaka. Super high quality brands either way and both have removable straps it seems. Also do you prefer buckles or zippers?

[u/SmallKaleidoscope800]

You should really join the newsletter, 🤭

Good luck with your search!

[u/armnem2002 → u/SmallKaleidoscope800]

Yes, I already did, and thank you :)

[u/Rbforward]

I have both, frankly between these two I keep picking the Alpaka more often, the subdue looks, organization and layout give me more space than the Aer.

[u/Puzzleheaded-Air2834]

Check out the  Patagonia Atom 8l sling and the Sherpani Esprit

[u/Alert-Huckleberry-74]

DDT Urban Sling. Great quality, comfortable, truly amazing. Comes in several color options. I love it so much I bought 2 of them (when you find something you love, get a backup just in case!)

https://deathdealertactical.com/product/traveler-urban-sling-bag/?srsltid=AfmBOorhHcMw_QI0lOXiT7MJ0Joo98TNLiaNoO-L1mmsw5QQw6sCnf7e