One of the Best Modern EDC Bag Brands Drops an Unconventional Sling for City-Goers

Aer streamlines the classic crossbody pack while maintaining excellent organization, security and style.

Aer Street Sling EDC Crossbody Pack fidlock closeup

Published June 9, 2025

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Crossbody packs (also known as sling bags) have become a staple of the everyday carry and travel worlds, especially for folks who value speed and security over storage capacity. However, many of them are oriented and outfitted like fanny packs (or hip packs)—horizontal, shallow and lacking in organization.

One of the best bag brands on the market at the moment has taken a bold, alternative approach in its latest EDC release, the Aer Street Sling. It’s pretty unconventional, but it also has a lot going for it.

Aer Street Sling EDC Crossbody Pack on hip with carabiner attached — The bag’s flip-top opening has a Fidlock buckle, which is extremely secure but also quick-opening when needed.

Let’s get vertical

One of the chief differences between this bag and other crossbody slings is its orientation. Whereas others are horizontal, this one is vertical. While that might seem obvious, the immediate benefits might be less apparent.

For starters, this bag does not lose anything in regard to its storage capacity. It can hold up to 2.4 liters of gear, which is pretty standard for smaller sling bags. It’s enough to haul your EDC loadout (plus a bit more) while keeping your pockets free.

While horizontal bags can be frustratingly shallow […] this bag offers more security in its depth.

However, the vertical orientation (and its internal format) has another benefit: superior organization. While horizontal bags can be frustratingly shallow — things can even fall out when you go fishing for them — this bag offers more security in its depth.

Mate that to its numerous pockets, both internal and external, and you’ll want for nothing organization-wise. Of course, that’s just one of its many excellent value propositions.

Aer Street Sling EDC Crossbody Pack open showing interior on city street — The bag’s numerous internal (and external) pockets make staying organized and nimble a cinch.

Speed and security, synergized

Because of its orientation, the Street Sling lends itself to a flip-top closure. This offers increased security, especially when paired with its Fidlock buckle. It also makes accessing the bag’s contents incredibly quick when needed.

For those not in the know, Fidlocks are magnetic buckling systems that, when secured, are extremely solid. However, with a tug on the attached cord in the right direction, they’re also quick-release, making them super speedy and convenient, as well.

The flip-top closure also adds some weatherproofing and durability, on top of its security. Mate that to the bag’s exterior material (either 1680D Cordura ballistic nylon, VX-42 X-Pac or Challenge Sailcloth Ultra400X) and you’ve got yourself a formidable bag all-around.

Lastly, the vertical orientation allows users to move the bag to a more secure position on their body more easily (unlike backpacks, for instance). So when things get crowded, you just shift it to your front or under your jacket and, boom, it’s safe and secure.