A Cutting-Edge EDC Brand Sneakily Dropped Two of the Toughest Minimalist Sling Bags Around

Not only do these underdog crossbody bags look exceptionally good, but they’re built tougher than most rugged adventure gear.

By Sean Tirman

Published June 12, 2025

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Updated June 12, 2025

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Pioneer is my favorite wallet brand, full stop. Hell, it’s one of my favorite EDC brands, period.

I picked up the brand’s Molecule Cardholder some years ago and never looked back. If it ever needs to be replaced (and let’s be honest, that’ll be because I lose it, not because it needs replacing), I will buy another one. That’s how much I love what Pioneer has done.

Recently, the brand has expanded beyond wallets into the bag category. Turns out, they’ve got that nailed down, too. While Pioneer’s initial foray expanded with a trio of absurdly well-made backpacks, its latest releases, which flew under most folks’ radars, are more commuter and EDC-friendly.

It’s time to change that. Meet the Pioneer Safari and A4U sling bags.

Pioneer Carry Safari EDC Sling bag surrounded by wallet, iPod, AirPods, camera, glasses — The Safari is highly compact, but can still haul everything you see here (and probably more) inside it.

City safari

The smaller of the two bags is called the City Safari. It’s ideal for folks who just need a small, sleek, secure pack when they’re tooling around the city. However, this isn’t just a simple commuter bag.

The bag’s exterior is pretty minimal — there are no external pockets (although there are two straps for additional attachments, should you need them). However, it’s made from a proprietary material called Mandarin 840 that deserves some attention.

Pioneer Carry Safari EDC Sling Bag worn on person's back — The Safari wears well and looks great in all three colorways.

The brand called Mandarin 840 a “premium super fabric,” and its used across its bags, including these slings. It’s a “heavyweight high-tenacity nylon fabric with a rich and unique dobby weave,” and has a DWR finish and waterproof membrane. It’s renowned for its durability and clean, wrinkle-free appearance.

The bag also has a nylon shoulder strap, a generous main compartment, aluminum buckles and premium zippers. If compactness and simplicity are your jams, this bag is tough to beat.

Pioneer Carry A4U Sling Bag worn on hip closeup — Unlike the Safari, the A4U has dual exterior bags and a larger overall capacity.

Big(ger) brother

Like the Safari Sling, the A4U Sling has a rock-solid Mandarin 840 fabric exterior that will keep it protected (along with everything inside) and looking sleek. However, it’s a completely different format.

In place of a completely minimalist exterior, this one boasts dual zippered pouches perfect for keeping your loadout organized. It also has a generous main compartment with its own internal organization, including another internal zippered pocket and more.

Pioneer tested this bag over the course of “dozens of international trips” to ensure its functionality and durability were up to par.

The name is also a hint at its capability: it’s designed to fit A4-sized items, including smaller iPads. In total, it boasts a 2.5-liter capacity, which makes it perfect as your go-to personal item when traveling.

In fact, Pioneer tested this bag over the course of “dozens of international trips” to ensure its functionality and durability were up to par. Spoiler alert: they definitely were.

Pioneer Carry A4U EDC Sling Bag interior — The A4U’s interior sports the brand’s signature gridded pattern, first appearing outside its wallets.

Available now

Both the Pioneer Safari and Pioneer A4U sling bags are now available on the brand’s site (although some colorways are already sold out). The former costs $88, whereas the latter is $134. Whichever you choose, you’re getting a bargain; trust me.