Option Gray Discusses Sling Bags

I will admit that I'm interested in sling bags--the urban bags with a diagonal carry strap that go from one shoulder to the opposite hip. Many of the small ones are designed to carry the cargo compartment on the front of the body where it is more accessible for small items (wallets, key, phones) but providing more security than other types of bags (particularly, for women, better security than a purse). 

    My wife bought one several months ago to use on a trip where she was doing a lot of walking around but I think the particular model she picked wound up being too bulky for her tastes. It is large enough that it probably one that you would want to carry in a position where it was carried over your back instead of to your front. The bag incorporated a pocket for carrying a concealed weapon, in that it had zippers on both sides of the compartment so it was accessible no matter how you carried it, and it was lined with the loop fabric used in hook and loop fasteners systems. I tried to set it up for concealed carry, but the holster that came with it did not have enough coverage of the loop fasteners to (in my opinion) keep it sufficient secured. In addition, the retention strap was set up like a regular thumb break strap (but with Velcro) so it wasn't quick to use. The short take was that I wound up not using it--I think, at a minimum, I need a better holster than the one provided with the bag. But I'm still interested in the concept. 

    Option Gray has a couple articles on using sling bags for concealed carry and/or a basic get home bag:

• "Urban Nomad: The Story of Survival with Sling Bags." This is a fictionalized article about "Alex" and why and how he uses a sling bag as an urban survival bag, explaining advantages over other types of bags, not the least being: "The sling bag’s versatile style was perfect. It avoided the tactical, military look that could attract suspicion. Instead, it whispered adaptability, allowing Alex to blend into any environment effortlessly." And, "[i]t contained a first aid kit, a multitool, and hidden compartments for valuables. Everyday carry items balanced functionality with discretion, including a water filter, compact flashlight, and small food supplies." The bulk of the article goes into the advantages of sling bags, recommendations as to types of materials and other features.
• "The Best Concealed Carry Sling Bags for EDC | How to Use Them." This article also goes over what to pack (and what not to pack) in a sling bag as well as advantages to using one for concealed carry. The author writes:

    A sling bag is a little more specialized than your normal messenger bag or backpack. First, it only has one strap. The advantages of this will become apparent in a little bit. Second, they tend to be smaller and therefore carry less gear. As you will use this bag for carrying your firearm, you don’t want it loaded down. Your bug out bag (BOB) has a different purpose. Keep the two separate.

    Since sling bags only have one strap, that shoulder supports the entire load. You will want this bag light. Pack it like your BOB and you’ll regret it quickly.

    The single strap is also the source of its speed. With the dual straps of a regular backpack, you end up in one of two scenarios. In the first, you have shouldered both straps and you need to drop one (or both) to access your gun. In the second, you have one strap, usually over your strong shoulder and you have to drop the bag to access your gun.

    With a sling bag, you simply rotate the bag around your body and bring it to bear over your chest. As there is one strap and it’s already in position. You need only pull the base of the bag around to get it into position.

After going over what to pack into a bag, the author also discusses a few sling bags he likes. I will note that these are larger than what you probably think of as a sling bag--they are essentially the size of small to medium size day packs--because they are sized to carry a laptop or notebook computer. One point that caught my attention, however, is that these bags allow you to carry the core essentials of a trauma kit, something that most standard concealed carry setups won't allow.  

Sling bags are obviously popular for concealed carry. In trying to find some other articles on the topics, a basic Google search for "sling bangs for concealed carry" resulted in pages of results of bags being sold for concealed carry, but very little in way of articles. Most of the discussion seems limited to forums. However, I will point out this article from Premier Body Armor: "How Can a Sling Bag Enhance Your Concealed Carry Strategy?"