Our writers and editors look for the best Sling Bags available. We test, research and review the best products in different categories with a focus on quality, performance and the overall value for the price.
These reviews are based on actual everyday use by four authors and included help from their everyday circle. We add to this list and remove some as they become available or lose their relative value.
The best sling bag will be the accessory that matches the needs of the wearer. We started out with 20 products based on activity, demand and popularity online and ended up with this list of slings that we reviewed.
A sling backpack like these are designed for sports and camping, cycling, festivals and travel. Each has been honestly reviewed.
This guide to the best sling bags available includes options ranging in price from $15 – $100. Additionally, there are sling bags specifically made for women and those that will appeal to men. But that generally comes down to a question of taste and design features.
Read more about the testing process and compare prices and sizes down below.
The Top Sling Bags in 2025
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1
Max Space & Features : The North Face Borealis Sling Bag -
2
Safest Travel & Festival Pack: Pacsafe Vibe 150 Crossbody Sling -
3
Affordable, Spacious, Many Pockets: WATERFLY Crossbody Sling Bag -
4
Great for Cycling: KAVU Rope Sling Bag -
5
Comfort with Lighter Loads: Osprey Daylite Sling Bag -
6
Function, Form, Quality: Patagonia Atom Sling
This 6L North Face Borealis Sling takes the best features from the original 28L Borealis backpack and shrinks it down.
With its compact 6L capacity, the North Face Borealis Sling is cleverly crafted with surprising functional depth. Thoughtful design features are a padded back panel and strap, a bungee cord and daisy loops, and numerous strategically placed pockets.
It has space for a water bottle and a book, a tablet sleeve, plus all the diverse items better carried than worn in pockets.
- Volume: 6L
- Dimension: 7.28'' x 4.72'' x 12.99' / 33 cm x 16.5cm x 9.5cm
- Color: Black and other seasonal colorways
- Weight: 10.6 oz (300 g)
- Material: 210D Recycled Nylon Ripstop & 600D Recycled Polyester - both with a Non-PFC Durable water-repellent finish
Things we like:
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Padding on the strap and back panel -
Easy access to all the pockets
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Extra pockets - internal & external
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External bungee cords & daisy chains for extra storage
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Made from durable, water-repellent
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Has a side water bottle pocket
Things we don't like:
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The keychain holder and zipped pocket have a design flaw -
The bag can only be worn one way
2024 Update: The product reviewed here has made it through 4 festivals and two weeks of sailing and camping with no theft or damage.
Navigating the city confidently with the Pacsafe Vibe 150, an anti-theft sling bag, is what the company promises. It is a small sling bag that fits daily essentials and actually does a good job of keeping them secure.We’ve been using this crossbody-capable sling pack, traveling to some sketchy cities, going to concerts and in many other ways in which it was designed and intended.
We found that it has some really great features that we liked. Some unique security features that we really appreciated. One of our testers found these features made it great for security but compromised on convenience.
Read more the trade-offs are for this great, anti-theft sling bag.
- Volume: 2.2 liters
- Outer Material: 750D Recycled polyester
- Dimensions: 13 x 6.3 x 2.4 inches
- Weight: 0.82 lbs
- Waterproof Rating: 1000mm
Things we like:
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Cut-resistant fabric
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RFID-safe pocket for credit cards and IDs
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Small enough to be unobtrusive
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Comfortable to wear as either a crossbody or fanny pack
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Great design for travel and everyday use
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Durability from high-quality polyester
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Water-resistant and easy to clean
Things we don't like:
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Zippers aren’t for fast access
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Need for an Additional Padlock to fully utilize anti-theft features
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Compact Size Limitations
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Might be too small for those who carry more items regularly
Where to buy WATERFLY Crossbody Sling Bag:
Amazon
Waterfly is a brand that primarily sells its bags on Amazon. Their success is based on making cheaper products that actually last.
This sling bag is one of those affordable crossbody packs with more features than most.
The umbrella pocket is one of the more curious features, but the size and amount of elements do make this large, 18-liter sling useful in a lot of situations.
It sits comfortably enough and has lasted at least a year of intermittent use.
- Capacity: 18 liters
- Material: Nylon
- Pockets: 7
- Dimensions: 12.20 x 5.10 x 18.50 inches
- Weight: 15.04 ounces
Things we like:
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The back panel is breathable enough to minimize sweating
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Good organization with smart pockets
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Very comfortable
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Can be worn crossbody (front and back) and as a messenger bag
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Sleeve for tablets or eReaders
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Strange but very workable umbrella holder
Things we don't like:
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Though resistant, it's not waterproof
Where to buy WATERFLY Crossbody Sling Bag:
Amazon
The KAVU Rope Sling Bag is a crossbody bag that hugs the body in a way that gives it a smaller profile. It’s unique in that it incorporates old climbing ropes as straps, giving it a signature look.
This Rope Sling Bag is water-resistant and extremely durable. It continues to function with only slight signs of wear after more than a year of constant–including a summer of festivals.
For this reason, it has great utility as a type of messenger bag or for other types of activities that demand carrying items close to the body.
In black, this is also a very sleek bag, giving it almost a tactical quality to it. The usefulness of pockets play into this profile too.
- Material: 600D Polyester
- Dimensions: 20 x 11 x 2 inches
- Weight: 11 ounces
- Capacity: 10L
- Cross-Body Strap Length: 22-44 inches
- Colors: Amber, Aqua Montage, Arrow Dynamic, Atomic Orange, Autumn Ikat and 90+ more colors and patterns
Things we like:
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It’s the perfect sling bag to carry in tight spaces thanks to its compact design
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The 100% cotton material is durable and feels good to the touch
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The rope strap stands out
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Functions really well as a messenger bag
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You can fit bulky items inside the sling bag
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Good organization (two main compartments, two smaller zipper pockets)
Things we don't like:
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Not ideal for wearing across the front
Osprey makes great packs and their Daylite Sling Bag confirms that fact.
With lighter loads, the Daylite sling is probably the most comfortable pack in this category. That makes this an ideal pack for hiking and for summer sight-seeing trips.
I’ve used this for sailing as it has the right balance of enough volume in a lower-profile pack that stays out of the way. After a season sailing and going ashore for provisions, I can also confirm the durability of the Daylite. It’s the Nylon material which also has proven water-resistant in light rains as well as splash proof.
- Materials: 210D Diamond Ripstop Nylon, YKK Zippers
- Dimension: 14.5” x 8” x 5”
- Capacity: 6 Liters
- Weight: 0.5 lbs.
- Colors: Black Star, Black, Real Red, Stone Grey/Sage
Things we like:
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Solid construction ensuring durability
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Roomy and well-organized main compartment so it stays clutter-free
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Densely padded and anatomically designed shoulder pad for ultimate comfort
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You can attach another item using a carabiner on the lash point at the strap
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There's another small mesh pocket at the strap for a quick snatch to a small item
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The elastic strap keeper and buckle stowed away gives it a clean look
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Your keys are easier to find with the built-in key clip
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Zippers with large pull tabs glide smoothly
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Osprey's All Mighty Guarantee covers you
Things we don't like:
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The lightweight mesh front isn’t as puncture resistant as heavier options
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You can only wear it from the right shoulder
Where to buy Patagonia Atom Sling:
Amazon
The Atom by Patagonia is a workhorse of a sling bag. It functions more like a small daypack because of its maximizing shape.
Made with recycled materials and quality clips, buckles and zips, the Atom is both durable and stylish. Outdoor gear apparel is a growing segment and Patagonia has been raised up because of the prestige it carries.
As far as organization goes, there is a simple main compartment that can be opened from the side. It’s big enough for a tablet or a shell. There’s an exterior pocket and a mesh pocket on the strap.
The Atom is big enough for basic, daytime essentials and remains comfortable as it hugs the body.
- Material: Polyester
- Peculiarity: DWR coating
- Dimensions: 17 x 10 x 3 inches
- Weight: 10.1 ounces
- Capacity: 8 liters
Things we like:
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The main compartment has a padded sleeve inside for storing your valuable electronics
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The 3D mesh fabric on the back panel and the shoulder strap provides good ventilation
Things we don't like:
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The price tag is high
Where to buy Patagonia Atom Sling:
Amazon
Why we like it:
- ✓Solid construction ensuring durability
- ✓Roomy and well-organized main compartment so it stays clutter-free
- ✓Densely padded and anatomically designed shoulder pad for ultimate comfort
- ✓You can attach another item using a carabiner on the lash point at the strap
- ✓There's another small mesh pocket at the strap for a quick snatch to a small item
Related Reviews
Why Trust Us
We spent more than two years stress testing and eliminating sling bags that didn’t live up to our expectations. Those expectations are based on experience testing different backpacks these past four years.
These reviews are based on our experience. While we have received a couple of demo products for this guide, we’ve not received any payment and it’s our policy never to sell a positive review. We earn from advertisement and commission when visitors link to webshops.
How We Select and Test the Best
We initially selected 20 sling bags. To choose these we used Ahrefs, an internet tool, to find the sling bags that people were looking for. Often this was associated with a brand. We added some slings as they were sent to us.
Four testers thoroughly evaluated these 20 sling bags over two years. Each tester used a bag for two weeks before passing it on to the next tester. After each testing period, the testers provided feedback on durability, ease of use, key features, comfort, style, and overall satisfaction (assessing if the bag met its intended purpose).
We were not paid to give any product a positive review. The overall assessment of all packs has been honestly accounted for here.
These sling bags underwent diverse testing conditions, including travel, cycling, social events, and exposure to rain.
Meet Our Testers
Our testers included experts in their own right: Sylvia is a cosmopolitan diver, cylist and culture hunter; Emil is a 22-year old bartender with a nightlife profile and festivals on the calendar that stress any apparel; Bradley sails, cycles, hikes and camps regularly; and Torben is a scuba instructor and father of three.
These experts are intended to represent a broad spectrum of typical consumers.
Sling Bag Design
Even if the purpose of every sling bag is to carry your belongings, there are no two packs that are the same. Be it the particular style, a specific material, or the number of compartments, you will want to pick the sling bag that will check all of your boxes. Women might have another set of interests in the urban setting, whereas a sling bag for men might be more predominantly for biking. The same is also true in reverse.
Men’s sling bags, as we can see from our time testing each product here, might have space for a small speaker and look generally more tactical in appearance.
What can be stated as fact, is that most people like the more diminutive size of a sling backpack.
No matter what, the following are the features you should consider:
Sling Bag Organization
When choosing what sling bag design to go for, consider in which circumstances you will be wearing it. Will you be using it on a daily basis? If so, you will need a durable pack that doesn’t start showing signs of wear and tear early on.
Are you planning on bringing it with you on longer adventures? Then consider choosing the option that has plenty of compartments for your water bottle, electronic equipment, and other essentials.
What we’ve also found is that a sling bag for women does have smart organization. Not that men don’t value it, but it’s more pronounced for a woman, according to what we found out on the street.
To not limit yourself when picking an outfit for the hiking trip, opt for a single-tone sling bag that will go with everything.
Material
No one wants to be dealing with a pack that is made from poor-quality materials. It’s, therefore, better to pay an extra $20-$30 for a sling bag with a bulletproof construction that is guaranteed to last you a long time.
The majority of sling bags are built from heavy-duty canvas that is not susceptible to splits and rips. This piece of cloth is generally made to withstand rough exploitation in wet and dirty weather conditions.
Other models feature real or faux leather shells with a more delicate lining that is more suitable for light use. While these packs are just as durable as canvas bags, they are prone to fading. Besides, they are unlikely to stretch over time to accommodate substantial loads.
Decide whether water-resistance is a priority for you and pick your sling bag accordingly.
Size
Looks can be deceiving (sounds cliche, but is nevertheless true), which is why you have to examine several aspects when choosing your sling bag’s size. To have an idea of what size pack suits you the best, think about the items you are contemplating carrying in it. The more things you have, the bigger your sling bag should be.
Otherwise, a larger fanny pack that can be worn crossbody might, in fact, fill the need.
The rule of thumb states that larger sling bags are more suitable for business travel and overnight camping, while smaller packs are better suited for tourists and music festival attendees who need to keep their hands free.
Comfort
The more often you intend on using your sling bag, the more relevant the question of comfort should be to you. Besides getting used to one-strap bags, there are a couple of things to keep in mind when evaluating the comfort of your future pack.
A padded shoulder strap is a must for those planning on wearing the sling bag for long hours. It can either make or break your trip depending on how ‘weightless’ your pack feels on your body.
A breathable, possibly even mesh back is another must for the maximum level of comfort. It is particularly important for hot and humid weather conditions when you tend to naturally sweat a lot.
Security Details
The availability of many pockets and compartments on your sling bag surely comes in handy. But what gives you the ultimate peace of mind is the security of those storage spaces. For this reason, make sure your pack has double zippers that can be locked together at the very least.
Other anti-theft features include slash-proofing – a durable cloth featuring a steel mesh designed to prevent knife robberies – and RFID blocking – a pocket-like security system placed inside your bag that protects your credit cards from electronic theft.
Frequently asked questions
A sling bag fills the gap of needing a compact pack that can store multiple items without occupying your hands. The style of a sling bag, therefore, makes it a lot lighter than a backpack and considerably less stiff for your back and shoulders.
That said, it can’t replace a backpack that is able to fit 10x more items. But it can act as an add-on for, say, long-distance air travel and a weekend getaway in the countryside.
Since sling bags have one strap only, they can potentially cause back pain. More often than not this happens when the load you carry is heavy and it leads to one-sided strain. For this reason, those with chronic back pains should steer clear of sling packs.
To avoid back pains, consider using your sling bag for carrying lightweight items only. If you do need to transport heavier items, make sure your back muscles are in good shape. Regularly toning up your back, in this case, is a must.
You are likely to find sling bags under the names like ‘crossbody bag’ and ‘sling backpack’. They are essentially the same thing – a compact pack with one strap that can be worn across the body.
While there are packs that are spacious enough to fit your laptop and camera gear, their mainstream name remains to be ‘sling bags’.
The best sling bags are the ones that feel comfortable on your body and allow you to carry the vast majority of your essentials. They should also be constructed from a durable fabric that will resist occasional bumps into crowds and rock formations.
As you would expect, sling bags differ from duffel bags, waterproof backpacks and travel backpacks both in size and shape. Depending on the purpose of use, they can serve as daypacks and full-on hiking backpacks.
In this in-depth guide, you will find the most reliable sling bags available on the market. To spare you some scrolling time, however, take a look at our top sling bag picks down below:
- NeatPack Canvas Sling Bag
- KAVU Rope Sling Bag
- TOPNICE Anti-Theft Sling Bag
- Patagonia Atom Sling Bag
- OutdoorMaster Sling Bag
- Roma Leathers Women’s Leather Sling Bag
- Osprey Daylite Sling Bag
Read full reviews of each sling bag on Outoria.COM by clicking the links above.
Designed to be worn across or parallel to your body, sling bags are the perfect accessory for everyday use just as much as for adventurous trips.
They provide ample storage for your belongings without weighing you down, which makes them a great companion for office work and for hiking alike.
If you already have a sling bag or you just bought one, leave a comment in the comment section below and share your experience with it.
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Comments
You should create one for durable see through plastic and/or mesh ones too for people who needs them for places/jobs that require see through bags. There’s too many poor quality ones that keeps breaking.
Most people buy tactical shoulder bags for their versatility – they can be used outdoors during an adventure or simply as an EDC bag.
Sling bags, like any other tactical product, come in a variety of colors, shapes, sizes, materials, etc. Knowing where and how you plan to use them can make your purchase easier. However, there are three main factors that you should also consider: budget, quality, size.