Best Sling Bags: Top Picks for Travel, EDC, and Outdoor Activities
Ah, the sling bag, the one accessory that's always meant to be kept close to the heart. It's smaller than a backpack and more in vogue than the fanny pack was in the ’90s. Everybody who's anybody should have at least one handy.
These wonderful multipurpose bags have been around for a long time but earned their modern-day moment in the sun with the promotion of skiing fanny packs in the 1950s and then on the bodies of celebs and influencers throughout the 2010s. Their smaller size, ergonomic design, and sheer versatility make them the ideal travel buddy, everyday carry partner, and intrepid explorer when braving the outdoors.
The only problem with the sling bag is that there are just too many fantastic designs and brands to choose from.
Don't worry, though—we've got you covered. This article will list the best sling bags (be they sling backpacks, fanny packs, or crossbody slings) and the awesome brands behind them. No matter the mood or the occasion, there's bound to be a bag that's the perfect match for you.
Top Picks for Best Sling Bags
Let's start things off with our absolute favorite choices for the top sling bags out there today.
1. Canvelle Sling Bag
Canvelle is, for our money, simply the best brand out there—not just for slings, but for all bags in general. A sling bag from their catalog is not only a unique fashion statement but also practical and perfectly suited for everyday use.
Take, for instance, Canvelle's black sling bag. It's a strong statement with the perfect touch of class, in its splashes of gold on the zipper and strap clasps. The sleek contours of the triangular shape are designed to fit seamlessly on the front or back. Its performance fabrics are not only durable but also sustainable, as they're made from up to 19 recycled bottles.
Combine that with water-resistant lining and exterior pockets, and you've got a bag for all seasons and occasions.
And let's face it, black never goes out of style.
2. The North Face Isabella Sling
The North Face needs no introduction. From fashion to outdoor accessories, their name has become synonymous with outdoor style and practicality. Their Women's Isabella Sling is yet another fantastic addition to their catalog.
As you would expect from an outdoor bag, the Isabella Sling is specially designed to fit tightly yet comfortably around the body. The adjustable strap comes with a padded shoulder for extra comfort and distributed weight, while the recycled heathered polyester fabric and boot material are more than capable of shrugging off outdoor weather conditions and scrapes. The muted color choices also blend well with any environment and outfit.
The multiple pockets and slips on the Isabella Sling allow for easy storage of items and can work just as well holding lip balm as they do a compass. The 9-liter carry capacity is further enhanced by internal mesh pockets.
It's perfect not only for the wild jungle but for the concrete one, too.
3. Peak Design Everyday Sling 3L
Peak Design knows that you love your camera and want to take it with you everywhere. But it also understands that you need to keep it close and protected. The Everyday Sling is a bag for photographers but works just as well for everyday use.
The Everyday Sling ranges in size from 1.5 to 10 liters. The 3-liter model, though, is where it's at in terms of functionality and portability. The padded strap is easily adjustable, so you can access your lenses easily when shooting or tighten it for extra security when on the move.
The interior of the bag comes complete with stretchy pockets and internal dividers, which make it easy to pack any gear inside. The exterior has a minimalist synthetic finish, which is perfect for an understated look.
4. Cotopaxi Luzon Del Dia Sling
Sling bags range from petite to substantial. Big is truly beautiful with Cotopaxi Luzon's addition to the list: the Del Dia. At first glance, you might be mistaken for thinking this brightly colored accessory is a backpack, but look closer, and you'll see how truly diverse the world of sling bags can be.
The Del Dia sling sports a generous 13-liter carry capacity, which makes it ideal for those days spent outdoors wandering the wilderness. The padded strap begins in the middle of the bag, and the dual-sided D-rings make it a comfortable fit on the left shoulder or the right. For heavier loads, you can also rely on carry handles or the load lifter strap.
Storage-wise, the TPU-coated nylon exterior protects goods from harsh weather. The bag boasts a large main compartment for bulky items, plus multiple smaller zippered pockets for all the additional extras you may need on a day out.
5. KAVU Rope Sling
Did you ever fall in love with the design of a bag only to have your heart broken by the limited color options? Well, KAVU's Rope Sling Bags will save you the pain. This nifty 10-liter sling comes in a whopping 40 colors and designs to choose from. From plain colors to vibrant floral patterns, there's bound to be something to suit your aesthetic.
Fun designs aside, the durable fabric of the Rope Sling is made from water-resistant 600D polyester. It's ideal for both everyday use and more rigorous outdoor activities. Two vertical zip compartments make storing and organizing a breeze, while additional slip pockets are ideal for cellphones, memory cards, or house keys.
Finally, as the name implies, the strap of the Rope Sling is, well, you guessed it, made from rope. The adjustable rope strap and release buckle allow the bag to be carried in the front or back, or even in your hand.
6. Nomatic Navigator Sling 6L
Those facing the crush and crowds of the urban commute will tell you that it's not for the faint of heart. It's also a job for a specialized sling, and that's where Nomatic's Navigator comes in.
This is a bag designed for the ins and outs of everyday use. It understands your need to keep your life organized and protected. Part of its 6-liter carry capacity includes an RFID-blocking pocket for credit cards and tablet storage. A cord pass-through also allows you to charge your electronics on the go. There's even a dedicated card holder in the strap for easy use during your commute.
The Navigator is also designed for extra security and protection. The tuck-away stabilizing strap adds security on the move, and the water-resistant zippers are tamper-proof. This, combined with its tough exterior and molded EVA back panel, makes it ideal for convenience and safety.
7. Aer City Sling 2
Here's another nifty sling that's made for getting around the city. Don't let its casual form and understated design fool you; the City Sling 2 is made from premium water-resistant materials and is ready for the rigors of everyday use. The exterior is made from tough 1680D Cordura Ballistic Nylon, the zippers are YKK, and the tension locks are made from aircraft-grade aluminum. The sling strap can even be stowed away.
For such a sleek design, there are a surprising number of pockets too. The 2.5-liter carry capacity is spread over multiple slip pockets and interior organizers for all your essentials, including a secure back pocket for a wallet or passport.
It's time to explore the city.
8. DEFY Insidious Jr. Sling
DEFY is all about taking risks and making a bold statement. Their bags are no exception to this principle and feature bold designs and rugged exteriors. The Insidious Jr. Sling is a bag that won't back down from a challenge and is specially crafted in America to meet the needs of tactical use or the rugged adventurer.
They'll never be elegant bags, but then again, they don't need to be.
Protection is the name of the game here. The exterior is 1050D ballistic nylon, with a Cordura silver lining interior. Not only is the exterior fabric water-resistant, but the YKK AquaGuard zippers are specially designed to keep water out. On top of that, there's an AustriAlpin Cobra buckle and PALS webbing, keeping the outside out and the inside safe.
To top it off, DEFY offers a range of additional extras based on your own adventurous needs, be it an AustriAlpin Carabiner or a paracord. It's a bag built for tough people and tough situations.
9. WANDRD D1 Fanny Pack
Fanny packs have a long and not-always-glamorous history with fashion. They've been in, then out, and now back again in a big way. Opinions aside, there's truly something to be said for their ongoing utility. What you may not know about fanny packs like WANDRD's D1 is that around the waist is but one way they can be worn.
This delightfully minimalist sling is designed for comfort, travel, and light loads. It too sports a tough nylon exterior (840D Jr. Ballistic Nylon to be precise), water-resistant zippers, and a magnetic Fidlock buckle to top it off.
It's the perfect size for keeping your valuables close to you, even sporting a phone and passport pocket, and boasts interior organizers inside.
With three different ways to carry this bag, you'll never want to miss a chance to be seen with it.
10. Hyperlite Mountain Gear Versa
Here's another fanny pack to further bust any misconceptions you may still have. Around the waist, across the shoulder, or dangling from your hip (or backpack), this handy little sling is ready for your next adventure into the wilderness or as an ultralight carrier in its own right.
The lightweight, pint-sized Mountain Gear Versa is perfect for stowing valuables or as extra storage on an already full bag. The Dyneema Composite hybrid fabric is waterproof and able to withstand heavy rain, and the adjustable strap keeps everything within reach. The main compartment is perfect for essential items, but also snacks and water bottles. Two additional sneaky pockets will take care of the rest.
If you're the adaptable kind, this bag is ready to adapt to your needs too.
11. Patagonia Atom Sling
We're finishing our list off with something colorful and definitely practical. Patagonia's reputation for excellence is well-deserved, and they are just as at home designing for casual travelers as they are for hardcore trailblazers. The Atom Sling is another bag that could be mistaken for a backpack, thanks to its 8-liter capacity. That single strap (for left or right shoulder use) and asymmetrical design say otherwise.
It's the perfect travel buddy and ideal for everyday use. True to form, Patagonia offers multiple color choices for the Atom Sling's recycled polyester exterior. The padded shoulder strap ensures comfort, while an external pocket and divided interior give you plenty of ways to keep your life organized. Tuck-away straps offer additional carry space for extra layers of clothes or even a blanket.
Keep it close and comfy with an Atom Sling.
What to Look For in a Sling Bag
Beginning your search for the right sling bag for you can seem overwhelming at first. Ultimately, the right bag is the one that answers your needs and makes you happy. Here are a few areas to help you make the decision.
Capacity and Size
How much are you looking to pack away? Sling bags, like many other bags on the market, measure their carry capacity in liters. With some exceptions, such as Peak Design, your typical sling bag is usually 1-8 liters in size, accounting for all compartments and pockets.
If you're planning to use your sling every day, then consider a larger bag, like a tote bag, or one with multiple compartments and pockets for odds and ends. When valuables are involved, consider smaller bags that hug the chest. Some slings work perfectly as additional storage and can seamlessly clip onto other bags.
Think of the places you and your bag will go before deciding.
Material and Durability
No matter the purpose, your sling bag will be seeing a lot of use. That's why the best quality bags are made from tough materials, whether natural or synthetic.
The bags we've listed above are mostly made from synthetic and recycled materials like nylon and polyester. This gives them weather resistance—sometimes even against light rains—and durability. Ballistic and ripstop nylon are fabrics particularly suited for this purpose. Leather is used in some sling bags for a more refined feel, often in handles and tags.
It's important to remember that zippers, clips, and key rings often see a lot of use as movable parts. Ensure that they're made with high-quality material and, in the case of zippers, at least some degree of water resistance.
Comfort and Fit
A good sling bag makes your life easier. Ensure that the bag you choose will keep you comfortable during your activities. Longer outdoor treks and carry-on travel will require straps with additional padding and ergonomic shapes.
In the case of bigger carry capacities, make sure the bag's shape and straps support the load and distribute weight across your body. Padded back panels are also a plus.
Organization and Accessibility
Multiple pockets and compartments are vital not just for keeping your life organized but also for keeping your possessions separated and safe. You wouldn't want your house keys rubbing against your tablet screen during your commute, after all.
The number of pockets, dividers, and slips you need will depend on the purpose of your bag. If you're venturing outdoors, you'll also want any exterior compartments and zippers to be weather-resistant. Valuable items, like electronics, should be specially cared for with some form of padding or a separate compartment altogether.
Style That you can Sling
There's no shortage of fantastic sling bags out there, but hopefully, we've shortened that list enough for you to find the right one for you. Once-in-a-lifetime travel or everyday use; tiny fanny pack or tablet-carrying workhorse; weather-resistant polyester or ballistic nylon—the choices are many and important.
Because ultimately, the best bag will be the one that meets your very specific needs, not to mention your personality and sense of adventure.
Consider all the wonderful bags we've listed, and don't forget to tell us about your own experiences with sling bags. What's your personal favorite? Did we leave something out? Let us know in the comment section below. If you'd like to keep up with all the latest fashion trends, don't forget to sign up for our newsletter.
FAQs
Which is better, a sling bag or a crossbody?
Both are fantastic choices and both have their own purposes. Crossbody bags tend to be smaller and more compact, often used for recreational purposes, while sling bags are somewhat larger, more rugged, and versatile.
Are sling bags still a thing?
Absolutely. Sling bags have continued to grow and evolve with fashion over the years. They may not be the fanny packs of a few decades ago, but slings have evolved to fit a variety of functions and purposes.
Are sling bags any good?
Sling bags are very good at the tasks they're made for. They excel at everyday carry, travel, and adventuring. There's a large variety out there, and one is bound to be the right fit for you.
Are sling bags good for men?
While crossbody bags are often more geared toward women, the sling bag is more versatile in its design and purpose. There are plenty of bags for men looking to carry things in their everyday lives, their commute, or out into the wild.