Do you want to travel in style while keeping your essentials within reach? Look no further than sling bags! These trendy and practical accessories are making a comeback, providing a fashionable alternative to fanny packs. Whether you're exploring new cities or embarking on outdoor adventures, a sling bag is the perfect middle ground between a backpack and your pockets.
In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through the process of choosing the best sling bag for your needs. We'll delve into the various aspects to consider and provide specific recommendations based on months of testing. Our team at Pack Hacker, comprised of gear enthusiasts and experienced travelers, has extensively reviewed and tried out the sling bags mentioned in this guide.
By the time you finish reading, you'll be equipped with all the knowledge necessary to become a sling bag expert. Whether it's for yourself, your mom, your friend, or even your dog, you'll have the confidence to find the perfect sling bag.
The Short Answer: Our Top Picks for Sling Bags
We understand that there is no one-size-fits-all sling bag. That's why we've compiled a list of the 17 best sling bags for travel, everyday carry (EDC), and more. Here are some highlights from our selection:
- CODEOFBELL X-POD
- Topo Designs Mini Shoulder Bag
- Chrome Industries Kadet
- Aer City Sling 2
- Osprey Daylite Sling (Shoulder Sling)
- Tom Bihn Side Effect
- KAVU Rope Sling
- Heimplanet Transit Line Sling Pocket
- lululemon Everywhere Belt Bag
- Fjallraven Greenland Pocket
- Trakke Banana Crossbody Bag
- Patagonia Atom Sling
- Minaal Crossbody Bag
- Pacsafe Vibe 325 Anti-Theft Sling Pack
- ALPAKA Go Sling Mini
- Peak Design Everyday Sling 6L (V2)
- Incase DSLR Sling Pack
While we believe these sling bags are exceptional choices, it's important to find the one that suits your individual preferences. We highly recommend reading the complete guide to explore all your options.
Want a Sneak Peek? Watch Our Video Overview
Prefer a visual overview? No problem! Watch our video that showcases ten sling bags for every occasion. While the written content goes into greater detail, the video will give you a taste of what's to come. Be sure to subscribe to Pack Hacker on YouTube so you never miss out on our latest content.
What Exactly is a Sling Bag?
Defining a sling bag isn't as straightforward as it seems. After months of extensive research and analysis, here's what our team of gear reviewers has concluded: A sling bag is a bag designed to be comfortably worn across the chest or back, secured with a cross-shoulder strap. It typically features an off-center buckle, diagonal strap connections, and an oblong-shaped body.
It's important to note that sling bags and messenger bags are not synonymous. While they share a single, crossbody strap, messenger bags tend to be larger and boxier, lacking the body-contouring design of sling bags. Trust your instincts - you'll know a messenger bag when you see one!
Sling bags come in a wide range of styles, including tactical slings for outdoor activities, high-fashion slings, and backpack slings with ample space for a laptop. However, in this guide, we'll predominantly focus on sling bags for travel.
Sling Bags vs. Hip Packs: What's the Difference?
You may come across people equating sling bags with hip packs (also known as waist packs, fanny packs, bum bags, or belt bags), but they are not the same thing. Let us set the record straight: sling bags and hip packs have distinct differences.
A hip pack is essentially a rebranded fanny pack, whereas a sling bag offers something different - a hipster twist, if you will. While hip packs can sometimes function as sling bags, the reverse is not true. Think of it this way: a square is a rectangle, but a rectangle is not a square.
We acknowledge that different companies have their own definitions of sling bags and hip packs, making things even more complicated. Some even use the term "crossbody bag" to describe what we consider sling bags. In this guide, we won't explore hip packs in detail, as the realm of sling bags is complex enough.
Why Choose a Sling Bag?
Now that you understand the basics, let's dive into why a sling bag will revolutionize your travel experience and make your life easier.
In-Flight Essentials Made Easy
Instead of juggling a backpack and a separate bag, a sling bag is a perfect place to store your pocketable items while traveling. breeze through airport security without the dreaded "security shuffle." A sling bag can accommodate almost everything you need during a flight, such as your smartphone, snacks, USB cables, tech chargers, a battery bank, earplugs, an eye mask, headphones, a notebook and pen, tissues, and even an e-reader or book depending on the size of the sling bag.
Once you're on the plane, you can hook your sling bag to the seat in front of you using a carabiner. This allows easy access to snacks, tissues, or your phone charger, ensuring you have everything you need within arm's reach.
Essential for Day Trips
For shorter excursions, a sling bag is the perfect accessory to carry your wallet, keys, and phone. Even if your clothing lacks practical pockets or you prefer not to overload your pockets, a sling bag offers the ideal solution. It provides enough space for "extra" items like camera lenses, batteries, sunglasses, sunscreen, chapstick, makeup, or even a Nintendo Switch for gaming enthusiasts.
Sling bags strike a balance between a daypack and your pockets. If you typically rely on a daypack, switching to a sling bag forces you to reconsider what you bring, relieving strain on your back. On the other hand, if you're accustomed to carrying items in your pockets, a sling bag allows you to avoid overflowing pockets while providing the flexibility to carry additional items.
Lightweight and Packable
Travel-specific sling bags are designed to be lightweight and easily packable. You can effortlessly stow them flat in your travel backpack until you need them.
Easy Access on the Go
One of the greatest advantages of sling bags is their accessibility. Whether worn on your chest or back, you can quickly access the pockets. Although, be mindful of the T-Rex arms syndrome that can occur when you wear the sling bag higher on your chest.
The Perfect Fashion Statement
Sling bags are currently in vogue. You'll find them in both high street stores and luxury brands like Louis Vuitton. With their combination of style and convenience, sling bags offer the best of both worlds.
Versatility Beyond Travel
While sling bags are ideal for travel, they have many other use cases. They're perfect for festivals, everyday carry situations (especially for cyclists), hiking and outdoor adventures, exploring cities, amusement parks, and countless other activities.
Now that you're well-versed in the benefits of sling bags, it's time to embark on your own sling bag journey. Discover the perfect companion for your travels and experience the convenience and style that comes with it. Happy exploring!
