The Best Sling Bags

Sling bags offer the best of both worlds: they combine the storage space of a backpack with the easy, on-the-go format of a purse or wallet. Keep all of your daily must-haves, like your laptop, keys, wallet, and more, all in your sling bag for easier access and comfortable carrying, even on the longest days. Here we've gathered our favorite bags and ranked them based on quality, cost, and appearance, to help you find the one that's best for your lifestyle.

Davu Rope Bag Shoulder Sling Backpack

A Sling Bag That Fits Everything You Need

This spacious bag has a fun pattern and lots of pockets for every adventure.

Best Overall

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Designed to be easy to take on the go, this cotton bag blends the best of form and function. The rope strap is adjustable with a buckle closure so you can make it fit perfectly, even on top of coats or jackets. Embellished with an illustrated camping motif, the bag also has a center zipper pocket along with several additional zipper pockets, so everything has a place. Made from 100% cotton for added durability and strength, this bag will quickly become the one you take on all of your outdoor adventures.

Pros:

The 100% cotton exterior is perfect for the outdoors because of its durability
Several zipper pockets keep things safe and secure while you’re on the move
The adjustable rope strap keeps you comfortable and keeps your bag secure, even on long journeys

Cons:

The bag is only available in one color and pattern, which might not suit all tastes
When full, the bag can get very heavy and harder to carry

Reebow Gear Tactical Sling Bag

A Heavy-Duty Bag That Can Withstand Anything

Designed to be used on the go, this sturdy bag can take you anywhere.

Best Tactical

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This pack may be small, but it’s also mightly. The sling bag can fit a surprising amount, including an iPad, notebook, wallet, flashlight, water bottle, and more so that you always have your daily necessities on-hand. With an adjustable shoulder strap that has extra padding for added comfort, you’ll barely notice this bag when it’s on your shoulder—even after an extended period of time. Made from durable polyester, it will hold up well, even with daily wear, and can take you from everyday trips to extended camping excursions in the blink of an eye.

Pros:

The polyester exterior and lining are designed to be extra durable, so this bag will hold up well over time
The pack fits all of your daily necessities (and then some) in the large zipper pocket and smaller front pockets
The strap is adjustable and features extra padding to keep you comfortable, even when worn for extended periods of time

Cons:

This style is smaller than others available on the market, which means it may not fit as much as larger styles
All of the compartments need to be unzipped from the front instead of the sides, which means you may need to remove it to take anything out

Mosiso Sling Backpack

A Multi-Purpose Hiking Bag You Can Take Anywhere

This sleek and sophisticated bag can easily transition from the trail to your everyday life.

Best on a Budget

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Whether you’re heading out on your next multi-day hiking adventure or just running to the grocery store, this bag is the perfect accessory. The durable and water-repellent polyester material is perfect to hold up against frequent use, and the adjustable strap and back are padded to make sure you’re always comfortable. Dual side pockets, a front zipper pocket, and the main compartment combine to create a surprising amount of storage space that can fit something as big as an iPad Pro or Samsung Tab. Available in a range of colors that are all easy on your budget, this bag is the perfect answer for daily use.

Pros:

The flexible and padded shoulder strap can be adjusted from 18-36″, making it suitable for a range of ages and heights
The bag comes in a variety of colors so you can pick from your favorite to best match your style
The zipper and side pockets give you additional storage space to carry things like water bottles, smartphones, or cords

Cons:

The zipper pulls for the compartments are a bit short, making them harder to grab
The bag doesn’t have a key leash, which can make it challenging to find your keys when the bag is completely full

Osprey Daylite Shoulder Sling

A Sling Bag That's Small But Mighty

This versatile bag is easy to carry, even on the longest, most strenuous days.

Best Lightweight

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Made from nylon with a breathable mesh shoulder strap, this sling bag will quickly become your new favorite. The bag has a front mesh storage pocket along with a larger zipper main compartment that will help you easily organize your daily necessities. The style and size work for both men and women, making it versatile for day trips, hikes, or even running errands. Available in a range of colors and patterns, this bag is the perfect versatile design to add to your closet.

Pros:

The bag has a total volume of 6 liters, meaning it can fit everything you need for day trips or running around town
The exterior features a mesh organizer and key clip in the main compartment so you always know where everything is
The bag comes in several colors and patterns so you can pick one that feels most like you

Cons:

The strap is designed to be only worn on over the right shoulder, so you can’t alternate if you want to alleviate the pressure
This bag is designed to be smaller than others available on the market for more lightweight travel

Under Armour Compel Sling 2.0

A High-Performance Bag That Fits Everything

This bag is designed to fit everything you'll need and still be easy to carry.

Most Storage

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This large sling bag can fit up to a 15″ laptop, so you can take everything you need on the go. Crafted from 100% cotton, the bag is water-resistant and padded to keep your valuables safe. The exterior has a top-grip handle so you can easily pick it up or move it around, and the strap has an 18″ shoulder drop so it can be worn by both men and women. The large main compartment is accompanied by three exterior zipper pockets so you can store your smaller belongings, and even when full, the padded HeatGear strap will keep you comfortable.

Pros:

The 100% cotton bag is also machine-washable for easy care
The large interior pocket can fit a laptop plus other essentials, making it perfect for carrying everything you need
The strap is adjustable and padded so you’re always comfortable

Cons:

When full, the bag can get very heavy—especially with a laptop
The zippers aren’t accessible when wearing the bag, so you have to take it off to take anything out of the compartments

Frequently Asked Questions

Are sling bags better for your back than traditional backpacks?

Like all backpacks, it’s best to not add too much weight to your sling bag. Over time, this can cause shoulder and neck misalignment. When at the proper weight, however, sling bags—especially those with reversible straps—aren’t any worse for your back than a typical backpack.

What is the difference between a sling bag and a crossbody bag?

A sling bag is a one-strap backpack. They often have a larger zipper compartment and additional smaller compartments, just like other traditional backpacks. Crossbody bags, on the other hand, are typically considered a type of purse that has a longer strap and a smaller body.

How do you carry a sling bag?

Carrying a sling bag is designed to be simple. To put it on, you slip one arm and shoulder through the bag’s strap and put the strap on your shoulder. Some sling bags are reversible while others are designed to be worn only one way, so be sure to double-check your design before wearing.