Reviewed by our Gear Geeks:
20 BEST SLING BAGS in 2022
Our experts at work
We gave our Gear lovers one job:
Test 32 different Sling Bags and write reviews of the best.
The result is 20 of the best Sling Bags on the market today.
Anastasia Hamurari
Travel and Gear Writer
An ambitious writer with a thirst for content creation through storytelling.
Torben Lonne
Editor at DIVEIN.com
Torben is a dive nut, with a passion for traveling and gear.
With minimalism proving to be more than just a trend, the number of tools endorsing the lifestyle like sling bags regularly increases.
These compact packs are the proud members of this minimalist club – they provide you with plenty of storage for your essentials without looking or feeling bulky on your body.
Everyone from students to hikers and travelers is now switching to these neat bags, and we can see why.
Sitting snug on the torso, sling bags allow you to move freely while having quick and easy access to your belongings. What else is there wish for?
Before you make up your mind about the model of the sling bag best suitable for your lifestyle, pay attention to the following:
- The design of the pack (monochromatic or multi-colored);
- The material is it made from (Nylon, Polyester, or Leather;
- The dimensions of the bag (bigger bags are for business travel and camping, smaller bags are for tourists and music festivals);
- The features that provide the most comfort (padding, ventilation);
- The security features (double zippers, anti-theft pockets).
To help you decide what pack is the clear winner, glance through our in-depth guide spotlighting the best sling bags available on the market.
And, don’t shy away from asking as a pack-related question – we are always happy to help in the comment section at the end of the article.
Top 10 Best Sling Bags In 2022
See our quick top 10, or go further down and read our in-depth reviews.
- 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
- Mouteenoo Sling Bag
- Red Rock Outdoor Sling Bag
- Nicgid Crossbody Sling Bag
Still unsure as to what sling bag to choose? Check out our buying guide to know what to look for when buying a sling bag.
For an unconventional sling bag that hits the sweet spot between a stylish travel purse and a functional backpack, look into KAVU’s pack. Crafted from water- and stain-resistant fabric, it is an excellent alternative to a bulky backpack that can get tiresome to wear. The wide strap that goes across your chest helps to evenly distribute the weight of the load – an accessory that matters the most in a crossbody bag. It can be adjusted too so that the fit is snug but not tight. You have 2 zippered pockets for storing things like electronics and a smaller exterior storage area for essentials including cell phone, chapstick, and wallet. The rope sling bag is a perfect companion for urban spaces where the room for movement is limited. A popular choice among many backpackers and outdoor enthusiasts is the Under Armour’s Compel sling bag. Known for its impeccable quality, the brand delivered yet again with this water-resistant pack that is designed to last you a lifetime. The bag has a Storm technology integrated into it, which speaks about its ability to protect your valuables from getting wet without becoming less breathable. The soft-lined laptop sleeve can hold a laptop of up to 15 inches in diameter – just what every student and entrepreneur needs. The multiple compartments enable you to store plenty of things and not think twice about bringing everything you need with you. Combined with the HeatGearc crossbody strap that is both padded and adjustable, this sling bag becomes a full package. One of the most affordable sling bags on the market that doesn’t compromise the quality is the anti-theft one by TOPNICE. Recognized as Amazon’s Top Choice product, it is the optimum pack for daily wear. The adjustable strap makes it a comfortable carrier that can be worn a dozen different ways throughout the day. The strap features a pocket for your cell phone so that you don’t have to search for it in the main compartment. There is also a reflective loop that serves as a headphones holder and a light for additional visibility in low light conditions. A small RFID pocket inside the pack is a smart choice for providing customers with the peace of mind when carrying ID and credit cards. The Polyester construction makes the bag scratch-proof and splash-proof – the exact qualities that allow you to bring it anywhere you go. Patagonia doesn’t need an introduction – the brand is widely known for producing high-quality outdoor equipment. The sling bag under the name ‘Atom’ is one of them. This compact yet spacious pack is built from durable Polyester that won’t budge. When adding back panel and shoulder straps with 3D spacer mesh pads to the mix, you get a close-to-bulletproof bag bound to last you many years. The strap doesn’t only feel comfortable on the body, but it also is as heavy-duty as backpack’s straps. Featuring an exterior zippered pocket for storing easily-accessible essentials, Atom is as functional as a sling bag can get. Surely, you will have to pay the price for the versatility and the brand name, but it is an investment that will pay off sooner than later. Similar in construction to the NeatPack Canvas Sling Bag, OutdoorMaster pack is a worthy competitor. At $21.99, it offers 6 pockets including an anti-theft compartment for keeping your valuables safe from thieves. Crafted from the water-resistant Nylon, the bag features a reversible padded shoulder strap that can be adjusted depending on whether you are a rightie or a leftie. The 12-liter capacity makes it a practical sack for urban, outdoor, and travel adventures that require a lightweight crossbody helper for carrying essentials and non-essentials. You are free to bring your iPad or a laptop that doesn’t exceed 12.5 inches in diameter in this sling bag – there is plenty of room for it. Moreover, you might even be able to fit a small camera next to the laptop too. Having been manufacturing bags for the past two decades, Roma Leathers didn’t disappoint with their sling bag designed for women. Made from the genuine leather with an added pebbled texture, it is a durable accessory that looks stylish and performs just as well. You can easily convert it into a backpack with the help of the zippered shoulder strap, which makes it super versatile. Combined with the chrome metal hardware, the pack acquires the unique style that can be worn to outdoor festivals and business trips alike. The bag features 7 pockets of different sizes for storing items from big to small. Be it the camera you are bringing with you to the next hiking trip or a stack of documents for your work trip, chances are they will both fit the pack well. This smaller-sized Daylite sling bag by Osprey is a gem for everyone in the lookout for a comfortable daypack. The good reputation of the brand means your money won’t go down the drain when you invest in the pack. While you won’t be able to fit your laptop or a tablet in it, you will surely find space for storing your everyday essentials. Built from tough Nylon and NeoSpacer mesh material, it is claimed to resist both drizzles and abrasions. This is great news for outdoor enthusiasts who are bound to stumble on rocky formations and unexpected weather changes. The anatomically-shaped shoulder strap that can be further adjusted makes the pack comfortable to wear across your body. No matter how long your trips are, you are not likely to get tired of wearing your pack. Designed for students and office workers who have plenty of bulky notebooks and electronics to fit into their bags, Mouteenoo sling pack is the solution. Built from the heavy-duty Nylon that also happens to be water-resistant, the bag has low chances of getting torn seams. In addition to the 15.6-inches padded sleeve for the laptop, it features a compartment for a tablet, a quick-access hip belt, and a phone pocket on the shoulder strap. You are basically all set. Despite the high capacity of the pack, it doesn’t feel bulky on your body – instead, it hugs you like a backpack but without the often poorly-ventilated back panel. There is a hidden anti-theft pocket inside the sling bag and a mesh pouch for your water bottle too. Is there a sling bag with more room than the one designed by Red Rock Outdoor Gear? Most likely not. This giant is built precisely for outdoor adventurers who need a reliable bag that can fit all of their gear. It comes in 10 camouflage-like prints that make you look like a military associate who was sent for a year-long oversea mission. The 600-Denier Polyester fabric is definitely the reason why you can store your camping, hiking, and hunting kits without worrying about tearing the pack apart. Both lefties and righties will get good use out of it as a result of the reversible shoulder strap integrated into the sling bag. Adjust it the way that feels comfortable on your body and you are ready to set out for a weekend adventure. If you are looking for a well-made sling bag that doesn’t cost a fortune you might want to keep your eyes peeled on this review. NeatPack canvas sling bag is a versatile pack that can accommodate everyone regardless of their vocation. It has plenty of compartments to store your belongings without weighing you down, which is great news for those struggling with back pains. Speaking about comfort – you can wear this bag over either one of the shoulders or across your chest, thus not putting a strain on the body. With a cell phone pocket featuring headphones access and a mesh storage space for your water bottle, there is hardly anything else you would need. Well, besides the RFID compartment integrated into the inside of this pack for anti-theft properties. Call it a crossbody bag, a fanny pack, or a sling bag – the point is, it can hold as much as some of the other packs in this list can. The design of the Nicgid pack is straightforward – it features 2 similar-sized main compartments that can store items like iPad, passport, chargers, and other essentials. The hidden anti-theft pocket allows you to bring your valuables with you and not worry about them getting stolen. The adjustable shoulder strap is padded for additional comfort when wearing the pack across the body, on your chest, or on your back. The bag is crafted from tear-resistant Nylon that is responsible for the pack’s durability. The lightweight construction of the daypack makes it a great companion for short trips that don’t require you to bring hefty camping kits and drones. For a stylish sling bag that will look good in work settings, consider checking out Texbo’s pack made from genuine leather. Both black and coffee color options can be easily matched with your day-to-day outfits – that’s how versatile they are. When choosing between the two available sizes, take note of how much stuff you will be loading your bag with. The more electronics and little knick-knacks you have, the larger the size of your pack should be. Regardless of the size, you get a sturdy carrier with spacious compartments that range in capacity, which makes it easy to evenly allocate your belongings across the bag. Surely, leather tends to scuff over time, but with proper care, it can last you several years. This vintage-y looking Leaper sling bag crafted from the washable canvas with PU leather inserts is continuing to steal hearts of many. We can’t blame it – the pack has what it takes to sweep you off your feet. Starting with 10+ color options that can accommodate everyone and ending with multiple pockets that can store laptops and textbooks, the pack is not short of anything. Apart from having a couple of compartments with zippered and magnetic snap closure systems, it has an adjustable strap that can be customized to your liking. This comes in handy when you are planning on regularly wearing the pack and are not willing to settle on merely one style of wear. Built from the water-resistant Nylon, WATERFLY sling bag is a real deal for those looking to purchase a handy daypack for short-distance trips and other daily shenanigans. Its sleek design combined with the ultra-low weight and 10 liters of capacity makes it a standout accessory that is worth taking a closer look at. The main compartment can comfortably fit your iPad, a couple of notebooks, and a few more essentials, while the smaller compartments can store your more compact belongings like wallet, cellphone, and a key rack. There is also a handy mesh pocket on the side of the pack for carrying a water bottle. You are bound to get plenty of use out of it during hot summer days of running errands. If you need a pack that is larger than a fanny pack but smaller than a regular-sized bag, TIMBUK2 Catapult sling bag is right up your alley. Designed for running city errands and hopping from one meeting to another, it can become your go-to companion in an instant. Made from the rough 1830D Nylon Cordura, it is as sturdy as a tactical sling bag can get. The air mesh back panel allows for maximum breathability, while the ambidextrous shoulder strap makes the bag compatible with lefties and righties alike. There’s a roomy zippered front pocket for quick access to your essentials and an even roomier main compartment for storing the rest of your stuff. And while Catapult isn’t the right pack for carrying laptops with the diameter bigger than 11 inches, it’s definitely a handy bag for the busy cosmopolitan environment. Built from the waterproof, scratchproof, and tearproof material, MOSISO can be used a dozen of different ways depending on your personal preference. Be it a chest bag, a shoulder bag, or a casual daypack, the functionalities of this sling bag are endless. The four zippered pockets and mesh pockets that are integrated into the pack allow you to fit all of your essential and non-essential items with no trouble. There is a buckle closure that is unlike anything you have seen on a sling bag – it gives you space to hang your clothes and towels when hiking, camping, or simply traveling from A to B. With 18 months of warranty, you can rest assured this pack will last you many years (with careful use). If looking for the most spacious sling bag there is, you are reading the right review. Maxpediton Sitka sling bag is the pack that is full of practical features that are needed for a successful hike or any other outdoor adventure. Initially designed for military and law enforcement professionals, it can withstand extreme weather conditions that no other sling bag can. Built from the water- and abrasion-resistant 1000-Denier Nylon, the pack has a Teflon coating that protects the dirt from being absorbed by the fabric. This means that you can quickly and easily clean your pack without having to resort to throwing it in the washing machine after every use. For an indestructible pack, look no further than this model. If you are planning on carrying valuables like electronics, the Pacsafe’s anti-theft sling bag is your best bet. Providing you with enough room to pack all of your essentials for the trip, it is light enough to not weigh you down after a long day out. Crafted from the water-resistant Nylon with lockable steel mesh zippers, the pack offers a high level of protection against thieves. The individual compartments integrated into the bag are fully securable, which gives you reassurance in the soundness of your belongings. The shoulder strap is padded for all-day comfort, which, too, is a nice bonus. The only missing part is the pocket for your water bottle, but given the large space in both main and front compartments, this isn’t that big of a deal. KL928 sling bag is a 3-in-1 pack that does the job of comfortably carrying your stuff at a reasonable price. Whether you wear it as a small backpack, a chest bag, or a single shoulder bag, chances are you will get plenty of use out of it. Thanks to the zippered shoulder strap that can be adjusted, you are covered for a variety of environments suitable for a bag like this. Besides, the canvas material is water-resistant, which allows you to carry the bag in wet weather conditions too. This casual pack features a hidden anti-theft pocket for storing your cell phone and other valuables and a water bottle pocket for quenching your thirst during hot days. No matter what your vocation is, this daypack will do the job of safely transporting your load well. Peak Design everyday sling bag is the ultimate no-frills type of an accessory that is pricey yet definitely worth the investment. Featuring the urban design that has a multitude of concealed features, it is designed to accommodate your hefty camera gear with no issues. Whether you are an amateur photographer or a professional documentarian, you are likely to enjoy having the pack that can store every piece of your equipment. The waterproof 500-Denier Kodra shell has a high-density DWR coating and is equipped with strong exterior zippers for that desired level of durability. The mixed-cotton twill on the inside makes it a protective pack that is able to take full responsibility for your electronic valuables. With the 2 FlexFold internal dividers, lightning-strap adjusters, and airplane-friendly dimensions, you can’t go wrong with it. Even if the purpose of every sling bag is to conveniently 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. The following are the features you should look for: 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 long-term adventures? Then consider choosing the style that has plenty of compartments for your water bottle, electronic equipment, and other essentials. To not limit yourself when picking an outfit for the hiking trip, opt for a single-tone sling bag that will go with everything. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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 protection – a pocket-like security system placed inside your bag that protects your credit cards from electronic theft. 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. 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: Read full reviews of each sling bag on DIVEIN.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. 
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BUYING GUIDE
Design
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Security Details
FAQ – Frequently asked questions about sling bags
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