The best sling bag is suitable for students, travelers, hikers, and camping enthusiasts. It is compact and, therefore, fits on the back neatly. It does not look bulky, and it leaves the hands free for other things.
What’s even better, most sling bags are spacious despite their compact design. They can hold a lot of items, including clothes, chargers, wallets, tablets, and phones.
There are different types of sling backpacks. For instance, some are unisex, while others are specially made for men/women. Also, there are tactical sling bags. Well, no matter what you are looking for, we have it in these reviews for the best sling packs.
People’s Picks
Best Overall: KAVU Sling Bag. This shoulder bag for camping, commuting, and hiking is spacious enough to let you carry lots of items.
Runner Up: MOSISO Sling Backpack. The material used to make this crossbody bag is water-repellent to help keep content dry in the unfortunate event that you are caught up in the rain.
Best Tactical Sling Bag: REEBOW GEAR Tactical Sling Bag. This shoulder backpack is packed with numerous pockets and compartments to keep you organized while traveling.
Best Crossbody Bag for Men: Nicgid Fanny Pack for Men. If you are looking for something more masculine, the Nicgid Men’s Fanny Pack is for you.
Best Fanny Pack for Women: Ambry Rope Sling Bag for Women. The Ambry Sling Backpack is very easy to wear and take off; thanks to the rope strap.
9 Best Sling Bag for Men & Women Reviews
1. KAVU Sling Bag for Hiking, Camping, and Commuting
KAVU Sling Pack is made from soft and tightly woven cotton canvas. The material is of high quality and helps improve the versatility and general performance of the bag. Two main pockets are included to provide the perfect place to pack clothes and even water bottles. There is also an internal zip pocket and a couple of front pockets.
These two front pockets offer the ideal place to keep wallets, cell phones, and other essentials. What’s more, this bag is made of sturdy yet soft straps. These straps provide great comfort so you can carry the bag for a long period. The bag also features super strong buckle clips that are reliable and work smoothly.
KAVU is based in Seattle, and it is committed to making good-looking sling bags with funky styles and patterns. Its goal is to make living and working insanely simple. That is why this sling pack is suitable for almost all kinds of outdoor activities, including hiking and camping as well as commuting.
Additional Information: The general dimensions of this bag are 20 by 11 by 5 inches. The bag has a capacity of 10L (610 cubic inches), and it is perfect for keeping snacks, hoodies, and other essentials for the day. What’s more, the outside upper flap pocket measures 5.5 by 3.5 inches and the outside lower zip pocket measures 7 by 4 inches.
Reasons To Buy
- Holds more than imagined
- The canvas fabric seems durable
- Available in lots of vibrant colors
- Fits beautifully on the shoulders
Take Note
- Stains easily, but that is expected, given that the color is vibrant
2. MOSISO Sling Backpack Crossbody Shoulder Bag
It is safe to say that the MOSISO Sling Backpack is the best crossbody sling bag on the market. The shoulder bag is very cheap yet of good quality. It is made of water-repellent, durable polyester, and it has premium zippers. It also features a durable strap clip.
The MOSISO Sling Backpack is also one of the most versatile bags out there. You can use it as a messenger bag, travel bag, business/working bag, chest bag, casual daypack, crossbody backpack, shoulder bag, and, of course, sling bag. The backpack is suitable for business, school, outdoor, office, etc.
The back panel and shoulder strap are padded and breathable to keep you very comfortable by releasing heat and not letting it accumulate. The shoulder strap ranges from 18 inches to 36 inches, and it is flexible. This means you can set it loose or adjust it tight so it can perfectly fit your body.
Additional Information: The MOSISO Shoulder Bag has lots of pockets where you can store papers, books, mouse, and power cord, among others. The larger compartment (zippered) is large enough to fit 6 – 11” tablets. Plus, there are 2 mesh bags on each side of the bag. They are great for keeping water bottles with diameters up to 2.5 inches.
Reasons To Buy
- Comfortable and easy to carry around
- Looks great when loaded
- The two zipper pulls on the main compartment are nice
- Wonderful for the price
Take Note
- Although the fabric is waterproof, the zipper and seams are not
3. OutdoorMaster Crossbody Shoulder Chest Sling Bag for Women & Men
The design of the OutdoorMaster Crossbody Sling Bag is suitable for men and women. But it is not just the thoughtful design that makes this bag one of the best. The size plays a role as well. The sling pack is spacious yet compact; hence, it is exactly what you need for outdoor adventures.
It should be your go-to shoulder bag for camping adventures, hiking trips, a day in Disney Land, and so on. Better yet, the travel-friendly design does not affect how much this bag can carry. It features a spacious compartment that is roomy enough to accommodate a camera, a tablet, or a small laptop computer that is up to 12 inches.
The bag also has a hidden anti-theft pocket as well as a water bottle holder to keep your bottle within reach for maximum hydration. Besides, the direction of the shoulder strap is reversible, and this makes the bag ideal for both right-handed and left-handed people. Ideally, the bag can be worn as a shoulder, chest, or crossbody sling bag.
Reasons To Buy
- The hidden anti-theft pocket is a great addition
- The quick-release buckle on the strap allows easy on and off
- There is a sunglasses holder on the shoulder strap
- Has a pocket for a cell phone
Take Note
- The elastic bungee cord on the water bottle pocket needs work
4. REEBOW GEAR Tactical Sling Bag Military Rover Shoulder Backpack
Made of 600D polyester, the REEBOW GEAR Military Shoulder Backpack is arguably the best tactical sling bag you have ever come across. The polyester material is incredibly durable; meaning this sling backpack will hold up well to elements and the outdoor environment in general.
What’s more, the REEBOW GEAR Military Sling backpack is well-sized and measures 12 inches high by 9.5 inches wide by 6 inches deep. It can easily carry a 9.7 iPad, a bottle of water, chargers, gloves, flashlight, cell phone, wallet, keys, and small note pad, among others.
There is a large Velcro pad in the back compartment and concealed main compartment. Besides, the shoulder strap is both comfortable and adjustable. Plus, it has a couple of smaller straps that help prevent the bag from swaying while moving. You can use this tactical sling pack as a travel sling bag or diaper bag.
Reasons To Buy
- The color does not seem to fade easily
- Perfect for when a larger bag is not an option
- Fits everyday items without a problem
- Very well put together
Take Note
- The firearm compartment is pretty difficult to access when the bag is worn on the back
5. Nicgid Sling Bag for Men Shoulder Backpack Fanny Pack
Nicgid Shoulder Backpack features a unique design, which, in turn, has numerous pockets. There is one main zippered compartment, which has an interior open pocket and a zippered pocket. The main zippered compartment is perfect for Kindle, iPad mini, etc. This backpack also has 2 front zippered pockets, which are great for keeping small wallets.
Other compartments are a front zippered pocket for keeping cables and a power charger and a back zippered anti-theft hidden pocket for keeping cash, cards, and passport. Moreover, the backpack has a well-designed shoulder strap that is nicely padded and adjustable to fit you perfectly. It is no surprise that this is the best sling bag for men.
It is made of premium rip-resistant and water-resistant nylon. The nylon plays a massive role in extending the lifespan of the backpack. Additionally, this fanny pack is very versatile and ideal for biking, hiking, traveling, walking, and visiting museums or theme parks. You can also use it on a daily basis, plus it makes a beautiful gift for a loved one.
Reasons To Buy
- Keeps the hands free while traveling
- The size is good
- The upper compartments are great for frequently-used small items
- The soft mesh back allows you to wear the bag for long hours
Take Note
- No clip-off buckle; therefore, the bag will have to go over your head
6. Gowara Gear Tactical Sling Bag Military Backpack
The Gowara Gear Tactical Military Sling Bag is made of 600-denier polyester. The material is durable and water-resistant to enable the bag to hold up well to challenging outdoor environments. The concealed back compartment of this sling pack has Velcro, and it is very useful.
The sling pack measures 14 inches high by 11.5 inches wide by 6.5 inches deep. It is large enough to carry a 14-inch laptop, a cell phone, a water bottle, chargers, gloves, a 12-inch pad, a flashlight, and more. Given its decent size, this shoulder backpack is suitable for everyday use.
It has a comfortable and adjustable single shoulder strap. It also has 2 smaller straps that help prevent it from swaying while moving. The zippers of this backpack are heavy-duty and have utility-style cord pulls. Besides, there is a front load compression system Y-strap. The backpack can be carried for long hours without a problem; thanks to the breathable padding back area.
Reasons To Buy
- Large yet compact for easy carrying
- The shoulder strap is well padded and wide
- The main compartment is spacious
- The price is inexpensive but the quality is not
Take Note
- The tan color is not exactly as pictured
7. OZUKO USB Anti-Theft Men’s Sling Backpack Shoulder Bag
The design of the OZUKO Anti-Theft Sling Bag is well thought out. There is a decompression and breathable carrying system that ensures optimum heat dissipation. The carrying system also absorbs shock. It helps relieve the stress on the shoulders, thereby, making the bag very comfortable to carry.
The main compartment of this backpack has a lockable zipper design, and it is perfect for keeping valuables. Also, there is an anti-theft hidden pocket on the back of the bag. It protects your items from thieves and other evil-minded individuals. The bag is made with a reflective design; hence, it will keep you safer at night by making sure motorists clearly see you.
Additionally, this bag has lots of storage compartments that make it easy to organize all your small items. These compartments are a back zip pocket, an inner patch pocket, a shoulder strap card pocket, a zipper pocket, and a side pocket. This anti-theft backpack is unisex, stylish, and very handy.
Additional Information: The OZUKO Anti-Theft Shoulder Backpack is made of high-density oxford fabric, which is wear-resistant and waterproof. It is a versatile bag that you can use as a messenger bag, travel bag, chest bag, sling bag, casual daypack, crossbody backpack, and shoulder bag. Ideally, this sling pack is suitable for business, school, office, and outdoor, among others.
Reasons To Buy
- The lockable zipper design is a bonus
- The crossbody style is great
- The size is perfect
- The little pockets are suitable for keeping keys
Take Note
- The combination lock does not work so smoothly
8. Ambry Rope Sling Bag for Women Shoulder Sling for Travel, Commuting and Hiking
No exaggeration when we say that this is the best sling bag for women. It helps keep all your essential belongings in one, easy-to-access place. This means leaving your things behind between job, school, and family will quickly be a thing of the past with this bag. The bag is made of durable and natural 14-ounce canvas.
As if that’s not enough, this women’s sling bag is equipped with metal zippers as well as featuring a reinforced buckle. That being said, you do not need to pass this bag over your head every time you want to wear it. The braided rope shoulder strap is adjustable and slip-resistant to ensure a perfect fit. The bag also has a padded form-fitting back that further promotes comfort.
The bag measures 11 by 18 inches. It is compact enough to also work as a purse. What’s even better, the compact design does not compromise space, as this bag has lots of compartments. These are an inner security pocket, 2 phone pockets, and 2 vertical zip compartments. These compartments are large enough to store all your essentials.
Additional Information: The backpack is suitable for hiking, day trips, amusement parks, and more. The backpack can also be used as a carry-on. It is available in unique colors and patterns you will never see anywhere. These are Molly, Sylvia, Olivia, Lucy, Emma, and Bella2.
Reasons To Buy
- The back is very well padded
- The front pockets are large
- Holds up well to everyday use
- The strap is very easy to get on and off without unclipping
Take Note
- The pattern makes it quite difficult to find the zippers on either side of the shoulder sling
9. Vera Bradley Women’s Signature Medium Sling Backpack
Taking care of the Vera Bradley Sling Bag for Women is very easy. This is because it is made of signature cotton, which is machine washable. The quilted cotton is durable yet lightweight so you can have an easy time carrying the bag around. What’s more, this bag is available in a wide range of fabulous colors and patterns to choose from.
Some of these colors and patterns are Garden Grove, French Paisley, Felicity Paisley, Regal Rosette, and Cloud Vine. The sling backpack also has lots of pockets that make it easy to stay organized on the go. There are 2 front zippered pockets, a phone slip, pen slips, and a D-ring for keys.
The Vera Bradley Shoulder Backpack also features a hidden zippered large pocket on the back. This pocket is suitable for storing valuables. The backpack measures 19” H by 9” W by 3” D and comes with a 38” strap. The strap is adjustable to allow a perfect fit every time.
Reasons To Buy
- The bag is comfortable to wear
- Looks much better in person
- The bag has plenty of room to keep you organized
- The material is durable and washable
Take Note
- Seems to be designed to only go on the left shoulder
Buyer’s Guide for the Best Sling Bag for Men and Women
There are some factors you should have in mind if you want to have an easy time finding a good shoulder bag. They include:
- The Fabric Used
Although sling bags for men and women are not as expensive as messenger bags or backpacks for laptops, you still want to get a good quality brand that can stand the test of time. The fabric used to make a sling pack plays a huge role in its overall durability. It is, therefore, important that you buy a bag made of such premium fabrics as nylon and polyester.
- Dimensions/Capacity
Sling backpacks are not very spacious, but this does not mean they cannot carry lots of items. If you normally carry lots of stuff such as keys, wallets, tablets, clothes, books, and personal items, it is advisable that you go for a bag with multiple compartments. This will help you keep everything within easy reach. Ideally, if your tablet is on the large side, consider a bag whose main compartment is large enough.
- Comfort
You should also have comfort in mind when buying a shoulder backpack. This is because a sling backpack that is not very comfortable to wear can cause a lot of problems. First, you will not be able to wear it for long periods. Second, it can cause pressure on the shoulders, thereby, leaving you with sore muscles the next morning. With all that said, choose a bag with a wide, well-padded strap.
FAQs: Sling Bags for Men & Women
Q1. Are slings bags worth it?
Yes. Sling bags are a worthy investment. They come in handy for when you are traveling yet do not want to carry a heavy and bulky backpack. Sling bags are normally compact yet spacious enough to carry almost everything. You can fit your jeans in there, a tablet, books, and so on. Some sling packs even have water bottle pockets to make sure your bottle of water is always with you during camping, hiking, etc.
Q2. Which company produces the best sling bag?
The manufacturers whose crossbody backpacks will never disappoint are KAVU, MOSISO, Gowara Gear, Vera Bradley, and Nicgid. These manufacturers not only make the best sling bags but also back them with reliable warranties and guarantees. Their goal is to make sure you are satisfied to the fullest with your purchase.
Q3. Why are tactical sling bags more expensive than ordinary sling packs?
Tactical sling backpacks are slightly costlier than ordinary sling packs because, first, they are very well made. They are made with premium materials like 600D polyester so they can withstand anything the outdoor environment dishes out. Second, they have lots of compartments, including hidden pockets where you can keep valuables. Moreover, most tactical shoulder backpacks have smaller straps to prevent swaying while moving.
Q4. Can sling bags cause back pain?
Unfortunately, yes. That is why it is advisable that you only invest in a good quality bag that is built with ultimate comfort in mind. This bag should have a well-padded, wider strap that distributes pressure evenly rather than concentrating it in one place. It should also have a padded back to provide you with great support. Moreover, make sure you do not overstuff your sling pack, as this too can lead to backache.
Q5. Are sling bags trendy?
Yes. Celebrities and fashion designers have been spotted on several occasions in sling bags. This means they are fashionable. What’s more, today’s sling packs come in unique and beautiful colors and patterns that make them super stylish. Men and women who want to stand out and turn a few heads in the streets should try these bags.
Best Sling Bag Reviews: Summary
A sling bag should be your go-to when you are going on a trip, yet have no plans of carrying a lot of items. It is compact and, therefore, does not feel bulky or heavy. Besides, a sling backpack is spacious enough to carry all the essentials.
Although there are concerns about sling bags hurting the back, you can address this by only carrying lighter items in your crossbody bag. What’s more, when buying a shoulder bag, make sure it is made with quality materials for superior durability.