17 Best Sling Bags to Wear on Hikes, to the Beach, and Everywhere Else
A must-have accessory we're adding to our closets (and suitcases) this summer and beyond: sling bags. Not only are these bags the most practical way to carry all of your daily essentials, they also add an effortless, chic look to even the simplest workout or loungewear set. Since they're made to be worn across your chest, sling bags will keep you hands-free whether you're running errands, on an afternoon hike, or working your way through airport security. When it comes to style we didn’t skimp on the selections either. With summer coming you’ll find vibrant, light colors that will brighten your look. And compared to their equally on-trend bag cousin, the fanny pack, they tend to be a bit roomier; some have space for your beach read or water bottle. Below, we've rounded up the 17 best sling bags to wear on all your upcoming trips to make reaching for your passport, wallet, and sunglasses a breeze.
FAQ:
How do I choose a good sling bag?
Sling bags offer a lot of versatility when it comes to style and use. The main thing to keep in mind when shopping for one: comfort. Since sling bags are designed to sit snugly around your chest, finding one that doesn’t give you aches and pains while having it strapped to your body is the biggest win. The next thing to consider is what you’ll be using it for—is it for travel, concerts, or mostly day-to-day use? That answer can help determine the size and style that will be best for you.
What is the difference between a sling and shoulder bag?
A sling bag is worn around the upper body and compressed to the chest while a shoulder bag hangs lower and typically lands around the waist. Shoulder bags and sling bags come in an array of sizes, but sling bags tend to be more compact and designed to fit the necessities. Shoulder bags are usually larger, and often geared toward sophisticated, dressy settings, whereas slings bags are a more laid-back alternative.
Are sling bags useful?
Sling bags are ideal for occasions where you want to be hands-free, but still have everything you need. A bulky purse or large backpack can be stressful in travel settings, especially if you're worried about pickpockets or just generally losing your valuables. They're the perfect accessory for staying comfortable during long stretches of time on your feet—wear them on day hikes, sightseeing afternoons, and days when you find yourself with a long list of errands to run.
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Terra sling bag
For those who might not have stepped into sling bag territory because of the small sizing, Calpak has you covered with its Terra sling bag. It is made of recycled polyester and has nylon compression straps to give you the most comfort while carrying it, as well as a top handle. With a 15-inch main compartment, there’s space for all your needs no matter where you are headed.
Coral Daisy sling bag
This tiny but mighty choice is perfect for summer days when you just need to carry the bare necessities: phone, cards, and lip balm. It's the ultimate go-to for concerts and music festivals when you want to be hands-free.
Calvin Klein Myra Sling Backpack
The Millie Sling bag has a sleek shape and clean lines. With a pebbled leather exterior, it's the sling to choose in place of a purse when you want a more polished look but need more comfort and space than a small crossbody bag or clutch can provide.
Baggallini sling
Small but roomy, this Baggallini Sling has space for a day's worth of necessities. There are three pockets to fit your keys, wallet, and earbuds, plus nice-to-have items like a water bottle, sunscreen or bug spray. The adjustable strap adds versatility to your look as well as comfort. Our favorite part: The sling features a side phone pocket, so you'll have a rummage-free day ahead.
Uniqlo Round Mini Shoulder Bag
Tested by UK contributor Sarah Leigh Bannerman, the Uniqlo Shoulder Bag has almost as much online hype as the Lululemon belt bag. Despite its name, it is popularly worn as a sling bag, and is something of a Mary Poppins tote when it comes to space: Bannerman was able to fit a bottle of water, book, her wallet and passport, hand sanitizer, a face mask, mini sun cream, and a sunglasses case inside.
Tumi Tahoe Lookout Expandable Sling
Save room packing multiple day bags for your next trip with this all-in-one sling bag from Tumi. This versatile sling has an adjustable strap that lets you wear it across your chest and close to your body on either side, and it can be expanded to use as a tote bag. (In its larger configuration, there's room for a water bottle, plenty of snacks, or even a quick change of clothes.) It's lightweight, water-resistant, and durable enough to bring on camping or hiking trips.
Coach Leather Sling Pack
This two-tone pebbled leather sling is ultra-sleek and makes every outfit appear more put together. Great for city trips, like that long-awaited European excursion, it can be worn across the body or on one side similarly to a backpack. Available in brown, ivory, and black leather, each of these shades are ideal for matching all of your summer wardrobe staples.
Lululemon Wunderlust belt bag
Lululemon's Wunderlust belt bag is the ideal sporty bag for any upcoming weekend trips you're taking. It's contoured to hug your body and can be worn around the waist or over your shoulder for busy days on the move. Made of water-resistant material, this bag features an exterior zipped pocket for small essentials like your favorite lip balm, interior slip pockets, and an adjustable strap for a comfortable fit.
Béis water bottle sling
A favorite of senior commerce editor Madison Flager, the lightweight size of this Béis bag makes staying hydrated on the go an easier task to manage—it fits up to a 32-ounce water bottle while still giving you enough room to keep your phone, keys, and ID zipped away. Thanks to its adjustable strap, it can be worn as a crossbody bag or carried in your hand. The drawstring and cord lock closure cinches around a water bottle, too, keeping it secure on bumpy roads.
Cuyana Recycled Sling Bag
Cuyana's recycled sling bag is ideal for when you just want to bring along one versatile bag you can wear multiple ways throughout a weekend trip. It has a zip closure and a slip pocket inside to fit your smaller essentials. Wear it as a short crossbody during the day exploring a new city and then adjust the strap at night to wear as a shoulder bag for dinner. Plus, this 100 percent recycled bag is also washable so you can clean up any accidental spills or scuffs.
66 North crossbody bag
Flager purchased this water resistant sling bag on a trip to Iceland last year and it was the perfect size for storing all of her daytime essentials. She was able to fit an entire standard-size water bottle, Kindle, wallet, earphones, and hand sanitizer inside and still had room to spare. Made of a soft waterproof rubber material, this bag will keep your valuables protected even in unpredictable weather.
MZ Wallace Metro Sling
This quilted nylon sling bag from MZ Wallace will fit all of your summer essentials and still leave you with room to spare. It has a zipped front section to hold your phone and another zipped pocket inside the main section of the bag for extra storage. The multiple sections help keep me organized on the go—I'm never left digging through my bag for what feels like forever to find lip balm or cash.
Monos Sling Bag
A pair of bike shorts, a plain T, and this ivory sling bag from Monos will be my summer uniform. Made of vegan leather, this neutral-colored bag matches just about any outfit and elevates even a simple look. The thick, adjustable strap doesn't dig into your skin so it's comfortable to wear all day long, whether you're on a walk or jumping in and out of the car on a road trip. This one has multiple pockets on the inside and even a hidden pocket on the back to store your phone, wallet, or favorite Chapstick.
Away Packable Sling Bag
For times when you don't have a whole lot of room in your suitcase to spare, Away's Packable Sling Bag is your friend. It can be folded down and fits into a small zip pouch that you can throw right in your suitcase or another bag when you don't need it. It's lightweight, water-resistant, and the adjustable strap lets you also wear it around the waist or across your chest.
Osprey Daylite Sling Backpack
Ideal for staying hands-free on a hike, bike ride, or camping trip, the Osprey sling is durable and water-resistant. It features a mesh organizer, key clip, and multiple pockets for plenty of storage. The strap is adjustable and the 100 percent recycled fabric is comfortable to wear for hours, even over a tank top or sports bra.
