What’s the best sling bag for women you can buy?
How to choose the best bag for your needs?
You see, there are all kind of sling bags. There are small minimalist sling bags which have just a couple of pockets, and there are also spacious hiking sling backpacks and functional EDC sling bags. There are so many options — different styles, materials, features, color choices and, of course, price categories. Before buying a new sling bag you have to decide on what you’re planning to use it for. It’s very important to understand your needs first.
Only then you will be able to find the best sling pack for your needs.
Read on to find out what are the best ladies sling bags available on the market.
Best Sling Bag for Women: Our Favorite
Vera Bradley Signature Cotton Sling Backpack
Capacity: 9 Liters
Size and Dimensions: Medium — 19.25″ x 9.25″ x 3.5″ (49 x 23.5 x 9 cm)
Pockets: Main compartment, 2 easy-to-reach front zip pockets, hidden zip pocket
Fabric: Machine washable signature cotton
Color: Multiple beautiful patterns, including the popular Deep Night Paisley and French Paisley
Other Sizes: Mini (3 Liters)
Top Sling Bags for Women: Reviews
1. Vera Bradley Signature Cotton Sling Backpack, Medium
A colourful sling bag from women’s favorite bag manufacturer, Vera Bradley.
These fun sling bags come in exclusive patterns and are large enough to accommodate all your essentials and more. Just like the other Vera Bradley bags, these sling bags are cute, but versatile — use them as an everyday backpack, carry on or travel daypack. Wear this sling bag over your back or across your front.
Vera Bradley sling bags are of signature quilted cotton which is famous for its pattern, light weight and durability. This material is soft and machine washable. Please note, that the Vera Bradley cotton is not water resistant. You’ll need a small backpack rain cover to protect this bag from the rain.
The interior of the bag is lined with polyester material which is very easy to clean. Just wipe it down with a damp cloth. No need to wash the bag because of one spill.
These Verda Bradley sling bags will help you stay organized thanks to their multiple pockets. You’ve got a roomy main compartment, hidden zippered back pocket, vertical front pocket and front pocket with a slip pocket and two pen slots.
This Vera Bradley sling bag is the best sling bag for women who love colorful bags and fun patterns.
Dimensions: 19.25” x 9.25 x 3.5” (49 x 23.5 x 9 cm).
2. Vera Bradley Recycled Lighten Up ReActive Sling Bag
A lightweight sling bag, similar to the Signature Cotton Sling bag.
With a similar design to the Signature Cotton Sling bag, the Recycled Lighten Up ReActive sling bag is out second favorite.
The only difference is the material — a sustainably sourced ReActive material made from recycled plastic water bottles. A good choice for the environment, as well as for you. This sling bag is lightweight and will keep your things dry during the rain, as bag’s material is water-repellent.
The Recycled Lighten Up ReActive bag will help you stay organized thanks to its multiple pockets. You’ve got a roomy main compartment, hidden zippered back pocket, vertical front pocket and front pocket with a slip pocket and two pen slots.
Just like the Signature Cotton sling bag, the ReActive is among the best travel sling bag for ladies. It’s well-made and will hold up well.
Dimensions: 19.25” x 9.25 x 3” (49 x 23.5 x 7.6 cm).
3. KAVU Original Rope Sling Bag
A super popular sling bag for women.
The shape of the KAVU sling bag is classic, but the design is unique. This sling bag is known for its unique shoulder strap which is made of durable cotton ropes which are held together with horizontal straps.
The back panel of this sling bag has a “KAVU” stitch which is not visible when you are wearing it but it gives the bag a nice touch.
At first the signature shoulder strap may not look too comfortable because it’s, you know, a rope. But it’s actually pretty good. Despite not having a padding, the rope is soft and elastic enough to fell comfortable on your body.
The rope strap is connected to a flap which folds around the body when wearing. This adds to the comfort.
The KAVU sling purse is made of durable 600 D Polyester, and will hold up well.
- There are several pockets:
- Front zippered pocket
- Velcro front pocket
- Main compartment with a vertical zipper, features a zippered inner pocket
- Smaller compartment with a vertical zipper, opposite the main compartment. Great for carrying a water bottle.
Dimensions: 20″ x 11″ x 5″ (51 x 28 x 13 cm).
4. Waterfly Crossbody Small Sling Bag
A compact and sleek EDC sling bag.
The sleek design and sturdy build makes it a perfect sling bag for everyday-carry and travel.
The Waterfly Crossbody sling bag is compact yet quite roomy. As it is sleek, it won’t look bulky even if it’s full. The design is what I like the most about this bag, and also its many compartments and pockets which will keep your things organized.
You’ve got:
- Front pocket with a vertical zipper;
- Two side mesh pockets (for a water bottle and an umbrella);
- Front compartment with a buckle closure;
- Zippered main compartment with 2 mesh and 1 fabric slip pocket;
- One reasonably sized elastic pocket at the back of the main compartment (fits a tablet computer);
- A reasonably sized zippered pocket on a shoulder strap (fits iPhone 11).
The Waterfly Small sling bag is made of water resistant nylon. The back panel is padded and lined with breathable and moisture wicking mesh fabric.
One end of the shoulder strap is detachable. It can be attached to either of the D rings at the bottom of the sling bag, depending on what shoulder you prefer to carry the sling bag.
Dimensions: 15” x 7” x 3.5” (38 x 18 x 9 cm).
Read full review of Waterfly Crossbody Sling Bag.
5. KL928 Sling Bag
A classy looking sling bag with a convertible shoulder strap.
What we like the most about the KL928 sling bag is that it has a convertible strap. You can turn the single shoulder strap into backpack-type shoulder straps with a pull of a zipper.
The KL928 sling bag is available in two styles — with a zipper or a buckle closure. Pay attention to it before you hit that Buy button!
The ones with a zipper closure feature more zippered pockets than the ones with a buckle closure. These type of bags are better for travel and commute, as they will keep everything neatly organized.
The KL928 sling bag with a buckle closure has multiple inner pockets and a zippered side pocket. It is more bulky, and will look better on a man.
Dimensions: 16.1″ x 10.2″ x 7.1″ (41 x 26 x 18 cm) / 17.3″ x 9.8″ x 5.9″ (44 x 25 x 15 cm).
6. MOSISO Sling Backpack
A very inexpensive sling bag for women and men.
The Mosiso shoulder sling bag is a great option for everyday carry. Is this the best sling bag for women? Yes, if you are looking for a cheap and compact sling bag!
This sling bag has multiple compartments and pockets which will keep your things organized. It’s compact yet roomy enough to hold all your essentials and more.
You’ve got:
- Front zippered pocket with an opening for headphones;
- Two side mesh pockets (for a water bottle and an umbrella);
- Front compartment with a buckle closure;
- Zippered main compartment with a padded pocket for a tablet computer (can hold an 11″ iPad Pro).
The Mosiso sling bag is made of durable, water-repellent polyester material.
One end of the sling bag’s shoulder strap is detachable. It can be attached to either of the D rings at the bottom of the sling bag, depending on what shoulder you prefer to carry the sling bag.
Available in many colors. Black sling bag is available, too.
Dimensions: 15.3″ x 7.5″ x 3.5″ (39 x 19 x 9 cm).
What is a Sling Bag?
A sling bag is a compact bag resembling a fanny pack (British — bum bag).
In fact, design of sling bags is inspired from fanny pack design.
There are smaller and larger, less compact sling bags. There are sling bags that can hold a small laptop, and there are sling bags that can hold only essentials.
Main Uses of Sling Bags
Sling bags can be used on different occasions, but the most popular uses are these:
- As an EDC backpack — while running errands, casual outing, etc. Many of the popular sling bags are perfect for everyday carry.
- As a daypack for travel — good sling bags are compact and slim, so they can be packed in your suitcase when you travel. However, packable daypacks are better for this kind of thing
- As a carry on — if you are checking in a suitcase and want a smallish bag to essentials and valuables on the plane
- For college / commute — if you don’t have to carry that many items
- For a short hike — sling bags offer enough space for a water bottle, some snacks, camera, smartphone and keys
Are Sling Bags Comfortable?
First of all, before buying a new sling bag you have to decide if this kind of bag is for you. Will it feel comfortable on your back?
A sling bag is not the perfect solution for people with back problems. Sling bags are not as ergonomic as the best EDC backpacks.
However, sling bags are more comfortable than tote bags, messenger bags and crossbody bags. They are sturdier and offer some padding. Sling bags are designed so that they stay close to your body, not flapping around, as messenger bags and crossbody bags tend to do.
Are wondering what is better — a sling bag or a compact backpack? Again, depends on what you’re planning to use it for.
Sling bags are less bulky than backpack. Less bulk, but also less compartments and storage space. This means, a sling bag is a great option when you want to carry quite a lot of stuff, but not as much as you would in a backpack.
Sling bags are great for summer, as there is only one shoulder strap and they’re smaller. Less contact with your body means more ventilation and less sweat.
What to Look for in a Sling Bag When Buying One?
Looking for a new sling backpack? Not sure if you even want a sling bag?
It depends on what you’re planning to use it for.
Size
Just like with other bag types, there are larger and smaller sling bags.
The largest sling bags are great not only for your everyday essentials, but also for a commute as they can hold a tablet computer or even a small laptop.
The smallest, however, are roomy enough to hold a a couple of paperbacks, a smartphone, wallet, pack of Kleenex, passport, notebook, cables and a water bottle. Still quite a lot of stuff, isn’t it?
Material
The most popular fabrics for sling bags are: nylon, polyester, canvas and leather. More durable bags may be made out of polyester, leather and sturdier type of canvas.
If you are living somewhere where rain is common, then we strongly suggest you to buy a sling bag that is made of water-resistant material. Usually sling bags made of polyester or nylon offer some protection from rain.
However, it’s not a waterproof sling bag, as the material is only water resistant. This means that the sling bag can’t be submerged, and it will get soaked in a heavy rain.
Compartments and Pockets
If you love to keep your things organized, you absolutely have to buy a sling bag with multiple pockets and compartments.
A sling bag with multiple pockets and compartments is ideal for commute, college, travel and short hikes. If you are using a sling bag for any of these purposes, you’ll need some organization to keep everything tidy and easy to locate.
Minimalist sling bag is great for everyday use. A small, minimalist sling bag is more of an everyday bag for those who don’t like carrying a handbag or crossbody bag.
Style and Features
Not all sling bags are created equal. Some are fancier while others are more no-frills. There are designer sling bags, sporty sling bags, and there are inexpensive, very simple looking sling bags.
There are sling bags that are more classy looking than others. And there are sling bags that are really heavy on features.
The best sling bag for women will have some of these features (if not all of them):
- Laptop sleeve (in most cases — unpadded, though);
- Hidden zippered pocket / pockets;
- Side pockets;
- Phone pocket on shoulder strap;
- Water resistant body;
- Anatomically shaped single shoulder strap;
- Interior organizer;
- Earphone hole;
- Reflective strap;
- Key fob;
- Detachable end of the shoulder strap.
If you are not sure, over which shoulder strap you would like to wear a sling bag, see if one end of the shoulder strap is detachable. In this case you will be able to attach it to either of the D rings at the bottom of the sling bag, depending on what shoulder you prefer to carry the sling bag.
Have you ever owned a sling bag? Do you prefer sling bags or backpacks? What is your favorite sling bag?
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