Best Sling Bags: Top Sling Bags 2021 – Junyuan Bags

By Una Baufala January 28, 2021

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What are the best sling bags available on the market?

How to choose the best bag for your needs?

Let’s start with the obvious, not all sling bags are created equal. Even though they may look a lot like the same. 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 different materials, colors, different uses and price categories.

That’s why it’s important to understand your needs first.

Only then you will be able to find the best sling pack for your needs.

Best Sling Bags: Comparison

Now let’s take a look at the list of the best sling bags!

Scroll down to read more about these popular sling bags. For more photos, latest price and user reviews check them out on Amazon – just click on the name or image of the bag!

NAME	IMAGE	DIMENSIONS	CATEGORY	PRICE ON AMAZON
Osprey Daylite ***		approx. 15” x 8” x 5” (38.1 x 20.3 x 12.7 cm)	Unisex	Check the price!
OutdoorMaster		17.7″ x 11.8″ x 4″ (45 x 30 x 10.2 cm)	Unisex	Check the price!
Waterfly Crossbody ***		15” x 7” x 3.5” (38 x 18 x 9 cm)	Unisex	Check the price!
G4Free		15.55” x 8.26” x 3.3” (39.3 x 21 x 8.4 cm)	Unisex	Check the price!
Under Armour Compel 2.0		19″ x 13″ x 6″ (48.3 x 33 x 15.2 cm).	For Men	Check the price!
Vera Bradley Signature		19.25” x 9.25 x 3.5” (49 x 23.5 x 9 cm)	For Women	Check the price!
Mouteenoo		16” x 11.8” x 4.3” (40.6 x 30 x 11 cm)	For Laptop	Check the price!
*** – our favorites

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.

Why Use a Sling Bag?

When a handbag is not enough and a backpack is just too big, choose a sling bag.

Sling bag is a great option if you need more space for your essentials but a small crossbody or handbag is not enough.

Sling bags are more practical and ergonomic than handbags, totes and messenger bags. While they are not as comfy as backpacks, they offer some padding and sturdy shape. The load won’t feel as heavy as it is when carrying various types of handbags.

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.

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.

How to Choose the Best Sling Bag?

Size

Just like with any other bags, there are larger and smaller sling bags.

The largest sling bags are great not only for your everyday essentials, but also can hold your 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?

Features

Not all sling bags are created equal. There are sling bags that are more classy looking than others. And there are sling bags that are really heavy on features.

All the best sling bags feature:

• 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.

Pockets and Compartments

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 and college.

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.

Best Sling Bags: Reviews

Best Unisex Sling Bags

1. Osprey Daylite Shoulder Sling

A compact, lightweight sling bag from a popular outdoor brand, Osprey.

With a volume of 6 L, it is compact enough not to look too bulky on even the smallest of frames, but roomy enough for all your everyday essentials.

As the sling bag is made of nylon, it is water resistant to some degree. This means that the contents of your bag are safe during a light rain.

The Osprey sling bag features a breathable, anatomically shaped single shoulder strap with a small stretch mesh pocket and a soft, breathable back panel.

The sling bag features a zippered main compartment with an interior mesh organizer and key clip. At the front of the sling bag you’ve got a zippered stretch mesh storage pocket.

The sling bag is designed to be worn over the wearer’s right shoulder.

Thanks to the sling bag’s simplicity and versatility, it’s the perfect pack for everyday use and quick, a couple of hour-long hikes.

The sling bag is available in several colors.

Dimensions: approx. 15” x 8” x 5” (38.1 x 20.3 x 12.7 cm).

2. OutdoorMaster Sling Backpack

A classy and functional top rated sling bag.

Due to the low price, good quality and versatility, the OutdoorMaster sling bag is one of the coolest sling bags on the market.

This 12L sling bag is multi-purpose — take it on a trip, use it as an everyday bag, as a daypack for short hikes or outings to the city, or as a pack for a day in Disneyland. Can be worn on the chest, shoulder or as a crossbody bag.

Due to neutral colors and style, the sling bag is great for both women and men.

Not only the OutdoorMaster bag has several compartments and pockets, it also features a couple of useful features.

You’ve got:

• Main compartment — which can hold a small laptop or a tablet computer of up to 12”;
• Front compartment;
• Smaller zippered front pocket;
• Side mesh pocket with a drawstring;
• Secure anti-theft pocket on the side of the back panel;
• Strap pocket.

This sling bag features a reversible shoulder strap with a hook and loop closure. The shoulder strap is made of breathable mesh material, just like the bag’s back panel.

Dimensions: 17.7″ x 11.8″ x 4″ (45 x 30 x 10.2 cm).

3. Waterfly Crossbody Small Sling Bag

A lovely, versatile compact bag perfect for everyday use and travel.

Its sleek design and sturdy build makes it a perfect sling bag for active people.

The 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.

The Waterfly sling bag has:

• Front pocket with a vertical zipper;
• Two side mesh pockets;
• Front compartment with a buckle closure;
• Zippered main compartment;
• Two mesh and one fabric slip pockets in the main compartment;
• 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 sling bag is made of water resistant nylon.

One end of its shoulder strap is detachable.

Dimensions: 15” x 7” x 3.5” (38 x 18 x 9 cm).

Read full review of Waterfly Crossbody Sling Bag.

4. G4Free Sling Bag

A compact and a very affordable sling bag for men and women.

The G4Free sling bag is among the best sling bags on the market. It comes in variety of colors which will appeal both to men and women. Its sleek design makes it a wonderful bag for women, teens and kids.

The G4Free sling bag is versatile — wear it when going for a walk, when cycling or hiking, or use it as an everyday carry bag. As it is constructed of high quality water resistant nylon material, it won’t tear easily. The bag is lightweight, strong and sturdy.

The G4Free sling bag has a main compartment with an open inner pocket and a zippered pocket, front zippered pocket and side mesh pocket.

The shoulder strap and back panel are padded for comfortable carry.

Dimensions: 15.55” x 8.26” x 3.3” (39.3 x 21 x 8.4 cm).

5. Best Sling Bag for Men — Under Armour Compel Sling 2.0

A sporty-looking sling bag for men with with awesome organization.

It’s the best edc sling bag for those who wants a functional and casual quality sling bag.

Thanks to the multiple pockets, the Under Armour Compel 2.0 sling bag has plenty of storage.

You’ve got:

• Zippered pocket at the top with a soft lining. Perfect for storing sunglasses or a smartphone.
• Roomy compartment covered with a flap and fastened with a buckle. This compartment opens up wide, and it’s easy to access its contents.
• Two zippered front pockets;
• Side water bottle pocket (only accessible if you have the sling bag expanded);
• Expandable main compartment with a soft-lined laptop sleeve on the back (holds up to 15″ MacBook Pro).

The Under Armour Compel 2.0 sling bag is made of water resistant material – its UA Storm technology repels water while maintaining breathability.

The sling bag features adjustable, padded HeatGear crossbody shoulder strap.

It is breathable and it feels comfortable on the skin.

Dimensions: 19″ x 13″ x 6″ (48.3 x 33 x 15.2 cm).

More: Best Sling Bag for Men

6. Best Sling Bag for Women — Vera Bradley Signature Cotton Sling Bag

Colourful sling bags 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.

The 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 definitely the best one strap backpack for women.

Dimensions: 19.25” x 9.25 x 3.5” (49 x 23.5 x 9 cm).

More: Best Sling Bag for Women

7. Best Sling Laptop Bag — Mouteenoo Laptop Sling Bag

A multi-purpose sling bag with a padded laptop sleeve.

It is the best sling pack for commute and laptop carry.

Featuring a classy design and gender-neutral colors, the versatile Mouteenoo sling bag is perfect both for men and women. It can be used not only as a commute bag, but also as a travel daypack, school bag or everyday bag.

The Mouteenoo sling bag can accommodate a laptop, wallet, phone, keys, water bottle and other small items.

This bag can be worn on the front as a chest bag for extra safety during your trip.

There are plenty of pockets which will keep your things organized:

• Large main compartment with a pouch, pen holders, and a laptop sleeve which can hold a laptop of up to 15”;
• Zippered pocket on the shoulder strap;
• Front tablet pocket;
• Large zippered front pocket;
• Vertical zippered front pocket;
• Detachable smartphone pocket on the shoulder strap that can accommodate a large smartphone;
• Side mesh pocket.

The Mouteenoo is made of durable, water-resistant material.

Dimensions: 16” x 11.8” x 4.3” (40.6 x 30 x 11 cm).

More: Best Sling Laptop Bag

Do you prefer sling bags or backpacks? What is your favorite sling bag?

Junyuan Bags

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