16 Best Sling Bags for Women
Once considered a cringe-worthy fanny pack, the modern sling bag is now all the rage. And this time, it’s here to stay. Comfortable, stylish, and functional to boot, once you buy a sling bag, you’ll never want to travel without it again. Find your perfect match here in our list of the best tried-and-true sling bags.
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16 best sling bags for women in 2024
1. Best overall sling bag: Away
The beauty of the sling bag is its simplicity—which is why this no-frills option from Away is the best there is. Its functional organization system keeps your daily must-haves always within reach: a key clip for your keys, a back pocket for your phone, and even enough space for your travel water bottle. Water-resistant nylon brings durable practicality, while leather trim elevates it all to elegance. Altogether, it’s a sure-fire win to become your favorite bag of the year.
Price: starting at $90
2. Best colorful sling bag: Calpak
A sling bag is a great all-purpose accessory for life on the go. So rather than going for basic black, why not add some color to your everyday routine? The Luka Belt Bag from Calpak is available in a rainbow of stand-out hues, like cobalt blue, dijon yellow, kale green, and pumpkin orange. Not only will it instantly level up any basic outfit, but it’ll stand the test of time, too, with a scratch-resistant fabric that you can wash and wear again and again.
Price: starting at $58
3. Best minimalist sling bag: Lo & Sons
If you’re a little hesitant to strap a bag across your chest, consider this option from Lo & Sons your starter sling bag. Sleek and lightweight, the Bond sling bag lets you keep your essentials close and hands-free without adding extra bulk to your torso. Take your pick from premium sheepskin leather, tyvek, or recycled poly with an antimicrobial lining, and then strap this sling bag across your chest or fanny pack style for easy, minimalist travel.
Price: starting at $98
4. Best backpack-style sling bag: Canvelle
Looking for the ideal crossbody bag to accompany you on your daily escapades? Look no further than this sleek and contoured sling backpack from Canvelle. Boasting an air-cushioned back panel, an extra wide strap, and a spacious interior lined with our easy-clean, water-resistant material, this sling bag has everything you need. Other features include a key clip, water-resistant back pockets, and a versatile design that can be worn on the front or back.
Price: starting at $115
5. Best neoprene sling bag: Quince
This versatile bag from Quince is made from 100% water-resistant recycled neoprene and features multiple compartments to store all your essentials. Whether you're traveling, hiking, or on vacation, you'll find endless uses for this belt bag. What we love most is that this bag is designed with the environment in mind, using materials that are made from up to four post-consumer plastic bottles. We also love the color options it comes available in — black, heather grey, and this beautiful royal blue.
Price: starting at $39
6. Best sling bag with a water bottle pouch: Beis Travel
For those who prioritize staying hydrated while exploring, we suggest using Beis Travel's Sport Sling as your new go-to. This small but powerful sling is perfect for all your on-the-go needs, from hiking and running errands to hitting the town. It has enough space for all your essentials, including a micro-fiber lined protective pocket for your phone or sunglasses, a built-in card organizer, and a hidden water bottle pouch.
Price: starting at $58
7. Best anti-theft sling bag: Pacsafe
When traveling solo (or even with a group), you should always keep an eye out for would-be thieves. That’s what makes the Go Anti-Theft Sling Pack from Pacsafe such a nifty travel companion. Its eXomesh® slashguard fabric and Carrysafe® slashguard strap with Dyneema® help keep unwanted hands away from your gear. RFIDsafeTM blocking pockets and material go the extra mile to prevent your ID cards and passport from being scanned or copied.
Price: starting at $59
8. Best sustainable sling bag: Cuyana
Gone are the days when sustainable fabric meant low quality, drab, and boring. Now, you can do your part to reduce landfill waste and still sport a fashionable bag. The Recycled Sling Bag from Cuyana is made of 100% Global Recycle Standard (GRS)-certified plastic. Thoughtfully crafted with interior and exterior pockets, this sling bag’s unique slouch shape gives you the versatility, comfort, and style you need, everywhere you go.
Price: starting at $178
9. Best large-capacity sling bag: Nomatic
If you’re worried that a sling bag isn’t enough to handle all your gear—fear not. The Navigator Sling 6L from Nomatic has enough space to accommodate more than just the everyday travel essentials, without ever weighing you down. Designed to maximize function, this sling bag features four pockets, including a tablet pocket, a water bottle pocket, a card slot, and space for smaller accessories. There’s even a key leash to help you stay organized and pack it all in efficiently.
Price: starting at $129
10. Best fashionable sling bag: Topo Designs
“Alright, I get that sling bags are practical … but give me the fashion!” If that sounds like you, don’t give up on sling bags just yet. The Mini Quick Pack Canvas from Topo Designs is as fashionable as it is useful. Stay classic with cotton canvas in black or natural cream—or stand out with eye-catching forest green or blue. The elegance of leather accents never misses. Meanwhile, a diagonal zippered pocket and top carry handles add a fun flair that you won’t catch on just any old sling bag.
Price: starting at $55
11. Best sling bag for tech items: Troubadour
The Troubadour Sling Bag is a practical and comfortable choice for techies. It's made from lightweight waterproof recycled fabric, providing eco-friendly protection from unexpected weather. The roomy main compartment accommodates daily essentials, including an iPad mini, and is padded for comfortable wear. The bag includes a front zipped compartment with two mesh slip-pockets, an internal pocket for small essentials, a secure quick-release magnetic buckle with a ladderlock, waterproof YKK zippers, and an expandable design that adapts to varying loads. Lastly, the ripstop and wipeable antibacterial lining ensures long-lasting durability.
Price: starting at $95
12. Best adjustable sling bag: Calpak
Carry it on your shoulder. Wear it across your back. Strap it on like a fanny pack. Hold it like a purse. This sling bag can do it all. With an adjustable crossbody strap, compression straps, and durable nylon buckles, the Terra Sling Bag is your do-it-all style chameleon. Whether you’re running in the park, running errands, or running to catch a flight, you can count on this adjustable bag to help you get where you’re going.
Price: starting at $58
13. Best durable sling bag: Patagonia
If you need your sling bag to stand up against more than just a plane ride or daily commute, turn to this durable option from Patagonia. Made of 100% recycled polyester with PFC-free DWR finish, the Atom Sling Bag 8L is made to handle your global adventures—from bike rides to buses to outdoor trekking. Plus, it’s water-repellant and ergonomically designed so you can count on all-day comfort even on your longest travel days.
Price: starting at $65
14. Best compact sling bag: Away
Not every sling bag has this nifty feature, but we just love it. When you’re done using your Packable Sling Bag from Away, you can fold it up into a compact zip pouch and tuck it away. When you need to run out for errands but don’t feel like dragging a giant tote bag, expand it and wear it around your waist to keep your phone, travel wallet, and keys on hand. It’s lightweight; it’s water resistant; it’s the no-brainer bag to take whenever you step out of the house.
Price: starting at $29
15. Best Lululemon sling bag alternative: Parker Baby
It seems like everyone is wearing Lululemon’s Everywhere Belt Bag these days. If you’re looking for something similar but don’t want to pay over $40+, then we recommend this chic and versatile belt bag from Parker Baby Co. This compact bag features a trendy design and adjustable belt strap, allowing you to wear it around your waist or across your body for hands-free convenience. With its spacious interior and multiple pockets, it provides ample storage space for your essentials while keeping them organized and easily accessible.
Price: starting at $37
16. Best versatile sling bag: Peak Design
The right sling bag is practical enough for your commute, chic enough for after-work drinks, and spacious enough for short travel adventures. The Everyday Sling from Peak Design checks all the boxes. Made out of durable nylon with sophisticated leather accents, this sling bag delivers when it comes to elegant simplicity. It also comes with FlexFold dividers so you can organize to your heart’s content when you want to maximize efficiency.
Price: starting at $159
Sling bags - common FAQs
How should you wear a sling bag?
There’s no wrong way to wear a sling bag, but the most popular way is across your back. Place the strap over one shoulder and underneath your other arm. You can keep the pack on your chest for easy access or on your back for fuss-free travel.
Are sling bags practical?
Sling bags are the uber-practical (and stylish) choice for women who love to travel. They have enough room to carry all your daily essentials without weighing you down. Plus, their adjustable straps make them comfortable and easy to wear from weekend getaways to morning commutes to nights out on the town.
Is a sling bag worth it?
A good sling bag is well worth the investment since it is by far the most comfortable way to carry your daily must-haves. Unlike shoulder bags or travel backpacks that can leave your muscles feeling strained, sling bags are specially designed so they don’t pull on your neck and shoulders and cause pain throughout the day.
