The 15 Best Travel Sling Bags (Single-Strap Crossbody Styles)

Are sling bags making a comeback for travel? I’ve seen a lot about sling bags being the popular new type of daypack to have while you’re out on a trip. After all, they’re compact, convenient and versatile.

Here’s how I define a sling bag: it has to have one strap—like a backpack, but just with one strap; it also has to fit daytime essentials, and be comfortable for all-day wear during vacation, business travel or any other type of trip.

In this list, check out the top-notch sling bags I’ve tried and researched, and see what I think they’re best for.

My note: One thing this article is NOT about is fanny packs or belt bags. This article is specifically about bags that either have a single strap as strong as a backpack strap, or are large enough to be worn for slinging, rather than at your waist._

Troubadour Apex Sling (5.5L)

Best for: A business trip, looking chic, classy urban adventures

One thing I love about Troubadour’s travel backpacks and bags is that when I wear one, I look good. I’ve reviewed the Troubadour brand, and I can’t stop talking about the quality materials, amazing designs and durable zippers.

The Apex Sling bag smart features that I have to tell you about, from the mini tablet sleeve on the inside, to a weatherproofed zip pocket on the outside and a hidden pocket in the backside for theft-proof safety against my valuables.

This is a travel sling so attractive that I can wear it from the plane, to a business meeting, and then out to the bar. It’s like a business travel backpack turned into a mini 5.5-liter sling bag that’s great for any professional or city trip.

See my full Troubadour Apex Sling review for even more photos.

Peak Design Everyday Sling v2 (3L)

Best for: Photographers, and people who like bags with quality that lasts a lifetime

I think the Peak Design Everyday Sling is really unique. It’s ready for everyday adventures (running errands in your car), secure storage of valuables and a camera during travel and it can even transport a bunch of cans of soda.

If you’re a travel photographer or just someone who likes to take photos during a trip with a “real camera,” you’ll be glad to know that Dan listed this sling bag on the roundup of the best backpacks for photographers.

What I like best about it is the smart and stretch pockets inside, the highly durable survive-anything exterior from waterproof nylon and the moving divider inside, so that I can stay organized (or store a camera).

Want to see all our photos? Head to the Peak Design Everyday Travel Sling review.

Bellroy Venture Sling (6L)

Best for: Travelers who like style, durability and a good amount of space

I’m a fan of Bellroy products: they’re simple, timeless, excellent quality and focus on the features that travelers need most. For example, the Bellroy Venture Sling in the 6L size has stretchy inside pockets, side pocket organizers, an adjustable strap with classy metal slider buckles AND a zipper function I’ve never seen before on a sling bag for travel.

The zippers end at either end of the sling’s main cavity, and they meet in the middle, meaning you can open them both at one time, or open one at a time from the side you prefer. It’s a unique design.

If you see in my photos what fits inside, I can fit an entire bottle of sunscreen, one of my big KIND breakfast bars, hand sanitizer and my baseball cap. And I have a ton of room to spare, for my sunglasses case, wallet, keys and more.

Looking for a bigger one? You can size up to the 9L version.

Canvelle Sling Bag (4L) (and Oversized Sling (6L))

Best for: Looking stylish while you travel, female travelers, versatile daytime sling bags

What I continue to write home about in regard to Canvelle bags is that they combine style with weightlessness. All the Canvelle products are made from recycled bottlesand they are so lightweight. A sling bag like the Canvelle Sling is made of so little material that it can even pack into another backpack or suitcase, so that I can take it out when I get to my destination.

This is a true sling bag in that I can sling it around my front or my back, and adjust the strap to bring the entire pack closer to my body if I’m in crowded areas of new cities. I like the easy zippers, interior storage management like mesh pockets and zippered compartments and the breathable back panel.

I’ll also be honest in telling you that I like clipping in my Canvelle wallets and flat organization pouches (all Canvelle wallets and flat pouches come with clip-in rings) and using the key clip for my keys. This sling bag does it all and it’s a trendy look for all my trips.

In select colors, you can also see if the Oversized Sling Bag is available. That one is 6 liters in volume and it’s 3 inches bigger in the bag height and width.

Cotopaxi Chasqui Sling (13L)

Best for: Fitting a laptop, versatile travel wear (hiking/cities) and funky colors

The Cotopaxi brand makes me feel adventurous, and the Cotopaxi Chasqui Sling (in a 13-liter size) is a messenger-bag-meets-backpack with room for a laptop and a single crossbody shoulder strap.

Some things that I think are unique about it are the “wraparound zipper” that lets me access anything inside, plus a zippered pocket on the mesh back panel for tucking in some papers or a passport. Just like everything from Cotopaxi, this sling is built for adventure and does well both on travel days and in the wild.

Quince Leather Sling Bag

Best for: Women travelers, wearing from day to night

Maybe you’ve seen my Quince product recommendations in travel roundup lists like the best travel fanny packs, or maybe you’re new to the brand. Regardless, I can tell you that from my experience with Quince products, the combination of great styles and competitive prices cannot be beat.

What I like about the Leather Sling Bag is that it is a simple and timeless style with a thick strap. Sure, this one looks more like a belt bag (and maybe it is), but with the company classifying it as a sling, we know it looks good slung over one shoulder. As for cool travel features, it has a back-side zipper pocket for keeping essentials secure and a handy card slot inside. Plus, it looks gorgeous, whether I’m sightseeing or out to dinner on vacation.

Nomatic Navigator Sling (10L)

Best for: Commuting, travel adventures and fitting a wide variety of tech (tablets, cameras)

At first glance, I saw the Nomatic Sling and thought it was the Troubadour Apex Sling—I couldn’t believe the similarity in design.

There are some differences for sure, though, despite the black minimalist look. Coming from one of our favorite photography/travel companies Nomatic (see our Nomatic brand review to learn about our experience), it has a look incredibly similar to our Navigator 15L Pack, just more petite.

With a 10-liter volume, it actually DOES have a laptop compartment, a tablet compartment and an RFID-safe pocket for tech. It’s made with all water-repellent materials and has tamper-resistant zippers, so we can feel safe using it in higher-theft locations. (A few more travel features I have to note: it has a trolley sleeve for suitcase travel, and lastly, a card pocket on the single back strap.)

North Face Borealis Sling Bag (6L)

Best for: Commuting, traveling anywhere, days in transit, climbing or hiking

The North Face Borealis Sling is a bit nostalgic for me because the first North Face backpack I ever owned was the Borealis Backpack! It’s a favorite of mine and brings back good memories. It’s great that The North Face made the Borealis into a smart single-strap sling bag for travelers.

I like this sling bag because it looks like a natural: the bungee cords on the front make it a true travel bag, able to strap down a windbreaker, sweaty shirt or light travel towel during a hike.

The other super handy feature to note is the elongated zipper pocket on the cushioned strap: it fits a granola bar or a pair of sunglasses. One more thing this sling bag has that others don’t is a water bottle pocket that fits even a wide-mouthed thermos!

Tortuga Travel Sling (2.5L)

Best for: Unbeatable quality, simple design and lots of pockets

Note: It was so popular that it’s now out of stock, and coming back in November 2024. You can place a pre-order to get on the waitlist.

Tortuga’s Travel Sling is a versatile bag for travel days and it’s highly-rated among pro travelers (just like everything from the Tortuga brand). I own a Tortuga Travel Sling, and I tell people that the notable things about it are its weightlessness (8 ounces when empty!), magnetic clasp buckle (makes it stand out from the rest) and smart mesh interior pockets.

It’s weatherproof, and totally unisex, so either Dan or I can use mine if we’re out for the day on vacation and switching bags while we chase our toddler. One of my favorite uses of it so far has been for some hiking out in a nature reservation close to where we live.

Osprey Daylite Sling (6L)

Best for: Hiking, outdoor adventures, camping, everyday use

From the famous Osprey outdoors and luggage brand, the Daylite Sling is a very affordable option for your travel sling. It weighs about half a pound when empty, so that’s a great starting point for a lightweight travel daypack.

One thing it does that the Apex Sling does (and that a lot of travel slings don’t do, as I have found!) is become ambidextrous. For lefties or righties, or people who like to switch sides for carrying a crossbody sling, the Osprey Sling allows for looping the single shoulder strap on either side via a hook at the base. I think that’s a really smart option to have in a travel sling.

Patagonia Atom Sling Bag (8L)

Best for: Hiking and outdoor activities, biking, having lots of straps

We’re big fans of Patagonia, seeing as how enthusiastic Dan is in his Patagonia Black Hole Duffel review! The Atom Sling Bag from Patagonia is a high-quality sling for taking everywhere: commuting, bike rides, hiking, camping and general travel. It has an 8-liter volume that can pack in quite a bit when it comes to a day’s-out essentials, and just like the North Face Sling, it has a zip-down pocket on the front shoulder strap.

At the moment, it comes in a variety of colors that suit men, women and unisex preferences.

Travelon AT Classic Sling Bag

Best for: Theft-proof materials, slash-proof fabrics, locking compartments for safety/security

What stands out about the Travelon AT Classic Sling Bag is probably the affordable price, and the theft-resistant features. Right away, this sling bag looks simple, but right under the surface, I got to learn about the slash-resistant fabric panels (to ward off thieves with knives) and compartments that “lock” to each other with a clasp and loop.

The RFID-blocking passport and card slots are a bonus, too, for travelers who want to really take every precaution for fighting off getting mugged. Just keep this bag close to you in crowded streets to avoid pickpockets on your trip!

Sherpani Esprit Anti-Theft Sling

Best for: Traveling women, RFID protection, anti-slash fabrics and a looping lock system

I’m newer to the Sherpani brand, but having seen it everywhere from Amazon to REI, I know it can be trusted. The wildly-popular Sherpani Esprit Anti-Theft Sling Bag is a functional sling bag for women travelers, and it has theft-proof features, too.

The highlights to call out are clip locks for the main compartment, RFID-blocking pockets and anti-slash fabric at the bottom and shoulder strap.

If you’re into the teardrop-style shape and the various available colors, this one seems like a solid buy for a travel sling bag.

KAVU Rope Sling Bag - Women’s

Best for: Traveling women, travelers who like catchy designs, casual activities, transit days

One of the more unique-looking sling bags here, the woman-specific KAVU Rope Sling Bag really does have rope for its single strap. It’s an earthy and laid-back look that’s great for backpackers, casual travelers and outdoor activities.

To get to your stuff inside, you’ll access it via two vertically-zipping compartments. There’s also a Velcro pocket on the front side for keys or a phone. (Note: this is not one of my theft-proof recommendations, so it’s therefore best for hiking and casual activity, rather than dense cities and urban trips).

Carhartt Mono Sling Bag & Crossbody Backpack

Best for: A unisex travel style, a classic design, hidden pockets, lightweight build

Travelers seem to go nuts for the Carhartt Travel Sling Bag, which has a cool canvas look and is made with Rain Defender, to protect my stuff during wet weather.

There is a tablet sleeve for an iPad or e-reader, a long 19-inch main cavity for storage and a fleece-lined pocket for tech and electronics.

I do like the look of this one, as it’s kind of vintage-themed and rugged. The Carhartt Sling will do well for city sightseeing, travel days, walking around and light hikes.