Sometimes, I feel bogged down by my giant 30-liters daypack that feels like packed for a week-long expedition. That’s exactly why I’ve become such a fan of hiking sling bags.
They’re just the right size to pack what you actually use on a day hike – a cozy jacket for breezy heights, a first aid kit, a flashlight, a handy multi-tool, your phone, maybe a GoPro to capture the action, and of course, snacks.
Sure, a sling bag is not enough for longer, overnight hikes or when you’re planning to brave the wilderness for days on end. But for pretty much everything else, they’re absolutely perfect.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through my top picks that have made my hikes more about enjoying the views and less about adjusting the straps on a bulky backpack every five minutes.
What Are the Best Hiking Sling Bags?
Best Overall: Patagonia Atom Sling Bag | Check Price
Best Lightweight: Janji Multipass Sling Bag | Check Price
Best Capacity/Durability: KAVU Rope Sling Bag | Check Price
Best Versatility: Osprey Daylite Sling | Check Price
Best on Budget: Fjallraven High Coast Pocket Sling Bag | Check Price
Patagonia Atom Sling Bag
KEY FEATURES
PROS
CONS
The Patagonia Atom tops our list as the best sling bag for hiking. It strikes a perfect balance between having enough room (8 liters of storage) and not feeling like you’re lugging around a suitcase.
It’s sturdy, comfortable to wear (you can’t even feel it, really), and even keeps your stuff dry when you get caught in a bit of rain.
You get two big main compartments that surprisingly hold a lot, and I’ve even managed to fit a 2L water bladder and a flexible 1L water bottle in there. There’s also a bonus: a padded divider that helps keep things like books safe from other items.
You also have a front pocket and a strap pocket for smaller items, such as keys and a smartphone.
The two external straps are a feature that I find the most unique. They are particularly useful for attaching larger items (a yoga mat or a rain jacket for example) that would not fit in the main compartment. Big props to Patagonia for this feature!
Build quality is something Patagonia never compromises on, and the Atom Sling Bag is no exception. Lots of hikers praise the durability of this bag, so I expect mine to last many years of heavy use without any issues.
The water resistant aspect of the bag is pretty solid for beach days and light rain. However, I did notice the back padding could snag and soak up water if it gets wet, which is something to keep in mind.
If there’s one thing I think could be better, it’s how it carries water bottles. The external straps don’t quite cut it for securing a water bottle. It tends to slide out and take a tumble, which is a bit of a miss. An external pouch would have been perfect here.
Verdict
The Patagonia Atom has become my go-to for almost any outdoor (and a lot of indoor) adventures. It encourages you to pack smart, not pack everything. It’s a well-built option that should last you for years, so at $65, I’d say it’s a steal.
Janji Multipass Sling Bag
KEY FEATURES
PROS
CONS
This versatile sling bag is very light (5.8-6.5 ounces) while still being versatile. The main selling point of this bag is that you can wear it as a fanny pack around your waist or slinging it across your back or front.
It also stays put without bouncing around, which is a total win, especially when you’re out for a run.
The main zippered compartment isn’t just a black hole for your stuff. It’s got an internal key loop and a drop-down envelope pocket perfect for keeping cash or cards secure.
Then there’s the flexible middle bungee compartment. Need to stash a jacket or a water bottle? It’s got you covered with a stopper toggle to keep things tight.
And my personal favorite, the concealed back pocket, is a stealthy hideout for your phone, wallet, or passport, keeping them safe and out of sight.
In terms of capacity, I managed to pack a 20 oz. water bottle, a cap, gloves, and my phone in the main compartment with room to spare. It’s quite the feat for something so compact.
However, finding the perfect fit takes a bit of fiddling. You don’t want it too high because it might rub against your arm, or too low since it can ride up when you’re on the move. But with a little patience, you’ll find that sweet spot where it feels just right.
The bag’s 2-liters capacity means you’re only taking the essentials. It might sound like a drawback, but it actually encourages you to pack smart and light, which is a blessing in disguise on shorter hikes.
Verdict
Priced at $58, the Janji Multipass Sling Bag offers great value, especially if you’re looking for a lightweight alternative to a hydration pack. It’s perfect for runs and hikes when you need your essentials close without the burden of a heavy load.
Supporting Janji feels good not just because their products are high-quality, but also because they give back. With 2% of proceeds going towards nonprofits focused on clean water solutions worldwide, wearing this bag makes you part of a bigger picture!
KAVU Rope Sling Bag
KEY FEATURES
PROS
CONS
KAVU is another awesome American company that’s been whipping up quality outdoor gear. Their hiking sling bags are especially popular for their durability, capacity, and style.
The durability of this bag is really GOOD with 600-denier polyester used as a material here. It’ll only break at a whopping 127.4N, which is comparable to specialized backpacks twice its size. You can definitely trust that this bag will last through many hikes.
You have a lot of space and pockets to organize your belongings in this bag. With a 10 liters capacity, it’s like a small hiking day pack. It’s almost neck and neck with the Black Diamond Bbee 11 (the smallest hiking backpack we tested), and that’s saying something.
You get two vertical zip compartments that are surprisingly roomy. I’ve managed to fit a water bottle, some snacks, and even my small camera with room to spare.
The bag also features two smaller pockets. They might seem tiny at first glance, but I’ve easily stashed my wipes, phone, and cards in there.
As hikers, we often want to express our style and mood on the trails. If you appreciate a bit of flair in your gear, this bag comes in 21 amazing print variants.
Whether you’re feeling bold, quirky, or anything in between, there’s a design for you. Personally, I’m having a hard time picking a favorite because every single one is just so cool!
If I were to nitpick, I’d say I miss having loops or straps on the outside to hook a water bottle onto, kind of like what you’d find on the Patagonia Atom Sling Bag. But it’s quite a rare feature to find on sling bags in general.
Verdict
For anyone who loves to hit the trails without feeling weighed down, this sling bag is a must-have. It’s like carrying a small backpack, but with all the convenience of a sling. And with its versatile and stylish design, it’s a great choice for any hiker looking to add some personality to their gear.
Osprey Daylite Sling
KEY FEATURES
PROS
CONS
Priced at a cool $45, the Osprey Daylite Sling is your versatile, day-long companion.
Whether you’re popping over to the store, trotting off to school, jetting around the globe, wandering through city streets, or hitting the trails for a quick hike, this sling bag is perfect for carrying your essentials in a compact and convenient way.
With its 6 liters capacity, it’s the perfect size for most of my day-to-day adventures. On a normal day, I pack my iPhone, car keys, box opener, wallet, flashlight, plastic rain bags, first aid kit, a 20 oz. water bottle, Swiss army knife, and some small snacks into the main compartment and there’s still room to spare.
The front pocket is equally impressive. It snugly fits two pairs of glasses, wallet, keys, hand sanitizer, and a pen.
There’s also a little stretch pocket at the top of the shoulder strap. I don’t use it much since it’s pretty small, but it’s perfect for stashing your cards for easy access.
What really sold me on this sling bag is that it opens like a backpack. It opens from the top center with two zippers that glide about 3/4 of the way down the sling. This design makes it very easy to pack even standard hardback books in the main compartment.
The inside color of the sling is a light hue, so your stuff doesn’t just vanish into a black hole. You can easily spot whatever you need without guessing.
The only drawback that I’ve spotted so far are the zippers. They were a bit stiff at first, though they seem to be loosening up the more I use it.
Verdict
The Osprey Daylite Sling has made my life simpler and my outings more enjoyable. The compact and versatile design, ample storage space and convenient features make it a practical choice for everyday use.
Fjallraven High Coast Pocket Sling Bag
KEY FEATURES
PROS
CONS
The Fjallraven High Coast Pocket Sling Bag is literally like having an extra pocket! It’s small, sure, but mighty in ways that have surprised me more than once.
This little bag comes with a main compartment that’s perfectly sized for your smartphone and passport. It’s the go-to spot for those essentials you can’t afford to lose – phone, wallet, keys, maybe a lip balm, and eye drops. Everything fits snug and is super easy to grab on the go.
It also features an outside zipper pocket for those bits and bobs you need quick access to. I found it perfect for stashing some cash or my trail permit.
What I absolutely love is the strap design. It attaches to opposite corners of the bag, making it super versatile. Need something from the bag while moving? Swing it to the front and unzip. And when you need it out of the way, just flip it to your back. It stays snug enough without bouncing all over the place.
It’s also fun and fashionable, coming in 12 color options. Whether you’re feeling bold and bright or cool and collected, there’s a color for you.
Verdict
If you’re on the hunt for something small, functional, made from quality materials, and won’t break the bank, the Fjallraven High Coast Pocket Sling Bag is worth checking out. It’s literally like having an extra pocket that’s stylish, durable, and practical.
Priced at just $35, it’s a good deal. Sure, its 0.8 liters capacity means you’re not going to fit a water bottle in there. But for everything else, it’s spot on.
Can You Hike with a Sling Bag?
Yes, you definitely can hike with sling bags. Sling bags have come a long way from being just a fashion statement or a minimalist’s daypack. Modern designs and materials have made sling bags a great option for outdoor activities, including hiking.
Personally, I love sling bags’ versatility in carrying my essentials without putting too much strain on my shoulders and back.
Conclusion
Hiking sling bags often don’t get the credit they deserve, but in my experience, they are a seriously awesome pick for your short hikes.
Sure, they are very light and comfortable. But they also have one not-so-obvious advantage: they make you really think about what you truly need for a day out on the trails, cutting down on all that unnecessary weight.
They’re also way easier on your wallet. You can easily find a quality sling bag for half the price of some daypacks.
In short, don’t underestimate the power of a good sling bag for your next day hike. They’re comfortable, lightweight, and won’t have you breaking the bank.
Lukas Heller
Hey there! I’m Lukas, co-founder of BigfootHiking.com, alongside my adventurous wife Martha. Originally from Germany, I landed in Phoenix, Arizona, in 2015, where I’ve been scouting out new trails ever since (though they’re getting scarce!). By day, I’m a software developer, but my heart belongs to hiking – I’m always plotting our next trip. When I’m not coding or on the trails, you’ll find me hanging out with our Pit Bull, Zeus.
