If you are looking for the best sling backpack for hiking and backpacking, you’ve come to the right place.
Sometimes, when I go on day hikes, I am inconvenienced by the backpack I’m carrying for several reasons; the main one being that I have to stop and take it off my back whenever I need to retrieve my camera or put it back in. I was introduced to sling backpacks when I started considering alternatives for my problem.
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Sling backpacks seem like a more fitting option for your day hikes or daily commutes; however, there are many options that may get overwhelming. In this article, you’ll find everything you need to know before buying a sling backpack, along with my top six recommendations for one.
Table of Contents
Quick Summary: Best Sling Backpacks for Hiking
- Maxpedition Sitka Gearslinger Backpack
- Maxpedition Monsoon Gearslinger
- Red Rock Outdoor Gear – Rover Sling Pack
- Lowepro Slingshot Edge 150 AW Camera Case
- SEEU Ultralight Water-resistant
- Nicgid Sling Bag Backpack
Volume Capacity : 16L, Empty Size: 16″(L) x 5.5″(W) x 20.5″(H), Weight: 2.7 lb
Volume Capacity : 20L, Empty Size: 11 x 6.3 x 16.5 in, Weight: 7oz (250g)
Volume Capacity : 12L, Empty Size: 9.6 x 6.1 x 15.3 in, Weight: 1.54 lbs
Volume Capacity : 15L, Empty Size: 10.5″(L) x 7″(W) x 18″(H), Weight: 2.3 lb
Volume Capacity : 9L, Empty Size: 6″(L) x 8″(W) x 12″(H), Weight: 2.7 lb
Volume Capacity : 25L, Empty Size: 11 x 18.9 x 5.5 in, Weight: 1.1 lbs
Why would you buy a sling backpack for hiking, not a regular one?
For easier access
Well, the number one reason you may want a sling backpack over a regular backpack is basically how easy it is to access the bag while it’s still on your back. You can slide the bag across to the front of your torso while the strap is still wrapped around your shoulder. In other words, you will not have to deal with the hassle of stopping whatever you’re doing to take the bag off your shoulder so you can grab hold of your belongings.
Related: Best Small Lightweight Backpacks for Hiking and Travel
It’s lighter
Another main reason why day-hikers might prefer to ditch a two-strap backpack and opt for a one-strap is because of how much lighter sling backpacks can be. Commuters might find this rewarding since they might not want to carry a heavy bag throughout their day; a compact sling bag may be a better fit.
You get 3 in 1
What makes sling backpacks interesting is how they cater to the different needs of different people. You can wear your sling backpack across your back as a regular backpack would be worn, slide it to your side and have it function as a messenger bag, or bring it to your front and use it as a purse to keep your precious belongings.
It’s safer
With that being said, sling backpacks can also be worn facing the front of your body to spare yourself the trouble of worrying about pickpockets. This serves very well, especially on trains or in busy touristy spots.
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It serves as an extra bag
Another great benefit to buying a sling backpack is the fact that this kind of bag is relatively small and compact enough to be shoved into your bigger travel bag. This will allow you to pack an extra bag to use during your daily excursions on one of your longer trips.
Best Sling Backpack
1. Maxpedition Monsoon Gearslinger
Volume Capacity: 16L
Empty Size: 16″(L) x 5.5″(W) x 20.5″(H)
Weight: 2.7lb
Price: Check the latest price here
Like the Sitka, the Monsoon model offers the same quality as Maxpedition backpacks along with high durability. To ensure stability, the carrying strap is made to be non-slip, and the backpack comes with an extra concealable waist strap.
With a slightly higher carrying capacity of 16 liters, the Monsoon offers a slightly larger internal compartment and several internal pockets.
Pros:
- Includes PALS webbing on the strap for attaching accessories
- Includes a water-resistant over flap for optional weather protection
- Has a specially designed water bottle pocket and can perfectly fit a 100-ounce CamelBak
Cons:
- The strap may be too wide for some users causing discomfort to the shoulder
- This model does not include internal dividers
2. SEEU Ultralight Water-resistant
Volume Capacity: 20L
Empty Size: 11″(L) x 6.3″(W) x 16.5″(H)
Weight: 7oz (250g)
Price: Check the latest price here
Being the lightest bag on the list and made out of the water, tear, and scratch-resistant polyester, this bag is perfect for people who don’t want to worry about carrying unnecessary weight during their outdoor adventures.
See also: Ultralight Backpacking Chairs
This bag can carry up to 20 liters and features a main pocket big enough to house an iPad along with 4 secondary pockets. It has breathable back padding and an extra waist strap for added comfort and stability.
Pros:
- The back padding is designed with 3D decompression technology
- This pack is ultra-light, weighing only 7 ounces
- The pack includes a retractable attachment belt for attaching external accessories
Cons:
- Due to the bag’s lightweight, when the bag isn’t full, it tends to move around quite a lot while walking, and even though the waist strap fixes this problem to an extent, it may still cause discomfort for some users
3. Lowepro Slingshot Edge Camera Case
Volume Capacity: 12L
Empty Size: 9.6″(L) x 6.1″(W) x 15.3″(H)
Weight: 1.54lb
Price: Check the latest price here
This Lowepro model offers a great bag for amateur photographers looking to bring their cameras along with them on their expeditions. It can fit a mirrorless camera, an extra lens, and an iPad.
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You’ll find adjustable interior dividers in the interior compartment that make this bag highly protective for your gear and customizable according to your needs.
Pros:
- Includes a water-resistant over flap for optional weatherproofing
- Features a slim design for an aesthetic advantage
- Interior dividers include padding to protect your gear
- Includes a CradleFit pocket for tablet protection
Cons:
- A few users have complained that this model is deceptively small
4. Maxpedition Sitka Gearslinger Backpack
Volume Capacity: 15L
Empty Size: 10.5″(L) x 7″(W) x 18″(H)
Weight: 2.3lb
Price: Check the latest price here
This sling backpack offers the best quality on the list. It’s made out of water-resistant and abrasion-resistant polyurethane-coated nylon that gives it the ability to withstand heavy use.
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It features a quick-release metal clip for the strap and breathable padding all over for optimum user comfort. With a volume capacity of 15 liters, the internal compartment is big enough to accommodate a 14.1” laptop easily.
Pros:
- Includes 6 rows of PALS on the strap (14 in total) for attaching accessories
- Zipper protected with an anti-theft snatch system
- Easy to clean with a simple wipe down
Cons:
- Like most Maxpedition models, the strap is non-switchable and can only be worn on the left shoulder
5. Red Rock Outdoor Gear – Rover Sling Pack
Volume Capacity: 9L
Empty Size: 6″(L) x 8″(W) x 12″(H)
Weight: 1lb
Price: Check the latest price here
This backpack offers functionality at a very compact size which may appeal to travelers looking for an extra sac without having to deal with the extra weight or space of packing one within their luggage.
Made out of PVC-lined polyester, this sac can carry up to 9 liters and offers 4 internal compartments and several pockets, both on the inside and outside. The main compartment can easily accommodate most tablets.
Pros:
- Includes Molle webbing for attaching accessories
- The back panel includes a concealed pocket that can carry a pistol discreetly
- Very affordable
Cons:
- This bag is not made for heavy-duty use
6. Nicgid Sling Bag Backpack
Volume Capacity: 20L
Empty Size: 11″(L) x 6.3″(W) x 16.5″(H)
Weight: 7oz (250g)
Price: Check the latest price here
This bag offers a wide range of customizability which makes the bag both comfortable and practical. It’s made out of water-resistant and tear-resistant nylon and can carry up to 25 liters.
It includes a large main compartment that can fit 13.3” laptops and 2 front pockets. The back and strap are made out of breathable mesh for optimum comfort, and the strap clip is widely boasted for its durability.
Pros:
- This sling bag includes a smart theft-proof pocket at the back of the bag for protection of your valuable items
- The pocket on the strap is removable
Cons:
- The main drawback to this sack is the lack of interior padding, so users with fragile items like cameras or lenses would be taking a risk using this sling backpack to carry their gear.
What makes a good sling backpack?
Quality
A good backpack, in general, has to be durable. The material it’s made of has to be able to maintain and sustain the bag’s function without faltering. Manufacturers use many different materials to make their bags, and while there isn’t one best material, the most widely used materials are polyester, nylon, and leather.
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One thing that makes or breaks a good backpack is its zippers; no one wants a zipper that breaks, gets stuck, or gives you a hard time. Good quality zippers are one of the biggest deal breakers that you should have when picking a backpack. Some zippers are now made of metal that doesn’t break as easily as plastic ones; nevertheless, metal zippers offer less flexibility than plastic ones.
Capacity
A functional backpack has to have enough pockets and specialized compartments for the user’s specific needs; after all, the better it fits the user’s needs, the better the bag it is. Again, according to different personal preferences, the definition of a good backpack changes regarding its compartments and pockets.
A photographer like me, for example, would need a built-in compartment to place my camera and a few external pockets to carry my accessories, cords, and memory cards. Other users may need special compartments for their laptops, sunglasses, water bottles, etc.
Another thing backpack designers sometimes choose to add is PALS or Molle webbing on the outside of the bag. These are strips of strong material with loops in them that can be used to hook, hang, or attach more external accessories to your bag. This becomes very handy for those who need extra external packing space and is also a lifesaver for those who need very quick access to some of their accessories.
Comfort
Comfort is another main aspect contributing to a sling backpack’s quality. You have to remember that the bag is carried by one shoulder, so the strap has to have appropriate padding to deliver that comfort for that shoulder, and it’s a plus if the strap can be adjusted to be carried by the other shoulder as well.
Many manufacturers are considering that and have introduced switchable strap systems that can change the direction of the sling with a clip, making it suitable to be carried on either shoulder.
Proofing
In addition to the durable nature of the materials used for the backpack, it should also have some sort of weatherproofing. This contributes to its overall function, whereas it can withstand the different adventures you take.
What should you remember while choosing a sling backpack for your travels?
Where are you going?
The main thing you should consider when buying a sling backpack is the purpose behind the bag. Consider where you might need the bag and when; is it for day-to-day use? As in, will you need it daily to carry your stuff to and from work or the gym? Or will you be using your bag on a less than daily basis, say on day-hikes or as an extra sac while traveling?
Related:
Consider the practicality of your choice regarding the functionality of the options that come with the backpack.
For a traveler, lightweight and durability are things to be on the lookout for, as for someone that takes their bag with them on hikes or different outdoor activities, they would probably need a bag with several pockets and an external attachment system.
What are you carrying?
A smart thing to do when picking a suitable sling backpack is to consider the things you’ll usually carry in it. A person that usually carries lightweight things in their backpack shouldn’t really bother buying a heavy-duty sling backpack; however, if your activities entail more outdoorsy stuff or you generally carry heavier things in your bag, then it’s advised to find yourself a sturdy bag instead of one that may wear out with heavy use.
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Another big deciding factor on which backpack you should buy would be the volume the bag can accommodate. Most sling backpacks have a lower inner capacity than regular backpacks; however, sling backpacks usually have an inner carrying capacity that ranges anywhere from 10 to 30 liters which is pretty decent considering that they aren’t meant to carry big and heavy items.
A photographer like me, for example, would need a bag to accommodate and care for my photography gear. As for someone that needs a bag for work, a laptop sleeve or a bag that can fit a laptop and keep their papers organized would be a suitable option.
Do you need it for different purposes?
If, however, you want to have an all-in-one sling backpack that can be used daily to carry your camera, pack clothes in, or even double as a purse for your touristic adventures, then finding a multifunctional backpack would be a good bet.
Most of today’s sling backpacks offer the advantage of multipurpose use with their numerous compartments, pockets, extranets, loops, and bands.
Best Sling Backpack for Hiking | Conclusion
In conclusion, a sling backpack is a great option for hikers who want to keep their hands free. Choosing a backpack that fits well and has plenty of compartments for all your gear is important. With a little bit of research, you can find the perfect sling backpack for your next hike.
