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We tested the best sling bags, fanny packs, and crossbody bags from brands like Cotopaxi, Patagonia, The North Face, REI, and more
We tested 16 of the top sling bags on the market to help you pick out the fanny pack, crossbody commuter, or hike-ready carrier that will be just right for your next adventure.
For over two months, we bought 17 top sling bags and incorporated them into every part of our lives. We considered messenger-inspired crossbody styles for hiking, fanny packs for the essentials when traveling, and modern sling bags for days out in the city.
Our testers agreed the Cotopaxi 13L Chasqui is the best overall choice for comfort, organization, and style. Our team also appreciated the JanSport Fifth Ave for its friendly price and array of color options.
Need space to carry more? If you have additional items to haul, check out our complete backpack review or our exhaustive list of travel bags to take you wherever you may roam.
Editor's Note: We've spruced up our review on December 10, 2024, tossing in some extra details on the recommendations you can sling over your shoulder.
Comfy fit, well-constructed, several pockets and ways to organize
Comfortable to wear, lots of pockets for organization, padded shoulder strap which is removable
Many pockets and organizational options, ideal for camera gear, versatile, comfortable
Durable, water-resistant material, useful storage options including an anti-theft pocket for security and a bucket-style main compartment
Comfortable fit, soft fabric, many storage compartments
Solid construction, fits well, breathable padding, stuffs into built-in pocket when not in use
Well-padded for carrying, fleece-lined inner pocket, chest pocket big enough for small phone
Several storage compartments, comes in cool patterns, comfy to wear
Breathable material, can be worn over either shoulder, nice selection of organization pockets, key clip
Inexpensive, sold in many colors and patterns, constructed of durable materials
Low profile, long and slim, useful organizational features, inexpensive, anti-theft zippered pocket
Comfortable shoulder strap and back padding, well made with durable materials, spacious storage
Low cost, many zippered pockets for storage, anti-theft pocket in back, numerous color choices
Cool colors and unique patterns, large main compartment, can be adjusted from fanny pack to sling
Chest pocket to store phone, comfortable shoulder strap, two water bottle holders
Durable materials, well-sized for everyday use, metal seatbelt-style buckle, underarm strap to secure the bag tightly to your body
Inexpensive, two large storage pockets, two water bottle holders, option to carry over left or right shoulder as desired
Cons
A bit pricey, no shoulder strap pocket, might be too large for some needs
Cannot be worn as fanny pack, expensive
Expensive, difficult to make use of all features without instruction
When main compartment is full the outer pocket is hard to use, narrow waist strap
Small in size, fancy aesthetic better suited to town than trail use
Lacks storage compartments, no key clip
Water bottle pocket holds smaller bottles only, strap must be worn over right shoulder
Bohemian aesthetic may not suit everyone, does not switch from crossbody to fanny pack for carrying
Outdoorsy look that might not appeal to everyone
Only two zippered pockets, lacks organization, no key clip, no padding across back
Bulges when packed full of items, back pocket too small to hold passport
Limited organizational options for small items, no key clip, cannot switch strap to carry on either shoulder
Low-quality fabric, plastic buckle
Limited structural support results in sagging when full, few organizational pockets
Clip-closure system not easy to use, limited number of organizational zip pockets
No small pockets for organization, too many buckles and straps, expensive, carrying strap is long for a smaller person
No interior organizational features, cheap material, no secure storage for small items
Bottom Line
Useful organizational features, a well-cushioned fit, and plenty of room to carry your belongings make this a top choice for all kinds of uses
A stylish crossbody bag that has plenty of space for your daily necessities
Whether you are carrying heavy camera gear or just like to stay hyper-organized, this super comfortable, low-profile, urban-styled sling is a versatile favorite
A sturdy, easy-to-use fanny pack that has everything you need to keep small loads organized and can easily be carried as a sling
Simple organizational basics wrapped in a small yet classy exterior that feels soft against the skin - perfect for dinners out or quick jaunts around town
Well-built, breathable, and comfy, with plenty of room for the bare essentials and the option to carry as a fanny pack or as a tiny sling
Ready for city or trail days, this comfortable pack combines thick padding with a collection of useful storage options big enough to hold all your essentials
Cute and functional, this spacious, thoughtfully organized crossbody bag comes with a comfortable fit and a casual look
Thoughtfully designed to deliver high-quality storage and fit, this outdoorsy-styled sling is well-suited to everyday activities and day hikes
A simple, stylish, inexpensive fanny pack that comes in many different colors and can be worn across the body as a sling bag
Highly adjustable and low profile, this is a slim fanny pack that works well for running and other activities or can be worn as a crossbody sling for everyday use
A spacious, well-constructed everyday bag with excellent padding but limited organizational features and carry options
Well-sized, low-priced, and available in many colors, plus several pockets to keep your items well-organized
Colorful and stylish with a simple design that can handle all the basics but won't keep you particularly well organized on the go
Reasonably spacious, comfortable, and functional for average everyday needs around town at a low price
Large and made of durable materials, this modern, city-ready bag comes at a higher price point but easily stores and carries everyday commute items like a tablet
A low-cost, spacious sling bag that works well for hiking or carrying gear around town if you aren't worried about storing and tracking smaller items inside
Out of all the sling bags we tested, the Cotopaxi 13L Chasqui was our favorite all-arounder. This crossbody bag has six thoughtfully designed compartments to keep you organized no matter what your day has in store. There is a nice amount of padding along the back panel and shoulder strap, each covered in a thick, breathable fabric for comfort. The single strap can be easily worn over either shoulder by moving the clip from one corner to the other at its base, making it an extremely versatile design. It is also adjustable in length for taller folks and comes with a load-lifter strap up top to ensure a snug fit across the body. Sturdy grab handles at the top and sides help carry the bag by hand. A large anti-theft pocket with room enough to hold a Kindle or a large phone is tucked under the backside padding. The main compartment unzips around in a clamshell design, opening flat to provide quick and easy interior access from all sides. Inside, laptop-sized sleeve pockets are built into both halves, each with a Velcro strap to secure them closed. This is a cool feature similar to some travel backpacks and laptop packs that adds an extra layer of protection and confidence when carrying valuable electronics. There is also a mid-sized exterior zip pocket for a book, snacks, or even a water bottle, plus a small interior zip pocket with a key clip. If you need to carry even more gear or stash your jacket, use the narrow, dual-sided daisy chain on the strap to quickly hook items to the outside.
We'd love it if the Cotopaxi Chasqui included a chest pocket on the shoulder strap for small valuables. You must take off the bag to access your belongings, including things like your phone, keys, or other small items you might want more readily available. Also, this bag can be a bit finicky in its fit, so make sure you take the time to adjust the shoulder and load lifter straps to the proper lengths for your body and gear and select the clasp location to your preferred position, left or right. If you skip this step, the bag may swing around you as you move and will not feel secure. The Chasqui is awesome and a great choice if you're looking for a large-volume, modern messenger-style sling bag to meet your everyday needs. If you want an even funkier aesthetic, the Kavu Rope sling has a comparable volume and comes in an astonishing array of patterns and prints.
The Cotopaxi 13L Chasqui has a large sleeve inside the main compartment that is perfect for computer storage.
The REI Co-op Trail 2 Waist topped our list of favorite slings in the lineup, not only because it is one of the least expensive products we tested but also because it scored big as the best fanny pack in the bunch. With five compartments, this little two-liter waist pack is an organizational machine. It does a great job of keeping your belongings separated and protected from each other by offering various storage options. A sneaky anti-theft pocket at the back can hold important items like a passport or wallet, while lesser valuables can be tossed into the main bucket-style zip pocket at the front. Inside, you'll find a key clip and two small slide pockets to stay organized. Although these offer no velcro or zipper closure, the slip design provides a snug fit, and they make a perfect place to stash lip balm, earbuds, or other small essentials. A third outer zip pocket is large enough to carry a phone, sunglasses, a snack, or anything similar for quick access. The fabric is even water resistant, making this fanny pack an excellent choice for hikes or walks in light rain.
If you're tall and have a broad chest or wide shoulders, we recommend taking a few measurements to see if the REI Co-op Trail 2 Waist'will work well for you as a crossbody or sling. The total circumference is 47 inches. We should also note that the strap is only about one inch wide and is made of heavy webbed nylon that is less soft against the skin than the material we tested on other models. This may reduce its appeal for some. Minor complaints aside, this is our favorite fanny pack for its superb organization and functionality. It also happens to come at a great price, which only adds to our love of this bag. If you don't mind fewer pockets, the classic JanSport Fifth Ave is a similarly-sized model at an even more appealing price.
The REI Co-op Trail 2 Waist pack is not only stylish, but a fully functional sling bag/fanny pack that will keep your items safe and organized.
The JanSport Fifth Ave fanny pack is a stylish and functional bag that seamlessly blends practicality with a trendy flair. Its compact design makes it perfect for hands-free convenience, whether exploring a city, hiking, or running errands. It has a streamlined silhouette that can complement various outfits, from casual streetwear to sporty looks. The range of colors—from classic black to vibrant patterns—ensures something for everyone. The main compartment is spacious enough to fit your wallet, sunglasses, and even a compact camera. The front pocket zips securely and is perfect for quick-access items like your phone or keys. The adjustable strap allows you to customize the fit easily, whether you prefer it snug around your waist or slung over your shoulder.
One big caveat of the JanSport Fifth Ave is it lacks organization. There is just one main pocket and a smaller zippered pocket, which is located outside the pack and doesn't protect your keys or credit cards from potential theft. For its size, it would be nice to have one extra pocket (preferably with a key clip) to keep your items safe and separate from one another. This aside, the fanny pack is a great, affordable option that combines style, comfort, and durability. It's ideal for anyone looking for a practical way to carry essentials without compromising aesthetic appeal. Want a stylish fanny pack with more storage space? Check out the Lululemon Everywhere Belt 1L, which has five pockets in total.
The JanSport Fifth Ave fanny pack has a simple yet classic design.
Credit: Luka Krajnc
Best Sling Bag for Photographers and Organizational Enthusiasts
The Peak Design Everyday 6L is an urban-inspired crossbody bag that has recently been completely redesigned. Its newest V2 edition includes even more functional organization, wider opening access, robust UltraZip external zippers, a new anti-slip strap design, detachable external carry straps, and more. The result is an ergonomic, highly versatile, city-ready sling bag that excels in organizational efficiency. It may have been designed with photographers in mind, but its weatherproof nylon exterior, varied pockets, and protective, customizable FlexFold dividers will prove valuable for anyone who appreciates staying organized on the go. The low-profile, streamlined style would make it perfect as a carry-on or for everyday commutes, as the adjustable strap can easily be switched up to meet your carry-style needs throughout the day. Turn your fanny pack into a crossbody sling or a standard shoulder bag by simply unclipping the main clasp and adjusting the excess strap fabric, either pulling it out or stuffing it back into its designated sleeve before reattaching the clip again to secure it. There is also a grab handle for when you need to pick up the bag by its top. Five interior and exterior pockets, including an 11-inch tablet sleeve tucked into the main body, provide many handy options for storage. Wide openings and hefty zippers make it super easy to open and reach your items inside. Need room for a tripod or even a blanket? Use the cinch straps to tie on your extra gear and go. And, for additional security in crowded places, slide the primary zipper pulls through the set of external loops at the corners of the base. This will make it harder for anyone to open your bag and steal your belongings.
Our only complaint about the Peak Design Everyday 6L bag is its high price. It is expensive, selling for almost triple the price of other products in our lineup. The design also incorporates a variety of uncommon features that may require some effort to fully understand and put to work. We found the manufacturer's instructional video to be a helpful introduction, as it walks through some of the key design and adjustability features that will help you get maximum value out of your pack. Overall, the Everyday Sling is a thoughtful, well-made, highly versatile city carrier with diverse appeal, even if it is also more of a niche product because of its high cost.
Like the minimalist, on-the-go style of the Peak Designs Everyday sling but don't love the size? In addition to the 6-liter version we tested, there are two others to choose from: a smaller 3-liter sling bag that can be converted into a fanny pack and a more substantial 10-liter crossbody with enough room to hold a full-sized laptop, larger cameras, a drone, and more.
The Peak Designs Everyday Sling 6L is comfortable to carry and works as either a shoulder or sling bag, or it can be converted into a fanny pack (as shown).
The Fjallraven High Coast Crossbody Bag is a great option if you are looking for a small, around-town crossbody bag big enough for your daily essentials. This lightweight and highly functional crossbody bag is ideal for travel or a quick trip into the city. It includes a zippered front pocket, and the main compartment opens to a smaller interior zippered pocket with a key hook, along with two mesh sleeves inside for added organization. It's a simple yet versatile solution for carrying all your essentials. The spacious main compartment can comfortably fit items like a wallet, phone, keys, and even a small water bottle. The additional interior mesh pockets are designed to help keep smaller items organized — perfect for cards, a passport, or a portable charger. The shoulder strap is slightly padded and silky smooth and sits comfortably on the shoulder without digging in when the bag is fully loaded. The strap is also removable, allowing it to double as a gear or toiletry bag. It is easy to resize and has plenty of length to adjust for body size and carrying preference. High-quality zippers and solid construction ensure you can confidently tackle the day's tasks, yet the fabric is soft and feels nice against the skin when in motion.
One feature we would like to see incorporated into the Fjallraven High Coast Crossbody is the ability to wear the bag as a fanny pack. It's a small detail, but it would just take a slight alteration to the strap so it could cinch down around your waist. Other than that, the crossbody bag is awesome for walking around town or traveling and sleek enough to carry our necessities for a night out with friends. It's cute, comfy, and has a nice urban aesthetic. If you want a more versatile bag that can be worn as both a fanny pack and sling bag, the REI Co-op Trail 2 Waist is similar in size and has a lot of pockets for organization.
Checking out inner pocket and key clip in the Fjallraven High Coast Crossbody Bag.
If you're looking for a minimalist fanny pack for the bare essentials, the Patagonia Ultralight Black Hole Mini Hip Pack 1L is the perfect choice. It's lightweight and made from durable, 100% recycled nylon ripstop that is weather resistant and feels soft against the skin. The backside of the pouch is covered in a cushiony, breathable material that makes the waist pack particularly comfortable for hiking or to wear in hot weather. There is one main zippered compartment for items like a cell phone and sunglasses and one small front zip pocket well-suited to stashing loose items like lip balm or keys. We have used this highly functional fanny pack for years while hiking, in combination with a large backpack. It is especially nice if you wear spandex or pants without pockets, as it can provide quick access to your phone or snacks without having to stop and dig through a larger pack. It also compresses down into a self-contained stuff sack for easy storage when not in use.
Although the Patagonia Ultralight Black Hole is mini, meaning items inside won't get lost easily. Its design could be improved by adding an inner slip pocket or two to secure the smallest necessities and provide additional organizational flexibility. Also, the strap is a bit slim for cinching comfortably around some folks. Then again, since this zipped pouch is so small and unlikely to hold a significant amount of weight, its narrow strap should be fine for most users. This fanny pack is an excellent choice for carrying minimal necessities and a perfect easy-access accompaniment for your next backpacking trip or dog walk.
The Patagonia Ultralight Black Hole Mini Hip Pack 1L is comfy and stylish and was one of our favorite fanny packs in testing.
The North Face Borealis Sling is our go-to sling bag for hitting the trail. At 6 liters, it's a nice size for day trips and has five different pockets for organization and storage. The bag is comfortable to carry when fully loaded, with the perfect amount of padding on the shoulder strap and back panel for a great fit. We love the secure chest pocket built into the strap for phone storage and the water bottle pocket on the right side for your favorite drink. The main zippered compartment is good for larger belongings, while the smaller interior zip-mesh pocket with a key clip can safely hold small valuables like your keys, ID, and cash. You'll also find a sleeve 6 inches across and 9 inches deep positioned to the back, the perfect size for a tablet or Kindle. The cool fleece-lined outer side pocket makes a great place to stow larger phones or similarly fragile items. If you still need more space, the back of the bag has a bungee strap for attaching an extra layer.
Our main issue with this crossbody centers around its water bottle pocket. First, it's too small and narrow to fit a wider bottle like a 1L Nalgene. The maximum diameter is just 2.9 inches. Also, whenever a water bottle sits in the side compartment, the pack's main zipper becomes more difficult to fully open. You can only unzip one-third of the way along the right side of the pack (the side housing the water bottle pocket) before the zipper pull gets hung up by the inserted bottle, making it harder to access items stored inside. Lastly, the chest pocket on the shoulder strap cannot fit a large phone. We tested it with an iPhone 13 mini, which worked great. Folks with larger phones must stash it in the interior tablet sleeve or fleece-lined side pocket instead. Still, this is a super comfy sling bag for day hikes or everyday adventures that will keep your back happy and items organized. Another outdoorsy sling that offered comparable features and scored similarly well across most metrics is the Osprey Daylite Sling, which we also quite liked for day hikes.
Run out of space in your North Face Borealis Sling Bag? Fear not. There is a bungee cord on the outside of the pack to easily secure your jacket.
Credit: Whitney Clark
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The Waterfly Crossbody is a great sling bag for an afternoon stroll in one of our local canyons.
Credit: Tad McCrea
How We Tested
GearLab has been testing top-selling fanny packs and sling bags since 2020, and crossbody styles have only grown in popularity since. There are now hundreds of different variations to choose from. Our team spent weeks researching the most popular products on the market today before narrowing down our shopping list to include the most promising, popular, and top-rated options available today. Once purchased, we handed them off to our experts for testing, which included taking them on runs, wearing them around town, packing them full of items, and carrying them on hikes. Each sling bag and fanny pack was then rated based on its detailed performance across four key metrics. Whether you need a crossbody carrier to take on a day hike or a slim fanny pack to hit the town, we are confident we can help you find exactly what you're looking for.
The bags we tested were scored across four performance metrics:
Comfort and Fit (30% of overall score weight)
Storage and Protection (30% weighting)
Ease of Use (30% weighting)
Versatility and Aesthetics (10% weighting)
Why Trust GearLab
Whitney Clark, our lead tester, has been a fanny pack and sling bag aficionado for the last 20 years. Despite the crossbody style going in and out of fashion over time, she has remained a diehard fan due to their consistent practicality, varied styles, and hands-free functionality. Small or large, fanny packs and sling bags play an important role in her everyday attire, serving as a reliable accessory for running errands around town as well as when she needs easy access to crucial supplies on a 20-mile hike in the mountains.
We love the inner zippered pocket with a key clip on the Osprey Daylite.
The closure system on the Peak Designs Everyday Sling strap requires two hands to operate.
The rope material strap on the KAVU Rope sling is comfortable on bare skin and doesn't rub or cause abrasions when the bag is heavy.
We packed them up, tried out each feature, and donned them all on day hikes and adventures around town to be sure we have a solid understanding of how well each sling bag performs.
Analysis and Test Results
Our in-depth evaluation of sling bags and fanny packs included every type of crossbody bag, from designs best suited for trail hikes, commutes, and festivals to those you might grab when going on a run or grabbing dinner out with friends. We considered options that could carry larger all-day loads, and others sized to hold the minimum essentials, offering easy access to things like a cell phone, keys, wallet, or similarly important personal items.
What's the Best Value?
It's not often that one of the least expensive products in our lineup also happens to be one of the best. But when it comes to slings, the REI Co-op Trail 2 Waist Pack delivers on all fronts, scoring exceptionally well across every metric and selling at a budget price. Its numerous pockets and slim, thoughtful design make it highly functional, comfortable to carry, versatile, and an easy choice as a top value option among fanny packs.
The REI Co-op Trail 2 Waist bag exemplifies everything we love in a fanny pack.
Credit: Whitney Clark
Affordable, stylish, and fully functional, the JanSport Fifth Ave won our spot as the best bang for your buck for good reasons. It ticked all the boxes, performed average in all metrics, and is the least expensive fanny pack or sling bag we tested. At 2.5 liters, it has plenty of space for all your daily essentials and comes in over 20 different styles and colors!
The JanSport Fifth Ave can be worn as both a sling bag and a fanny pack.
Credit: Whitney Clark
Another great buy is the Patagonia Ultralight Black Hole Mini Hip Pack. Although it is one of the smaller bags we tested out of the group, it's the perfect size to keep a few key items close at hand for a night on the town or a weekend hike. It's extremely comfortable to wear around your midsection and well-constructed from 100% recycled materials, which makes it a great choice when small is what you seek.
The Patagonia Ultralight Black Hole Mini Hip Pack may be small, but it has two zippered pockets for organization and is big enough to hold the basics.
Credit: Whitney Clark
Of course, exceptional value isn't always packaged in the cheapest form, and the Cotopaxi Chasqui proves this point. A top performer across all metrics and one of the largest capacity sling bags in the lineup, this is a supremely comfortable, highly versatile bag built to last. If you need something with a bit more packing space, we think it's a well-organized crossbody bag that is well worth its higher price point.
Cozy and functional, the 13L Cotopaxi Chasqui is our go-to sling bag for everyday activities.
Credit: Luka Krajnc
Comfort and Fit
Let's face it: you're not going to want any pack that doesn't fit well and stay that way throughout the day. It can be the coolest-looking sling bag or fanny pack in the world, but if it's painful to wear or causes chaffing, then forget it. To test the comfort and fit of each sling in our lineup, we packed every one full of items and wore them on strenuous day hikes, pushing them to their limits.
We took the opportunity to evaluate the padding against our shoulders and backs, assess the strap material, and consider how well each carrier could be adjusted to suit varied carrying preferences. We also looked at the placements of buckles and the width and length of straps to determine whether or not the fit could be adjusted to accommodate people of all shapes and sizes.
One of the most comfortable bags we tested was the Cotopaxi 13L Chasqui. It has a nice cushion layer along its backside and padding under the shoulder strap, which ensures it sits softly against your body and reduces pressure even when loaded. The bag is also covered in breathable mesh, which allows increased airflow when sweating with exertion.
The Cotopaxi 13L Chasqui has a cushioned back panel that is covered with breathable fabric.
Credit: Whitney Clark
The Peak Designs Everyday Sling 6L also scored well in this metric based on its thick layer of protective padding and soft exterior material that feels pleasant against your skin. Its extremely adjustable design allows it to easily transform from a crossbody sling to a shoulder bag or even into a fanny pack when you tuck away the excess strap and reattach the clip to a secondary loop. This makes it easy to switch things up throughout the day for comfort and convenience.
The Peak Designs Everyday Sling has comfy fabric and a padded back that feels nice against your skin.
Credit: Whitney Clark
The Patagonia Ultralight Black Hole Mini Hip Pack was among the smaller options that performed admirably, with a comfy backside pad encased in breathable polyester fabric and a soft herringbone waist strap. It also easily adjusts to accommodate a wide range of shapes, sizes, and carry/fit preferences and comes with a buckle that can be positioned to the side or in the back as required. The Lululemon Everywhere Belt 1L is almost as comfortable to wear but has an unfortunately-placed buckle that always seemed to fall directly on our hips when worn as a fanny pack.
The Maxtop Large Crossbody is a simple, fully functional fanny pack of average quality that will serve basic needs without any extra bells and whistles (including padding across the back).
Credit: Whitney Clark
The Patagonia Atom 8L and The North Face Borealis are two sling bags that scored above average in this metric. The Patagonia Atom was particularly notable for its thickly cushioned back panel and shoulder strap and its balanced fit across the body. The Borealis also has very comfortable padding, and the water bottle holder is situated so it sits in the middle of your back, which helps avoid lopsidedness. However, both of these bags are designed to be carried over one shoulder and lack the flexibility to switch between the two. This lack of versatility could significantly impact the fit's comfort over a long day and a heavy load.
The Patagonia Atom 8L has some of the most cushioning of any sling bag we tested.
Credit: Whitney Clark
Storage and Protection
Regarding storage and protection, many crossbody carriers, fanny packs, and sling bags do a relatively good job of keeping things organized. One of the best performers in this metric was the six-liter Peak Designs Everyday Sling, which is specifically designed for photographers and offers a collection of pockets and organizational extras that work very well for carrying such gear.
Inside Peak Designs Everyday Sling, you'll find removable velcro FlexFold dividers that allow you to create customized storage sections to stabilize and protect your camera (or any other similarly large item) within the main compartment. You will also see small slip pockets tucked into an interior zip pocket, perfect for stashing batteries or memory cards. Two additional interior side pockets can each easily hold a lens. On the outside, two Capture Clip mounting points are built into the exterior sides, and a pair of detachable cinch straps are ready to tie down extra tools like a tripod or blanket. If you're not carrying camera gear, no problem. These same features are just as useful for packing everyday necessities like wallets, books, tablets, snacks, charger cords, jackets, etc., as they are for hauling photography equipment.
The Peak Designs Everyday sling bag has a removable, adjustable velcro divider to organize your items.
Credit: Whitney Clark
The Cotopaxi Chasqui has fewer pockets, but the ones it does have are very handy, paired with its larger 13-liter size, making it another of our favorites for on-the-go. The main compartment opens the pack completely, ensuring there are no crevices in which to lose your items while you're packing up for the day. Inner sleeves with velcro closures keep your belongings organized, and a separate zippered pocket holds medium items like water bottles and snacks. An anti-theft pocket along the back of the bag lets you feel like your phone or passport is secure from wandering hands. A small zippered pocket with a key clip and daisy chains on the bag's exterior offers additional organization and storage for whatever adventure you're headed on.
When it comes to fanny packs, the 2-liter REI Co-op Trail 2 is our favorite, wowing us with five pockets. The main compartment has two slip pockets and a key clip to keep your items easy to find without stopping and digging for them. A large outer pocket with a zipper provides a safe place for your phone, while the anti-theft pocket on the back is large enough to hold a passport, some cash, and credit cards.
One of the standout features of the Fjallraven High Coast Crossbody Bag is its thoughtful organizational elements. It has five storage compartments to easily keep your items secure and separate from each other. We really like the inner zippered pocket for keeping cash and credit cards along with the key clip, so we don't have to worry about losing our keys while on a hike or walking around town. The bag also has two inner mesh pockets for things like chapstick and sunscreen. We appreciate having pocket options for a bag this size, or else it's easy for things to get lost and our items to be squished together.
A look at the key clip on the Fjallraven High Coast Crossbody Bag.
Credit: Whitney Clark
Another bag we liked for its organizational flexibility is the smaller Lululemon Everywhere Belt. Despite its smaller 1-liter storage capacity, this pouch also comes with five pockets to stow your daily necessities, making it a great choice for running errands and outings around town.
The Lululemon Everywhere Belt and the Patagonia Ultralight Black Hole Mini Hip Pack can each carry up to 1L in stuff, although the Lululemon offers more tools for organization.
Credit: Whitney Clark
The Kavu Rope sling bag also kept us organized with five different compartments to separate, track, and protect items from one another inside. We liked the thoughtful pocket placement on the outside of the bag, which came in handy for smaller essentials like a phone or wallet when on the move. During testing, we found that some of the larger volume slings offered large sleeves or zippered pockets to pack bigger items but neglected to include smaller exterior storage choices to provide easy access to earbuds, keys, credit cards, etc. So, we liked the size and accessibility of the outer pockets on the Kavu sling.
The Kavu Rope Sling's outer velcro pocket is perfect for items like sunglasses.
Credit: Whitney Clark
We also like the organization of The North Face Borealis Sling. This small 6-liter sling bag has just enough pockets to keep you organized. The main compartment hides a small mesh pocket and key clip inside. A sleeve along the back measures 6 inches across and 9 inches deep, providing a small pocket for an e-reader, journal, or other book. On the outside, a fleece-lined pocket easily holds an eyephone or your favorite sunglasses. The shoulder strap also has a small pocket that can fit a small smartphone (we use an iPhone 13 mini) or a set of glasses. Our only complaint about the storage capabilities of this versatile sling is that the water bottle pocket is too small to fit a standard 1-liter Nalgene, and when a bottle is stuffed into this slender pocket, the main zipper is difficult to open fully.
The pocket on the chest strap of the North Face Borealis sling is a perfect fit for an iPhone 13 mini or a pair of sunglasses.
Credit: Whitney Clark
If you typically carry such items in your pants or jacket pocket anyway, or if you're looking for a fanny pack that can hold just these essential items, a minimalist fanny pack like the Patagonia Ultralight Black Hole, Cotopaxi Bataan 3L, or the JanSport Fifth Ave might be right up your alley.
We loved using the simple Cotopaxi Bataan as a sling bag for carrying small items like cell phones and snacks when going to the local crag.
Credit: Jon Schaffer
Or, if you need something to carry your smallest essentials — keys, ID, and maybe a mini sunblock or a smaller phone — on your next run, the Waterfly Slim is a low-profile, waterproof fanny pack that's ideally suited to getting sporty. Just don't overfill it, or it will become bulky and noticeably less comfortable in motion. Similarly, the Osprey Daylite sling bag offers a simple design with just enough pockets (two main compartments, a small inner zippered pocket with a key clip, and a book or tablet sleeve) to keep you reasonably organized on the go.
Long and sleek, the Waterfly Slim is a great fanny pack for running.
Credit: Whitney Clark
Ease of Use
Although many of these crossbody bags are relatively straightforward in design, some of the products have features that are easier to use than others. We considered how easy each bag was to put on and take off if the buckle was easy to use, and if the strap was simple to adjust. We checked how easy it is to access each bag's contents without taking them off. We also evaluated how well the pockets keep their contents in place — or if they let things spill out on a run or while hopping over a boulder on the trail. We also tested how easy their zippers and clips are to operate.
The Cotopaxi Chasqui also received high marks in this metric. This sling bag can be worn over either shoulder, depending on your preference. Its strap is easily attached to dual-sided D rings at either corner of its base. The Chasqui is easy to pull on and off with its quick-release large buckle. It can also be unzipped and laid out completely flat for packing or unpacking, and its two Velcro straps do a great job of securing items within the interior sleeve pockets.
The Cotopaxi 13L Chasqui has velcro straps to secure items stored in the inner sleeves.
The Cotopaxi 13L Chasqui can fully unzip and lay flat for packing.
Going for an evening picnic with the Cotopaxi 13L Chasqui.
The Cotopaxi Chasqui is chock-full of organizational options and useful features to make it easy to pack and carry.
The Lululemon Everywhere Belt has an exceptionally large buckle that is easy to handle and simple to clip off and on. The strap can be adjusted while worn, so there's no need to take it off to tighten or loosen it back up. Its large zippered opening makes it easy to access contents without taking it off and digging through it, while small inner pockets are well-equipped to hold our belongings in place during motion.
The buckle on the Lululemon Everywhere Belt rests on the hip which may cause discomfort for some.
Credit: Whitney Clark
The REI Co-op Trail 2 fanny pack is super easy to dial in the fit and operate all closures, providing easy access to all belongings once in use. We loved how functional and accessible all of its pockets are, including two small slip pockets (one with a key clip), perfect for keeping track of items like lip balm, keys, or headphones. During our testing, they never spilled their contents into the main part of the bag, giving us confidence that our belongings would stay put.
A look at the key clip and inner pocket of the REI Trail 2 Waist.
Credit: Whitney Clark
The Kavu Rope Sling truly excels in its practicality and thoughtful design. It was designed for convenience and comfort, making it a great choice for those who want a functional yet stylish accessory. One of its standout features is the single strap that allows for quick and easy access. You can effortlessly swing the bag around to your front, which makes reaching for your essentials a breeze. One of its most appealing aspects is the hands-free nature of the sling style, which allows for effortless movement. It also has a rather large buckle that is easy to operate if you need to unclip and remove the sling bag rather than take it off over the shoulder.
The Kavu Rope Sling has an extra large buckle for easy off and on.
Credit: Whitney Clark
Another fanny pack favorite is the Patagonia Ultralight Black Hole Mini Hip Pack. It's very simple in design, with minimalist features for carrying core everyday essentials. This bag is easy to clip on and off and comes with an adjustable strap and buckle that can be slid to either side of your hip for comfort or even worn to the back if you prefer. The Waterfly Slim has more features but is also very easy to use, with an easy-release buckle that works for both fanny pack and crossbody wear and a front compartment that's very easy to access while you're wearing it.
The Patagonia Ultralight Black Hole Mini Hip Pack 1L is our go-to fanny pack for a quick outing where you only need a few items.
Credit: Erin Elliott
The Osprey Daylight Sling provides fairly easy access via smooth zippers and easily keeps our belongings in place. Though you have to take the pack off to properly access it, that's not hard to do. Some larger crossbody packs with active designs, like the Patagonia Atom 8L, The North Face Borealis Sling, or the Waterfly Crossbody, offer handy chest pockets embedded into their straps. This is a feature that makes them particularly easy to use because it allows us to keep our phones or other regularly used items close at hand without having to take off the entire pack.
The Patagonia Atom 8L sling has a chest pocket for phone storage.
Credit: Whitney Clark
Versatility and Aesthetics
While style and aesthetics are largely subjective, we did our best to evaluate them by asking as many friends and family to rate and rank them as possible. We considered all the color and pattern choices each model is available in so you can find something to suit your style. We also evaluated each bag's versatility or wear and use, testing the different ways each can be worn and for how many different types of activities they make good companions. Most of the award-winning bags performed very well in this metric.
The Peak Designs Everyday 6L stood out for its classy, streamlined look and the option to wear it as both a fanny pack or as a sling or shoulder bag. It has the most features of any bag we tested. Although it was designed specifically to address the camera-carrying needs of photographers, those same features make it a great sling for many other purposes. The 6L version we tested is currently sold in three colors, and the same bag can be purchased in a larger or smaller size — 3 or 10 liters — depending on your storage and organizational needs.
The Peak Designs Everyday has a slot that stores extra strap material when not in use.
Credit: Luka Krajnc
The Cotopaxi Chasqui also scores well in this metric for entirely different reasons. This sling bag is versatile, with a large capacity and a configuration that adapts to all kinds of loads, from your hiking essentials to all the items we need for a full day exploring a new city. Its aesthetic is also nearly the opposite of the Peak Designs Everyday, but has wide appeal for many people, offering bright colors and bold combinations.
The Cotopaxi Chasqui is full of useful details that make it versatile and a bold look that many love.
Credit: Whitney Clark
The REI Co-op Trail 2 is versatile, wearing just as well as a crossbody bag or sling bag as a fanny pack. It comes in fewer colors, but the updated version looks more stylish, and the grid pattern is smaller and less noticeable. The bag does have a slightly athletic look, though the new colors improved the look and significantly bumped up the style score. The Patagonia Black Hole Mini has a minimalistic appearance that melts easily into outfits — or a bold look that stands out if that's what you want — all based on your chosen color combination.
The grid pattern on the REI Co-op Trail 2 is much less noticeable than the previous model.
Credit: Whitney Clark
A cool feature of the Fjallraven High Coast Crossbody Bag is that you can remove the strap entirely by unbuckling the clasps on either end. This transforms the bag into a more traditional gear or toiletry bag, making it incredibly adaptable for various uses.
The Fjallraven High Coast Crossbody Bag has a carry handle and the shoulder straps can be removed by unclipping them from either side.
Credit: Whitney Clark
We also loved the JanSport Fifth Ave for its timeless look, simple design, and seamless integration into most outfits. The waist pack comes in 21 different colors and patterns, so whether you're looking for classic black or retro flowers, you should have no trouble finding something that works. It can also be worn as a fanny pack or sling bag, and the strap has plenty of room for adjusting based on your needs.
The Lululemon Everywhere Belt doesn't feature as many colorways, but the ones it does have work just as well with a sun dress as they do with a pair of hiking pants. Both these bags can be dressed up for a night on the town or worn casually on a day hike. They can also easily be thrown over your shoulder and worn as a crossbody bag around town.
The JanSport Fifth Ave fanny pack has a timeless look.
Credit: Whitney Clark
In contrast, some slings received only an average score, even with a pronounced look. The street-inspired Chrome Kadet covers all the basics and will get the job done if you like a modern, almost-messenger bag with a spacious cargo pocket and the ability to clip it under your arm for serious movement, like commuting by bike. But it packs and carries a bit bulkier than we like for everyday use, and we found it to be less flexible in accommodating different types of adventures or styles of dress.
The North Face Borealis is our go-to sling bag for day hikes when we need to carry all the essentials on our backs.
Credit: Luka Krajnc
Conclusion
With so many crossbody carriers, sling bags, and fanny packs out there, it can be tough to find the right one to fit your needs. Many of these packs are simple in design overall, yet it's often small details like a key clip or anti-theft pocket that can make all the difference in finding a bag you love. Whether you're looking for a basic fanny pack for the next music festival, a sporty sling bag for hitting the trail, or a more sophisticated crossbody carrier for a daily commute or to organize camera gear, our comprehensive review showcases the best products out there today.
