Best Travel Sling Bag For Ladies [2023]
Sling bags are a great choice for travel, as you can keep all your essentials close while you explore, with less risk of theft. These are our picks for the best travel sling bag for ladies right now.
Getting ready for a trip, whether it be short or long, can be a stressful experience. You commonly remember the easy things like clothing and toiletries, but have you thought about how you’ll carry your wallet, phone, and other necessary items? You’ll need these things to be in close reach with easy access no matter where you’re traveling.
Most women carry their wallets and phones in purses or maybe even backpacks. Using a purse can be burdensome, especially if your trip involves a lot of walking. You can’t enjoy your trip if you feel uncomfortable and weighed down by your bag – or constantly worried that somebody is going to snatch it.
There has to be another option that has the perfect amount of storage and is comfortable on your body, right?
Sling bags are your answer. They’re the perfect traveling bag for women who want an easier, safer way to carry their things. And the best part is that you can take it anywhere, including vigorous activities like hiking or biking. Let’s take a closer look into what a sling bag is and how it can benefit you on your travels.
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What Is a Sling Bag (aka Sling Backpack)?
Sling bags look similar to fanny packs, but you don’t wear them around your waist. You wear these bags diagonally across your chest to keep your belongings close to you while still keeping your body comfortable. You might also hear them referred to as sling backpacks, or crossbody backpacks.
They usually have a compact design to prevent bulkiness and allow your body to move freely. This is why they are great options for traveling.
Sling bags typically keep the weight inside your bag closer to your body, where your center of gravity is. This makes it easier for your body to handle the weight. Using bags such as purses can cause issues such as:
- Gait problems
- Back pain
- Neck pain
- Muscle strains
- Headaches
These symptoms happen due to the weight being on one side of your body. Sling bags can help prevent these symptoms by keeping the weight at the center of your body.
A study on college students found that front bags, such as sling bags, are much better for your back when compared to handheld bags or shoulder bags. They tend to keep your body posture upright and symmetrical. Other types of bags strain the spine and can cause pain and even scoliosis. Using a sling bag can help to prevent further back damage.
With this in mind, it can be difficult trying to find the best sling bag for you. There is a large variety of sling bags at your disposal, ranging from mini sling bags to large sling backpacks. They also come in plenty of different materials and colors. To make your decision easier, let’s break down some of the best travel sling bags for ladies available for purchase.
Best Travel Sling Bag For Ladies
Below are our top personal choices for best travel sling bag for ladies on the market right now.
KAVU Rope Bag – Best Overall
The KAVU Rope Bag is one of the best travel sling bags for ladies – and one of the most popular, having somewhat of a cult following in the USA.
KAVU’s unique sling bag patterns and colorways are each available for six months, and then they’re gone forever. So if you see a pineapple print, cactus print, or a fuzzy KAVU sling bag – grab it while you can!
These bags are made from 100% lightweight cotton and are a great crossbody sling bag for women. There are always plenty of designs to choose from with beautiful, vivid colors. The bag has two main compartments and two small pockets in the front to hold small things like your phone, wallet, and keys.
The rope straps are nice and soft against your body, but this doesn’t sacrifice durability. The material is strong, and the strap comes with a durable buckle.
Pros
- Large size at 20 x 11 x 3 inches
- Zipper pockets
- Lightweight
Cons
- Not waterproof
- The phone pocket isn’t on the strap
- Hand wash only
Lecxci Outdoor Chest Sling Bag
This sling backpack comes in small and medium sizes allowing you to choose the best capacity size for your needs. It also comes in a variety of colors and patterns, so you can choose something that fits your personality.
These bags are made from lightweight, waterproof, and scratch-proof nylon material. This allows you to take it anywhere from the street to the mountains without worrying about it getting it snagged on branches or ruined due to moisture such as rain or sweat.
You can adjust the padded strap to up to 40 inches long so it fits snugly for any body shape. There’s even a smartphone pocket within this strap to house your most important belongings, like your phone, credit card, and money.
Pros
Pros of this sling bag include:
- Two sizes: 6.5 x 2.98 x 13.17 inches or 7.69 x 3.98 x 14.49 inches
- It’s very light
- Plenty of pocket space with secure zippers
- It has a padded and adjustable strap with a phone pocket
- The bag is waterproof and scratch-proof
Cons
Some cons of this sling bag include:
- The water bottle pocket doesn’t fit large bottles
- The bag isn’t washer safe, so you need to hand wash it
Waterfly Crossbody Sling Backpack
This sling bag comes in one size but allows for plenty of storage. The bag has a main zippered compartment, a buckled compartment, and a small zipper pocket. There are also multiple organizational pockets inside the main compartment to help secure your things. The bag measures 7 x 3.5 x 15 inches.
The strap on the Waterfly sling bag is adjustable and reversible, allowing you to pick what shoulder you want to wear the bag. It also comes with a large phone pocket to hold phones with a seven-inch screen or less. The strap, along with the back of the bag, has a padded material that’s very breathable, making this bag ideal for hiking and other physical activities.
Pros
- Large phone pocket
- Two mesh water bottle pockets
- Plenty of pockets
- Earphone hole
- Reversible shoulder strap
Cons
- Not waterproof
- You have to hand wash it and let it air dry
OSOCE Anti-Theft Sling Crossbody Backpack
If you’re looking for a classic and extra secure sling bag, this anti-theft sling bag is best for you. This is great if you’ll be around large crowds or on public transport, because you’ll feel confident that your things are safe. The pockets have hidden and slanted zippers, making it difficult for other people to access the bag.
The bag is about 12.5 x 7.5 x 1.5 inches and comes in multiple styles and colors. The polyester material is splash-proof and scratch-proof, meaning it will last you for years of travel.
The large pocket is big enough to hold large electronics like iPads, while the other pockets are perfect for passports, credit cards, pens, and other small items.
There’s also a little phone pocket that keeps your phone hidden from view. The padded strap is adjustable and has a special loop to hold headphones, keeping them untangled and ready to use.
Pros
- Anti-theft
- Water-resistant
- Scratch proof
- Angled pockets with hidden zippers to protect from theft
Cons
- Not completely waterproof
- The phone pocket isn’t on the strap
- Hand wash and spot clean only
Y & R Sling Backpack
This sling backpack is about 15 x 7.4 x 4 inches and has a waterproof and scratch-proof nylon lining to protect it from the elements. The large pockets in this womens sling backpack can fit iPads and notebooks, while the tiny zipper pocket will keep your phone protected.
The padded mesh back and strap will help you stay cool and comfortable on all of your travels. The strap is also adjustable, so you can choose which shoulder you want it on.
Pros
- Machine washable
- Waterproof and scratch-proof
- Cooling mesh
Cons
- The phone pocket isn’t on the strap
- You can’t put it in the drier
Things To Look For in a Sling Bag
When you’re looking into buying a new sling bag for your travels, there are some things you should think about. Some things to keep in mind include:
- The size. If you’ll be carrying more than just your phone and other small essentials, you’ll probably need a bigger sling bag.
- The material. If you plan on doing outdoor activities with your sling bag, you should get a waterproof and scratch-proof one.
- The security. If you’ll be around large crowds, you can’t always trust everyone will do the right thing. So, an anti-theft sling bag might be best for you.
Are Sling Bags Good For Travel?
Sling bags are great for all travel. They allow you to securely store your important belongings without worrying about thieves or things falling out of your bag. Sling bags also offer easy accessibility, as the bag secures right on your chest. The lightweight material of these bags aids in this too.
A purse will tug on your shoulders, eventually tiring you out and feeling in pain by the end of the day. Backpacks are a little better for you, but they also tug on your shoulders and back. And don’t forget about the back sweat, making you feel sticky and gross. Sling bags help to keep you hands-free, pain-free, and moving with ease during your travels.
Is a Sling Bag Better Than a Backpack?
In regards to your health, a sling bag seems to be much better for you than a backpack. A doctor found that while standing, the pressure your spine feels from your backpack is 7.2 times the actual backpack weight.
So, for reference, if your backpack weighs ten pounds, your spine will feel the pressure of 72 pounds. Your spine cannot handle all of this pressure for extended periods. By the end of the day, with a ten-pound backpack, you’ll feel rather sore and can even strain some muscles in your back. A heavy backpack can also:
- Irritate your spinal cord joints
- Irritate your rib cage
- Distort your sense of balance
While sling bags are better for your spine, they won’t be too helpful if you wear them incorrectly. To keep your back and shoulders happy, you need to adjust the strap securely around your body.
If the strap is too loose, it could damage your posture, just like a backpack, by pulling you forward. The dangling weight will make you want to lean forward, causing you to walk and stand with a slight slouch.
Slouching causes:
- Tension in your muscles and spine
- Joint issues
- Circulation issues
- Fatigue
Always adjust sling bags to your body before taking off on your travels!
Conclusion – Best Travel Sling Bag For Ladies
Whether you plan on hiking in the mountains or just strolling around in some stores, a sling bag is a perfect addition to your trip. It’ll keep everything you need nearby without the annoyance of shoulder and back pain that purses bring.
If you’re looking for a durable yet affordable sling bag, then the Lecxci Outdoor Chest Sling Bag is your best option. But if you’re looking for something bright, casual, and fun – then the KAVU is our overall choice.
Keep these options for best travel sling bag for ladies in mind next time you start planning a trip. It’ll make carrying your essentials much easier on your body – and mind!
