The Best Sling Bags and Fanny Packs

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After interning at SmarterTravel, Ashley joined the team full time in 2015. She's lived on three continents, but still never knows where her next adventure will take her. She's always searching for upcoming destination hotspots, secluded retreats, and hidden gems to share with the world.

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The Handy Item I Always Pack: "A reusable filtered water bottle—it saves you money, keeps you hydrated, and eliminates waste—win-win."

Ultimate Bucket List Experience: "A week in a bamboo beach hut on India's Andaman Islands."

Travel Motto: "Travel light, often, and in good company."

Aisle, Window, or Middle Seat: "Window—best view in the house."

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Megan is a Senior Editor, SEO for SmarterTravel Media.

Megan started with SmarterTravel Media’s Airfarewatchdog way back in 2008, moved over to FamilyVacationCritic, and finally SmarterTravel in 2021. Originally from Massachusetts, she has lived in Nova Scotia, London, and New York City. She has spent nearly every summer (or at least part of it) on Prince Edward Island. She lives in Connecticut with her husband, two young children, and their dog, Indiana Bones (Indy).

The Handy Item I Always Pack: Kindle

Ultimate Bucket List Experience: Some sort of wellness retreat somewhere exotic.

Travel Motto: Be flexible

Aisle, Window, or Middle Seat: Window, if you prefer a middle seat, please message me so I can write an article about you.

See recent posts by Megan Johnson

The sling bag is a popular bag style that goes by many names— it’s sometimes referred to as a belt bag, sling bag, or even a fanny pack. Here are seven sling-bag styles that are equal parts stylish and functional.

These five sling bags for men and women are affordable, on-trend, and extra useful for travelers needing quick access to their essentials.

Category	Bag	Price
Best Sling Bag for Men	Aer Sling Bag 2	$$$
Best Belt Bag for Adventurers	Lululemon Everywhere Belt Bag	$$
Best Fanny Pack for Organization	Dagne Dover Ace Fanny Pack	$$$
Best Fanny Pack for Women	Baboon To The Moon	$$
Best Sling Bag Style	Osprey Packs Daylite Shoulder Sling Bag	$
Best Oversized Fanny Pack	Mystery Ranch Full Moon Sling	$
Best Compact Sling Bag	Nomatic Access Sling	$$

Best Sling Bag for Men – Aer Sling Bag 2

Aer Sling Bag 2 with passport sticking out of the open top — Aer

As one of the larger sling bags on the list, you could use Aer’s Sling Bag 2 as a personal item or an everyday bag. With a separate compartment for shoes and clothes, you can easily pack a change of clothes. Plus, a dedicated electronics sleeve protects your gear on travel days.

Best Belt Bag for Adventurers – Lululemon Everywhere Belt Bag

Lululemon Everywhere Belt Bag in white — lululemon

This unisex lightweight bag from Lululemon is versatile enough to be used for athletic endeavors and travel adventures. The bag is convertible and can be worn two ways: around the waist, or cross-body. We love the dual front and back pockets for easy access.

Best Sling Bag for Organization – Dagne Dover Ace Fanny Pack

The most appealing features of this sling bag are the organizational details. Dagne Dover’s Ace Fanny Pack has two stash pockets to keep your cards safe and secure as well as a front zipper pocket and key clip. The water-resistant neoprene fabric is particularly useful for travelers heading to rainy places.

Best Fanny Pack for Women – Baboon Fannypack

Baboon Fannypack in brown with orange accents — Baboon to the Moon

Cult-favorite travel bag brand Baboon makes a stylish and functional sling bag for men and women. The Fannypack style has a water-repellent coating on the nylon fabric and plenty of pockets. High-quality materials, a hidden back pocket, and durable zippers make this sling bag a winner.

Best Sling – Osprey Packs Daylite Shoulder Sling Bag

The Osprey Daylite Sling bag has organizational pockets that fit a camera, light layer or scarf, a water bottle (either clipped or inside), and daily essentials. Plus, the strap’s mesh material doesn’t cause you to overheat, even in humid climates. It’s comfortable due to the anatomically shaped shoulder strap, and the pockets are easily accessible.

Best Oversized Fanny Pack – Mystery Ranch Full Moon Sling

Mystery Ranch Full Moon Sling in light green — Mystery Ranch

The Mystery Ranch Full Moon Sling is extremely roomy, with an interior and exterior zippered pocket and the main zippered compartment. It can be worn as a shoulder bag or on your hip and has a padded back for long days out and about.

Best Compact Sling – The Nomatic Access Sling

This sling is compact yet efficient, with an RFID-blocking outer pocket for your credit card, two inner pockets for small items, and a larger interior pocket for your cell phone and keys. Wear it on your waist or as a sling.

All of the products featured in this story were hand-selected by our travel editors. Some of the links featured in this story are affiliate links, and SmarterTravel may collect a commission (at no cost to you) if you shop through them. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

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We hand-pick everything we recommend and select items through testing and reviews. Some products are sent to us free of charge with no incentive to offer a favorable review. We offer our unbiased opinions and do not accept compensation to review products. All items are in stock and prices are accurate at the time of publication. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission.