Call It a Hip Pack or Call It a Sling, These Are the 10 Best for Travelers

Skip to a review:

• WANDRD Rogue Sling
• Mountainsmith Knockabout
• Peak Design Everyday Sling
• Bellroy Venture Sling 6L
• Osprey Archeon Sling 7
• Aer Go Sling 2
• CamelBak M.U.L.E. 5 Hydration Waist Pack
• Dakine Hot Laps Pack
• Fjällräven Ulvö Hip Pack Large
• The North Face Berkeley Lumbar

The WANDRD Rogue Sling: the best sling bag for photographers

• Sizes: 3L, 6L, 9L
• Weight: 1 pound, 1.5 pounds, or 1.74 pounds
• Standout features: Expandable pockets, laptop pouch, weatherproof, customizable carry with padded dividers
• Price: From $109

When preparing for adventure travel, choosing the right bag is crucial, especially for photographers carrying delicate, expensive gear. During a 10-day trip to Kenya, I tested the WANDRD Rogue Sling 9L, a bag designed for travel photographers. After muddy safari drives, bumpy bush flights, and treks through remote villages, the Rogue Sling proved itself as a durable and functional companion. And the ease of access helped me get shots I know I’d otherwise have missed.

Kenya’s dusty, muddy, and rainy conditions put the Rogue Sling through its paces. Dust wiped off easily, while weatherproof zippers and materials kept my gear safe during afternoon downpours. Despite rough treatment—constant contact with vehicle floors and rocky ground—the bag showed no signs of fraying or significant wear.

The WANDRD Rogue Sling comes in three sizes: 3L, 6L, and 9L. The middle option is probably big enough for most photographers, unless you have a huge telephoto lens like I do. The 9L held plenty for me for a day in the field. I packed a camera body, a massive 150-500mm lens, a portable Wi-Fi device, and extras like snacks and sunglasses, all organized with adjustable dividers. Additional compartments provided storage for smaller essentials like SD cards and batteries, while an expandable pouch can accommodate a water bottle or jacket.

The external tripod straps and grab handles added versatility for carrying even more. The cross-body sling design makes accessing gear effortless. A quick shoulder swing brings the bag to the front, allowing fast lens changes while walking and standing—a major advantage for photographers on the move. Its padded back panel and adjustable strap were comfortable during hours of wear, even on hikes.

The Rogue Sling isn’t compact and doesn’t compress easily, making it more suited for standalone use than as a way to pack your lenses for travel. Additionally, the drop-down laptop compartment is super useful, but lacks any padding, so be careful when you’ve got your computer in there.

Overall, the WANDRD Rogue Sling 9L offers impressive durability, functionality, and easy access for travel photographers. While it may not replace larger camera backpacks for professional photographers, it’s a great investment for travel photographers who need to carry cameras, a drone, or other gear but don’t want to wear a cumbersome backpack all day. It also has a lifetime warranty and a buyback program, making the price of $109 to $159 a lot more palatable. — Suzie Dundas, outdoors editor

Check out Matador’s complete review of the WANDRD Rogue Sling

Buy Now

Mountainsmith Knockabout: The best combo hip/shoulder sling

• Sizes: 1.63L
• Weight: 7.25 ouces
• Standout features: Small and lightweight, usable as a purse or to carry snacks for kids
• Price: $39.95

The term “fanny pack” has fallen out of favor, replaced by more palatable (read: trendy) names like “hip pack,” “waist pack,” or simply “belt bag.” Mourn for the fanny pack if you must, but the combo hip and shoulder pack, is actually an notable improvement on what your parents carried around back in the ‘80s. Among the best examples is the Mountainsmith Knockabout. Its compact size and multiple carrying options make it a truly indispensable item for parents and travelers alike.

My wife, Alisha, has seamlessly integrated the Knockabout into our daily lives. On hikes, it serves as a convenient carrier for essentials like her phone and a few snacks for our daughter. This eliminates the need for both of us to lug around bulky daypacks, allowing for greater freedom of movement and easier navigation on the trail. Travel days have also been significantly improved by the Knockabout. Its discreet size allows it to be easily concealed under a jacket, making it perfect for air travel where carry-on space is often limited. This eliminates the need to rummage through pockets for snacks and keeps essential travel documents like passports and hotel keys readily accessible.

Beyond its practical uses, the Knockabout has become an integral part of our family’s routine. I feel prepared when we have it – we’ve come to keep BoBo’s Oat Bars in there for our daughter and simple stuff like bandaids or other snacks that we know she’ll ask for when we’re on the road. For a relatively small investment of $40, the Knockabout has proven to be an invaluable tool. — Tim Wenger, transactional content editor

Check out Matador’s complete review of the Mountainsmith Knockabout

Buy Now

Best for everyday use: Peak Design Everyday Sling

• Sizes: 3L, 6L, 10L
• Weight: 1.21 pounds, 1.72 pounds, or 1.94 pounds
• Standout features: Adjustable dividers, minimalist look, multiple practical carry options, external carry
• Price: From $89.95

The Peak Design Everyday Sling is designed sort of for photographers — but you can tell from the name that it’s also meant to be just a useful everyday sling bag, which is mostly what I use it for. Over the past few weeks, I’ve used it as my go-to bag for errands, though I’ve used it for a while as a small camera case/bag for travel.

One of the standout features is the clever strap system. The straps rotate a full 360 degrees, which means they never get twisted or caught, no matter how many times you take the bag off or switch shoulders. It’s a small detail, but it’s one of those “you’ll notice it when it’s missing” design features that make this bag shine. The straps also easily configure for as a purse over your shoulder, a sling bag on your back, or even a hip pack snug around your waist. I tested the smallest size (3L), which is small enough to comfortably carry with any method — but larger ones would probably get quite difficult to sling around your hips. The straps are lightly padded but thin, and the overall look is quite urban minimalist, so it works really well as an everyday bag for commuting and city use.

The interior design is a mixed bag (no pun intended) for me. The shape of the bag is slightly rigid, which does wonders for keeping delicate items like sunglasses or even a granola bar from getting crushed. Tiny pockets make it easy to organize essentials like memory cards, cash, or even a key, so you’re never fishing around for those smaller items, and a full-length zipper and semi-clamshell-style opening make it easy to find whatever you need in a pinch.

That said, the size is both a blessing and a curse. While I appreciated its compactness for minimalist outings, it’s tiny. My iPhone 16 just barely squeezes into the front pocket with its case on, which got a little annoying, despite the fact that that pocket feels like the best spot for a phone. The bag also has a large, padded back panel, and while it’s comfortable and adds protection, it also eats into the internal space a bit. I had enough space for all the items I’d normally keep in a purse, but if you have a camera in there, it’s tough to fit much else. Every size does come with two external carry straps, though, so you can carry a tripod or roll up a jacket on the outside.

Overall, the Everyday Sling 3L is a beautifully designed, well-thought-out bag perfect for those who value portability and organization over capacity. It’s ideal for (as the name implies) everyday use, and also scores a few extra bonus points if you need a camera sling even larger than the WANDRD Rogue Sling, as it comes in a 10L option. – Suzie Dundas, outdoors editor

Check out Matador’s complete review of the Peak Design Everyday Sling

Buy Now

Bellroy Venture Sling 6L

• Sizes: 6L, 9L
• Weight: 345 grams, 400 grams
• Standout features: Structured, water-resistant recycled fabric, two-way zipper, quick-release strap buckles
• Price: From $129

About two years ago, I was in need of a diaper bag that checked the following boxes: not bulky, plenty of storage, and durability to last through repeated over stuffing and all manner of spills. Importantly, I also wanted something that doesn’t scream “diaper bag” so that I could use it for more than just baby needs. Which led me to the Bellroy Venture Sling. To date, it’s been on trips around the country and the world, as well as an uncountable number of day trips, and hasn’t had a single issue.

Admittedly, shrinking a diaper bag’s contents into a sling takes some intentional packing. Yet the Bellroy Venture allows for plenty of leeway. My typical pack with the baby has changed as my daughter went from infant to toddler, though generally includes a small pack of wipes, two diapers, her water bottle (and before that, a milk bottle in an insulated cover), two small toys, and some snacks. For international trips, our passports get tucked into the more secure back pocket.

The exact contents changes slightly depending on the day. The space and organization of the sling makes adapting easy if I need to add an extra outfit choice or another toy. Plus, it packs flat when empty so is easy to store in my luggage if I don’t need it along the way. As important as that is, what has made the Bellroy Venture Sling stand out to me in the long run is the durability. I’ve stretched the limits of the zipper more times than I’d like to admit. I’ve also lost count of the number of in-flight and in-transit water spills that cover the bag from top to bottom — not to mention the milk spills that thankfully wipe and wash off with ease. Today, the bag’s 100 percent recycled, water-resistent woven fabric and water-resistent zipper lining still looks fresh and works like the first day I received it. And the durability doesn’t add weight at less than a pound when empty.

When the kid hasn’t commandeered the contents, I’ve comfortably fit our mirrorless camera with a 35mm lens to use the Bellroy Venture as a low-profile camera bag. My extra battery and external phone charger still have plenty of room in the main compartment side pockets to keep them on my person but separate from the camera. Then in the other pocket, a small notepad and pen. The two-way zipper and strap buckles come in handy when I want to quickly grab my camera out without fuss.

If you’re looking for a small hip pack to carry what would otherwise fit in your pockets, even the smaller six-liter Bellroy Venture Sling is probably too much. The same goes for if you’re looking for a budget option considering the price point of $129 for the smaller option and $139 for the larger. For those of us who need more space than even a pocket-filled jacket can hold but don’t need a full-on backpack, the Bellroy Venture Sling hits all the right notes and its durability makes the price understandable. — Nickolaus Hines, managing editor

Buy Now

Best for laptop carrying: The Osprey Archeon Sling 7

• Sizes: One size (7L)
• Weight: 1 pound
• Standout features: Attached to Archeon bags, designed for tech, extremely durable materials
• Price: $90

When it comes to carrying my laptop, I don’t really have a great solution. I have big travel backpacks as well as a good hand-held case, but not a great solution when I just need to tote my laptop around.

Well, I didn’t have a good solution — but now I do, thanks to the Archeon Sling from Osprey. And while it’s been useful for carrying around town, it has another perk, too: it easily attaches to bags in Osprey’s Archeon collection. That expands my carrying capacity without the need for an additional bag, as is basically like getting two carry-ons that look like one, and the setup allows you to keep your essentials within reach in the sling, then put bulkier items in your main Archeon bag in the overhead bin). Add in a roller bag, and you’ve effectively got three carry-ons (though it only looks like two).

That makes it helpful for travel, but it’s daily use that I think has the most appeal. It’s minimalist enough looking to work for professional use, but durable and functional enough that you can drag it across rough ground or pinch it in gym lockers (without your laptop inside, ideally) without any damage. The main compartment fits my 13-inch MacBook Pro, plus slimmer essentials like a phone or cords. I wouldn’t put anything wider than my sunglasses in there, since the bag has quite a low profile. It doesn’t hold anything as wide as a water bottle or even a bag of chips. However, it is loaded with interior organization that makes it easy to find everything you need, even for small items like pens and memory cards.

The only downside I’ve noticed is that it’s easy to lose the straps that attach it to the sling if you don’t keep them either buckled, or tucked into a pocket. I found them once on the floor of my gym’s locker room and another time floating around the backseat of my car. You can replace them if you lose them, of course.

Overall, the Osprey Archeon Sling 7 has been pretty useful. That said, I wouldn’t choose it as my only sling bag, since the slimness makes it suited really only to tech and small electronics. But if you already have a bigger sling/hip pack — and especially if you have a backpack it can clip to, like an Archeon collection bag — it’s a useful addition for day-to-day use, especially when it comes to travel. – Alex Bresler, branded content editor

Buy Now

Best for going ultra-light: Aer Go Sling 2

• Sizes: One size (.8L)
• Weight: .3 pounds
• Standout features: Easy organization, packs flat in a larger bag
• Price: $59

I’ve used the same beat-up gray Arcteryx crossbody pack as my primary “purse” every day for the past couple of years — even, somewhat embarrassingly, on nights out that probably demand a more fashion-conscious accessory. What can I say? I love the ease and comfort of a sling bag. If only I’d known sooner that I didn’t have to compromise on style — a lesson I learned when I started using the Aer Go Sling 2 as my go-to city “purse.”

Unlike my Arcteryx crossbody — which is something of a Mary Poppins bag that’s able to carry everything I might need while out and about but is in turn fairly bulky — the Aer Go Sling 2 is small and sleek, resembling the sort of sling bag you’d see on the cover of a streetwear magazine. I got mine in olive green, which seems to look good with everything I own (although, admittedly, my wardrobe mostly adheres to a neutral, earthy color palette).

I’d say that bag’s compact size is both its greatest pro and con. On the one hand, it looks nice and is practically weightless even when full. On the other hand, I need to be slightly more selective about what I’ll need for an outing (without sacrificing any essentials, mind you). My typical haul includes my wallet, iPhone, keys, a 1.7-ounce tube of sunscreen, a tube of lip balm, a pair of headphones, and my sunglasses in their case — which I was surprised could fit alongside everything else given that the bag’s volume is only 0.8L.

The interior design is simple but intuitive, with two mesh pockets that keep my smaller items tidy, one zipper pocket, and an open liner pocket where I store my phone to keep it from getting scratched while having easy access. I also appreciate the magnetic fastener on the strap — this quick-release function has served me well when going through airport security and juggling too many things to slip the bag off over my head like I normally do.

Speaking of travel, one of my favorite things about the Aer Go Sling 2 is its packability. When empty, it’s almost completely flat and is even thin enough to rull up, making it supremely nestable in other luggage without taking up much space or adding virtually any weight. Ask any light packer — justifying bringing an extra (actually stylish) bag on trips is a game changer.

Buy Now

Best for Staying Hydrated: CamelBak M.U.L.E. 5 Hydration Waist Pack

• Sizes: One size 3.5 liters
• Weight: 1.2 lbs
• Standout features: Includes a 1.5-liter water reservoir with sip access
• Price: $90

With countless “drink more water” New Year’s resolutions floating around, we all already know staying hydrated is essential for our health. But let’s be honest—it can feel like a chore. I’ve countlessly filled up my water bottle, only to have forgotten it on my kitchen counter as I head out for a day outdoors.

The CamelBak M.U.L.E. 5 Hydration Waist Pack is a hassle-free hydration solution—you literally can’t forget your water because it’s built right into the pack. There’s no need to juggle or lug a bulky water bottle around. Instead, it features a built-in hydration reservoir that holds up to 1.5 liters (50 oz), showcasing CamelBak’s signature feature.

The water reservoir fills easily, thanks to a handle that makes it simple to pour, hold, and tighten the cap. The pouch also fits securely into a mesh compartment within the bag and clips into place. Just make sure to tighten the cap fully, or you might end up with a pack that’s more hydrated than you. The trademark blue straw runs along the length of the belt loop and connects magnetically to stay in place with an on/off lever on the drinking spout to prevent any dripping.
While CamelBak backpacks might be a better fit for some, I prefer this sling-style waist pack because it provides easier access to my dog’s essentials, like waste bags and treats. I can wear it on my back for comfort and quickly swing it to the front when needed. The back of the pack is cushioned, making it comfortable to wear. It can also be worn around the hips in a fanny pack style.
The inside of the pack is spacious, with several mesh pockets for organizing phones and other small items with a secure zippered area on the side for keys. Filled to its full 50 oz capacity, the hydration pack takes up quite a bit of space inside. If you need more room, you can fill the water jug with less water—similar to a regular 21 oz water bottle—or simply remove the pouch altogether.

The sling also includes two side compartments for water bottles, providing the option to carry additional water. However, these pockets didn’t fit any of the bottles I owned, as they’re designed specifically for CamelBak Podium® water bottles, which are sold separately. That said, the 50 oz reservoir was more than enough for me, so I didn’t feel the need for extra water. In the future, I’d consider getting one of the compatible bottles, as it would make it much easier to share water with my dog—something that’s not possible with the straw component.

Bulkier than slings without built-in water pouches, this sling would takes up more space in a suitcase. The CamelBak M.U.L.E. 5 is an excellent choice for hikes and outdoor adventures close to home. For dog owners like me, it’s especially handy—not only does it keep you hydrated, but it also provides space to pack everything you and your pup need for a day outside. — Kelsey Wilking, newsletter nerd

Buy Now

Best for biking: Dakine Hot Laps Pack

• Sizes: 1L, 2L, 5L
• Weight: Max 11 ounces
• Standout features: Hydration solutions, extremely durable, huge storage capacity, comfortable on long climbs
• Price: $55+ but often on sale

I’m an avid mountain biker, going for long pedals at least three or four times a week in the season when our trails aren’t covered in snow. Or sometimes every day. And if I’m carrying any kind of pack, it’s always going to be the Dakine Hot Laps hip pack. In fact, I love it so much that I have two: the two-liter size for when I just need to carry a few items and an extra water bottle, and the five-liter size for when I need to carry a full hydration pack.

I ride in lots of weather and conditions, from 30-degree days where I’m battling brisk winds to 90-degree days where there’s not a cloud in sight. But in both cases, the last thing you want is a backpack making your back sweaty (and potentially cold). The hip packs alleviate this problem, and thanks to thick hip belts, don’t dig in around your stomach, even when you’re breathing hard to charge uphill. With external straps, internal and external zipper and velcro pockets, and loops for clips and carabiners, they both carry more than you’d expect. Even the two-liter is big enough for two water bottles (on the outside), a jacket, a snack, bike tools, and a spare 29-inch tube.

For mountain biking, they’ve been ideal, staying in place even on gnarly, boulder-y downhills. But they’re actually quite useful for road biking as well, especially as I find using the back pockets of road bike jerseys can create uncomfortable pulling around my neck in the front. I’m certainly not a runner, but I am a hiker, and I often see summer trail runners using the two-liter Hot Laps pack. And when it comes to my fellow mountain bikers, the five-liter is the pack I see used the most — far more than any type of backpack. I’ve had mine for years and while they’re both covered in mud (my fault), there have been absolutely no holes, rips, tears, or quality issues in either pack, even though they’ve definitely taken some hard falls.

The Hot Laps packs are the biking hip packs I recommend to all my friends — and even loan them, when they need a hip pack with a water reservoir. They come in multiple colors and start at $55, but you can often find last season’s colors on sale for closer to $25 for the two-liter size. — Suzie Dundas, outdoors editor

Buy Now: $33+ (2L)
Buy Now: $41+ (5L)

Fjällräven Ulvö Hip Pack Large: the best sling bag for wary travelers and overpackers

• Size: 4L
• Weight: 7 ounces
• Standout features: Good storage, including a secret pocket, waterproof, made of 100 percent recycled material
• Price: From $65

When traveling in crowded cities, standard backpacks are never a good idea. Not only do they take space in public transports and are forbidden in most museums and monuments, but they also leave your belongings vulnerable to ill-intentioned people who would love nothing more than the opportunity to pinch your wallet, passport, and phone without you noticing a thing. During a trip to Quito, Ecuador, a beautiful and mostly safe city that’s unfortunately notorious for pickpockets, I opted to leave the backpack behind and carry my essentials in Fjällräven’s Ulvö Hip Pack.

While I initially thought that moving from a backpack to a sling bag meant that I would have to downsize my possessions dramatically, it turned out that the large model of Fjällräven’s Ulvö Hip Pack had enough space for all my stuff, namely my phone, my guidebook, my passport, notebook, pencil, wallet, earphones, sunglasses, and even a small water bottle. And although that may seem like a lot of items to carry around, it never felt too heavy for me to bear, and the sling bag never felt cumbersome. Fjällräven’s Ulvö Hip Pack does come in two sizes: medium and large, with the medium version’s capacity being two liters, i.e. half of the large model’s.

Inside the large main compartment of Fjällräven’s Ulvö Hip Pack is one mesh zipped pocket and two elasticized slip pockets to keep your belongings organized. The back of the bag features a security pocket, which is never visible when you wear the sling bag, and can easily hide your passport, cash, and phone. The compression straps on the exterior are a smart feature to attach a sweater or light jacket, but it isn’t practical if it’s a water bottle you’re trying to securely strap.

Although it’s branded as a hip pack, I find the bag a little too big to feel comfortable around my waist. So, for comfort and safety reasons, I have been wearing it across my chest, with the zipper handy. The medium model might be more adapted for wearing around the waist.

The fact that Fjällräven’s Ulvö Hip Pack Large is waterproof, made of 100 percent recycled polyamide, and costs only $65 only make this very practical sling bag more appealing. — Morgane Croissant, deputy editor

Buy Now

The North Face Berkeley Lumbar: the unisex and casual version of a trendy handbag

• Size: 4L
• Weight: 6.3 ounces
• Standout features: Good size (not too big, not too small), very affordable, nostalgic colors and details
• Price: From $35

While The North Face is a brand that focuses on outdoor gear, the Berkeley Lumbar feels more like a trendy urban sling bag than one you’d take for a hike, a bike ride, or a paddle. Although it’s the perfect size to carry a wallet, a phone, keys, and other small items for everyday use, it’s certainly not big enough to add a waterbottle, snacks, sunscreen, a hat or an extra layer, and it’s not waterproof (only water repellent). But what it lacks in space or outdoor-focused features, it makes up in style.

Everything about the Berkeley Lumbar, from the material (recycled nylon) to the bright colors, the zipper pulls, and logo tag in the front, is pulled straight out of 80s and 90s fashion, which makes for a nostalgic piece that’s simultaneously very trendy. You can be one of the cool kids this time around.

This sling bag has only two sections: one main compartment and one fleece-lined front pocket, both of which are a good size, but it lacks smaller compartments that would come handy for organizational purposes.

The simplicity, affordability, and size of the Berkeley Lumbar makes it the perfect unisex and casual alternative to a handbag. Because the strap is thin, it can comfortably be worn around the waist or across the body without being cumbersome, and the padding on the back of the bag makes it sit flat and comfortably against the body. — Morgane Croissant, deputy editor

Buy Now