Backpacks are an essential part of daily life for many people, offering a convenient way to carry everything from laptops to gym gear.
Among the various designs available, single strap backpacks stand out for their ease of use and casual style.
Unlike traditional two-strap backpacks, these slings or crossbody packs allow you to swing the bag around quickly.
This makes them ideal for short trips or urban commuting.
Single strap backpacks come in a range of sizes and materials, from lightweight nylon to sturdy leather.
Their compact design often means less weight on your shoulders and a more streamlined look.
These bags are popular for those who want something smaller and more accessible than a full-sized backpack but still need enough space for essentials.
When choosing a single strap backpack, it’s important to consider aspects like strap comfort, material durability, and how the bag distributes weight.
Size matters too—too big, and it defeats the purpose of portability; too small, and it won’t fit what you need.
Best Single Strap Backpacks
We’ve rounded up the best single strap backpacks to keep your essentials close and your style on point.
Whether you’re heading to work, school, or a quick day trip, these picks combine comfort and convenience to fit your everyday needs.
mygreen Canvas Sling Bag
This single strap backpack strikes a good balance between style and everyday function without feeling bulky.
Pros
- Comfortable adjustable strap that fits well across the chest
- Durable washed canvas with classy leather accents
- Perfect size for daily essentials and a 13″ tablet
Cons
- Not large enough if you need to carry bigger items
- Limited internal compartments for organization
- Strap length might be short for taller users
We found this bag quite handy for day trips and casual outings.
The canvas feels sturdy yet soft, and it doesn’t look like a typical backpack which is a plus when you want a sleek look.
The adjustable strap made it easy to carry both as a sling or crossbody, and it stayed comfortable even after several hours.
That said, if you’re someone who needs to carry more than the basics, this bag might feel cramped.
Kawei Knight Large Sling Bag
This sling backpack is a solid choice for those wanting well-organized storage with comfortable wear for daily use.
Pros
- Plenty of pockets for organizing all kinds of gear
- Comfortable, adjustable shoulder strap with padding
- Water-resistant and lightweight for easy travel
Cons
- Stitching quality feels weak under heavier loads
- Not the most durable for long-term heavy use
- Design can feel a bit bulky despite being a sling
We found the bag holds a wide variety of items neatly, from laptops to chargers and even small umbrellas.
The laptop compartment fits up to 15-inch devices securely, which is perfect for our work commutes.
The strap’s padding really helps with comfort, letting us wear the sling all day without strain.
Switching the strap to either shoulder worked well depending on which felt better.
However, some stitches popped when carrying heavier loads, which makes us hesitant about long-term durability.
MOSISO Sling Backpack
This sling backpack strikes a good balance between lightweight convenience and surprisingly roomy storage for short hikes or daily carry.
Pros
- Comfortable, breathable padded strap that keeps pressure off during long wear
- Multiple compartments including an anti-theft pocket for valuables
- Adjustable strap allows for easy switching between left and right shoulder
Cons
- Not suited for carrying heavier loads over longer distances
- Limited water resistance, so careful in wet weather
- Some small pockets can feel a bit tight for bulkier electronics
We found the MOSISO sling backpack easy to wear for a full day without discomfort thanks to its padded, adjustable strap.
Swapping shoulders on the go was simple and helped relieve any strain.
Organizing gear was convenient with dedicated spots for a phone, cables, and a tablet up to 11 inches.
The anti-theft pocket on the back gave extra peace of mind when we were in crowded settings.
While it’s not made for heavy-duty trekking, this bag feels sturdy and carried essentials well on shorter outings.
HAOMUK Tactical Sling Bag
This sling bag is a solid choice if you want something rugged yet compact for daily use or outdoor trips.
Pros
- Durable and water resistant fabric
- Comfortable adjustable single shoulder strap
- Plenty of organized compartments for essentials
Cons
- Some straps might feel bulky or need trimming
- Smaller size limits how much you can carry
- Design might be too tactical for casual settings
We found the HAOMUK bag tough and well put together.
The 900D polyester feels strong and kept our gear dry when caught in light rain.
It’s not heavy, which made it easy to wear all day without shoulder strain.
The storage layout works great for keeping essentials separated.
We snuck in a 14-inch laptop, chargers, and extras without the bag feeling cramped.
The strap system is comfy, though we did tweak a few straps to stop them from swinging around.
If you’re looking for a no-nonsense carry option that handles rough use, this bag fits the bill.
Check out the HAOMUK Tactical Sling Bag here.
DEYACE Sling Bag
This sling bag works great for anyone needing a tough, organized pack that fits essentials without bulk.
Pros
- Very durable with water-resistant nylon and strong stitching
- Plenty of pockets for tech gear and small items
- Comfortable with adjustable strap and ventilated padding
Cons
- Size might feel a bit small for larger loads
- Slightly bulky for those wanting a minimalist option
- MOLLE system might be unnecessary if you don’t use tactical gear
We found this bag stands up well to rough use, whether out urban or outdoors.
The build feels solid, and the water resistance gave us peace of mind in light rain.
What really impressed us was how well all the compartments keep your stuff organized.
Quick access pockets and the hidden cash slot made a difference in everyday convenience.
Plus, the adjustable strap made it easier for us to switch shoulders quickly.
While the size is perfect for tech and some extras, it won’t fit everything if you’re packing heavy gear or bulky items.
TUDEQU Sling Backpack
We found this sling bag practical for everyday use and outdoor activities thanks to its sturdy design and smart organization.
Pros
- Multiple pockets keep gear organized and easy to find
- Stability strap keeps the bag secure while moving
- Lightweight with reflective elements for safety
Cons
- The umbrella pocket is narrow, limiting what it can hold
- Strap padding could be thicker for longer wear
- USB port requires your own power bank
The TUDEQU Sling Backpack impressed us with how much it fits without feeling bulky.
Its 19L capacity and eight separate compartments made sorting out items effortless, whether we were biking or hiking.
We appreciated the anti-theft back pocket for valuables and the water-resistant front pocket for damp items.
The extra strap helps keep the bag firmly against the body, which made it comfortable to carry during motion.
While the strap could use a bit more cushioning, the breathable back padding eased some shoulder strain.
The reflective details added peace of mind for night use.
The built-in headphone hole and USB charging port were convenient features, but you need to bring your own charger for those.
Gowara Tactical Sling Bag
We found this bag perfect for everyday use and light tactical needs thanks to its build and organization.
Pros
- Durable and water-resistant fabric
- Comfortable, adjustable single strap with anti-sway support
- Plenty of compartments for daily essentials
Cons
- Strap can feel a bit tight during extended wear
- Not ideal for carrying heavier loads
- Limited color options if you want something less tactical-looking
The Gowara sling bag stands out for its rugged 600D polyester material that kept our gear dry even in light rain.
It fits a 12-inch tablet easily, along with keys, phone, and a water bottle, making it a solid choice for everyday carry or a quick range trip.
We appreciated the smaller stabilizing straps that reduce the bag’s sway when walking briskly or biking.
The padding on the back adds comfort, although the single strap gets a bit snug if you pack it heavy or wear it all day.
The tactical design includes MOLLE straps and a concealed back compartment, which gave us an easy way to separate important items or stash a sidearm safely.
Buying Guide
When choosing a single strap backpack, we want to think about comfort first.
The strap should be adjustable and padded to avoid strain during long wear.
A breathable material on the back panel also helps keep us cool.
Next, let’s look at size and capacity.
We need to pick a backpack that fits our daily essentials without being too bulky.
Consider how much you’ll carry—a small bag won’t work for heavy loads, and a large one might feel cumbersome.
Durability is key.
We should check the quality of zippers, stitching, and fabric.
Water-resistant material is a plus if we expect to use the bag in different weather conditions.
Storage options matter too.
Multiple compartments help organize items like laptops, wallets, and keys.
Having a dedicated laptop sleeve or tablet pocket can be beneficial for tech use.
| Feature | What to Look For |
|---|---|
| Strap | Adjustable, padded, breathable |
| Size | Fits essentials, not overly large |
| Material | Durable, water-resistant |
| Compartments | Multiple, with secure closures |
| Extra Features | Laptop sleeve, external pockets |
We should also think about style and how the bag fits our personal needs.
A well-designed backpack balances function and looks so we feel good carrying it every day.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some detailed answers to common questions about single strap backpacks.
What’s the comfiest single strap backpack out there?
The Osprey Daylite Sling is often praised for its padded strap and breathable mesh back panel.
It offers good weight distribution, making it comfortable for daily wear.
Can you suggest a super durable sling backpack for everyday use?
The Patagonia Atom Sling is a solid choice. Made with tough nylon fabric and reinforced stitching, it stands up well to regular wear and tear.
Any top picks for a stylish, yet functional single-strap bag?
The Bellroy Sling is sleek and minimalistic without sacrificing pockets and organization. It balances look and function nicely for urban use.
What’s a good waterproof option for a sling backpack?
The Timbuk2 Classic Messenger Bag has a waterproof lining and a water-resistant outer shell. It keeps contents dry in light rain or splashes.
Looking for a sling bag that can fit my laptop, any ideas?
The Nomatic Navigator Sling fits laptops up to 13 inches and has a secure padded compartment. It’s great for work and travel.
Which single strap backpacks are best for travel?
The Pacsafe Vibe 325 is perfect for travel with anti-theft features and multiple compartments. It also has a comfortable sling strap system.
This backpack helps keep essentials organized and secure.
