The 9 Best Sling Bags and Backpacks for Women: Stylish and Functional for Every Occasion

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Introducing the definitive trendsetter: the sling bag. This iconic accessory has transcended mere popularity, claiming its throne as the ultimate ‘it’ bag. With each passing year, its reign continues to grow stronger, solidifying its position at the forefront of fashion.

Sling bags – also known as bum bags or fanny packs – are beloved by everyone from influencers to celebrities and fashion bloggers. They’re a low-maintenance and fuss-free style that gives you a hands-free bag that is street-style approved.

What’s not to love about a sling bag? If you’re looking to add a new bag to your closet, this is the one you need to choose.

Are you not sure where to start with sling bags? We have an in-depth guide that covers everything you need to know about the style.

It’s the perfect place to start before coming back here for our guide on the best women’s sling bags to buy.

We’re rounding up the must-have bags at every price point with a range of sling bags to choose from. Grab your credit card. It’s time to go shopping.

1. Louis Vuitton – Bumbag, $1,900

Although called a ‘bumbag’ to reflect Louis Vuitton’s French heritage, this style is still a sling bag. It’s quickly become one of Louis Vuitton’s most sought-after styles, showing that sling bags don’t have to be made with nylon.

A fanny pack that you can wear as a sling bag across your body, Louis Vuitton's bumbag blends sportswear with Parisian chic with its silhouette and luxurious Monogram canvasA fanny pack that you can wear as a sling bag across your body, Louis Vuitton’s bumbag blends sportswear with Parisian chic with its silhouette and luxurious Monogram canvas

This uber-functional bag blends sportswear with casual Parisian chic, complete with the classic Monogram canvas. As a larger sling bag, it’s an ideal choice for those who want to splurge on an everyday bag with a trendier edge.

2. Patagonia Atom Sling Bag 8L – One Strap Backpack, $102.98

Sling bags are a must-have for natural-born adventurers. A sling bag is essential for outdoor activities if you enjoy hiking or camping. Patagonia is the go-to choice for functional sling bags you can take anywhere.

Durable and sustainable, Patagonia's Atom Sling 8L features a classic sling design with multiple pockets and a spacious interior, perfect for any outdoor activitiesDurable and sustainable, Patagonia’s Atom Sling 8L features a classic sling design with multiple pockets and a spacious interior, perfect for any outdoor activities

Their ‘Atom Sling 8L’ is an organized bag that offers close-fitting comfort. It’s also the most sustainable style on this list – making it good for you, your wallet, and the planet!

3. Slater Medium Printed Logo Sling Pack, $209

Michael Kors is one brand that we always turn to for luxury on a budget. Their ‘Slater’ sling bag is the perfect alternative for luxury brands like Louis Vuitton and Gucci.

This style is one of the more oversized options on this list and more closely resembles a crossbody bag.

Blending uptown chic with downtown cool, the Slater sling pack features bold “MK” lettering and a removable braided chain strapBlending uptown chic with downtown cool, the Slater sling pack features bold “MK” lettering and a removable braided chain strap

What makes this sling bag unique is the exterior pochette that doubles as a wallet or pouch. The bold iconic “MK” lettering and braided chain strap give the bag a distinctive streetwear feel, incorporating the logomania trend.

This bag is ideal for anyone who wants extra space in their sling bag or doesn’t want to splurge on the Louis Vuitton style.

4. Kavu – Rope Sling, $54.95

Do you like the idea of a sling bag but want more space? Never fear. We have the perfect solution for you. Meet the Kayu Rope Sling bag. You get the on-trend look of a sling bag but with the functionality of a backpack.

This water-resistant Rope Sling bag from active lifestyle brand Kavu is made of polyester and features an ultra-comfortable rope shoulder strap and multiple pockets and compartmentsThis water-resistant Rope Sling bag from active lifestyle brand Kavu is made of polyester and features an ultra-comfortable rope shoulder strap and multiple pockets and compartments

As an oversized style, the Rope Sling is ideal for traveling and outdoor adventures. This water-resistant bag includes two zip compartments, two cell phone pockets, and a side release buckle.

5. Herschel Supply Co – Heritage Shoulder Bag, $49.99

Part of the reason why we love sling bags is that they’re a more compact version of a backpack. If you want the backpack look with the functionality of a sling bag, check out this style from Herschel Supply Co.

Blending classic backpack style with crossbody functionality, the Heritage Shoulder bag features a slim, convenient silhouette with a strap that can be clipped to either side of the bagBlending classic backpack style with crossbody functionality, the Heritage Shoulder bag features a slim, convenient silhouette with a strap that can be clipped to either side of the bag

It maintains the classic look of their signature backpack and has a clip buckle for extra versatility. You have six styles to choose from with this budget-friendly and more laid-back sling bag. It’s a great way to experiment with sling bags before investing in a more expensive style.

6. Supreme – Sling Shoulder Bag, $135

Is it a streetwear trend if Supreme’s not involved? Streetwear fans will be familiar with Supreme’s sling bags – which may be more affordable than you think.

A streetwear staple, Supreme's sling shoulder bag comes in a new camo-print designA streetwear staple, Supreme’s sling shoulder bag comes in a new camo-print design

Their latest camo-print sling bag is one of our favorites yet and offers a unisex style that is lightweight enough for all-day wear. This is the bag that can take you from a day in the city to jumping on a bike.

7. Manimal Sling Bag, $30

Most sling bags have an athleisure feel to them. They’re the bags you can throw on for a trip to the gym to carry your valuables or for a lazy weekend look.

This list of the best sling bags wouldn’t be complete without featuring an option from an activewear brand.

A unisex sling bag from activewear label Gymshark, the Manimal features a bold print in purple and orange colors and an adjustable body strapA unisex sling bag from activewear label Gymshark, the Manimal features a bold print in purple and orange colors and an adjustable body strap

Gymshark’s Manimal sling bag is the most affordable on our list and has one of the boldest prints. This unisex bag has two zipped pockets and a buckle fastening, making it versatile for wearing crossbody or as a backpack.

8. Gucci – Belt Bag with Interlocking G, $980

A luxury sling bag doesn’t have to break the bank. Whether it’s your first or twenty-first bag, a sling bag is an ideal investment in your closet.

While the Louis Vuitton style may have an eye-watering price tag, the Gucci version is more attainable.

Featuring a vintage-inspired look, this Gucci belt bag is crafted from beige and ebony GG Supreme canvas with a brown leather trimFeaturing a vintage-inspired look, this Gucci belt bag is crafted from beige and ebony GG Supreme canvas with a brown leather trim

This bag features all the classic hallmarks of Gucci, including their GG Supreme canvas and interlocking G codes. While it’s smaller than the Louis Vuitton version, it’s just as practical and offers a vintage-inspired look for this modern take on a classic silhouette.

9. Leather Crossbody Bag, $135

Do you want the look of a luxury sling bag on a budget? Check out this leather crossbody bag by COS.

It’s the perfect choice for Louis Vuitton sling bag fans who want a more understated (and budget-friendly!) look.

A sleek sling crossbody bag, this COS creation is made of supple leather and features an adjustable strap with flat pinsA sleek sling crossbody bag, this COS creation is made of supple leather and features an adjustable strap with flat pins

This bag is one of the sleekest on our list and is made using 100% cow leather. It’s an ideal choice if you want the flexibility of being able to wear your sling bag to the office or if you’re creating a capsule closet.

Which of these sling bags will you be hitting ‘add to cart’ on?