


Having to rummage for smaller items is annoying and wastes time. Again, smaller options may not require as much padding, but you’ll still benefit from at least a little protection. Whether you’re carrying the bag as a hip bag, across the body or as a shoulder bag, pens and other sharp contents can dig into you without sufficient padding. But a padded back panel will help cushion the load and stop you getting jabbed. And while a fanny pack may not require an ambidextrous strap to wear it round the waist, you’ll still want the ability to cinch or loosen the strap as required. But they should still offer flexible adjustability. Some smaller, lightweight sling bags may not require padding in the strap since they aren’t intended to carry heavy loads. Good crossbody bags will offer a long, padded and adjustable strap that can preferably flip from right to left depending on user preference. Ultimately it comes down to your intended use but a balance between durability and light weight should see you right for most carry needs. That being said, if you’ll be reaching for it regularly or putting it to demanding use, you’ll want decent durability which may result in a slight weight penalty. Sling bags are generally designed to carry smaller loads and less weight, so they don’t need to be built like a tank. So what features should you look for in a sling bag? A balance between light weight and durability And when worn crossbody on the chest, it makes pick-pocketing pretty darn tricky. A good sling bag snugs tight to the carrier and allows freer movement and quick access to essentials on the go. With minimalism securely in the zeitgeist, we’re trimming down and carrying less, so a 20-30L backpack is overkill for some.
