I Tested the Best One-Strap Backpacks: My Top Picks for Style and Comfort
As I navigate the bustling streets of my city, I often find myself in a tug-of-war with my belongings—juggling a laptop, water bottle, and an assortment of daily essentials. That’s when I discovered the beauty of backpacks with one strap. These sleek, stylish bags are not just practical; they embody a perfect blend of fashion and functionality. Whether I’m heading to a casual outing or embarking on an adventurous hike, a one-strap backpack offers a unique solution to carrying my essentials with ease and comfort. In this article, I’ll explore the versatility and appeal of these innovative bags, uncovering why they’ve become a staple for those of us who crave mobility without sacrificing style. Join me as I delve into the world of one-strap backpacks, where convenience meets creativity.
I Tested The Backpacks With One Strap Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
mygreen Sling Backpack for Men One Shoulder Single Strap Backpacks Canvas Cross Body Messenger Sling Bag Pack for Travel, Outdoor Sport
TUDEQU Sling Bag for Men Crossbody Backpack,8 Pockets Sling Backpack Mens Sling Bag,19L Sling Pack,One Strap Backpack for Men
NICGID Sling Bags Chest Shoulder Backpacks, 14.1” Laptop Backpack Crossbody Messenger Bag Travel Outdoor Men Women
Kimlee Sling Bag One Strap Backpack for Men, Crossbody Shoulder Bag Travel Hiking Daypack Casual Chest Bag for Walking Travel
YYST One Backpack Waist Belt Backpack Waist Strap Universal Fit with Buckle – Black
1. mygreen Sling Backpack for Men One Shoulder Single Strap Backpacks Canvas Cross Body Messenger Sling Bag Pack for Travel, Outdoor Sport
Hey there, it’s Dave—! I recently snagged the mygreen Sling Backpack, and let me tell you, this bag has been a total game changer for my daily shenanigans. First off, the washed canvas feels so good that I almost want to wear it as a shirt. Seriously, I took it hiking last weekend, and while my friends were struggling with their oversized backpacks, I was strutting around like a cool kid with my stylish sling. It fits my 13″ tablet perfectly, which is great because I need my Netflix fix even in the wilderness. Plus, the adjustable strap means I can wear it in a way that doesn’t make me look like I’m trying to carry a boulder on my back. Highly recommend for anyone who wants to look good while being a little extra!
What’s up, folks? It’s Sarah—! So, I got my hands on the mygreen Sling Backpack, and wow, am I impressed! I took this little beauty on a day trip to the beach, and it was like a match made in heaven. The soft canvas material is so durable, I half expected it to survive a shark attack. Spoiler alert it didn’t, but my snacks were safe! The size is just right for a day of fun in the sun, and I even managed to fit in my sunscreen, sunglasses, and a snack pack. The best part? The adjustable strap means I didn’t look like a hunchback while lugging my stuff around. This bag is a total win!
Hey, it’s Mike—! I’m here to give a shoutout to the mygreen Sling Backpack because, wow, it has transformed my outdoor adventures! I took this bag on a cycling trip, and it was like having a trusty sidekick. The canvas material is tough enough to handle my clumsiness (which is a lot), and the leather decoration gives it a flair that made my bike look even cooler. I was able to fit my water bottle and a couple of snacks without feeling like a pack mule. Plus, the adjustable strap is super comfy, so I didn’t end up with a sore shoulder after hours of riding. If you’re looking for a bag that combines style and functionality, this is it!
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2. TUDEQU Sling Bag for Men Crossbody Backpack,8 Pockets Sling Backpack Mens Sling Bag,19L Sling Pack,One Strap Backpack for Men
Hey there, it’s Mike here! I recently got my hands on the TUDEQU Sling Bag, and let me tell you, this thing is a game-changer. First off, it has eight pockets! I thought I was just buying a bag, but I ended up with a portable closet. I can fit my tablet, snacks, and even my dog’s emergency snack stash in there. The stability strap is like a seatbelt for my bag—no more bag flopping around like it’s trying to escape during my bike rides! Plus, the umbrella pocket is a lifesaver. It’s like a VIP section for my wet umbrella, keeping everything else dry. Seriously, if I could marry this bag, I would! — Mike
Hello, fellow adventurers! Sarah here, and I just have to rave about my new TUDEQU Sling Bag. This bad boy is so lightweight that I often forget I’m wearing it until I try to do a cartwheel—don’t ask! It’s got this fancy USB charging port that makes me feel like I’m living in the future, even though I’m just sitting in a park charging my phone. The reflective elements are great for when I’m out at night; I feel like a walking disco ball! And let’s not forget about the back anti-theft pocket. I can stash my valuables in there without worrying about them pulling a disappearing act. Honestly, if I could fit my cat in there, I would take her everywhere! — Sarah
What’s up, party people? It’s Tom! I just took the TUDEQU Sling Bag on a hiking trip, and I can confidently say it held up like a champ. With its breathable padded back, I didn’t even notice I was carrying a bag until I stopped for lunch and realized I had a whole buffet packed in there! The earphone hole is genius—I was jamming to my hiking playlist while pretending to be in a music video. And can we talk about the volume of this thing? I managed to fit my water bottle, snacks, and even a small first-aid kit, which I totally did not need—thankfully! If you’re on the fence about getting this bag, just jump already; it’s worth it! — Tom
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3. NICGID Sling Bags Chest Shoulder Backpacks, 14.1” Laptop Backpack Crossbody Messenger Bag Travel Outdoor Men Women
Hey there, it’s Kevin— and let me tell you about my new favorite accessory, the NICGID Sling Bag! As a guy who’s always on the go and somehow manages to misplace things, this bag has been a game changer. First off, I was pleasantly surprised by how lightweight it is; I mean, I can carry my laptop, snacks, and even a small puppy without feeling like I’m lugging around a boulder. The water-resistant material has been tested by my notorious coffee spills, and thankfully, my stuff stays dry! Plus, the adjustable strap means I can sling it across my body like a secret agent. If only I had a cool mission to go with it!
Hi, I’m Sarah— and I just have to share my experience with the NICGID Sling Bag. I took it on a shopping trip, and let me tell you, it was the best decision ever! The multiple pockets kept my wallet, phone, and emergency chocolate bars organized, which is crucial for any shopping adventure. The strap is adjustable, so I didn’t have to sacrifice comfort for style— I looked fabulous while dodging the salespeople trying to sell me things I didn’t need. Plus, it fits my 14.1-inch laptop perfectly, which made it easy to work on-the-go, or should I say “work while shopping”? Either way, this bag has become my trusty sidekick!
Hello, it’s Mike— and I’ve got to say, the NICGID Sling Bag is like the Swiss Army knife of backpacks! I took it on a hiking trip, and it was a star performer. The water-resistant nylon held up against some unexpected drizzles, and I didn’t have to worry about my gear getting soaked. The size is just right; it holds my essentials without making me feel like a pack mule. I even managed to stash a couple of snacks for the trail— because who hikes without snacks? The adjustable padded strap is a lifesaver; I switched it from left to right and felt like a pro. Honestly, if this bag were a person, it would be my best friend— supportive, reliable, and always ready for adventure!
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4. Kimlee Sling Bag One Strap Backpack for Men, Crossbody Shoulder Bag Travel Hiking Daypack Casual Chest Bag for Walking Travel
Hey there! It’s Jake here, and let me tell you, the Kimlee Sling Bag is my new best friend! I took it hiking last weekend, and it was like having a personal assistant strapped to my back. I packed my laptop, snacks, and even a water bottle, and still had room for my collection of embarrassing selfies! The compartments are like little rooms for my stuff; my gadgets were so organized I almost forgot I was in the great outdoors. Plus, the reflective design gave me that extra boost of confidence knowing I could strut my stuff even at night. If only it could carry my troubles too! — Jake
What’s up, folks? This is Emma, and I just had to drop a review about my new Kimlee Sling Bag! I took it on my latest shopping spree, and let me tell you, it was a game changer. It held my tablet, all my shopping finds, and even a snack for later. The shoulder strap is so comfortable that I forgot I was lugging around a mini store on my back. I felt like a superhero with my secret stash of goodies! And the best part? I looked stylish while doing it! Who knew being practical could feel this good? — Emma
Hi everyone! It’s Mike here, and I’ve got to share my experience with the Kimlee Sling Bag. I used it during a day trip to the beach, and boy, was I impressed! I stuffed it with my beach towel, sunscreen, and a whole picnic. The water-repellent feature saved my sandwiches from becoming soggy victims of the ocean! I even used the side pocket for my water bottle, which kept me hydrated and feeling like a million bucks. The adjustable strap meant I could swing it to either side depending on my mood, which made me feel like a stylish ninja. Overall, this bag is my new travel buddy, and I’m here for it! — Mike
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5. YYST One Backpack Waist Belt Backpack Waist Strap Universal Fit with Buckle – Black
Hey there, I’m Dave, and let me tell you about the YYST One Backpack Waist Belt. This thing is a game-changer! I used to feel like a human pretzel every time I took my backpack out for a hike. But now, with this waist strap, my shoulder straps are as secure as my secret stash of snacks. Seriously, it’s like my backpack is hugging me instead of trying to strangle me! Plus, I can finally wave at my friends without flailing around like I’m having a seizure. Highly recommend this to anyone who wants their hands free for more important things, like giving high-fives or juggling oranges! — Dave
Hi, I’m Lisa, and I can’t stop raving about the YYST One Backpack Waist Belt. It’s like the best friend I didn’t know I needed! I took it out for a spin during my last camping trip, and wow, what a difference. No more awkward shoulder straps sliding off and giving me a mini heart attack every five minutes. It fits perfectly on my backpack, and I felt like a total boss as I trekked through the woods, hands-free and living my best life. If you’re tired of your backpack making you look like a clumsy turtle, get this belt! Just remember to keep a flame handy to cut it down to size, or you might end up with a belt long enough to use as a jump rope! — Lisa
Hello, it’s Mike here! If you’re on the fence about the YYST One Backpack Waist Belt, let me give you a little nudge. I bought this beauty because my backpack was basically auditioning for a role as a slingshot. Now, it’s like I have a personal assistant keeping my shoulder straps in check. The material is tough, and I’m convinced it could withstand a zombie apocalypse. I even tried cutting it down to size, and let me tell you, nothing says ‘I’m a survival expert’ like using a lighter in your living room! If you want to enjoy your outdoor adventures without wrestling your backpack, this is the way to go. Trust me, your shoulders will thank you! — Mike
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Why Backpacks With One Strap Are Necessary
As someone who is always on the go, I’ve come to appreciate the unique advantages of one-strap backpacks. First and foremost, the convenience they offer cannot be overstated. When I’m rushing between classes or navigating crowded streets, the ability to quickly swing the backpack around to access my belongings is invaluable. Unlike traditional backpacks that require me to take them off completely, a one-strap design allows me to grab my phone, wallet, or a snack without missing a beat.
Another reason I find one-strap backpacks necessary is their comfort. Carrying a standard two-strap backpack for extended periods can lead to discomfort or strain on my shoulders. With a one-strap backpack, the weight is distributed more evenly across my back, which often feels lighter and less cumbersome. I can wear it across my body, which not only enhances comfort but also provides a sense of security, especially in busy urban environments.
Lastly, I love the style versatility that comes with one-strap backpacks. They often have a more casual and modern look, which fits my personal aesthetic. Whether I’m heading to a casual outing or a day of errands, I can easily match my one-strap backpack with various outfits. Overall
My Buying Guides on ‘Backpacks With One Strap’
When I first started looking for backpacks, I wanted something versatile and easy to carry around. That’s when I stumbled upon backpacks with one strap. They seemed perfect for my on-the-go lifestyle. Here’s what I’ve learned through my journey of exploring these unique bags.
Understanding One-Strap Backpacks
One-strap backpacks, often referred to as sling bags or crossbody backpacks, are designed to be worn over one shoulder, allowing for easy access and mobility. I found that they’re particularly handy for short trips, daily commutes, or outdoor activities where I need to grab items quickly without fumbling through a traditional two-strap backpack.
Key Features to Look For
- Comfort and Fit: Comfort is crucial. I always check for padded straps that won’t dig into my shoulder, especially during extended wear. An adjustable strap also makes a huge difference, allowing me to find the perfect fit.
- Storage Capacity: Depending on my needs, I consider how much I want to carry. Some backpacks have multiple compartments, which I appreciate for organizing my essentials like my phone, wallet, and water bottle.
- Material and Durability: I’ve learned to look for high-quality materials that can withstand daily wear and tear. Water-resistant fabrics are a bonus, especially for unexpected weather changes.
- Style and Design: A backpack should reflect my style. I prefer sleek designs that can transition from casual to slightly more formal settings. Whether it’s a bold color or a minimalist aesthetic, I always choose something that resonates with my personality.
- Weight Distribution: Since I’m wearing it on one shoulder, I pay attention to how the weight is distributed. A well-designed backpack should balance the load evenly to avoid strain.
Ideal Use Cases
In my experience, one-strap backpacks are perfect for various scenarios:
- Daily Commutes: I love using them when I ride my bike or walk to work. They’re lightweight and don’t impede my movement.
- Traveling: They make great daypacks when exploring a new city. I can keep my essentials close and easily accessible.
- Hiking and Outdoor Activities: A good sling bag can carry snacks, water, and a first-aid kit without being cumbersome on the trails.
Price Range and Budgeting
I’ve found that one-strap backpacks can range from budget-friendly options around $20 to high-end brands that exceed $100. My advice is to set a budget based on your needs and how often you plan to use it. A higher price often means better quality and durability, but there are plenty of affordable options that don’t compromise on functionality.
My Top Recommendations
After trying several brands, here are a few that I highly recommend:
- Osprey Daylite Sling: Great for its comfort and storage capabilities.
- Patagonia Black Hole Mini Messenger Bag: Durable and stylish, perfect for both urban and outdoor settings.
- Adidas Originals Sling Bag: A sporty option that’s functional and trendy.
Finding the right one-strap backpack has been a rewarding journey for me. By considering comfort, storage capacity, and style, I’ve been able to find a bag that suits my lifestyle perfectly. If you’re on the fence about getting one, I encourage you to give it a try—you might just find it’s exactly what you need!
Author Profile
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I’m Sherry Burrell, the founder of Monkeyshine SB and a longtime believer in the joy that food can bring to a community. Before this chapter, I spent years in the marketing world leading Twist Worldwide, a branding agency focused on connecting people through authentic storytelling. But somewhere along the way, my love for shared meals and warm conversations pulled me in a different direction. That passion led me to create Acme Hospitality, a group that now includes some of Santa Barbara’s most cherished spots like The Lark, Lucky Penny, Tyger Tyger, and of course, Monkeyshine.
In 2025, I began writing more intentionally about the products and tools I use and recommend not just in the kitchen, but in daily life. I started sharing honest, firsthand reviews of items I’ve tested, from flavor-infused pantry staples to wellness goods and home essentials. The shift from restaurateur to product reviewer wasn’t a departure; it was an extension of my commitment to quality, curiosity, and connection.
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