Top 9 Camera Slings for Minimal Creators & Travelers

Camera slings and fanny packs are back in style, perfect for minimalists and even roomy enough for your camera gear. They can't match a backpack's capacity, but isn't that the point? Our favorite slings offer quick access and comfy cross-body wear, outperforming messenger and shoulder bags in all-day comfort. So, which one is right for you? Relax — we've done the homework. Here are our top 8 camera sling bags.

1. Nomatic McKinnon Camera Sling

Best For: All-day wear, on the plane, or weekend photoshoots.

You get the charm and waterproof capabilities of the McKinnon 25L backpack but in a compact camera sling. With an 8L capacity, it's perfect for carrying essentials without the bulk. The sling features a rigid wireframe opening for quick, full-view access on the move and a quick-latching system for one-handed gear retrieval. Inside, you'll find an elastic zippered mesh pocket and dedicated slots for memory cards and camera batteries. Carry a tripod on the bottom or longer shoot-days or solo vlog scenes. The best part is it's actually super comfortable to sport all day, no matter where the day takes you, thanks to the padded and cinched straps with sweat-wicking materials.

2. Moment Fanny Sling 2L

Best For: Everyday carry, all-day sightseeing, and festivals.

This versatile fanny sling is perfect for your daily carry needs. Not only is it adjustable and comfortable, but it can expand up to 4 inches to fit a windbreaker while still being able to shrink down for minimal carry. Its size is legally compatible with outdoor festivals and concerts, fitting everything you need from keys, wallets, phones, and even 35mm cameras.

Built with recycled materials and a double waterproof coating, this pack ensures optimal protection against the weather and comfort against your body. Reverse coil zippers add an extra layer of security during rainstorms, allowing you to wear the pack for hours with various gear and size combinations. The result? A good-looking pack that does everything. Plus, the various colorways are gorgeous.

3. Clever Supply Camera Sling

Best For: Stylish outings, city dates, and weddings.

The perfect bag balances form and function, and Clever Supply's Camera Sling embodies just that.

Crafted from hearty waxed canvas, this sling features a seatbelt-material strap with a shoulder pad and a coated YKK weatherproof zipper. Leather accents—especially on the bottom — add elegance and extra durability. It's stylish enough for a wedding yet rugged enough for an adventure in bad weather—a rare combination. Clever Supply consistently delivers incredibly gorgeous, well-made products built to last generations.

Inside, a plush, padded interior houses two customizable dividers, creating three compartments. You'll find a sleeve for an 11-inch tablet and a mesh pocket on the inside lid. The interior feels just as premium and protective as the exterior.

4. Rugged Camera Sling 10L

Best For: Adventures or wet climates.

This multipurpose camera sling is designed to protect your equipment and keep you organized, no matter where you may be. Constructed from solid bomber materials and padded for extra durability, this rectangular bag can fit a plethora of items.

Inside are several pockets, customizable dividers, and a "Stability Strap" to keep it tight when you're in motion. The bag's ergonomic design allows it to be used comfortably by right — or left-handed shooters, and its rugged construction guarantees it will withstand any gnarly outdoor conditions—finally, a bag you can trust no matter where you are.

5. WANDRD D1 Fanny Pack V2

Best For: Everyday outings, music festivals, or morning walks.

The D1 Fanny Pack is a super versatile carry piece, great for any activity and comfortable for all-day wear. Whether you prefer to sling it over your shoulder or to cinch it around your waist, this badass bag provides dedicated organization for carrying the essentials, such as your phone, keys, and wallet, with additional room for a small camera.

Featuring the same incredible exterior texture found on the popular PRVKE bags, the D1 Fanny Pack is made to last a lifetime and will resist damage from everyday wear and tear. And it's an insanely beautiful addition to your everyday outfit.

6. Rennen X-Pac Crossbody Sling 2.5L

Best For: Rugged hikes for a small point-and-shoot and a beer can.

From mountain tops to mountain trails, the Rennen X-Pac Crossbody keeps you moving while feeling sleek. This lightweight, waterproof bag features USA-made, triple-layer laminated X-Pac construction that fuses futuristic design with amazing functionality. Secure zippered compartments and stash pockets organize your keys and wallet, while a padded back pocket keeps your phone safe and accessible. Lash points inside and on the strap wings allow for extra attachments, and built-in webbing keepers prevent dangling straps.

Inside, you'll find dual back-wall pockets for organizing a small point-and-shoot and a small front-wall zipper pocket for tiny items. And a full-size zipped pocket on the back panel offers fast access to your phone.

7. Peak Design Everyday Sling 6L

Best For: Everyday outings or photo walks.

Designed with the minimalist in mind, the Everyday Sling is a versatile and stylish way to carry essentials – whether for an everyday errand or for carrying your photography equipment. This bag can easily be worn cross-body as a sling or around the waist. Best part? It looks anything but like a camera bag. The outer material of the sling is designed to maintain its fresh look after wear and tear from traveling and is made from water-repellent materials, so it won't be ruined if you get caught in the rain. The main strap is also adjustable, so you can cinch it tightly when biking or hiking.

8. Long Weekend Monterey Sling

Best For: Weekend warriors who love film and good design.

It's a super cute spin on Long Weekend's compact cross-body sling. Boasting 2L of capacity, this tiny sidekick will accommodate your film camera, point-and-shoot camera, plus-sized phone, and other everyday necessities. Its classic shape, combined with the adjustable strap, makes it comfortable and suitable to wear either around your waist or across your body. Furthermore, its external zip pockets and cargo spaces are ideal for quick access items such as additional rolls of film. Inside, you'll find an easy-to-use slip pocket, perfect for stowing away larger phones in an organized fashion.

9. Nomatic RS Sling 10L

Best For: Larger shoots or larger carry for commutes.

The RS Sling 10L is a well-organized sling pack made for everyday camera carry. It offers ample space and dedicated sleeves for WFH digital nomads —ideal for commuting or travel. It features a unique "Tiger Stripe" camouflage pattern in green, brown, tan, and black, a classic embossed NOMATIC logo on the front panel, and two horizontal reflective stripes for added visibility.

Worth noting, though, that comfort for long-term use is a drawback. The shoulder strap and back panel have stiff padding, and the oversized buckle can rub uncomfortably against the sternum of some people's bodies. With all the weight resting on one shoulder and no load distribution features, it's better suited for short trips than extended wear.

This sling is still a solid choice for those seeking smart organization and a distinctive aesthetic for quick outings or daily commutes with larger camera gear (10L is a pretty sizeable volume!), but be mindful of its comfort limitations on longer journeys.