Most of my time outdoors is spent聽with only one hand free. I fly-fish, ride horses, and practice falconry. I鈥檓 usually holding a rod, reins, or a redtail and only have my right hand free to access much needed gear. Regular backpacks aren鈥檛 ideal during these endeavors, because I end up聽taking them off and on. Shoulder satchels and messenger bags are often too large and cumbersome and are meant for a person with two free hands. The ultimate solution:聽sling packs.聽
I took each of these out several times while trail riding horses, fly-fishing in rivers, and hunting with my hawk, and I can also confirm that these picks are equally great for hiking, kayaking, and any other sport where it pays to have easy access to gear.
Osprey Daylite Sling
Waist Strap:聽No
Volume: 6 liters
Weight:聽8 ounces
This is the 聽I tested, and it was perfect for both throwing over your shoulder to bike into town or use on the river to carry gear for brookies聽at聽a local stream. Anything beyond an energy bar, water bottle, phone, and wallet will require a larger pack, but sometimes your time outside is short and sweet, and this sings that song. If your load is light, and you want something that looks as good in town as it does in the woods, this one is for you.
L.L.Bean Rapid River Sling Pack
Waist Strap: Sewn in
痴辞濒耻尘别:听8.5 liters
奥别颈驳丑迟:听19 ounces
You don鈥檛 have to be a聽trout fisher聽to appreciate a technical pack with this many compartments and heavy padding for precious cargo. With several zippered pockets, helped me stay organized, even while carrying a lot of gear.
Orvis Safe Passage Sling Pack
Waist Strap: Optional
痴辞濒耻尘别:听10.5 liters
奥别颈驳丑迟:听16 ounces
Also a , the Orvis Safe Passage is made for comfort. It鈥檚 less stiff than many others I鈥檝e tried, which means it contours perfectly against light layers. The most recent incarnation of this pack has a removable waist strap and a bonus water-bottle pocket. If you need a general one-handed pack for a variety of outdoor activities,聽 you鈥檝e found your sling.
Pineo Bandolero Hawking Bag
Waist Strap: Sewn in
Volume: 12鈥16 liters
奥别颈驳丑迟:听18.5 ounces
聽is the perfect match for someone who wants a more useful version of an outdoor messenger-style bag, especially for cold-weather adventures. Easily the largest capacity of the slings I tested, the Pineo Bandolero felt like it was a part of my body. It has three main compartments (the large bag itself is divided in half), and the front pocket features a snap designed to open and close with one hand thanks to a genius loop. Though it鈥檚 meant for people hunting with birds of prey, if you need something easier to access while wearing gloves as you snowshoe聽or ski,聽this is the answer.