Mini Backpacks & Slings
50 Products
About Mini Backpacks and Sling Bags
Mini backpacks are a compact way to hold just the day-to-day essentials like phone, wallet, keys, a small water bottle, and earbuds. Unlike regular backpacks, they can't typically hold books and laptops, but the benefit is the lack of bulk.
These packs are popular among:
Travelers: Stash your passport, wallet, a few documents, phone, and smaller souvenirs while you explore.
Fashionistas: Mini backpacks can be a streetwear or casual chic vibe.
Families: Whether going for a walk or navigating a theme park, a mini backpack can fit both children and adults making it a "shareable" option.
Festival/Concert Goers: Keep your hands free but still keep your essentials handy.
Minimalist Hikers: If you don't need a lot of stuff to explore the outdoors, consider a rugged-style mini backpack like our Borealis Sling.
Why choose a mini backpack over another style bag? The biggest advantage is their ability to balance weight better than traditional shoulder bags. Because the straps go over both shoulders, the weight is distributed more evenly and there's less strap adjustment needed as you go. Of course, because they are smaller, you also likely won't be carrying many heavy items.
Sling bags feature a single strap you can wear either across your chest like a crossbody bag or across your back like a single strap backpack. They are compact and unlike classic backpacks, they can be swung around for easy access.
Sling bags are popular among:
Travelers: The quick access to stashed items is key. Wearing across your chest also keeps the bag closer to your body for added security.
Cyclists: A sling worn across the back is a functional carry-all to keep hands free for handlebars.
Mini backpacks are more comfortable for all-day wear due to their weight distribution. They also tend to hold more than a typical sling with more internal organization to keep items separated. Mini backpacks are also a good option for children - like our best-selling Youth Mini Explorer Backpack.
Slings, on the other hand, offer more accessibility to stashed items and are typically more secure in high-density areas when worn across the chest. Slings also fit more comfortably under a coat because they tend to be slimmer.