Sling Bag Recommendations?

[kutchyone]

Looking to purchase a sling bag instead of a full backpack or fanny pack. Any recommendations from all of you experts? Need to be able to fit a small 7” x 2” x 1” umbrella, a rain poncho, tickets, leg cream, touring plans, cell phone, water bottle and digital camera. I’m sure I will end up with more then that, I always seam to end up being the pack mule. Padded strap with a clip instead of pulling and putting back on over my head would be a necessity. Jansport has a few to choose from as well as Ampac Travelware. Any advice or suggestions would be appreciated.

 

[KristiKelly]

Here's one from the Gap http://secure.www.gap.com/asp/Searc...wdid=20&categoryName=women&question=sling+bag

 

[kutchyone]

Thanks, since that is listed as a mans I wonder if it would be kinda big. I usually have problems with things like this because I am only 5' tall.

 

[JennInTN]

Check out this one:
http://www.healthyback.com/store/traveling/healthybackbagleather.htm

I purchased a medium size microfiber and love it. And they are about $20 less than when I bought my last year. There's a perfect pocket for a small umbrella or bottle of water on the outside. Tons of pockets inside, too.

It distributes weight so your shoulders don't take a beating.

I've been lurking on these boards for over a year and registered just to share this info. I really like this bag. It's just right for all kinds of travel.

Hope this info helps.
Jenn

 

[crazelion]

I bought one at the Dollar Tree that like to take some parks with me. It fit my meds, cell phone and water bottle just fine. The best dollar I have spent.

They also have some at Wal-Mart.

 

[CJMickeyMouse]

http://www.normthompson.com/shoppin...RODUCT&iMainCat=45&iSubCat=26&iProductID=7116

I have this one in the black microfiber and I LOVE it. Best bag I have ever owned. It's great for travel and/or shopping because of the outer wallet. No need to dig inside the main bag every time you need a credit card or cash.

 

[mrford]

I have the healthy back bag as JenninTenn recommended above. I use it everyday. I bought mine from www.ebags.com. If you link to Ebags from www.mousesavers.com, she has a 20% discount link. I bought the extra small and it is the perfect size.

 

[CajunDixie]

Another vote for the Healthy Back Bag in microfiber. I have a medium blue one I bought a few years ago and it's great!! Nice outside pocket on the "spine" that can hold either the umbrella or a water bottle. Outside it has one zip pocket and one velcro pocket. Inside it has a few pockets and a clip for a keychain. It's not girly so DH and the boys will take turns carrying it too.

 

[jodistar]

Another vote for the Healthy Back Bag in microfiber. I have a medium blue one I bought a few years ago and it's great!! Nice outside pocket on the "spine" that can hold either the umbrella or a water bottle. Outside it has one zip pocket and one velcro pocket. Inside it has a few pockets and a clip for a keychain. It's not girly so DH and the boys will take turns carrying it too.

I got a healty bag also - I took it on my last trip to Disney - it worked pretty well. I got mine through AAA and they have a discount when you buy them there.

 

[DizzKneeLand]

Sierra Trading Post normally has the healthy bags as well - for A LOT cheaper .. make sure you check there if you decide to buy it.

http://www.sierratradingpost.com/EU...healthy+back+bag&Ntx=mode+matchallany&Ntk=All


I have two - a leather one for everyday - and a microfiber one for vacations.

 

[MinnieMe2]

Another vote for the Healthy Back Bag -- I just love mine and rarely use anything else!

 

[DianaPrincessofWales]

I saw Mickey Mouse sling bags at Walmart yesterday. They caught my eye because they were so cute, but I resisted buying one as I have no upcoming trips planned!

 

[kutchyone]

Well so many of you have recommended them and provided great links to save on them. Just a few more questions please...

Do they have clips (snaps) on the straps so that you don't have to pull it over your head?

Is the strap long enough to across you chest instead of "slinging" it over one shoulder?

Anyone have any idea what color the bag is that is shown on their web site in the micro fiber, (need beige)?

I'm a pretty short lady (5') so I would like a shorter bag. With the junk that I want to include would the mini be big enough?

You all have been so helpful and I appreciate the time that you all have taken to respond.

Well I couldn't wait. I purchased an extra small microfiber one from Sierra. Not the exact color I wanted because the choices were very limited but with shipping it cost $29.45. Even with mousesaver savings it would have cost $43.20. I really dont think the lighter taupe was worth the additional $13.75. I'm probably better off with a little darker fabric. Can't wait to get it so I can start using it.

 

[JennInTN]

...
Do they have clips (snaps) on the straps so that you don't have to pull it over your head?

Is the strap long enough to across you chest instead of "slinging" it over one shoulder?

I'm a pretty short lady (5') so I would like a shorter bag.

kutchyone,
I can only answer your questions based on my medium size bag. No snaps. I could wear it across my chest rather than on one shoulder if I wanted too. The medium bag is fairly good size, so purchasing an extra small was probably a good idea for your stature.
Like I said before, I love mine. And NEVER travel anywhere without it.

Jennifer

 

[FutureAshleyDukes]

I bought mine at Target for about $17. They are available near the camping gear.

 

[MrsPete]

I'd suggest cutting down the pack mule's list to fanny pack size:

You don't need both an umbrella AND a poncho; umbrellas will be difficult in the crowds. Tickets can go into your pocket. Leg cream while you're in the parks? Why? If you need sunscreen, I'd suggest one of those tubes that look like fat chapstick. I never carry touring plan information; instead, I write my list of things to do that day on a note card. Cell phone? Maybe. Water bottle? Maybe -- they have water fountains everywhere. Digital camera -- must have.

When my kids were toddlers, I carried their stuff or put it in a stroller. Now it's every man for himself. If you can't tote it, don't bring it.

 

[curlyjbs]

When my kids were toddlers, I carried their stuff or put it in a stroller. Now it's every man for himself. If you can't tote it, don't bring it.

Me too!!!
~curly

 

[kutchyone]

My touring plan is in note size. The umbrella is for my husband who is on medication that is severely effected by sun, he also thinks he is to cool to use a poncho if it rains. I will probably have to carry some medication for my husband. My daughter will have her own bag so It's for my husband and myslef. Avon sells some great peppermint leg cream that is very soothing for the legs of us who are not in 100% shape.

Thanks for everyones help, can't wait to try my new bag out.