For my wife and her upcoming overseas trip. She and #1 son going to see #2 son in Spain. Traveling light so not necessarily needing overly large, more a second carry on and a day trip- overnight bag in country. Not overly feminine, slightly tacticool might work as I might inherit after their return. Thanks.

Personally I'd avoid a sling type bag. I realize "different strokes/different folks", but after using a Maxpedition Sitka gearslinger for several years in the capacity you're describing (carry-on/daypack), it is uncomfortable loaded to even a "normal" capacity. By normal I mean, laptop, water bottle, baby stuff (a couple diapers/wipes & change of clothes), a book, and random misc. items like small first aid kit, pens, extra flashlight, etc).

I went with a regular backpack a couple of years ago, and greatly appreciate the difference in comfort. I picked up the 5.11 All Hazards pack, and the difference is night and day, for me. I'd encourage you to consider going the backpack route. That said, you asked for recommendations for a sling bag, and Maxpedition has several that I believe would fit the described bill, including the Sitka, which I have relegated to "go bag" status in my truck.

I used a no frills under armour bag. I have 5.11 and maxpedition but didn't want to pattern myself with the 5.11 type stuff with what's going on in the world now.

For travel as you have detailed, I'd recommend a backpack instead of a sling bag. For daily commuting stuff, my Timbuk II courier bag does a great job. But when it comes to a weekend away with the wife, I use my three day backpack, which is overhead storage compliant, accommodates far more stuff, and is much more comfortable to carry.

I've found sling bags to be very uncomfortable even when only moderately loaded. My 5.11 sling bag is now relegated to being strictly my gym bag.

Saw Maxpeditions on sale at Woot. Also had some cheaper Yukon bags in the Sports & Outdoors section. I've never used a sling bag, so I can't recommend either, though.


http://sellout.woot.com/plus/m...ags?ref=so_cnt_wp_10

In a word and a number, Hazard 4.
Take a moment and look at their online catalog and see the immense choices you have to fit your needs. Maybe even go beyond your needs.
Then, give WARPIG602 an email or post on his thread. He has done well by me.
I have the Smuggler and two other smaller bags to hold gear and an AR Pistol or AR broken down.

Good luck.

Well, sir, I reckon some folks calls it a Sling Bag, I call it a Kaiser Bag. Mmmmm-hmmmmm....

quote:

Originally posted by sigmonkey:
Well, sir, I reckon some folks calls it a Sling Bag, I call it a Kaiser Bag. Mmmmm-hmmmmm....

I see what you did there,

If you're set on a sling bag I have no suggestions, but if you've not used one before and are choosing it based of looks or supposed function like I did once then I recommend a back pack. Your wife, or your, or your son's shoulder will thank you.

I have the following one from Maxpedition (ODGreen). Email me if you'd be interested to work out a deal. It is in 'like new' condition.

http://www.maxpedition.com/sto...Gearslinger-p926.htm

I played this video game called The Division. All the operatives in the game wear a single should sling pack. It looked cool. So I bought one.

It was terrible.

The concept is cool...one big strap, pack sits on your back, pull the pack forward to access. Except that when the pack is loaded, it doesn't sit on your back like it does in the pictures. The pack drifts down your back, pulling all the buckles and shit up to your collarbone. You'll constantly be pulling on the should strap to re-position the bag back up on your back.

Then there's the whole weight distribution thing. Two straps are better for weight distribution.

So, in almost every respect, a backpack is better. If you want side access to a backpack, get a backpack with a side opening and a buckle strap. You can quickly unbuckle the strap, swing the backpack forward on the remaining strap, and access stuff from the side. The Vanquest Trident is a good example of this.

If you are really caught on the idea of a single strap pack, then consider a messenger bag, like a Timbuk2 Classic. It's flexible so that it can comform to your hip better where it will eventually just sit.

I like sling bags, smallish sized with a stabilizing cross strap when carrying for a while. I have had shoulder surgery on both shoulders so like how it distributes load NOT on the shoulders.

Tom Bihn and now Patagonia Mass sling - the Patagonia is fantastic. Patagonia Mass

Thanks for all the inputs! My wife is now leaning towards a smaller backpack....

Certs commuter

I like this one. Very well thought out and executed. Under $100 on Amazon.

Bruce