Best Sling Champion | Carry Awards IX

Our Best Sling 2021 fuses heritage charm with modern-day functionality. Elevating your carry experience with its class and comfort…

1st Place

Trakke Largo

Sling bags have grown in popularity over recent years, finding that sweet spot between pocket carry and pack carry. But creating a truly great sling is no easy feat. There are lots of elements to consider, and they need to work seamlessly together. How easy is it to access gear? What about carry comfort? Is it durable enough to withstand years of regular use? And how will it look while out and about? It’s easy to get wrong. But the Trakke Largo deftly demonstrates how to do it right. And it’s a thing of beauty.

Every element of this bag has been carefully considered in its own right and as part of a greater whole. Trakke’s signature dry waxed canvas, an AustriAlpin Cobra buckle, and waterproof YKK zippers are brought together with excellent craftsmanship to create a burly yet beautiful piece with long swooping lines. This is a sling you can use day in and day out, from work to play, whatever the weather has in store.

The ergonomic design is comfortable whether worn across the chest or back. And you’ve got excellent access and organization courtesy of two separate compartments, each with interior pockets to store smaller items and keep them within easy reach. Add in the high-vis pop of the orange liner and you’re able to access various items in a jiffy while you’re on the go.

At 6L, the Largo is a great option for carrying a decent amount of gear while still retaining a sleek, stylish and comfortable look and feel. The flexibility to zip in and out of diverse settings gives this bag even more appeal, making it great for everyday, travel, and even outdoor use. An eye-catching blend of heritage and modern, designed with practical access, comfort, and hard-wearing durability in mind, this is a sling that will stand the test of time. Touchdown, Trakke!

Highly Commended

These are the pieces that just missed out, and in most cases, by the smallest of margins. To them, we award a High Commendation. The below were of outstanding quality, displaying fine craftsmanship and design flair. With honor, we bow our heads in the utmost respect and kudos. If this were a dais, they’d be biting their teeth into silver medals, while their flags were hoisted into the horizon – a feat not to be overlooked. And we’re sure they’ll be back, to take it one notch higher, next year.

Heimplanet Transit Sling Pocket XL

Compact performance, excellent organization, and high-quality construction in a perfect grab-n-go sling? Heimplanet delivers with the Transit Sling Pocket XL. The 3L volume and well-considered organization make this a great option for carrying the essentials with a little flexibility for further items if needed. In addition to the main compartment with its adaptable interior pocketing, you also benefit from a quick-access top and front pocket. So rest assured, there are plenty of options for keeping your gear secure and tidy yet close at hand when you need it.

This sling also shines in its construction. Made with durable and eco-conscious DYECOSHELL fabric, water-resistant YKK zippers, and aluminum hardware, this sling is built to last for many years of dependable use. All in a sleek, portable design that blends into a range of environments and keeps you agile on the go. Great job, Heimplanet!

Bellroy Venture Sling

Tech meets urban-friendly style and adaptability in Bellroy’s Venture Sling. Available in 6L and 9L sizes, both options allow you to carry a good amount of gear. But what about when you just need the basics? No problem; an expandable gusset with a clever compression system easily allows the bag to cinch down for smaller loads. So you can roam sleek and compact or max out the volume on the fly.

A padded back and base keep your gear protected on the go, while a wide opening and a host of thoughtfully positioned pockets make storing and accessing gear intuitive and hassle-free. The zipper on the main compartment also opens from either end, while dual side buckles let you easily secure or detach the strap. And all these elements are brought together in a stylish design made with 100% recycled, water-resistant fabric that offers an attractive finish to round out the thoughtful details and practical nature of this bag. Awesome effort, Bellroy!

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