Sling Bag or Murse?
 

Hello. I am a male and I am looking for any good suggestions for a good sling back. I can't see myself wearing a fanny pack or a full backpack, but I do want something that is sleek and light that is not too big. Something that can probably carry a travel book, small point and shoot camera and a bottle of water. Any ideas?

I think I remember seeing a sling bag that basically was just the sling strap with pockets. That's the kind of thing I'm looking for.

Thanks!

Consider using a shoulder bag in order to keep your possessions in front of you, rather than on your back. They are common with travelers because they're more secure from thieves and more welcome in museums and shops than backpacks. Any good travel store will have something suitable in a dark canvas or sturdy nylon. For extra safety, get something that is slash resistant with steel cables in the strap.I like inside zip pockets as an extra guard against pickpockets, who are amazingly good at what they do. If you don't find what you want in a travel store, check out the purse section of a women't dept. store. Men's/women's are all alike anyway, and dept. stores might be less expensive.

How about a 'messenger bag' shape in nylon (or other durable but light weight fabric) if you want something with a cross-torso strap. I'm not sure what you mean by "full backpack" but a very small 'day-pack' of that shape, like people use for book bags also works well.

Sorry but I can't quite picture what you mean by a strap with pockets :-)

I prefer shoulder bag style because of the above mentioned security, but I also find them easier to access my stuff. Here's some styles of bags that you may want to consider:

Small shoulder bag: http://tinyurl.com/r2t9q6

Larger shoulder bag good for being able stuff a jacket, bottle, books etc. (I have this one and love it): http://tinyurl.com/rd444f

Good size sling bag: http://tinyurl.com/r4tdag

Smaller sling bag: http://tinyurl.com/ooen2c

They're from a Canadian outdoor gear store, but the general styles of bags are made by many different manufacturers and should be readily available. However, the MEC ones are very well made (both design and durability).

Last week I was on a walking tour, and a guy was carrying this REI Boarding Bag: http://www.rei.com/product/747932