Patagonia Atom Sling vs neat pack sling

On the front of the bag, we have these two compression straps that are also accessory straps. If you have larger items of gear, you could put them ins...

The two things I'd change are design flaws: 1) On the pocket in the largest compartment, the fabric and elastic started to separate and fray. Its not durable enough for repeat putting in and taking out of things. The other thing is the strap used to adjust the fit of the backpack when wearing it. There's no clasp or stop mechanism once you position it, so its completely come out of the strap holder at times, resulting in my somewhat flinging/dropping the backpack when I take it off

Rather than the Patagonia Atom sling, I would recommend getting a packable backpack that you can toss in your rucksack while you are travelling. I used to have a cheap Chinese one, which worked ok, but then broke after a couple of years, and I upgraded to a 16L Matador backpack, which while expensive is really great for day-to-day use, tough-as-nails, and completely waterproof.

I used this while traveling to Las Vegas for a trade show and was generally pleased, although I would love to see the manufacturer come out with a deluxe version that's about 1" wider, about an inch deeper, and with a thin, water-resistant lining, especially for the main compartment and for the phone pocket on the strap (preferably in a bright, contrasting color to make it easier to see the contents).

But since this is manybaggers reddit :) . When I am at work especially during hot weather, I like to go for walks but HATE things in my pockets (especially in work clothes). So I bought the bellboy sling 7l because I wanted a bag I can keep at my desk that I can use everyday to carry my items (since I will come to work with a messenger bag to carry my machine). If its windy (from Chicago) I can pack a wind breaker into it, or carry a rain coat if I think it might rain at some point in my walk

Considering you're describing a fairly light bag either should be fine. A sling pack that hugs your back well can be a little better balanced and easier on your body and nice for faster paces or going on a trail. It hugs your body and doesn't move around as much. I find a little cross body/mini messenger type a bit easier to get in and out of

On one side I have my larger 1.5L bottle nestled in the 750ml pot, the other side I have my 1L squirt top bottle(s). In the pocket above I stick my first aid kit. The top depending on how the bag is packed can trap down my sleeping pad (otherwise I use a strap system), the hip belt is big but I feel its just right for what I like to keep in it

I really like the accessibility of the pockets in this backpack. Honestly, the main selling feature for me was the cell phone pocket on the strap. I was looking for something to store my phone but have easy reach to it and this is perfect, fits my iPhone max

The important thing is to keep weight down. Sling bags, obviously, don’t evenly distribute weight. Fully loaded down, my bag is still well under 10lbs, carries everything I need for the day, as well as everything I need to jump on a flight half way around the country or even to walk home in a pinch.

My 9.7" iPad in a Finite case fits the same in all 3. My main beef with all of them is the fit of an 8 1/2" x 11" paper. You will need to fit paper in a letter size ( 9 3/8 x 11 3/8") pocket folder so the papers don't crimp

[music] On a bike, in boots, or catching the bus, our 8-liter Atom sling has just enough room for the essentials with a close to the body fit that kee...

I use it mainly for commuting/biking to work during the week and light hiking on the weekend. The material is water resistant that keep my stuff dry in case it rains.