Osprey Europe Unisex Daylite Sling

Product Information

You’re probably familiar with nylon since it’s a common synthetic fabric that manages to be soft, durable, and lightweight (go science!). These qualities make it suitable for a variety of products, and slings are no exception. That said, it’s more of a blank canvas these days and is often infused with weaves, sewing patterns, or extra fibers that make the fabric more durable, tear, or weather-resistant. You’ll be welcomed by a well-organized space when you open the main compartment. It’s one of the valuable features we love about this shoulder sling from Osprey. If you value staying clutter-free, you’ll like Daylite. Beyond the brand, it’s important to consider size, which is measured on a scale of one (small) to ten (large). While the main zippers on sling bags fall all over this spectrum, the most common sizes are #5 or #8—seriously, out of the 50 + slings we’ve tested, a very, very high majority have either #5 or #8 zippers. Anything less than a five and you’ll likely run into durability issues.

This version of Daylite only works when worn from the right shoulder. It’s a bit of a hassle if you’re right-handed. But! Osprey now has an ambidextrous upgrade, which would be more convenient. Lefties make up only 10% of the population and thus can be ignored by companies who’d rather reach the majority of consumers (sorry, lefties. The truth hurts). While there are some sling bags out there that are seriously tactical (think Apocalypse ready), others just look tactical. While the former is probably better suited for outdoorsy things, the latter can be great for travel. Usually made of high-quality stuff, these bags are ready for whatever you throw at them. Before I tell you what I thought about those features here are the rest of the specs from Osprey. Spec Sheet* Cost The magic of ripstop nylon is all in its name. Due to its magical properties—AKA, the extra fibers that are sewn into its square weave—ripstop nylon prevents punctures from spreading into full-on rips. Moreover, like plain old nylon, ripstop has a high strength-to-weight ratio, meaning it’s lightweight but still remarkably strong—a significant asset for a sling bag. Plus, it’s currently used in ejector seat parachutes for fighter pilots(!), and if it’s good enough for fighter pilots, it’s good enough for us.

Crossbody sling bags are the reason some people say sling bags are purses for men who are embarrassed to say they own a purse. It has a similar aesthetic to a purse, but with a longer strap and smaller body. They tend to have a more vertical orientation as well. We think crossbody slings work well for travel, although since they don’t sit as close to the body as other sling bags, may not feel as secure in a bustling metropolis or busy market. Osprey advertises the Daylite Sling as ideal for most occasions—school, grocery shopping, farmers’ markets, festivals, beaches, hikes, and so on. These lefty-inclusive sling bags have straps that can be anchored on either side of the bag, allowing you to wear it across whichever shoulder you’d like. That way, if you’re left-handed, you can wear it on your left shoulder, so when you “sling” the bag forward, your left hand is ready to work the zippers. CORDURA® is a brand, not a fabric, but it’s still worth mentioning since you’ll likely run into it more than a few times. CORDURA® nylon and polyester is the exact same as traditional nylon and polyester, the only difference being that the fabric has come from a CORDURA®-approved mill and production line. The CORDURA® label is basically a stamp of quality assurance—it’s pretty much a guarantee that anything CORDURA® will have excellent abrasion resistance and an impressive strength-to-weight ratio. From one of the most famous brands in the outdoor industry, Daylite has a six-liter capacity. It’s enough to accommodate small must-haves like your phone, wallet, hand sanitizer, and water bottle.

It seemed to sail through our tests well and still reigns as one of the most helpful shoulder slings for daily use. We find it a good spot for your phone and sunglasses, although a minimalist wallet and tissues also work well here. Depending on the size of your gear, you may even fit in all four. Otherwise, never fear; there’s more room in the main compartment. Remember, there’s no one sling bag to rule them all, there’s just the best sling bag for you. So we highly suggest reading our complete guide to figure out your best fit (your future favorite one might not have made this list). Video Overview: 10 Sling Bags For Every Occasion | Should You Travel With One? Besides keeping you trendy, sling bags are awesome because they’re convenient. That convenience becomes obsolete if it’s uncomfortable, hard to access, or doesn’t properly fit your use-case. Here are some things to keep in mind when you’re considering investing in your soon-to-be favorite new accessory. StrapsOverall, you can load up your essentials for your hike or commute to work using Osprey Daylite Shoulder Sling with six liters. The internal organization and construction were the primary selling points for us. And we also love how the main compartment is spacious and can fit more than we expected.