Sling Bags for Women & Men

Crossbody Bags

Master the art of hands-free movement. Our collection of crossbody bags and sling bags is engineered to keep your essentials close without weighing you down. Whether you're navigating city streets, hitting a personal best on the trail, or traveling the world, these bags offer the perfect blend of streetwear style and athletic performance.

Our versatile small crossbody bags transition seamlessly from morning runs to evening outings, providing secure, bounce-free storage for your phone, wallet, keys, and other essentials. With waterproof construction, antimicrobial materials, and adjustable straps, these cross body sling bags adapt to your active lifestyle.

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Crossbody Bags, Sling Bags & Fanny Packs – Versatile, Durable & Built for Every Adventure

Elevate your daily adventures with Runners Athletics’ versatile collection of bags, including crossbody bags, sling bags, and fanny packs. Crafted from waterproof, durable fabric, these bags are designed to withstand the elements and the demands of everyday life. Our bags feature antimicrobial materials to keep you fresh during activities like camping, water sports, or attending festivals. Mesh padding ensures comfort, while spacious compartments with double zippers provide easy access to your essentials. Magnetic pockets secure your valuables, and a heavy-duty clip is included for keys or a leash. Whether you’re hitting the trails or navigating daily routines, our bags offer the perfect blend of convenience, organization, and comfort. Explore our collection to find the ideal companion for your journey. Check out our blog posts about these items: The Best Fanny Packs, The Best Fanny Packs for Men, The Best Fanny Packs for Women, The Best Running Belts, The Best Crossbody Bags, and The Best Sling Bags.

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Style Inspiration

The Ultimate Hands-Free Accessory

Gone are the days of bulky backpacks for short trips. The cross body sling bag has become the go-to essential for modern runners and travelers. Our designs bridge the gap between a functional running pack and a stylish everyday bag. With water-resistant materials and secure zippers, you can trust that your phone, keys, and wallet are safe—rain or shine.

What Is a Crossbody Bag?

A crossbody bag is a hands-free bag worn diagonally across the body, with a long adjustable strap that crosses from one shoulder to the opposite hip. This design distributes weight evenly, prevents theft (the bag sits in front of your body), and keeps your hands completely free for activity.

Crossbody bags differ from traditional handbags or backpacks in several key ways: hands-free convenience (no need to hold or set down), security (bag stays visible and close to your body), accessibility (easy to reach contents without removing), compact size (carries essentials without bulk), and versatile wearing styles (multiple carrying options).

Our small crossbody bags are specifically designed for active lifestyles, combining the compact size of a belt bag with the versatility of a shoulder bag and the security of a chest pack.

Crossbody Bag vs. Sling Bag vs. Fanny Pack

Understanding the Terminology: A crossbody bag features a long adjustable strap worn across the body (shoulder to opposite hip), can be styled multiple ways, and comes in various sizes from small to large. A sling bag has a single strap design worn across back or chest, quick-access opening, compact streamlined shape, and athletic/outdoor focus. A fanny pack (belt bag/waist pack) has a shorter strap worn around waist or hips with hands-free convenience and compact storage.

The Truth: These terms are often used interchangeably! Many modern bags (including ours) can be worn in all three styles, making them a "crossbody sling bag" or "crossbody fanny pack" depending on how you adjust the strap.

Our Versatile Design: Our small crossbody bags feature an extra-long adjustable strap (up to 52 inches) allowing you to wear them as a crossbody, sling, or fanny pack—all in one product!

3 Ways to Wear Your Crossbody Bag

1. The Crossbody Sling Style: Wear the strap diagonally across body from one shoulder to opposite hip. Best for daily errands, casual outings, travel, and shopping. This is the most secure wearing style that distributes weight evenly, keeps the bag visible in front, offers professional appearance, and provides easy access to contents. Ideal for crowded places (prevents pickpocketing), long walking tours, shopping and errands, travel in unfamiliar areas, and hands-free phone use.

2. The Waist Pack (Fanny Pack Style): Tighten strap and wear around waist or hips. Best for running, hiking, cycling, and active sports. This is the most stable for high-movement activities, with weight sitting on hips (comfortable for long wear), minimal bounce during running, quick access during activity, and classic athletic aesthetic. Ideal for running and jogging, hiking and trail activities, cycling and biking, theme parks and festivals, and active outdoor adventures.

3. The Shoulder Carry (One-Shoulder Sling): Loosen strap and wear over one shoulder. Best for quick trips, casual style, and easy on/off. Provides relaxed, casual vibe, quick to put on and remove, comfortable for short durations, trendy street style look, and easy bag access. Ideal for quick coffee runs, dog walking, casual neighborhood strolls, music festivals and concerts, and casual social outings.

Small Crossbody Bag Size Guide

What Fits Inside Our Small Crossbody Bags (6-8" x 4-5"): The perfect size for active lifestyles and minimalist carry. Definitely fits large smartphones (iPhone 15 Pro Max, Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra, etc.), phone with protective case, slim wallet or card holder, keys and key fob, wireless earbuds with case, lip balm and small cosmetics, hand sanitizer, face mask, energy gels and snacks, small water bottle (slim style), sunglasses (folded), and cash and cards.

Typical Load: Phone + wallet + keys + earbuds + lip balm + snacks, OR phone + passport + cards + essential cosmetics, OR small water bottle + phone + cards + keys.

Capacity by Use Case: For running and exercise (minimalist pack), carry phone, keys, ID, and energy gel weighing under 8 oz. For daily errands (essential carry), pack phone, wallet, keys, sunglasses, and lip balm under 12 oz. For travel essentials (day trip pack), include phone, passport, cards, snacks, hand sanitizer, and earbuds under 16 oz. For concerts/festivals (security pack), bring phone, ID, cards, lip balm, and small portable charger under 10 oz.

Crossbody Bags for Different Activities

For Running & Jogging: Crossbody bags excel for running because they're hands-free (no handheld phone, no armband discomfort), provide secure storage (phone won't fall out during movement), offer bounce-free design (compression fit eliminates bouncing), allow quick access (reach phone for selfies, navigation, or emergencies), and carry essentials (keys, ID, energy gels without pockets).

Running Setup: Wear as waist pack (tightest setting), position slightly higher (above hips) for minimal bounce, pair with running shorts or leggings, add running sunglasses and running hat, and optionally include hands-free dog leash for running with your pup.

For Hiking & Outdoor Adventures: Trail-ready features include waterproof construction that protects gear from rain and splashes, durable materials that withstand branches, rocks, and rough terrain, antimicrobial fabric that prevents odor during multi-day trips, and lightweight design that won't weigh you down on long hikes. Pack phone (navigation, photos, emergency contact), small first-aid essentials, energy bars and trail snacks, keys and ID, lip balm with SPF, and small multi-tool. Pair with barefoot hiking shoes for natural trail movement.

For Travel & Tourism: Travel benefits include security (bag stays visible and in front of you), organization (internal pockets keep items separated), passport-friendly design (holds passport, boarding passes, travel docs), hands-free exploration (free to take photos, hold maps, carry shopping), and compact size for flights (counts as personal item, fits under seat).

For Daily Errands & Commuting: Urban convenience includes quick on/off (easy through security, store checkout), professional enough appearance (works for casual office environments), compact design (doesn't bump into people on transit), and weather protection (contents stay dry during rain).

For Concerts, Festivals & Events: Event-perfect features include clear bag policy compatibility (select clear styles if needed), theft deterrent (worn in front, secure zipper), compact size (meets most venue size requirements), easy access (grab phone for photos without fumbling), and hands-free dancing (enjoy the show without holding anything).

Material & Features Guide

Premium Performance Materials: Our waterproof fabric features ripstop nylon with water-resistant coating that protects electronics from rain, splashes, and sweat, is easy to wipe clean, durable enough for daily abuse. Note: Waterproof doesn't mean submersible (don't submerge the bag).

Antimicrobial Treatment prevents odor buildup from sweat and repeated use, keeps bag fresh during multi-day wear, reduces bacteria growth, and is ideal for athletic use. Mesh Padding includes breathable back panel that prevents sweat buildup, provides comfort against skin during activity, allows airflow between bag and body, and quick-drying after workouts.

Security & Organization Features: Double zipper design offers main compartment with dual zippers for ambidextrous access, security options to overlap zippers or add lock, smooth operation with YKK or equivalent quality zippers, and durability that won't snag or break with regular use.

Magnetic pockets feature external quick-access pocket with magnetic closure perfect for cards, cash, and keys you need instantly, secure strong magnets that keep items safe, and quiet closure with no velcro noise during events or runs. Internal organization includes multiple pockets that prevent item jumble, phone-specific sleeve that keeps screen protected, card slots for quick access, and key clip or loop for security.

Adjustable Strap measures 22-52 inches (accommodates all body types), 1.5 inches width (comfortable, won't dig in), durable nylon webbing material, easy-slide buckle for quick adjustments, and optional padded section for long wear.

Crossbody Bags vs. Other Bag Styles

Crossbody Bag vs. Backpack: Crossbody advantages include quick access without removal, compact streamlined design, security (stays visible), lighter weight, and better for short outings. Choose crossbody if carrying essentials only, need quick access, prioritize security, want hands-free convenience. Choose backpack if carrying laptop, books, gym clothes, or multiple items, need maximum comfort for heavy loads.

Crossbody Bag vs. Tote/Handbag: Crossbody advantages include hands completely free, can't set down and forget, better for active situations, security against theft, and appropriate for athletic and casual settings. Choose crossbody if you need hands-free, prioritize security, have an active lifestyle, or are in casual settings. Choose tote/handbag for professional environments, large capacity needs, or traditional style preference.

Crossbody Bag vs. Armband (for Running): Crossbody advantages include carrying more than just phone, no arm constriction or sweat buildup, access to items while running, more versatile (use beyond running), and doesn't interfere with arm swing. Choose crossbody if you need to carry keys, cards, snacks beyond just phone, want versatility, or are prone to arm discomfort.

Style Guide: How to Wear Crossbody Bags

Athletic & Activewear Style: For running looks, combine small crossbody bag (waist pack style) with running shorts or leggings, moisture-wicking tee or tank top, running shoes, and running hat and sunglasses.

For gym style, pair crossbody bag (shoulder carry or waist) with biker shorts or booty shorts, sports bra and/or tank top, and training shoes.

For athleisure, style small crossbody (crossbody style) with matching workout set or coordinated separates, cropped hoodie for layering, and white sneakers or barefoot shoes.

Casual & Everyday Style: For weekend errands, wear crossbody bag (crossbody or shoulder style) with jeans or casual pants, t-shirt or casual top, sneakers or casual shoes, and sunglasses. For summer casual, style small crossbody (any wearing style) with shorts and tank top or sundress, sandals or slip-on sneakers, and optional sun hat. For fall/winter layers, combine crossbody bag (worn over jacket) with jeans and sweater or hoodie, jacket or coat, boots or sneakers, adjusting strap length to accommodate layers.

Travel Style: For flight day, pack crossbody bag with essentials, comfortable leggings or joggers, layering pieces (cardigan, hoodie), easy-on/off shoes, with everything accessible for security. For sightseeing, use small crossbody (security crossbody style) with comfortable walking outfit, supportive shoes, weather-appropriate layers, keeping hands free for photos and maps.

Care & Maintenance

Regular Cleaning (Weekly for Active Use): Empty all contents, wipe interior with damp cloth, clean exterior with mild soap and water, air dry completely before storing, and use soft brush for textured areas.

Deep Cleaning (Monthly or As Needed): Hand wash in cool water with mild detergent, gently scrub with soft brush, rinse thoroughly, air dry (never machine dry), and treat with water-repellent spray if needed.

Maintenance Tips: Don't overstuff (strains seams and zippers), rotate between multiple bags if possible, store in cool dry place, keep away from extreme heat (car trunk), periodically check zippers and strap for wear, clean debris from zipper teeth regularly, apply zipper lubricant if sticking, don't force zippers when bag is overstuffed, check strap attachment points monthly, tighten any loose hardware, and replace if fraying or showing wear.

FAQ

Yes! Our small crossbody bags are specifically designed to accommodate modern large smartphones including iPhone 15 Pro Max, Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra, and similar devices with protective cases. The main compartment measures 6-8 inches, providing ample room for your phone plus other essentials like wallet, keys, and earbuds.

Absolutely! Our crossbody bags are designed with runners in mind. When worn as a waist pack with the strap tightened snugly and positioned above your hips, the bag stays secure without bouncing. The compression fit and lightweight design make it perfect for running, jogging, and other high-movement activities.

These terms are often used interchangeably! The main differences: crossbody bag has long strap worn across body from shoulder to opposite hip; sling bag has single strap worn across back or chest, usually more streamlined; fanny pack has shorter strap worn around waist or hips. Our bags feature extra-long adjustable straps that allow you to wear them in all three styles.

Our crossbody bags are made from water-resistant ripstop nylon that protects your belongings from rain, splashes, and sweat. They're highly water-resistant for everyday use but are not designed for submersion. Think "rain-proof" rather than "submersible." Your phone and valuables stay dry during unexpected rain showers or sweaty workouts.

There are three main ways: (1) Crossbody style—strap across body from shoulder to opposite hip (most secure, best for crowds); (2) Waist pack style—strap around waist or hips (best for running and active movement); (3) Shoulder carry—over one shoulder (most casual, easy access). Adjust the strap length to your preference and activity.

It depends on the water bottle size. Yes: Slim water bottles (12-16 oz collapsible or flat styles). No: Standard round bottles (20+ oz Hydro Flask, etc.). Our small crossbody bags prioritize compact, streamlined carry. For serious hydration needs during long runs or hikes, consider a hydration belt or vest in addition to the crossbody bag for essentials.

Yes! Crossbody bags are excellent for travel because they keep valuables visible and secure (anti-theft), hold passport, boarding passes, cards, and phone, free your hands for luggage, cameras, and maps, meet airline personal item size requirements, distribute weight evenly for comfort, and are easy to wear over layers and jackets. They're perfect for exploring cities, airports, tourist attractions, and any situation where you need secure, hands-free access to essentials.

Our small crossbody bags (6-8" x 4-5") are ideal if you carry essentials only (phone, wallet, keys), want minimal bulk and weight, need hands-free convenience for active pursuits, prefer compact streamlined style, or have a travel light/minimalist lifestyle. If you regularly carry tablets, books, large cosmetic bags, or multiple bulky items, you might want a larger bag.

Our bags feature an easy-slide buckle adjustment system: (1) Hold the buckle with one hand, (2) Pull the strap through to lengthen or shorten, (3) The buckle locks in place when you release, (4) Test the fit and readjust as needed. The strap adjusts from 22-52 inches to accommodate all body types and wearing styles.

Absolutely! Crossbody bags and sling bags are unisex accessories popular with people of all genders. They're particularly popular for active men who want hands-free phone/wallet carry, cyclists and runners, travelers, festival and concert-goers, and minimalist everyday carry enthusiasts. Our sleek, athletic designs work for everyone.

Yes! Crossbody bags remain a fashion staple and have evolved beyond trends to become a wardrobe essential. The rise of athleisure, minimalist living, and hands-free convenience has made crossbody bags more popular than ever. They're equally at home in athletic, casual, and urban-fashion contexts.

Typical capacity: 1 large smartphone with case, 1 slim wallet or cardholder, 1 set of keys with fob, 1 pair of wireless earbuds with case, and 2-3 small items (lip balm, hand sanitizer, snacks). Total weight: Comfortably holds 8-16 oz (0.5-1 lb) without feeling bulky. Philosophy: Small crossbody bags encourage intentional, minimalist carry—bringing only what you truly need.

Yes! Crossbody bags are perfect for dog walking because they keep your hands free for the leash while securely carrying your phone, keys, and bags. Pair with our Hands-Free Dog Leash for ultimate convenience—the leash goes around your waist and the bag carries essentials, giving you completely hands-free dog walking experience.

Yes, crossbody bags are one of the most theft-resistant bag styles because they're worn across the body (can't be easily grabbed), bag sits in front where you can see it, straps are difficult to cut quickly, you immediately notice if someone touches it, and zippers face toward your body. For maximum security, wear in crossbody style (not waist pack) with zipper pulls toward your body.

Choose crossbody bag if carrying essentials only, need quick frequent access, want maximum security (visible bag), prefer compact minimal carry, or do active pursuits (running, cycling). Choose backpack if carrying laptop, books, or bulky items, need maximum capacity, plan all-day wear with heavy items, or are in professional/school environment. Many people own both for different situations!