Sling style pack

I pressed enter before I was finished with the question. How does those style of packs compare to the traditional style of two strap packs.
 
I have the Jumbo Versipak and it isnt too hard to overload to the point of being uncomfortable for a single strap on an all day hike. I like the single strap for versatility and ease of access like for an EDC but its always a judgement call when I'm carrying more than EDC stuff.--KV
 
I have a Malaga, a bit smaller than the Sitka. You need to keep the load light due to the weight distribution. Easier said than done since you can load a ton of gear into these things. I like the easy on-off of the pack, and the ability to wear a belt knife without interference.
 
I have the Lunada (a smaller Malaga) and a Sitka. My Sitka actually carries better than the Lunada because of the configuration of the strap and pack. The Lunada shifted a lot and dug into my neck. I use the Sitka without the supplementary side strap and it still carries very well. I haven't hiked with it, but I have worn it on an impromptu shopping trip and had no complaints.
 
All the above are correct. It's easy to overload and even loaded moderate, it will bother your shoulder after having it on a while.
The Sitka is a little better but that one is especially easy to overload. Also the Sitka pockets can be a pain to get in and out of and hard to organize things for easy access.
I gave up on sling packs.
 
I am on the fence for the Sitka right now. I had a Maxped Jumbo before, I didn't find weight to be an issue, I just ran out of room all the time.

Porcupine, aren't the pockets on the Sitka designed for better access when the bag is swung around to your chest?
 
I bought a type of pack many years ago with a single sling-design. I gave it to my brother after some time.

I also agree with some of the above assessments: asymmetrical or one-shoulder carry can be a pain when overloaded (digs into the shoulders).

They do look cool though. If your heart is set on getting one, I suggest having a realistic look at your EDC gear and tools and finding just the right size pack. Also, nothing's better than being able to handle one.
 
The good thing about the sitka is that it is an excellent train/bus/plane commuter bag. Unsnap the small waist strap and swing it around on your lap while it's still strapped on and you have access to all the compartments.
This is where it excells!
 
PorcupineMtns66 said:
The good thing about the sitka is that it is an excellent train/bus/plane commuter bag. Unsnap the small waist strap and swing it around on your lap while it's still strapped on and you have access to all the compartments.
This is where it excells!
Click to expand...

You can do that with a conventional backpack worn on only one shoulder. High school students all over should be familiar with the technique. One-shoulder wear is very common, it's easier on, easier off and easier access to your stuff. The downsides people have mentioned are all generalized downsides of wearing a pack on one shoulder.

Gearslinger packs wouldn't have a purpose if one-shoulder wear weren't already so common. The only advantage of a gearslinger is that it's designed for that type of wear, so it's more comfortable and sits better.

It's an optimization for a particular usage pattern. Like any optimization, it gives up versatility. If you're locked in to that usage pattern and don't care about versatility, then it might be for you.
 
To add to my earlier post-The Versipack is also good for CWC, which is a big reason I carry mine.--KV
 
The grearslinger packs are designed to be worn across the body, not just hanging off of one side of the body like you would wear a backpack using only one strap. The gearslingers distribute the weight much more evenly. I have a Malaga and find it comfortable as long as I don't stuff it to the gills.
 
I had a Maxpedition Typhoon a while back for use as a hunting bag. I wanted it to carry water, food, shells, knife, extra clothes, that sort of thing. As much as I wanted to like it, it just never felt "right" on me. I think the whole sling bag concept is great, but in practice it just falls a little short IMO. What good is a bag if you can't use it's full capacity?
 
I think the sling bags like the Gearslinger are great for commuter bags or where you will be taking the pack on and off frequently. If you are looking for a pack that will be worn all day while hiking or hunting and only occasionally removed, I'd just stick with a regular backpack style bag.
 
I ordered a Sitka earlier in the week, I will post something after I have loaded it up and gone for a hike with it.
 
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