Best One Strap Backpack For Kids

Two-strap backpacks are meant to be worn on both shoulders, but many kids wear them on just one shoulder because of this style’s cool factor. However, carrying a heavy load on one shoulder in a bag that’s designed to distribute weight along a larger region can lead to back, neck, and shoulder problems in growing children. Fortunately, sling backpacks are designed to safely distribute weight along just one strap.

Many sling bags on the market are too big for kids or come in drab colors. We did the hard work of finding the best one strap backpack for kids, which is both petite and chic. Read along to discover our top pick, and four worthy runners up.

How We Researched The Best One Strap Backpack For Kids

77 Expert Reviews Considered
2,652 Consumer Reviews Considered
3.5 Hours Researching
16 Products Evaluated

Best One Strap Backpack For Kids 3 Features That Make One Strap Backpacks For Kids Special

1. Vibrant Prints and Colors

Backpacks tend to come in neutral colors that are suitable for adults, but make for dull options for children. Most of the one strap bags on this list are available in vibrant prints and fun colors. Boys and girls will love these funky designs, which are as dynamic as their personalities.

2. Single Strap Design

Carrying a traditional two strap backpack on just one shoulder can be uncomfortable. Fortunately, sling backpacks are specially designed to minimize back and shoulder pain. The best one strap backpacks for kids are engineered to evenly distribute their weight so that the bag sits comfortably on the wearer’s body. They also have padded straps and backs for comfortable carrying.

3. Strategic Compartments

Sling backpacks for kids are generally smaller than traditional backpacks, so their capacities must be maximized. The best one strap bags for kids are made with strategic compartments and pockets. The backpacks on this list have clever features like water bottle pockets, mobile device storage, hidden back pockets, and many internal compartments.

Best One Strap Backpack For Kids Top 5: Best One Strap Backpacks For Kids

MOSISO Sling Backpack

Product place
Our Top Pick
Product rating

Kids of all ages will love the MOSISO Sling Backpack’s fun cactus print. The backpack’s ambidextrous strap makes it easy to carry on either shoulder. This bag comes with a hole for earbud wires and two external water bottle pockets.

  • Beautiful floral print
  • Earbud hole
  • Two water bottle pockets
  • Ambidextrous strap
  • No laptop sleeve

Meru Sling Bag

Product place
Runner Up
Product rating

Your child will have trouble picking out their one strap backpack by Meru because this particular model comes in 15 mesmerizing colors and patterns. This useful bag has an internal water bottle pocket and a padded tablet compartment. Its padded strap and back makes this backpack comfortable to carry.

  • Comes in 15 styles
  • Ergonomic design
  • Padded tablet pocket
  • Internal water bottle pocket
  • Lifetime warranty
  • Not waterproof

Under Armour Compel Sling 2.0

Product place
3rd Place
Product rating

If you’re looking for a one strap backpack for your child to use for school, your search can come to an end. Under Armour’s Compel Sling 2.0 is the perfect sling backpack for school. It fits a 15” laptop in its electronics sleeve and gives the wearer maximum comfort thanks to UA Storm’s water-repelling technology and a HeatGear strap.

  • Great for school
  • HeatGear strap keeps wearer cool
  • Water-repelling UA Storm technology
  • 15” laptop sleeve
  • Not fully waterproof
  • Only one style option

Ambry Rope Sling Bag

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4th Place
Product rating

Kids can express themselves with the Ambry Rope Sling Bag, which comes in 10 fun colors and patterns. This backpack has a braided rope strap that fuses style and comfort. Parents will love the teal version of this backpack, as it comes with reflective tape and a water bottle pocket.

  • Comes in 10 colors with fun patterns
  • Unique rope strap
  • Front pocket for easy access to important things
  • Not waterproof
  • No warranty

Osprey Daylite Shoulder Sling

Product place
5th Place
Product rating

Osprey’s Daylite Shoulder Sling is the best one strap backpack for kids who are going places. Whether they’re going on field trips or on playdates, your kids will love this bag. With a 6 L capacity, this backpack is the perfect size for storing essentials without getting in the way of activities The Osprey Daylite Shoulder Bag comes in several colors including red, purple, and teal.

  • Breathable fabric for cool carry year-round
  • Comes in six colors
  • Zippered strap pocket
  • Easy to attach to compatible Osprey products
  • Small capacity
  • Not waterproof

Best One Strap Backpack For Kids The Best One Strap Backpack For Kids

MOSISO’s Sling Backpack takes home the gold medal as the best one strap backpack for kids. The bag’s vibrant cactus print is guaranteed to attract many compliments. This backpack is small enough to be worn comfortably by kids, but large enough to fit things like a tablet and water bottle.

At the end of the day, all of the sling bags in our guide are great options for the little people in your life. We’re certain that you’ll find a winner among our list of the best one strap backpacks for kids.