I love shoulder bags, from full-on messenger bags to smaller sling packs. Backpacks are better for heavy loads or all-day trekking, but for lightweight everyday needs, nothing beats a bag I can sling over my shoulder or across my body.

Why? With a shoulder bag, everything I need is easily accessible and within easy reach. I really started to appreciate shoulder bags when I was photographing weddings for a living and ordered a cheap canvas messenger bag to replace a big boxy camera bag I used to carry around. In the years since, I’ve owned and tested dozens of messenger bags, sling packs, and convertible hip packs—these are our favorites.

Be sure to check out our many other buying guides, including our guides for the Best Backpacks for Work, and the Best Trail Running Shoes.