WATERFLY Crossbody Sling Bag Review: Lightweight Comfort Meets Smart Storage

Sling bags promise a lighter alternative to bulky backpacks, but most budget options sacrifice storage or comfort to hit that low price point. The WATERFLY Crossbody Sling Bag tries to deliver both—and at around $25, the stakes feel low enough to take that chance.

I’ve carried this sling bag for years through daily errands, hiking trails, and travel days. With 4,249 Amazon reviews and a 4.4-star rating, it’s one of the most popular crossbody bags in its price range. The bag weighs just 7.2 ounces and features water-resistant nylon construction with multiple compartments designed to keep your essentials organized.

After extended use, I found a lot to appreciate about the WATERFLY sling bag—but a few design choices hold it back from being the all-around everyday carry solution it could be. Here’s what you should know before buying.

What I Liked

Intelligent Storage and Main Compartment

The WATERFLY sling bag packs a surprising amount of organization into a compact frame. The main zippered compartment measures 9.1” x 3.6” x 13.8” and fits a 9.7” iPad with room to spare. Inside, you get a separate elastic-banded compartment for keeping a tablet secure and protected from the rest of your gear.

The front zippered pocket is where WATERFLY put the most thought. It includes an inner mesh pouch, two separate pouches, two pen slots, and a key rack with a clip. I kept my wallet, chapstick, and earbuds organized without digging through a single cavernous pocket. The shoulder strap also has its own dedicated phone pocket that fits screens up to 7 inches—I could check notifications without opening the bag.

Comfortable Shoulder Strap Design

At 0.45 pounds, this sling bag disappears on your body. The padded shoulder strap distributes weight evenly and includes breathable mesh backing to prevent sweat buildup during warm weather. The strap adjusts from 23.62” to 43.3”, fitting everyone from my nine-year-old to adults well over six feet tall.

Two D-rings at the bottom let you connect the strap to either side, so you can wear it on your left or right shoulder. A quick-release buckle makes taking the bag on and off effortless.

Water-Resistant Nylon Build

The water-resistant nylon exterior handles light rain and unexpected weather without soaking through. The solid SBS zippers run smoothly and feel more durable than what you’d expect at this price. The material has a slightly treated feel—similar to tent fabric—that sheds water droplets on contact.

Versatility for Daily Use

This bag works across situations. I’ve used it for hiking day trips, theme park visits, grocery runs, and travel days. The dual mesh side pockets hold medium-sized water bottles or a compact umbrella. There’s even a headphone passthrough hole on the front pocket and a reflective loop for visibility in low light.

The crossbody design feels noticeably lighter than a traditional backpack. You can swing the bag to your front for quick access in crowded areas—a useful feature at amusement parks or on public transit.

What Needs Improvement

Small Water Bottle Pocket

The side mesh pockets work fine for slim bottles up to 2.25 inches in diameter, but standard Hydro Flask or Nalgene bottles won’t fit. If you rely on a large water bottle during hikes or long outings, you’ll need to stow it inside the main compartment instead—taking up space meant for other gear.

Limited Zipper Depth

The main compartment zippers don’t open to the full depth of the bag. This makes packing and retrieving larger items—like a thick sweater or bulky snack container—more cumbersome than it should be. You sometimes need to angle items or remove other contents first to get everything situated.

Stitching Durability Concerns

While most owners report no issues, some users have experienced stitching failures within the first few months of regular use. The hidden rear pocket seam appears most vulnerable. At this price point, occasional quality control inconsistencies aren’t unusual, but it’s worth noting if you plan to rely on this bag daily for extended periods.

Best Sling Bags: How It Compares

At roughly $25, the WATERFLY Crossbody Sling Bag sits at the budget end of the sling bag market. Understanding where it fits against competitors helps clarify whether it’s the right choice for you.

The tomtoc Aviator-T33 ($37–50) is the closest budget competitor. It uses YKK zippers and offers three zip compartments, but WATERFLY provides more internal organization with its dedicated pouches, pen slots, and key rack. For pure storage flexibility, the WATERFLY wins at a lower price.

The Aer Day Sling 3 ($70–110) steps into mid-range territory with weather-resistant technical materials and more sophisticated organizational systems. If you need a sling bag that handles daily abuse in all weather conditions, the Aer justifies the higher cost.

The Bellroy Venture Ready Sling ($80+) and Peak Design Everyday Sling 3L ($150+) represent the premium tier. Both use higher-grade zippers, more durable materials, and offer refined designs built for years of hard use. These are worth considering if durability and build quality rank above budget in your priorities.

For casual use, travel, and everyday carry on a budget, the WATERFLY delivers strong value. Premium bags outperform it in materials and longevity, but the price gap is significant—you could buy five WATERFLY bags for the cost of one Peak Design.

Final Verdict

The WATERFLY Crossbody Sling Bag earns a 4.2 out of 5 rating. It delivers organized storage, comfortable all-day wear, and genuine water resistance at a price that’s hard to argue with.

The small water bottle pocket and occasional stitching concerns are real drawbacks, but they don’t outweigh the value this bag provides for everyday use. For short hikes, travel days, commuting, or running errands, it does exactly what a sling bag should—keeps your essentials accessible without weighing you down.

If you’re looking for a budget-friendly crossbody sling bag that handles daily carry well, the WATERFLY is a strong pick.