As missionaries, you’ll need a reliable bag to carry Books of Mormon, personal items, and more during your daily service. Whether you’re walking long distances, biking, or traveling, your bag will become a key part of your mission experience. I went through 4 or 5 bags throughout my mission, so picking the right one the first time is important! Here are some helpful tips and product recommendations from current missionaries who are serving now in 2024 to help you choose the best backpack or crossbody bag.
Things to Consider When Choosing Your Bag
Before diving into specific bag recommendations, keep these essential features in mind:
- Durability: Your bag needs to withstand daily wear and tear so it can withstand the length of your mission. Throughout my mission, my bag’s zippers and straps broke often. The cheaper options might have seemed nice, but the higher-quality bags lasted the longest, and saved me the most money in the long run!
- Comfort: Long days of walking or riding bikes mean your backpack should be comfortable. Padded straps are great!
- Organization: Multiple compartments will help you keep everything from your scriptures to personal items organized and easy to access.
- Size: Choose a bag that’s large enough to fit your essentials but not so bulky that it becomes uncomfortable or unprofessional.
- Professional Appearance: A simple, design with neutral colors will help you maintain a professional look.
- Security: Bags with security and safety features for zippers are essential in areas with pick-pocketing.
Backpack vs. Crossbody Bag: Which One’s Right for You?
Choosing the right bag for your mission is no easy feat. Whether you’re on the move for proselyting, traveling for exchanges, or simply carrying your daily essentials, the bag you use can make a huge difference in your comfort and productivity. Two of the most popular options are backpacks and crossbody bags. Both have their advantages and drawbacks, so let’s break down the pros and cons of each to help you decide which one might be right for you.
Backpack Pros:
1. Tons of Space
A backpack offers ample room, making it ideal for carrying lots of items at once. Whether it’s your scriptures, rain jacket, water bottle, snacks, or extra changes of clothes, a backpack has enough space for everything.
During my mission in Bulgaria and Greece, we frequently traveled for exchanges, staying overnight at other missionary apartments. A backpack was essential for carrying extra clothes, toiletries, and materials I needed for the next day. Even on P-Day, when we’d play sports, I always packed a change of clothes in my backpack.
2. Comfort
Backpacks are designed to distribute weight evenly across both shoulders, which means you’re not straining just one side of your body. With padded straps and an adjustable fit, backpacks are much more comfortable to wear for extended periods. This is especially important if you’re carrying a heavy load for hours. I found that carrying a heavy crossbody bag for long periods caused discomfort in my shoulder and back—something that wasn’t an issue with a backpack.
Also, if you’re biking (as many missionaries do), a backpack tends to be a better choice. Crossbody bags, depending on their size and design, can shift around or be uncomfortable while riding.
Backpack Cons:
1. Bulkiness
The main downside of a backpack is that it can be bulky. While backpacks are great for carrying lots of items, they can feel cumbersome, especially when you’re just running quick errands or doing “street contacting”. In crowded areas or while walking in tight spaces, a big backpack can be a bit of a hassle.
2. Mission Rules
Some missions have specific guidelines regarding the type of bag missionaries are allowed to use while proselyting. Backpacks may not always be permitted, especially if they are too large or informal. If you’re serving in one of these missions, I recommend having both a crossbody bag and a backpack on hand. That way, you can use your crossbody bag during proselyting hours and rely on the backpack when you need to carry more materials or travel long distances.
Crossbody Bag Pros:
1. Light and Compact
Crossbody bags are generally much smaller and lighter than backpacks. They’re perfect for carrying just the essentials—scriptures, phone, wallet, and maybe a small notebook—without weighing you down. This makes them an excellent option for proselyting when you don’t need to carry a ton of items.
Because they’re so compact, crossbody bags are easy to carry around all day without feeling like you’re lugging a heavy load.
2. Easy Access
One of the biggest advantages of a crossbody bag is the easy access it offers. With a quick glance and a simple pull, you can grab your phone, wallet, or scriptures without needing to take the bag off. This is incredibly helpful during street contacting, meetings, or any time you’re on the move and need something quickly.
3. Mission-Friendly Appearance
Many missions prefer crossbody bags over backpacks because they look more professional and are less bulky. Crossbody bags keep your hands free, which is essential for proselyting, and they’re typically more streamlined, which aligns better with the modest and professional dress standards that most missions expect.
Crossbody & Sling Bag Cons:
1. Limited Storage
While crossbody bags are great for carrying a few essentials, they often have limited storage space. A typical crossbody won’t hold a water bottle or multiple copies of the Book of Mormon, so if you need to carry a lot of materials or larger items, this could be an issue. You’ll likely need to hold your water bottle or other larger items separately.
2. Uneven Weight Distribution
Carrying a heavy load in a crossbody bag all day can lead to uneven weight distribution, causing shoulder and back strain. If you’re packing heavy items, you might feel one side of your body taking on more of the weight, which can become uncomfortable after a while. While crossbody bags are comfortable for short periods, they can become less ideal if you’re carrying a lot or if you’re on your feet all day.
So, Which One Should You Choose?
I went through many different bag styles on my mission, and in the end, I found myself using both—a backpack for longer trips or when I needed to carry more, and a crossbody bag for everyday proselyting and short outings. If you only want to purchase one bag, it really depends on your mission and your specific needs.
- For missions that allow backpacks and if you anticipate needing to carry extra items frequently, a backpack might be the best choice. Look for one that’s not too bulky and still looks professional—something that’s practical without standing out too much.
- For missions where backpacks are restricted or if you prefer something lightweight and convenient for proselyting, a crossbody bag is likely the better option. Just be mindful of its size—choose one that’s large enough to carry the essentials but not so big that it becomes cumbersome.
Ultimately, both bags have their advantages, so it’s about finding the one that best suits your mission environment and personal style. If possible, I recommend investing in both so you’re prepared for whatever your mission throws your way!
Below are recommendations for Crossbody & Sling bags, but here is a link to missionary backpack recommendations!
[Link for backpack review]
Crossbody & Sling Bags for Missionaries
Fjällräven Women’s Kanken Hip Pack
The Fjällräven Women’s Kanken Hip Pack is a durable, lightweight option that’s perfect for carrying the essentials. This is the bag that I used every day as a missionary, and it lasted my entire mission! In fact, I has lasted me the past 4-5 years. It is made from tough, water-resistant material, and I’m convinced that the zipper will never break. The adjustable strap makes it comfortable to wear, and its simple design ensures it looks professional. It’s a great pick for missionaries who want something compact but sturdy!
Fjällräven Kånken Sling
The Fjällräven Kånken Sling is just one step up from the Fjällräven Hip Pack. It can perfectly fit a Book of Mormon in the back zipper, and it has a little more space inside. The downside to the sling is that the straps are less comfortable, and the weight is distributed completely on one side. But the bag is durable and will last for a long time! The zippers are also hidden well, which definitely helps with anti-theft.
Cotopaxi COSO 2L Hip Pack
The Cotopaxi COSO 2L Hip Pack is a stylish and functional bag that stands out with vibrant colors. It is less professional-looking, but since it is small, you could get away with it. It offers excellent organization with multiple compartments, which the Fjällräven Mini Crossbody doesn’t. It is perfect for missionaries who want a practical yet unique option! My friend from the Adriatic North mission uses this bag, and she loves it!
Baggu Medium Nylon Crescent Bag
The Baggu Bag is simple, spacious, and incredibly lightweight. This crossbody is made from durable, machine-washable nylon, making it both practical and easy to clean. Its large main compartment fits everything you need for a day of proselyting without feeling bulky. It’s ideal for missionaries who want a no-fuss, simple bag. It also looks super professional, and the simple colors make it easy to match with any outfit.
Kavu Original Rope Sling Pack
The Kavu Bag is a great choice for missionaries looking for a larger crossbody. I wish I purchased this bag, because so many sister missionaries serving in South America, Europe, and America recommended this bag to me! It offers great comfort and organization with multiple pockets, it has an adjustable strap, and it has a spacious interior so that you can carry multiple Books of Mormon. One thing that I didn’t like about the other crossbody options was that I had to carry my Book of Mormon and water bottle everywhere. This crossbody takes away that hassle.
Sherpani Esprit Sling Bag
The Sherpani Esprit Sling Bag is my #1 choice for a missionary crossbody bag. It has great anti-theft features, it’s plenty big to fit everything you need and looks professional in the mission field. My companion used this bag and she loved it. It lasted her entire mission, and it could probably last a few more! There are many different style options for Sherpani Bags, but the Esprit is one of my top recommendations for Sherpani.
THE NORTH FACE Women’s Isabella Sling
The THE NORTH FACE Women’s Isabella Sling is very comparable to the Sherpani Esprit Sling bag. It has very similar capabilities, and it is very similar in size. The upside to this bag is that it is lighter than the Sherpani bag, which makes a huge difference after walking all day in the mission field! There are also more options in color, and it looks a little more simple and professional than the Sherpani Esprit Sling Bag.
Conclusion
Choosing the right crossbody or sling bag for your mission is an important decision that can impact your comfort and organization throughout your service. Whether you opt for a spacious Sherpani Sling or a small Cotopaxi Hip Pack, make sure the bag suits your needs for durability, comfort, and functionality. With the right gear, you’ll be able to focus on your mission and serve with ease.
