The BANDito Sling - Simplify hike-a-bike adventures with the versatile BANDito Sling, designed by the creators of BIKEIOWA.com and Pogie Lites. This multi-purpose strap makes carrying your bike easier, more comfortable, and gives you greater control. Use it as a bike-carry tool, tow rope, bikepacking clothesline, or even a tree-branch bike holder.
Pro Tip: Use code Bandito3Buck at checkout to save $3 and offset shipping!
How to Use: Attach one loop around your seat post to the nose of you seat and the other to your handlebars. Lift the strap over your shoulder, and your bike is ready for easy transport. Reverse to ride!
Usage Tips: Adjust the loops to match your height and the terrain for optimal carry height. The front wheel will naturally turn left, staying out of your way as you walk. If needed, spin the pedal back slightly to prevent it from hitting your leg.
Usage Video: We created this video in 2017 before Trans Iowa V13. This is the Daisy Chain we used to use, but the way it is used is the same. We hope to create an updated video soon.
Why You Need the BANDito Sling
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Gravel Adventures: Long gravel rides or races often include muddy Level-B roads where tires clog and bikes double in weight. Our Wisdom says - get off the bike, carry it until the road or ditch is rideable again. You'll thank us later.
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Mountain Biking: Tackle hike-a-bike sections like a pro. Whether scaling rocks, navigating fallen trees, or conquering tough terrain, free your hands and keep moving.
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Fat Biking: When snow gets too deep to ride or push, the BANDito Sling makes carrying your bike effortless. Sling it and keep exploring!
BANDito Sling Benefits
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Protect Your Shoulder: Carrying a bike on a muddy Level-B road is exhausting. The BANDito Sling reduces strain, keeping your shoulder and arms fresher.
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Free Your Hands: With your bike securely slung, your hands are free to grab food, check cue cards, drink, hold branches, or climb steep ditches with ease.
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Adjustable Height: Multi-loop design lets you customize the carry height. Raise your bike for rocky or unstable terrain by using loops closer to the center.
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Fits All Riders: Whether you have a long or short torso, the adjustable loops ensure a comfortable carry based on your height and the trail ahead.
Other Uses for the BANDito Sling
While it excels at making your bike easier to carry, the BANDito Sling is also a versatile tool for creative problem-solving:
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On-the-Go Bike Repair Stand: Need to lube your chain or adjust the derailleur? Use the sling to suspend your bike from a tree branch for quick fixes.
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Emergency Tow Rope: If a mechanical issue stops you in your tracks, loop one end of the sling to your buddy's seat and the other to your pedal or handlebar. Not ideal, but it works in a pinch.
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Bikepacking & Camping: Use the sling as a clothesline, firewood carrier, pannier hanger, or backrest support. You can even use it to dip your water bottle into streams without getting messy.
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Stabilizer: Secure your bike to a tree, fence, or other support in windy conditions, or suspend it from a tree overnight to keep critters away.
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Quick Lock: For a quick stop at a sketchy spot, loop the sling through your frame and wheels. It’s no U-lock, but it adds a layer of security.
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Hammock Strap: Bring a D-ring, and you’ve got a backup hammock strap.
Who knows what else? The more you use it, the more creative solutions you’ll find!
Packing the BANDito Sling Bag
Packing and unpacking the BANDito Sling is simple:
- To release, grab the BIKEIOWA label with one hand and pull the strap out with the other.
- To repack, stuff the strap back into the bag, leaving the large loop (opposite the bag) sticking out for easy access next time. The snug fit is intentional to save space.
If you use the sling during a race, it’s often best to keep it un-stuffed in a jersey pocket or bag for quick access, as repacking takes a bit of time and two hands.
Why BANDito Sling Over a Daisy Chain?
While climbers' daisy chains work, the BANDito Sling is a refined design:
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Compact: Smaller size saves space since it doesn’t need to hold body weight.
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Lightweight: Loops are placed only where needed for efficient hike-a-bike use.
Built for cyclists, it’s optimized for your needs on the trail!
SPECS
Strap Width: 3/4"
Strap Length: 46"
Bag Size: 4" tall x 2.75" wide (add 1" height when stuffed with sling)
Small Loops: 5 loops @ 3" each
Big Loops: 2 loops @ 5" each at each end
Strap Color: Black
Bag Color: Black
Bag Micro-cord Color: Black & White
Micro-cord length: 10 inches
Micro-cord Specs: 100lb tensile strength
Toggle Color: Black
Total Weight: 1.5 ounces !!!
How to Care for Your BANDito Sling
The BANDito Sling is built to last, with durable materials like strapping, rip-stop fabric, micro-cord, and a toggle. However, fabric can wear over time, so treat it like any of your other bikepacking accessories: wash it if it gets dirty, but avoid machine drying.
BANDito Sling Logo
The logo is inspired by our friend Tyler Johnson, who used a sling before tackling a muddy Level-B road. His photo sparked the design for the abstract logo you see.
Made in the USA, Made in Iowa
Every BANDito Sling is cut, sewn, and assembled in Central Iowa by the same folks behind BIKEIOWA.com and Pogie Lites. These slings are crafted in small batches to ensure quality.
