When the ride turns into a hike, sling your bike and keep moving.
The BANDito Sling is a lightweight bike carry strap for muddy Level-B roads, rocky hike-a-bike sections, and snow too deep to pedal. Adjustable loops let you change the carry height to suit your setup and the terrain.
At just 1.5 ounces, it packs into its own compact storage bag. Every BANDito Sling is cut, sewn, and assembled in Central Iowa by the folks behind BIKEIOWA and Pogie Lites.
Pro Tip: Use code Bandito3Buck at checkout to save $3 and offset shipping!
Small enough to pack. Handy when the riding stops.
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Carry from your shoulder: Use the sling to support your bike when riding or pushing is no longer practical.
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Adjust your carry height: Choose different loops to position the bike for your height and the terrain.
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Pack light: The strap and storage bag weigh just 1.5 ounces.
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Keep it within reach: Stash it in a jersey pocket or bike bag for the next hike-a-bike section.
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Made in Iowa: Cut, sewn, and assembled in small batches in Central Iowa.
Built for the messy miles
Gravel rides and races: When mud starts packing onto your tires, carrying the bike can help you get through an unridable stretch before even more mud builds up.
Mountain biking and bikepacking: Bring it for routes with steep pitches, fallen trees, and sections you’ll need to walk.
Fat biking: When soft or deep snow stops the riding, adjust the sling and carry through to firmer ground.
How to use the BANDito Sling
Watch the demonstration below to see the attachment points and carrying position.
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Attach one end around the seatpost and position it beneath the saddle nose, as shown in the demo.
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Attach the other end to the handlebars.
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Choose loops that position the bike at a manageable height.
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Lift the strap over your shoulder and check the bike’s balance and pedal clearance before walking.
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Remove and stow the sling before riding again.
Trail tip: Shorter loop spacing raises the bike for more ground clearance. If a pedal brushes your leg, rotate the cranks to a better position.
Watch the carrying demonstration
See how the BANDito Sling attaches and how it changes the way you carry your bike.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YgeqJVpYkyQ
Full Demo Video: Shows improper way and proper way to hike-a-bike with and without the BANDito Sling.
Retro 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. Somehow we always find the messy races!
Packing and unpacking
To unpack, hold the BIKEIOWA label with one hand and pull the strap out with the other.
To repack, stuff the strap into the bag, leaving the large loop opposite the bag opening exposed for easy access. The fit is intentionally snug to save space.
Expect several hike-a-bike sections during a race? Keep the sling unpacked in a pocket or bag between uses. Repacking takes two hands and a little time.
Specifications
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Total weight: 1.5 ounces
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Strap length: 46 inches
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Strap width: ¾ inch
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Small loops: five 3-inch loops
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Large end loops: 5 inches
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Storage bag: approximately 4 inches tall × 2.5 inches wide; 1 inch thick when packed
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Strap and bag color: black
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Bag closure: black-and-white micro-cord with a black toggle
Care
Wash when dirty and allow to air dry. Avoid machine drying. Inspect the webbing and stitching for wear before use.
Made in Central Iowa
The BANDito Sling comes from the same crew behind BIKEIOWA and Pogie Lites. We know muddy roads and messy races - and sometimes the best way forward is to get off the bike and carry it.
Pack a BANDito Sling for the miles you can’t pedal.
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!
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. Follow BANDito Sling on Facebook and BANDITOSling on Instagram.
