A rifle sling sounds like a small detail until you spend hours in rough country with your rifle cutting into your shoulder. The wrong sling will tangle in brush, slip when you’re climbing, or make your gun bounce around at the worst times. The right one carries steady, adjusts quickly, and doesn’t interfere when you need to shoulder the rifle fast. Hunters who put in real miles know that not every sling works for serious field use. These are the ones that actually stay out of your way while still doing their job.
Montana Sling
The Montana Sling is popular with hunters who don’t want a bunch of extra straps dangling off their rifle. It’s a leather loop design that rides comfortably and keeps the rifle snug against your shoulder. Unlike more complicated tactical slings, it doesn’t twist up or grab every branch you walk past. That simplicity makes it especially good for thick cover hunts where every second counts.
Another reason hunters stick with the Montana Sling is how easy it is to adjust length. You can tighten it up for long walks or loosen it in seconds if you’re climbing or sitting in a blind. The leather molds to your body over time, so it only gets more comfortable with use. If you’re tired of slings that flap, snag, or slip, this one has been proving itself in the field for years without unnecessary extras.
Claw Sling
The Claw Sling is built around a stretchy rubber shoulder pad that grips clothing without sliding. That grip means your rifle stays in place when you’re hiking uneven ground, crawling, or climbing. It also spreads weight better than narrow nylon straps, which helps on long hunts when your rifle starts to feel heavy. Many hunters use it year-round because it simply doesn’t move once it’s on your shoulder.
One of the big advantages of the Claw is that it doesn’t dig in or feel stiff in cold weather. The material stays flexible, and it doesn’t get slippery when wet. The swivels are strong, and the sling itself doesn’t tangle like cheaper nylon straps tend to. If you’ve ever had your sling slide off your jacket at the worst moment, you’ll appreciate how the Claw locks in place and stays put without you constantly adjusting it.
Butler Creek Comfort Stretch
The Butler Creek Comfort Stretch sling was made for hunters who walk long distances. It uses a neoprene pad with elastic qualities that absorb some of the rifle’s weight while moving. That stretch makes it easier on your shoulder and keeps the rifle from bouncing as much when you’re hiking. It’s a simple design, but it solves a lot of problems other slings create on the trail.
Another strength of this sling is its quiet construction. The neoprene doesn’t creak or slap against gear, which matters when you’re trying to slip into range without alerting game. It also handles wet conditions well without becoming slick. Adjustment is quick, and the swivels are secure enough for heavy rifles. If comfort is as important to you as function, the Butler Creek Comfort Stretch is one of those slings that hunters trust for the long haul.
Allen Baktrak
The Allen Baktrak sling is designed with a tacky rubber backing that grips your shoulder firmly, preventing your rifle from slipping even on steep climbs. Unlike smooth nylon straps that constantly slide around, the Baktrak stays where you put it. That stability is a major plus when you’re navigating rough ground and need your rifle secure but ready.
Another practical feature is its wide, cushioned pad that spreads the rifle’s weight evenly. Long days in the field mean every ounce adds up, and this sling helps reduce shoulder fatigue. It’s also built with durable stitching and swivels that can take years of use without wearing out. Hunters who use it often say they forget it’s even there until it’s time to shoulder the rifle, which is exactly what you want from a sling that won’t get in your way.
Galco Safari Ching Sling
The Galco Safari Ching Sling is unique because it doubles as a shooting aid. Designed with a third strap that locks your support arm in place, it gives you extra stability for offhand shots. That added control is valuable when you don’t have time to set up on sticks or a rest. But even with that function, it doesn’t feel bulky or complicated to carry in the field.
Hunters like the Ching Sling because it stays snug against the rifle without flopping around. The leather construction is tough, and it holds its shape even after years of use. Adjustments are quick once you get used to the setup, and it transitions smoothly from carry to shooting support. If you want a sling that actually helps with accuracy while still carrying comfortably, the Ching Sling has been a proven option for decades.
Blue Force Gear Vickers Sling
The Blue Force Gear Vickers Sling started in the tactical world but has been adopted by hunters who like its quick-adjust capability. With a simple pull tab, you can instantly tighten or loosen the sling without dealing with buckles or knots. That feature alone makes it handy in the field, especially if you’re climbing or switching between carrying and shooting positions.
Despite its roots, the Vickers doesn’t get in the way. The design is streamlined, and it doesn’t leave loose webbing hanging. It’s also extremely durable, built to handle more abuse than most hunters will ever put it through. Many hunters appreciate that it can be run as a traditional carry sling or adapted for support in awkward shooting positions. If you want something modern but still practical for the field, this sling delivers without extra fuss.
Kifaru Gun Bearer
The Kifaru Gun Bearer isn’t a traditional sling but a system that attaches to your pack, carrying the rifle at an angle where it’s both secure and instantly accessible. For hunters who backpack into the backcountry, this setup takes the weight off your shoulder and keeps your rifle from swinging or snagging. You can hike for miles without constantly adjusting or worrying about the rifle slipping.
What makes the Gun Bearer stand out is how fast you can get your rifle into action. A quick pull and you’re ready to shoot, yet the rifle stays locked in while you’re moving. It’s built with the same durability Kifaru puts into all their gear, meaning it won’t fail halfway through a hunt. If you’re tired of traditional slings fighting you when carrying heavy packs, this is one system that truly stays out of your way.
Magpul RLS Sling
The Magpul RLS Sling is lightweight, minimalist, and designed for hunters who want a sling that won’t catch on everything in sight. It strips away unnecessary bulk while still giving you reliable carry and quick adjustability. The webbing is tough but flexible, making it comfortable without being oversized.
Hunters appreciate that the RLS is also versatile—it works well as a carry sling and can be quickly looped into a shooting support position. The adjustments are smooth and simple, so you’re not stuck fumbling with extra hardware. Because it doesn’t have a lot of padding or bulk, it also packs easily with the rifle. If you value clean, functional gear that doesn’t add complications, the RLS gives you a dependable sling that won’t get in your way.
Quake Claw Contour
The Quake Claw Contour Sling takes the same gripping material as the standard Claw but adds a contour shape that fits more comfortably on your shoulder. The curved design keeps it in place even better, which is useful when you’re sidehilling or climbing steep country. That little design tweak makes a noticeable difference during long hunts.
The Claw Contour also absorbs some of the rifle’s movement when you’re walking, cutting down on bounce. The material doesn’t harden in the cold or slip when wet, making it useful in any season. Hunters who spend all day hiking appreciate that it eliminates a lot of the annoyance of rifles shifting around while you walk. It’s a straightforward sling that focuses on comfort and security, two things that make a huge difference after hours in the field.
Turner All-Weather Sling
The Turner All-Weather Sling is built from synthetic material that feels like leather but handles rain and snow without breaking down. That means you get the traditional stability of a leather sling without worrying about stretching or cracking. It’s also stiff enough to double as a shooting support, which adds to its utility in the field.
Hunters trust this sling because it doesn’t slip or twist while carrying. The material grips well and keeps the rifle steady against your shoulder. Adjustments are straightforward, and once it’s set, it doesn’t loosen over time. If you want something with the feel of a classic leather sling but the durability to last through years of hard hunts, the Turner All-Weather Sling is a solid choice that won’t get in your way.
*This article was developed with AI-powered tools and has been carefully reviewed by our editors.
