No matter how you see it, the cameras we carry at this day and age are getting bigger. Naturally, these babies demand bigger bags to be carried. But we’re photographers, right? And, quite style-savvy at that!
We don’t want a bag so big that it’ll put our style-statement to shame. And… we don’t want a smaller alternative that makes it hard to carry our equipment around. So, here’s the solution.
Presenting stylish and slightly edgier version of traditional means, the “Sling Backpacks.” I call such a backpack a “Middle Ground” between the hefty versions and smaller ones which are fast going out of style. Add to that, these things are quite budget-friendly depending on what you want as perks.
In this rather small (pun intended) guide, I’ll be going over some of the best camera sling bags that suit many situations we find ourselves in. You’ll find my brief reviews to be informative and entertaining (I hope). I’ll pull no punches in explaining my choices and why I chose them in a buying guide as well.
Without babbling and beating around the bush, let’s take a “Nose Dive” into the topic, shall we?
Table of Contents
TL;DR – Top 3 Sling Backpacks for Your Beloved Cameras
BEST OVERALL PICK
Altura Photo Camera Sling Backpack
RUNNER UP
USA Gear Camera Sling Backpack
COMPACT SIZE
Case Logic SLRC-205 SLR Camera Sling
I understand hunting for the ideal sling backpack for your beloved cameras is tough. It’s bound to be. That’s why I’m here with my own recommendations of some of the best in the business. Let’s take a look at them and see what perks and benefits they have to offer.
1. Altura Photo Camera Sling Backpack Bag
All photographers feel the need of a good backpack at some point. Well, always and Altura has always been a reliable brand when it comes to that. Take it from a professional, they make good stuff. I was pretty impressed by their new Photo Camera Sling Backpack Bag. Let’s find out what makes it so special.
The best bit about this bag for me was that it was customizable. Different adventures call for different sets of devices and Altura understands that well. The padded dividers in the main compartment can be adjusted. This helped me out with sorting my cameras and lenses just the way I wanted to.
As far as accessories go, the top compartment is great for carrying accessories like flashes and other stuff. They even went as far to include zippered interior pockets to store batteries and memory cards. To make the design complete, a tripod holder is also there on the side. How awesome is that?
Compartments and pockets apart, this backpack truly is a complete package that any photographer or filmmaker could possibly need. The backpack didn’t miss out on the comfort features either. The soft, padded cross body straps made sure that my shoulders felt minimal pressure.
From the perspective of “Ease of Access” it seemed pretty well designed. The bag can be easily rotated to the front and to top it off the zippered side openings allow your buddies to access your bag without you having to remove it.
Compatibility is something that should be everyone’s concern. A bag may not be able to house everything you want to put in it. I should tell you that this stylish backpack goes great with DSLR cameras and lenses, mirrorless cameras, DJI Mavic Pro Drone and accessories.
I didn’t even have to worry about the safety of the delicate shooting essentials that I had. There is a dedicated mesh interior so that smaller objects are kept safe.
The larger compartments have padded dividers. So, I could remain totally care free when I went on hikes where my devices demanded a bit of extra protection.
Apart from all the cool features, I have to say that this looks very aesthetically pleasing. As I always say, “Efficiency never goes out of style.”
2. USA Gear Camera Backpack
I personally don’t like my backpacks big and bulky. I mean, the whole point of carrying a bag is to make things more portable. As a fellow photographer, I would definitely recommend the USA Gear Camera Backpack for those who like to keep it casual and easy.
The first impressions I had for this bag was pretty good. It was sturdy and crafted with quality materials. Being low profile definitely did not come at the cost of less durability. The zipper grips were great too and the straps had soft pads beneath them.
Its terms of space, the compartments seemed rather large. I could even put in a full framed DSLR in it while a medium sized lens was still attached. You might not be lucky enough to fit a full body with a grip or a larger zoom such as 70-200mm. But you’ll definitely be able to store multiple lenses separately.
Worried about housing the filters in the backpack? Have a look to the side of the compartment’s flap.
The two soft sleeves with hook and loop fasteners are there for this type of accessories. That’s not all, there are two dedicated zippered exterior pockets small items like memory cards, spare batteries too.
There is another large compartment on the top for food or apparel storage. Inside, there are separate mesh compartments and one of them stores the rain cover. I was able to easily place my tripod in the drawstring pocket at the side.
I didn’t really expect this, but this baby can even house a laptop. I had no issues with my 15-inch mac. But I wouldn’t recommend something larger than that.
The main compartment can also be accessed from the side. All you have to do is move the bag around and open the zipper. My friends could very well take out my gear without taking off the backpack.
I found the straps to be fairly comfortable and they were capable of distributing the weight evenly on my shoulders. It has other carrying features as well. You can pick the one that you are most comfortable with if you are not into the sling style carrying.
This thing is very well crafted from top to bottom, “Literally.” The handle on top is well constructed and will last years. Even the bottom of the bag is waterproof and it kept me from worrying about what kind of surface I’m placing it on.
Good storage options, easy to go by, and well built! What more could you possibly ask for?
3. Case Logic SLRC-205 SLR Camera Sling
Case Logic is quite popular when it comes to tablet and hard drive cases. It so happens that they make good camera bags as well. Some unique features made the bag a perfect fit in my list of best camera sling bags available now. Without further delay, let’s check out what this bag has to offer.
The bag itself is very well constructed. The bag’s exterior is crafted from hard-wearing nylon and that’s something I liked a lot. Even the zips are well built and have an orange thread. This made it a lot easier for me to open and close the compartments at will.
Three strong handles make the bag seem more reliable and easier to pick up. There is practically no way of the handles tearing off or getting torn provided you don’t put in something insanely heavy. The shoulder strap is very well padded and comfortable to use.
There is something I found really interesting. The interior color of the bag is yellow. This is super handy to find the black accessories that just might get too mixed up with the others. Let’s face it almost all the camera equipment we use are inevitably black.
The support straps even have Velcro tabs. This saved me from the annoying tangling that other bags often forget to manage. Now that we have discussed how this is made, let’s get into the storage options I got while using this.
Case Logic uses a unique hammock system to house the camera. The main compartment is made specially to store the camera itself and the lens. The lens can even be inserted through the hole that’s in the strap. These tiny conveniences actually make big differences.
The camera compartment might prove to be small for a few models but you can’t blame the bag for it. It was crafted for SLR cameras to begin with. Still want to store the big boys? Just fold the lid down and you are good to go. This allows the camera to lie on the lens. So, putting the hood on is a good idea.
There is a side compartment which allowed me to store an extra lens. Another body just won’t fit so it will be pointless to try. The bag does not fall short with zipped compartments for memory cards. Case Logic even threw in a pocket for a wallet.
The private pockets are sealed behind Velcro straps. So, there is no actual possibility of theft. Feel secured yet? Well I sure did. One of the straps have a flap that is just awesome for smartphones. But you’ll find it difficult to put in phones that are on the larger side.
A camera bag won’t be complete without a tripod support. This one has a hook-n-loop strap that can carry small carbon fiber tripods with ease.
So, there you have it. A bag that doesn’t only look good but is efficient at the same time.
4. Lowepro Slingshot Edge 250 AW
As far as slingshot bags go, Lowepro provided one of the best there was when they introduced the 100 AW. The Lowepro Slingshot Edge 250 AW is definitely a worthy successor and is perfect for those who are looking for a modest carrying capacity.
This backpack was very popular with female photographers and with good reason. Carrying small camera kits along with additional lenses are a breeze with this one. And the purchase is nevertheless a long-term investment because the bag lasts much longer than other contenders.
May it be hiking, traveling through rocky areas or even climbing high surfaces, this bag will definitely live up to expectations. The shoulder strap is well padded to provide comfort and it does stay in place because of the thinner non padded strap.
The bag’s main compartment faces upwards and can be accessed through a zipper to get into the contents. The side pocket is faced towards the user’s body to ensure safety from theft.
The interior is quite customizable and I could re allocate five adjustable dividers to suit my needs. The dividers are soft on the components as they are padded and also have Velcro anchoring points. Tablet computers can be stored at the top compartment. So, you can do your professional work on the go.
I found a zippered pocket that was great for storing memory cards and manuals. Basically, it’s meant for the easy to lose stuff that you need to use all the time. This bag is very much capable of housing phones, wallets, and even snacks.
The side compartment has a mesh construction and is good for carrying water bottles. There is a dedicated space for apparel even. While using it, the lower compartment can house cameras and lenses like the EF-S 17-85mm lens. I was personally very well off with that.
The rear pocket space was more than adequate to store memory cards, spare batteries and even a small winter coat. From large lenses to small accessories, they seemed to have covered it all.
Comfort that comes with great carrying capacity is the signature quality of the Lowepro Slingshot Edge 250 AW. With a build quality that is hard to meat, this definitely stands out from the crowd with very own stature.
5. AmazonBasics Camera Sling Bag
AmazonBasics has an astounding record of bringing us bags that are of great value. They don’t go easy on the eyes but are light on the shoulders too. Their Camera sling bag is something I would recommend to all my fellow photographers because this bag definitely lived up to the hype.
First of all, the bag itself offered great quality, optimum space and served its purpose where it was supposed to. I have been using the bag for quite some time now and I must say that it made me feel content with my purchase. It’s simple but that doesn’t make it lesser than the others.
The bag is very durable and manufactured to handle heavy loads. The whole thing is reinforced at stress points to make sure no damage is done. I was able to fit my DSLR and three extra lenses in it without any kind of difficulty.
The dedicated compartment on the top is perfect for holding chargers, smartphones and filters. The back rest and shoulder straps are well padded to ensure that no extra pressure is put on the user. It is pretty much obvious by now that comfort has been given high priority.
There are places where I was able to clip on carabiner hooks and specialized straps for tripods. I liked this addition a lot. Innovative features that are effective can really make the whole experience of using a bag improve big time.
The bag can be very well rotated to the front just in case I feel like accessing my lenses on the go. I could take out the camera, tweak the lenses and put it all back in without even having to remove the bag. Cool right? But wait, there’s more!
The bag comes with an attached rain bag that can be put on the bag without any issues. Keeping it safe from adverse weather conditions.
There is something you should know. The bag is designed for users that want to go with moderate carrying capacities. If you are going for some heavy-duty shooting adventures, you might want to consider something else.
6. Lowepro Slingshot 202
You already guessed it, I’m gonna go through yet another Lowepro bag. The brand has caught my attention once again with the Lowepro Slingshot 202. It definitely gained a well-deserved spot on my list of best camera sling bags as it offered quality that was by all means “Impressive.”
When a camera bag excels in comfort it falls short on carrying features or vice versa. But such was not the case with the Slingshot 202 AW. They managed to balance it out and offered something that was actually effective down the line.
I was able to wear it on my torso like a basic messenger bag. It worked great as your everyday backpack as well. However, if you prefer comfort above all else, you might want to keep the torso option at bay. I found extended use to be quite exhausting.
If you get the bag for yourself, the first thing you’ll notice is that the bag is very well thought out. Starting from the zipper quality to the texture of the compartment, it feels premium without a doubt.
The main compartment of the bag can be accessed from the side. This is actually handy if you want to get into your stuff from the front. Four other accessories like lenses and flashes can be stored in the bag apart from the DSLR body itself.
A mesh bag is also included on the left side of the main compartment. It holds a micro fiber cloth that is attached to the interior of the bag. There are two fast release buckles to ensure fast access through the flap as well. This will completely open it up so you can get a hold of all the gear.
You will find features like this all over the bag. Not a single compartment of the bag is poorly designed. They even included a zip pocket for filters or gels just in case you need some place to store the small things. Even the cover is well designed with an elastic band and Velcro to avoid slipping.
It also comes with a weather cover at the bottom of the bag. Every little aspect was well thought of and that’s what makes this bag special.
7. CADeN Camera Bag Sling Backpack Camera Case
Just like all the other efficient camera slingshot bags, this one too offers the features that are mandatory. You get your DSLR camera body space, separate compartment for two more lenses, and even a place to store your tripod. CadeN has provided all that and some unique extras too.
The best part I found about this handy backpack was the texture and construction. It felt really good to touch and use. The high-density Nylon fabric is not only tough but more durable than most. It also comes with a bilateral theft buckle design ensuring the safety of your gear.
Appearances do matter to me when it comes to my backpack and this looks awesome, no doubt. I found the DSLR camera bag to be super stylish and ideal for outdoor hiking. Yes, you can go outdoors with it without any sort of worry about weather adversity. Because this baby comes with a rain cover.
The back of the bag is made of 12mm shockproof mat. Not to mention it is breathable so that airflow does not get blocked in any way. This can even function as a portable hidden pocket. I mean how handy can it get?
The length of both the strap and the waistband are adjustable. I was able to customize it according to my body size. The maximum length of the shoulder strap can go up to 115cm. So even if you are 6.6 feet tall, it’ll fit you just fine.
The zippers are made of CaDeN zinc alloy which is very durable and has no chance of breaking off. It was tested 50 thousand times! Still no problem was found whatsoever. Convinced yet?
The strap that is dedicated for the tripod is built to avoid swaying. Which is of course very much appreciated. Velcro can support some extra straps too without getting on the annoying side. There is a bumper strap on the front of the bag to ensure extra safety.
This one is without a doubt the perfect choice for photographers who like solid materials and spacious compartments. Adventure await those who choose this baby for their photography companion. This is a great buy without a doubt considering the features that come along with it.
8. Qipi Camera Bag
The Qipi Camera Bag offers all the goodness a slingshot bag can possibly offer and more. It has the dimensions of 16.1 x 10.2 x 6.7 inches which was great for me. It is not really on the heavy side. Even while fully packed I had no actual difficulties in carrying it everywhere.
It is really easy to rotate towards the front of the body. This grants full access to all the components of the bag without having to going through removing it all over again. Fast and easy access to the camera is something I appreciate with my bags and I bet you will as well.
The cross-body shoulder strap is padded and can deliver comfort even if the equipment gets heavy. These pads are specially made to relieve the shoulders from pressure and distribute the weight evenly. The exterior of the bag is above average and does not feel cheap at all.
It gets quite clear by the design that the backpack is built with enthusiastic photographers in mind. The compartments are awesome for carrying DSLR or mirrorless cameras and some additional zoom lenses. I was able to put in some extra batteries and flash units too. It had enough space for it all.
The exterior has support for a tripod strap. So, you can move with all the photography equipment you could possibly need. A waterproof rain cover is also included, just in case you need it.
The compartments in the bag are quite customizable. Despite the compact form factor Qipi has given a considerably large interior. It features removable modular inserts that come in really handy. The dividers can be adjusted to the space you will need in storing your gear.
The bag is Nylon made and I found it to be rather sturdy. It could take on rough usage and was able to hold its own even after months. I was rather awed by how durable it turned out to be. This bag is nevertheless built for serious business.
So, if you are a photographer that wants to try out something new and handy. This backpack is definitely worth the time to look into.
9. Peak Design Everyday Sling
We have gone through quite a number of slingshot camera bags by now. But the Peak Design Everyday Sling does prove itself to be a worthy contender amongst the best of them. Great features and a rugged build make it one of my top choices when it comes to serious photography.
I have always been a fan of well-made bags and you can see by just holding it that this bag is clearly made of high-quality materials. I intended to use it for a long period of time. And by all means it certainly did not disappoint.
The organizing features of this bag is astounding. Customization options are almost endless. This one also adopts the FlexFold pocket structure that other Peak bags have. No annoying Velcro pads are included with this one. Which makes customization a lot more interesting.
The “Shelf” or “Cubby” design is something new that Peak offered too. With just the flip of the pockets I was able to shift from regular to full-height dividers. Now this is what I called being genuine in the right way.
It also has some additional pockets that are bound to come in handy. There is a dedicated pocket where I was able to put in 11 an inch tab. Even the front pocket is extendable. I could actually put in a few extra accessories like LED video lights, cellphones, charges, and so on.
The main compartment itself had a zipper pouch with a flap. I got more options to put in tiny stuff as it had 4 separate cubby pockets. In these I could store batteries and memory cards. You know, the tiny things we often tend to lose sight of. I loved this little addition because it really did turn out handy.
“The Quick Adjust” strap is another signature move by Peak. Including this made adjusting the backpack strap super easy and time saving. This feature is effective as it is lovable. It is quite clear by now that convenience is prioritized above all else. The overall design is just superb.
This bag is fully protected from harsh environments. The weatherproof coating and the well-built zippers make it very rugged and resistant to extreme conditions. Even if you plan to go on extreme adventures and travel through exotic places, the Peak Design Everyday Sling will not disappoint.
10. Lowepro Passport Sling III
Yes, I know what you are thinking. Why am I going about yet another Lowepro backpack? Well, that’s because these guys have quite a number of impressive and well-crafted bags. And these come in handy for photographers who want to carry their things right.
The Lowepro Passport Sling III is definitely worth looking into. If you are looking to get yourself the best camera sling bag possible, then this just might actually be convincing. When it comes to style and efficiency along with a solid construction, Lowepro definitely doesn’t fool around.
The bag can easily house a DSLR body even when it is attached to a medium sized lens. It wouldn’t be practical to go with telephoto lenses. This is certainly not meant for heavy duty carrying. But I was able to fit in a maximum of 2-3 lenses in it without any issues.
You can actually fit in yet another body if you want. Space won’t certainly be an issue as the compartments spacious enough to house all that you can possibly need. Suppose you want to put in something extra. You can also carry a tablet, memory card box and anything else you might want.
Don’t get startled because this bag has the dimensions of 16.14 x 5.71 x 17.32 inches. Apart from the size it originally has, it can be extended further. The bag itself can be extended just in case you want to carry more gear.
Just unzip the external zip at the back and you will easily be able to fit in a tripod. It is easy to get overwhelmed by all the things the backpack can handle. Even while the bag was fully loaded, I was able to carry it without any trouble.
This backpack has a removable pouch which gives you a lot of options. Enhanced flexibility is offered with the pouch being removable. You can manage the space for your gear for optimal portability. There’s also a loose pouch in the front that you can use to carry a water bottle that is handy.
The durability of the bag really shows with the material used in making the backpack. Since last year I’ve been using this bag and actually saw firsthand how much abuse this backpack can actually take. No matter the weather condition, it has been able to keep my gear safe and secure.
11. Zecti Medium Camera Bag Case
The Zecti brand has a good track record of producing quality camera bags and this one is no different. The Zecti Medium Camera Bag Case really shows what it can offer the user by how well it is constructed and the features it provides.
Without wasting anymore time let’s dive right into it.
The bag has a solid Dacron material build along with soft processed internal compartments which protect your gear and keep it secure. This bag also focuses on security with the design of its zippers and padded dividers. What this means is that it gives the extra safety to prevent the theft of your gear.
Also, a neat little thing about the structure of the bag is that it used anti-static fabric. This is important as it helps to prevent any possible damage that might happen to internal precision parts.
Due to the unique design of the bag you don’t even need to take the bag off. Access to your gear is very easy as you can just slide the bag from the back to the front. This allows for you to take out your camera for those surprise shots that you would otherwise miss if it took you time to take the camera out.
The given emphasis on simplicity and convenience really shows with its adjustable shoulder straps. It helps with the ease of access to your gear. The hands-free functionality of the bag makes operation faster. Plus, it offers better allocation that saved me from the bulky feeling.
With the convenient exterior pockets and zipper closures I can keep accessories like, power bank, lens cleaning cloth, lens blower and other small items. Keeping all my things at hand was no issue at all. I personally felt blessed that I could avoid a lot of unnecessary hassle of finding my own gear.
On top of all these there are two dedicated front pockets that you can store your SD cards in. These small little things really do matter. Well, until they get lost. Which hopefully won’t happen (unless you forget to put them in the first place.)
All of these tiny little aspects of the bag really made the time I spent using this camera bag case that much enjoyable.
12. MOSISO Camera Sling Bag
Slingshot bags have been a personal preference of mine when it comes to carrying my camera gear. I look for unique bags that offer a sleek design and functions that are meant to impress. If you are someone like me then you might consider looking into MOSISO Camera Sling Bag.
The brand really doesn’t become an issue here as this supports Sony, Nikon, Canon and just about any brand that you can think of. This baby here is particularly designed to store everything a professional photographer might possibly need and more.
If you are worried about safety and protection while you are going on a photographic adventure, then rest assured that MOSISO has got you covered. The interior of the backpack is surrounded by soft foam layers that ensure protection even in shaky circumstances. Not to mention it is also water repellent.
Weather and shock-proofing aside, the backpack makes storing all of my photography gear seem like a total breeze. I was able to sort and allocate things just the way I wanted to. Not only that, but accessing them later on was practically hassle free.
The sling design is perfect for rotation and they offered a strap that I could manage and easily rely on. I found that it was reinforced on the pressure points and was very much adjustable. The length can go up to a maximum of 38.7 inches. I am pretty tall myself but it suited my body structure just fine.
There is a dedicated strap and mesh pocket that enabled me to carry tripods and monopods of various types. Plus, it didn’t move around much either. I felt like I might need some extra lenses with my gear kit and I was surprised to see that there was actually a modular insert for extra space. Cool right?!
There is enough room to store a laptop too. Just in case you want to do some extra editing on the go. They practically got all the important stuff covered and I personally did not find any lacking feature. So, the MOSISO Camera Sling Bag definitely gets two thumbs up from my side.
13. Case Logic DSS-101
Case Logic had to offer yet another backpack that I simply could not overlook. The DSS-101 seemed to have all the right features I needed to store my compact DSLR camera along with other accessories. The bag itself is well designed and shows the essence of great craftsmanship.
Quick and secure access to all my gear was the best part about the whole experience. Perfect accuracy in regards of customer satisfaction is what made this one of the best camera sling bags, at least in my opinion.
Case Logic provided dedicated compartments for just about everything. I could easily put in up to two lenses, flashes, batteries and so much more without thinking of available space. Even the divider walls are adjustable. I could resize and re allocate them just the way I wanted to suit my requirements.
They even took care of the small details. We really can’t store our work without memory cards and these things often tend to get lost amongst all the mess. A dedicated pocket is provided to store them safely.
Apart from professional gear you might just need a place to store some personal stuff. The backpack has ensured that you can keep your small yet valuable belongings in the zippered top compartment. You do carry a wallet, right? You can very well keep it in the interior zipper pocket safely.
When it comes to comfort, they did not overlook the basic issues that matter. The shoulder strap is rather wide and the back panel is thickly padded. I did not get tired even after an hour of constant carrying. It fit me just fine.
The tripod/monopod side adjustment feature came in handy multiple times. My tripod did not move around much even when I was climbing onto high surfaces. To top it off, I found the bag to be very compatible with my body structure. It felt comfortable in just about any sling position.
A weather hood is provided that went just right with the bag. It made me feel very much secure when I went on trips, especially on rainy days.
14. Neewer Camera Sling Backpack
Neewer has produced so many good backpacks that it’s hard not to make a list without mentioning a few of them. This one definitely falls into that list. It was made with both comfort and utility in mind which was integrated in the beautiful design and useful features.
Space never feels like an issue for this backpack. You can easily fit a DSLR with a medium lens attached. It doesn’t end here, you can even put in two speedlights, telephoto lens, and other accessories that you might want. After all these, there will be room to spare for small items like, SD cards, and cables too.
The design of the backpack is stylish yet comfortable. It offers ease of access to your gear at any time without issues. So, you can take it basically anywhere without having to worry too much about appearances or utility.
Neewer brought in a flexible strap that allowed me to bring the backpack to the front and take out what I needed and when I needed it. Convenience was never in the question while I was using this over the last year.
A thing that I really appreciate is versatility and this offers just that. The removable fastening taped cushion inserts provides more room to organize my gear. Above all, it keeps my stuff safe and secure.
While talking about the straps, its important to mention the side buckle strap that helped me to keep my tripod firmly in place. I really appreciate that these features were prioritized when they are overlooked by the rest.
The bag has anti-wear pads placed at the bottom which keeps the bag upright. It might not be a big deal to most but some equipment are a bit more sensitive. So, this is something I really liked for myself.
15. AmazonBasics SLR Camera Sling Backpack
Amazon basics have put their focus on safety of your gear, just as they did with this one. And guess what? Convenience and portability come along with the amazing materials that were used to make this handy little backpack.
I should remind you that this one is specifically designed for SLR cameras. You might have problems with DSLR bodies and other full-size cameras. Putting that aside, I was able to put in my SLR along with two separate lenses without having problems with space.
What concerns me about sling backpacks the most is the material used to build the exterior of the whole thing. The AmazonBasics SLR Camera Sling Backpack has a nylon and polyester based body which is not only rugged but also provides reliability over long terms of use.
Another thing I appreciated about this backpack is the ample space it has inside. Keeping in mind that it has interior dimensions of 7.5" x 5" x 12", they put a lot of thought on utilizing the space properly. The inner orange texture and well-padded dividers make it super easy to find and allocate my gear.
The dividers are adjustable and removable as well. So, I was able to customize and place my photography tools just the way I wanted to. This configurable option was something I found to be quite handy. Plus, the interior is heavily padded so there is minimal chance for damage and scratches.
Apart from the ample storage capacity of the main compartment, there are two additional clear pockets included as well. It is just great to store small accessories like memory cards. This even has a zippered end compartment and an outside mesh pocket. This is ideal for keys, cellphones, flashes, and batteries.
As far as tripod allocation goes, there is a buckled strap just for that. It held my tripod just fine and it was well secured. I mean, you can’t simply go on a photographic venture without a tripod, now can you?
Now let’s talk a bit about utility. Sliding the backpack to the front and accessing all my tools was not a problem at all. I could easily take them out and put them in on my own without even removing the bag.
Just to put the finishing touches, rubber feet were also added at the bottom just in case you feel like placing the bag upright. Want to pick it up and go again? The top handle is there to make things easier even in this regard.
Tips to Choose the Perfect Camera Sling Bag
I have already presented a list of products that I consider to be the best amongst the others. But still if you want to do a bit of searching for yourself, these tips will definitely come in handy for you.
Heavy Bags are a Drag
We technically buy bags to make carrying our things easier. Why would you go for a bag that is heavy on its own? I personally prefer my bags to be constructed of light materials. Nylon constructed bags are usually durable and saves your shoulder from the extra pressure.
But solid construction can get a bit on the heavy side. So, it is probably best to check the weight and material construction both. Then will you be sure enough to make your purchase.
Padded straps and Back Panels Offer Comfort
You might be considering ruggedness over the comfort features. Well, let me tell you this, after carrying your moderately heavy bag for more than two hours, you might really appreciate some padded reinforcements. If the bag is not easy on the pressure that puts on your body, then it really isn’t worth it.
If the straps are padded and the back panel is built with soft material then you won’t feel the extra pressure of your heavy gear. Or at least it will be greatly reduced. Wide shoulder straps distribute the pressure too. So, do look for these in your next purchase.
Sling Features are Appreciated
The whole point of getting a sling backpack is to be able to rotate it up front and access your gear whenever you want. Camera backpacks nowadays do provide multiple strap options. But if you want to get the best out of your bag then make sure the sling straps are included.
Apart from the rotation feature, there are small zipper or flap compartments that make it very much efficient to get into your gear. So, the basic benefit to look for is the “Ease of Access” bit.
Good Organization and Allocation Matters
No matter how spacious the bag is, you need to look into the allocation features. There are bags out there that do the job very well. Removable and adjustable dividers in the main compartment is something I appreciate. It really helps me to keep things organized.
Look for bags that have mesh pouches and zippered pockets that make space for smaller items. Hidden pockets are great, especially if you want your wallets and credit cards secure.
Free Movement is Mandatory
You’ll come across a few bags that are big and bulky. But they surprisingly fit any sort of body structure and don’t wiggle around. If the bag moves when you are on the move, then it simply won’t do. So, it’s a good idea to look for adjustment features too.
Make sure that the straps are not only comfortable but adjustable as well. If you still want a better fit, you might search for some extra waist straps to ensure more stability. To make sure that you are getting the overall utility of a bag, you’ll have to ensure free movement.
My Two Cents at the End
I hope you’ve properly finished this long guide before actually setting out to buy these pieces of merchandise. The compact click team really went all in and poured their heart out in designing this best camera sling bag guide for you. I’m absolutely sure that it’ll be handy when you buy one.
We often think of sling backpacks for travel, casual use, and trekking when considering to buy one of these. Myself excluded. I think the ideal product should suit you and your work. As photographers, our comfort matters when taking a picture. It should be the same when carrying the equipment around.
I prioritized my comfort, the types of camera I use, and the features the products offer when coming up with my list. What did you consider when buying one? How did the purchase turn up for you? Let me know in the “Comments” section. Let’s have a discussion where we put our opinions forward.
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