Sling backpack, are they good

[MFstooges]

Does anybody have good experience with sling type backpack camera bag? I like the idea that you have one less loop to undo vs real backpack but I fail to understand why when it's fully loaded the bag will not sag and morph into shoulder bag.

 

[Pieter12]

I have a Lowepro Slingshot 200 bag. I don't think they make that one anymore, can't speak for other makes or models. It is quite rigid and won't change shape fully loaded. The nice part is you can slide the bag around and access you gear without removing the pack. But I'm a bit of a bag nerd. I have way too many, different types. I end up preferring the traditional shoulder bag when I can use it--not for hiking but great for grabbing the bag out of the car and hitting the street.

 

[MattKing]

For small kits - yes.

 

[cerber0s]

I have a Lowepro Slingshot 200 bag. I don't think they make that one anymore, can't speak for other makes or models. It is quite rigid and won't change shape fully loaded. The nice part is you can slide the bag around and access you gear without removing the pack. But I'm a bit of a bag nerd. I have way too many, different types. I end up preferring the traditional shoulder bag when I can use it--not for hiking but great for grabbing the bag out of the car and hitting the street.

This ^^^

I used to have the Slingshot 100 and once went on a three day trip to Greece with only the slingshot 100. That little bag held my Nikon D50, as well as clothes and necessities. I was young then!

 

[MFstooges]

I have a Lowepro Slingshot 200 bag. I don't think they make that one anymore, can't speak for other makes or models. It is quite rigid and won't change shape fully loaded. The nice part is you can slide the bag around and access you gear without removing the pack. But I'm a bit of a bag nerd. I have way too many, different types. I end up preferring the traditional shoulder bag when I can use it--not for hiking but great for grabbing the bag out of the car and hitting the street.

The ability to slide the bag around is nice but if it does that by itself I'd rather have one that stays on the back.

For small kits - yes.

I assume where the friction between straps and shoulder is more than the weight of the bag+kit so the bag can stay in postion?

 

[Pieter12]

The ability to slide the bag around is nice but if it does that by itself I'd rather have one that stays on the back.


I assume where the friction between straps and shoulder is more than the weight of the bag+kit so the bag can stay in postion?

There is a strap that holds everything in place when necessary. The 200 is large enough for a Pro DSLR with a 24-70 AF zoom mounte, plus space for a couple more lenses, a strobe, batteries, filters, a small snack and some Advil. Can get heavy.
Here's a photo (not mine):

 

[cerber0s]

The ability to slide the bag around is nice but if it does that by itself I'd rather have one that stays on the back.

They usually come with a second diagonal strap with a snap lock. The second diagonal strap comes around your body and hooks into the carrying strap to hold the bag firmly in place.. They are very effective at that, even with some fairly advanced acrobatics, but easy and fast to unbuckle when you want to swing the bag it around.

 

[MFstooges]

Oh that's too big. I just need something to fit 35mm/DSLR with lens, couple film rolls and maybe one extra lens or small bottle of water for short hike or city walk.

 

[MFstooges]

They usually come with a second diagonal strap with a snap lock. The second diagonal strap comes around your body and hooks into the carrying strap to hold the bag firmly in place.. They are very effective at that, even with some fairly advanced acrobatics, but easy and fast to unbuckle when you want to swing the bag it around.

Cool. Are there designs with half hard shell?

 

[Pieter12]

Oh that's too big. I just need something to fit 35mm/DSLR with lens, couple film rolls and maybe one extra lens or small bottle of water for short hike or city walk.

The one I showed is a medium size. Smaller ones are available. A trip to a camera store should be in order,.

 

[MattKing]

The ability to slide the bag around is nice but if it does that by itself I'd rather have one that stays on the back.


I assume where the friction between straps and shoulder is more than the weight of the bag+kit so the bag can stays in postion?

Small cameras and kit fit well in smaller sling bags.
The smaller sling bags are more comfortable and effective.

 

[DWThomas]

Think Tank has their "Turnstyle" series in three sizes: 5, 10, 15. I have a 10, it is quite well made and will hold a TLR, filters, meter and film. I've also used it with the TLR and a bit-zapping point and shoot. Working out of it "in the field" never seems quite as intuitive and comfortable as I would like, haven't figured out whether that's a matter of it or me! My photo excursions tend to bounce between different cameras and bags often enough that I perhaps don't develop proper habits.

The aforementioned series also have a padded slip pocket inside for a small tablet, but the 10 is a smidge too small for my ancient and not all that large iPad Air 2, and the 15 is larger than I would want for the rest of my requirements. All three have a separate zip pocket on the front that can hold some accessories or film or ... (It's good if you have access to a brick and mortar supplier where you could experiment a little when buying bags.)

Edit: They are apparently now up to a Version 2 which comes as a 5, 10, and 20 (don't know if I'm wrong about the 15 above or it's a version difference. I'm guessing the numbers are vaguely related to capacity in liters but wouldn't want to bet anyone's life on that).

 

[Willy T]

I have the newer Lowepro Slingshot Edge 250. It feels ... big, but not unwieldy; is very well-padded and protective of gear.

If you're used to traditional camera backpacks, the fit and drape takes some getting used to.

The main compartment takes a mirrorless with larger lens, extra lenses, hoods, etc., and is more commodious than it looks.

I have had a second small mirrorless in the upper (laptop) compartment and have carried point-and-shoots and flashes in there. Padding is not as robust as the main compartment, and I wrap delicate gear carried there in small Tenba velcro "wraps."

There is no lack of space for smaller ancillary kit. Haven't tried carrying a tripod in the compression straps, nor a water bottle in the mesh pouch, but my thought is that the whole may feel "unbalanced" at one side if that much weight were carried. Maybe the designed load capability is a little contrary to the portability-easy comfort spirit of a sling bag

The crossbody strap works - one might wish it were a bit wider - but it is fiddly to retrieve and stow away.

Extracting gear while wearing the sling took me practice to achieve, ah, unfumbly grace and surety of movement, but ya can't go by me. Not yet sure that it's any more efficient than a smaller traditional two-strap pack. Time will tell.

Definitely the kind of thing that takes an in-store "try-on" - the idea is appealing but it proved (to me) a totally different feel in use that you may or may not like.

 

[cerber0s]

Cool. Are there designs with half hard shell?

With pretty rigid padding but still soft. It protects the gear and doesn’t collapse on itself.

 

[MTGseattle]

Wandrd gear "Rogue" series or X1 crossbody. I haven't handled either in person, but both seem to be well regarded.

Slings & Hip Packs

We create versatile and stylish carrying solutions for photography, travel, and everyday use.

www.wandrd.com

Tenba seems to have 1 "sling-bag."

Axis v2 4L Sling Bag - Black

Tenba’s tactical Axis bags were inspired by the ultra-durable bags we’ve made for the military throughout our 40+ year history. The 4L sliing bag will fit a mirrorless or DSLR camera with 1-2 lenses (up to 24-70mm 2.8), and it can be instantly converted from sling bag to a waist pack. MOLLE...

tenba.com

I've had one of these for at least 10 years now (older version, still called Apache) I wear it "cross-body" style. Mamiya 6mf, a couple of filters, 1 extra lens, some film, notebook, tablet and has an elastic side pocket that can hold a water bottle. It also handles my Canon dslr and 2 lenses just fine as well (not while also carrying the Mamiya).

Apache 4.2

Modernized Legacy Overview Features Specifications What Fits Our best-selling Apache collection of shoulder bags pay homage to their legacy with a waxed canvas exterior, modernized with today’s material and construction methods. Designed to carry a DSLR or mirrorless body, multiple lenses...

www.tamrac.com

Bags are a rabbit hole for sure. Some do exactly what is asked of them with no issues, while others have awkward access, poor fit, poor materials, odd organization, etc, etc.

 

[Ivo Stunga]

I kinda liked my lowepro 120 sling years back and it's really OK for small gear. Now I have backpack with the same quick access from the side and some more lenses and it feels better for longer distances/hiking, but worse for quick access and ease of use in the field.
Lowepro 120 AW was neat: all from shoulder, bag hanging in front of me and providing full access/shelf. Overall - I liked it and it served me decent amount of years dragged through URBEX dust, rust, squeezing in's and out's without loosing its shape! The belly strap stopped it even moving around the back.

 

[Pieter12]

Cool. Are there designs with half hard shell?

That does not sound comfortable.

 

[MFstooges]

I went to the local shop and they only have 2 sling bags. I also noticed ALL of the bags have cushions that are about 10 mm thick or less. What's going on here? Do they really think it will protect the gears when they bump on each other in a fall?

 

[Pieter12]

I went to the local shop and they only have 2 sling bags. I also noticed ALL of the bags have cushions that are about 10 mm thick or less. What's going on here? Do they really think it will protect the gears when they bump on each other in a fall?

That is pretty much true for all case dividers except custom foam ones. I have never dropped a camera bag and never had any damage from gear moving around in a divided carrier. Keep the fit snug if you are concerned.

 

[MFstooges]

That is pretty much true for all case dividers except custom foam ones. I have never dropped a camera bag and never had any damage from gear moving around in a divided carrier. Keep the fit snug if you are concerned.

My old tamrac has pretty thick dividers. It's banged up on the outside but it's very good quality inside. I may just order that same brand online and return it if I don't like.

 

[Steven Lee]

Does anybody have good experience with sling type backpack camera bag? I like the idea that you have one less loop to undo vs real backpack but I fail to understand why when it's fully loaded the bag will not sag and morph into shoulder bag.

It does. You have to support it with your other hand otherwise it will slide forward and morph into a shoulder bag. Also, at least the two I had, were designed to always be worn on one side. This is not good for your spine if you wear one often.