Rucksack camera bags are popular for many reasons including comfort, security and their ability to disguise themselves as everyday baggage that doesn't have a cargo of expensive photographic equipment. Comparing to the more traditional shoulder bag, the rucksack still lags far behind when it comes to allow the wearer quick access to the equipment inside the bag. With a Lowepro Slingshot 300 AW or one of its siblings however, it's a completely different story The SlingShot 300 AW is the largest of the SlingShot family and it's probably just as well because it's not a small bag by any means. Able to carry a 'professional' camera body (or a camera body with a grip) as well 3 to 4 lenses, accessories and other non-photographic kit, the 300 model is probably the most capacious bag you'd want to carry with a single shoulder strap. Saying that, I've seen some more traditional shoulder sling bags (think Billingham) that are probably just as sizeable.
Some of the features of the bag include Interior Dimensions Inner Dimensions: 11.8W x 11.8H in 30 x 30 cm Separate compartment for accessories or non-photographic paraphernalia Single padded shoulder strap and a padded waist belt Built-in rain hood SlipLock loops for add-ons
Small compartment on front of the bag for accessories Built-in memory card pouches Now, there are plenty of bags that can carry just as much as the SlingShot 300, but the main advantage of this bag is the way in which it can be swung from the wearer's back, under the left arm and then sit just under chest level. With the side access panel then facing up at the wearer, there's no longer any need to take the bag off before getting access to your equipment. From this position, the bag also serves as a support platform to rest elbows on.
Having a side access panel as opposed to the more traditional front opening, I feel, makes it more difficult for someone to remove the contents from the rucksack without the wearers knowledge. With potentially thousands of pounds worth of equipment, my preference is to keep it in sight or at least feel confident about where it should be and for me this is a great feature that offers such reassurance. The contemporary singled shoulder strap design also helps to make the bag look less like a camera bag and therefore is less likely to attract unwanted attention. There are two clips on the front of the bag that, when fastened, restrict how far the side panel can open. As well as being an additional security feature, these help prevent your equipment from spilling out onto the floor should you be in a hurry and over enthusiastically unzip the panel.
Some of the features of the bag include Interior Dimensions Inner Dimensions: 11.8W x 11.8H in 30 x 30 cm Separate compartment for accessories or non-photographic paraphernalia Single padded shoulder strap and a padded waist belt Built-in rain hood SlipLock loops for add-onsSmall compartment on front of the bag for accessories Built-in memory card pouches Now, there are plenty of bags that can carry just as much as the SlingShot 300, but the main advantage of this bag is the way in which it can be swung from the wearer's back, under the left arm and then sit just under chest level. With the side access panel then facing up at the wearer, there's no longer any need to take the bag off before getting access to your equipment. From this position, the bag also serves as a support platform to rest elbows on.
Having a side access panel as opposed to the more traditional front opening, I feel, makes it more difficult for someone to remove the contents from the rucksack without the wearers knowledge. With potentially thousands of pounds worth of equipment, my preference is to keep it in sight or at least feel confident about where it should be and for me this is a great feature that offers such reassurance. The contemporary singled shoulder strap design also helps to make the bag look less like a camera bag and therefore is less likely to attract unwanted attention. There are two clips on the front of the bag that, when fastened, restrict how far the side panel can open. As well as being an additional security feature, these help prevent your equipment from spilling out onto the floor should you be in a hurry and over enthusiastically unzip the panel.
