Lowepro Photo Sport Sling 100 AW
Slim, compact and easy are three words to describe this pack. I've been photographing nature and the great outdoors for a few years now and this is my first actual protective camera bag. I could just never find exactly what I wanted in a camera pack that doubles as a good day pack. This bag works great for short, fast and light photography focused day hikes. I am able to carry one DSLR body with 18-55mm lens attached as well as an extra 70-300mm lens in the protected side pocket. The "Ultra-Cinch Camera Chamber" provides secure protection from bouncing that could occur from mountain biking, skiing or trail running.
The top compartment is great for personal items and its 9 liters of volume allow you to store quite a few items. However, I did find it hard to retrieve any items that were too small to sit above the camera storage, they found a way to slide to the bottom of the pack. Inside the top compartment is also a small zip storage area, great for extra batteries, SD cards and the like.
A cinch around the inner compartment keeps items safe as well as a clip on the top lid that connects to a front panel. The top lid also comes with a small zippered compartment where I keep items like snacks, sun block, cell phone and keys. The front panel is wide enough to fit an iPad, guide book or other slim item in. On the opposite side of the camera pocket is a stretchy water bottle holder that fits a Nalgene well.
A small tripod would also fit there, as there is a strap to tighten and hold in the contents of the pocket. Trekking poles or a larger tripod can find a happy home on the front of the pack utilizing the top cinches and bottom loops. The bottom of the pack features two cinch strap clips that can store a jacket or a small tripod.
It's ultra-lightweight so besides heavy camera equipment, you'd never know it was there! The over-the-shoulder sling function of the pack works great, with just one quick un-clip, the camera pocket slides down around your chest area for easy access while still attached safely to your body. A second clip comes from under the left arm to balance out the weight if needed. Using the pack as support, you can easily steady yourself for quick photos on the go.
Cinched, tightened and strapped down enough, I found it quite easy to take this pack with me trail running and mountain biking with minimal bouncing. Its a great, lightweight pack for you DSLR users out there that want to protect your gear and still enjoy a light and easy to use day pack!
Adventure On!
~MtnMama
