If you’re an avid photographer looking to venture out with your camera and accompanying equipment, and need to access them comfortably and safely when on location, a camera sling bag is what you need. With so many great options available, buying the best camera sling bag for your needs may seem like a tricky affair, but rest easy because we’ve got the lowdown on what we feel are 5 great camera sling totes with a mix of prices and features. If you want some more options, head on over to our camera bag review with more awesome products lined up.
Overview
PROS
CONS
SPECS
Camera Type
Fits Extra
Closure type
Compartments
Material
Our Top Choice
Lowepro Slingshot 202 DSLR Sling Camera Bag
Lowepro has been designing specialized cases, cameras, bags and backpacks for over 50 years, and will change the way you carry your equipment.
Quick rotation design to allow you easy access to your camera. Fitted with SlipLock attachment loop. Room for DSLR camera along with 3-4 lenses and flashes.
This camera backpack has a fairly large capacity, but may not be comfortable for petite individuals carrying a big lens.
DSLR
AWC, tripod, monopod, lenses
Easy glide zippers, Velcro
2 large compartments
600D Polyester and 1680D Nylon
Best Value
Case Logic DCB-308 SLR Camera Sling
Founded by Jamie Temple in 1984, Case Logic based in Malmo, Sweden is one of the market leaders when it comes to cases and bags of all different styles, sizes and shapes.
Can accommodate an SLR camera with zoom lens attached and drones that measure up to 200mm x 200mm x 120mm and accessories. Polyester material. Hammock and divider system.
Tripod storage side pocket could be a little larger.
SLR, DSLR (vertically)
AWC, tripod, lenses, drone
Zippers with mesh pockets
Upper and bottom storage areas
Polyester
Thule Legend GoPro Sling Bag
The Thule brand from Malmo, Sweden has been providing top notch storage solutions for families and outdoor enthusiasts since 1942.
Holds 2 GoPro cameras, extra batteries, LCD Touch BacPac, SD cards and a remote control. Detachable die-cut foam pad for easy cleaning. Dedicated storage for chargers, etc.
Blue camera compartments lack rich padding.
GoPro
Remote, batteries, SD cards
Zipper and nylex-lined pocket
2 compartments
Nylon, detachable foam pad
Vivitar Photo/SLR Sling Backpack
Starting out as Ponder and Best, Vivitar played a key role in introducing several leading brands to the American market including Kobena and Mamiya/Sekor.
Designed to fit compact SLR cameras. Fitted with left and right straps. Several storage compartments. Extremely lightweight, making it great for those on the go.
Although this is a well-made bag, the side stitching may come undone after regular use, which is an easy fix.
Compact SLR
Media cards, batteries, pens
Zippered and mesh
2 compartments
Oxford fabric 600D polyester
USA Gear QTL Top Loading Camera Case
USA Gear uses high-quality materials to manufacture multi-use products that protect your devices while on the go. Whether that’s your camera, laptop or tablet, they’ve got your covered.
Access your gear via the top. Fitted with a weather resistant base to protect against harsh elements. Can be ordered in a choice of 5 different colors. Several storage options.
May not be a good fit for cameras with non-removable lenses.
You’re heading out on a much deserved fishing trip, and are all set to capture the best of your fishing action with a digital camera or top of the line DSLR camera! You’ve even packed accessories such as camera lenses, memory cards and batteries in case you run out of juice. But quick question—are they well organized, or stuffed in a backpack? Without easy access to them, you risk the chance of not only damaging your camera and lenses by fumbling around with the gear, but you’re more likely than not to miss a few priceless captures. Camera sling bags allow you to put your gear in dedicated slots, and get to them without even taking the bag off your shoulders. Read on to learn what to look for in the best camera sling bag.
Price
Many of us splurge on the best equipment and accessories, but try to scrimp and save on essential peripherals. It might do you well to think twice about buying a cheap camera sling bag, though, because a cheap bag often means buying twice, and spending more cash on new equipment since the bag damaged your gear. When determining how much you should pay for a camera bag, rewind a bit and think about how much you forked out for that high quality DSLR. Quite a bit right! So pay a few bucks more for a bag that will protect your investment for years to come, rather than one that will probably disappoint you at the most opportune moment.
When on the shopping trail, you will find that some bags are more expensive than others, and that’s because they use superior quality materials and components to offer your gear the best protection there is such as well-padded dividers and reinforced exterior walls. To give you a rough idea, expect to pay between $50 to upwards of $200 for a camera sling bag that not only fits your camera, but also your GoPro and their accessories, is a joy to carry, durable and above all offers unmatched protection for your equipment.
Features
Buying a camera sling bag is not as easy as it seems, because there are several factors to consider such as build quality and whether it can fit your camera and all the accessories that you’re going to carry along.
Here are the important aspects to take into account when shopping for a camera sling bag.
Type of Bag –the bag you buy should be able to fit your camera perfectly, and also the other gear you will be hauling around such as a tablet, laptop, batteries, etc.
Material –the most common materials to choose from are nylon and polyester
Waterproof –if you’re mostly going to be shooting in the great outdoors, buy a camera sling bag with an all-weather cover to further protect your gear against harsh elements
Comfortable Strap –camera sling bags are appointed with a single strap, but ensure it is nicely padded especially if you’re going to be carrying it across longer periods
Interior Padding –high quality camera sling bags offer padding in the inside to prevent your equipment from clashing against each other
Compartments/Capacity –these bags are generally divided into upper and lower compartments, where you can store memory cards and personal items up top and camera and electronics below
Zippered vs. Velcro –high quality camera sling bags feature both; zippered closures are usually found on the exterior and Velcro on the interior for the small compartments
Easy Access Design –one of the noteworthy features of a camera sling bag is that it provides you with easy access to the things inside without having to take it off your shoulder, aka quick rotation design
External Accessory Attachment –this feature is handy if you’re going to be attaching your camera or other accessories to the outside of the bag
Warranty –many camera sling bag manufacturers offers some level of warranty against factory defects
Construction and Design
The best camera bags can be made from a variety of materials including nylon, polyester and natural fibers, where the latter are generally more water resistant, lighter and deliver a better performance. Further, the more padded a camera sling bag, the better it is for your shoulder health and your camera. On the downside, a heavily padded bag will be even heavier when wet, but some bags have an integrated all weather cover to shield it for harmful outdoor elements.
If you have a whole lot of gear, especially things that can get lost in the crowd, look for a camera storage bag that has several compartments that can accommodate them individually. Shoulder straps and seams are generally susceptible to more wear and tear than other parts of the bag, so with that in mind look for camera sling bags with wide straps that are connected with metal fixtures or are double stitched to the bag.
Performance and Ease of Use
In terms of performance, the main goal of a camera sling bag is to secure what’s inside and prevent it from damage. On that note, the inner compartments and smaller pouches should fasten securely with heavy duty zippers, magnetic flaps, Velcro or buckles. There are several camera bags that can accommodate your DSLR camera with extra lenses as well as your 17-inch laptop, but look for models that don’t appear bulky after they do so. You want the respective camera sling bag to pack a whole bunch of stuff in the most secure way, but not be a burden on your trips.
Maintaining a camera sling bag must be done regularly to get rid of the dust accumulated after each adventure. Follow the manufacture cleaning instructions, but generally you can use a damp, soft cloth and wipe the bag thoroughly—without the equipment in it, of course!
What is the Best Camera Sling Bag?
With camera sling bags, there’s truly no one size fits all design. The type of bag you need could even vary across shoots, meaning you may need to carry a GoPro camera sling bag when bungee jumping, but a DSLR camera sling bag when capturing precious moments at a wedding. Now that you’ve read our camera sling bag buying guide, you should be able to easily pick the best one for your photographic purpose from our top 5 options, so let’s get right to them!
Our Top Choice
The Lowepro Slingshot 202 DSLR Sling Camera Bag is fitted with one strap that runs from top to bottom and is designed to be worn as a backpack. However, if you’re looking for a messenger bag-style camera tote, the Lowepro Nova 180 AW DSLR Camera Shoulder Bag is worth checking out. It has an adjustable and removable shoulder strap and can be ordered in 3 colors—chestnut brown, ultramarine blue and black.
Lowepro Slingshot 202 DSLR Sling Camera Bag with Discreet Tripod Mount & Weather Protection Cover
Lowepro Camera Sling Bag LP36173
Features
Founded over 5 decades ago, Lowepro is an esteemed manufacturer of a wide range of camera bags, cases and backpacks, and has garnered a surge of appeal for its unique designs coupled with quality you can trust. Started by Greg Lowe, an avid photographer, mountaineer and garage-filmmaker, the company has come a long way since its inception and boasts a massive portfolio of products that includes camera bags, activity bags and even drone and quadcopter bags.
The Lowepro Slingshot 202AW camera bag is truly in a class of its own, owing to its rich set of features at the right price. For starters, it is designed to accommodate your DSLR camera with 1 lens attached, and a small tripod or monopod, 3-4 extra lenses or flashes, 2 discreet memory card pockets and to still have room for other accessories.
Further, it is fitted with a single, plush padded shoulder strap, and features a quick rotation design that allows you to access the contents of the bag while it’s still on your shoulder. It measures 10 x 9.8 x 17.7 inches and tips the scales at just 2lbs (when empty), and is integrated with a hidden all weather cover to protect your camera, devices and accessories form inclement weather.
The Case Logic DCB-308 SLR Camera Sling (Black) has room for your SLR camera, a drone and several other accessories, but not a laptop. If you need to haul around your 16” laptop or 17” MacBook Pro along with your camera and accessories, the Case Logic SLRC-206 SLR Backpack could be ideal. It rests on a waterproof EVA base to withstand harsh elements.
Case Logic DCB-308 SLR Black Camera Sling for DJI Mavic Pro with Hammock and Divider System
Case Logic Camera Sling Bag DCB-308
Features
Case Logic set up shop way back in 1984, and today has transformed into possibly the biggest designer and manufacturer of all types of bags and cases, and for a variety of equipment. It all started at founder Jamie Temple’s Colorado ski trip when he created two storage cases to protect his audiocassettes aka the CL 15. Based in Malmo, Sweden, the company employs an astounding 2000 people worldwide across 50+ production and sales locations across the globe.
The Case Logic DCB-308 SLR Camera Sling is crafted of high quality polyester, and allows you to gain access to your gear by simply swinging the bag to the front. It is designed to accommodate a variety of equipment and accessories including your DSLR with grip attached (stored vertically) or SLR with lens attached and a drone such as the DJI Mavic Pro. It features a two-part divider system, where the bottom half is reserved for your photo equipment and top for personal items such as a jacket, sunglasses or a quick snack.
Memory cards can be safely stored in the internal zippered pocket of the lid, and more gear can be stored in the large zipped pocket located at the front of the sling. It is a joy to carry even across long periods with its padded, adjustable strap or top carry handle to get it out of the trunk of your car.
The Thule Legend GoPro Sling showcases a great design, and can accommodate 2 GoPro cameras and several accessories. However, if you’re going to be venturing out with your DSLR camera and laptop, the Thule Covert DSLR Backpack is worth a second look. It offers storage for a DSLR body with lens attached, your 15" MacBook Pro, an iPad and customizable storage areas for 2 lenses and a flash.
Thule Legend GoPro Sling for 2 GoPro Cameras, Remote Control, LCD Touch BacPac, Extra Batteries and SD cards
Thule Camera Sling Bag – Legend GoPro
Features
Conceived in 1942 in Malmo, Sweden, Thule is a leading name in the storage solutions space. The company is powered by an international group of people, and is dedicated to helping families and outdoor enthusiasts alike. Noteworthy products from the Thule lineup include roof bike racks, car racks, hitch cargo carriers, bike trailers, child bike seats, ski racks, ski boxes, carry-on luggage, and laptop and drone backpacks.
The Thule Legend GoPro Sling is possibly the best way to neatly and safely organize two GoPro HERO cameras along with a wide range of accessories. It is crafted from nylon and boasts a lightweight, smart design that is complete with a detachable die-cut foam pad for easy cleanup, padded compartments and zippered pockets. Further, it features a dedicated pocket to store cables, chargers and strap mounts, and a compartment at the front for mounts and personal gear.
The Vivitar DKS-12 Photo/SLR Sling Backpack, Black offers multiple storage pockets, but is designed to accommodate compact SLR cameras. If you’re going to be out and about with your DSLR camera, you should really be looking at the Vivitar Camera Backpack Bag for DSLR Camera. It is designed to hold a DSLR camera with standard zoom lens.
Vivitar DKS-12 Black Photo/SLR Sling Backpack for Compact SLR Cameras with 2 Sling Straps
Vivitar Camera Sling Bag VIV-DKS-12
Features
Founded in 1938, the creators of Vivitar, Ponder and Best, made a company renowned for bringing several highly reputed brands to the American marketplace, including Mamiya/Sekor and Kobena. Vivitar was conceived in 1960 with the goal of competing against major designers, and today boasts an expansive range of products that includes cameras, drones, dash cams, selfie sticks, cables, speakers, headphones, wall mounts, microscopes and binoculars.
The Vivitar DKS-12 sling backpack features a unique design in that it has sling straps on both the right and left sides, allowing you to wear it as a traditional backpack or a shoulder bag. Made from Oxford fabric 600D polyester and backed by a manufacturer 1-year warranty, this sling bag is basically divided in two, where the top can be used for smaller, personal items and the lower to store your gear within the foam padded slots, including your compact SLR camera.
In addition, there’s also an internal padded tablet compartment and a mesh compartment to store your accessories such as media cards, batteries, pens, cleaning cloths and even business cloths. You will have no problem carrying your tripod with this fully functional camera sling bag owing to the connecting straps that will hold it securely.
The USA Gear Portable DSLR Camera Case Bag is designed to fit several different models of DSLR cameras including the Canon EOS T5 and Nikon D3300 and several other essentials, excluding a laptop. If you do need to haul your laptop around along with your camera and accessories, the USA Gear Digital SLR Camera Backpack is an ideal choice. It features a dedicated padded compartment for your laptop and an impressive 8 accessory pockets.
USA Gear Q Series Top Loading DSLR Camera Case with Shoulder Sling & Weather Resistant Bottom – Available in 5 Colors
USA Gear Camera Sling Bag QTL - Southwest
Features
USA Gear is a brand distributed by Accessory Power, who have been supplying consumer electronics for over 30 years. USA Gear specializes in manufacturing products that protect your electronic devices while you’re on the go. If you are an active person, whether it’s rock climbing or travelling, you know how important it is to keep your devices safe, and so does USA Gear. Their products, which range from camera bags to laptop sleeves, are all made with high-quality fabric.
The USA Gear Portable DSLR Camera Case Bag can be ordered in a choice of 5 exciting color variants: polka dot, floral, southwest, striped and black. Its top loading compartment is designed to fit a wide range of DSLR camera models, including the Canon EOS T5, the Nikon D3300, and several accessories in other smaller, dedicated compartments. Further, it is appointed with 2 netted pockets on the side to store chargers, cables, memory cards and other photo essentials.
With regards to comfort and durability, the USA Gear camera sling bag not only boasts a rugged construction, but is embedded with a scratch proof internal lining to protect your camera LCD and lens, and offers three different carrying options—padded hand strap, belt loop and adjustable shoulder strap. If you’re looking for a camera sling bag that’s as unique as you are and one that is backed by an industry leading 3-year warranty, the USA Gear Portable DSLR Camera Case Bag will not disappoint.
Camera sling bags are designed to be comfortable while also protecting your camera gear, and now that you know what to look for in the best ones, buy with the confidence knowing that we only list the cream of the crop.
