LowePro sent me a SlingShot 302 AW camera bag to review on Digital Photography School, where I post regularly. Before I get the full review up there, I wanted to record my quick first impressions after taking the bag on two miles of a four mile beach hike. I know I talk a bit fast in this video, I’ll work on it. Honestly, I was a trite bit worried that the incoming tide was going to block the easy path back to my car.
First Impression: LowePro SlingShot 302 AW Camera Bag from Peter West Carey on Vimeo.
Hi Peter, I got that very bag about 3 months ago. I think you’ll find the more you use it the more you’ll fall in love with it. You’re right, the first couple of times out on a decent hike it does feel a little ‘new’ as the body adjusts, but after that you hardly know you’re wearing it. You can also wear it comfortably with your camera slung around your neck on a strap and still get into the bag if you need to change lenses, get to a lens cloth, or simply to get your wooly hat or a bottle of juice out of the top compartment. That top compartment will take your lunch, a drink, a wooly hat and a pair of gloves and that makes day hikes with your gear so much more comfortable and enjoyable in that you often don’t need to carry anything else. Another good point is that if you’re carrying a heavy lens like the 70-200mm f/2.8 around your neck and you get tired you can whack the camera and lens comfortably into the bag if you turn the lens hood around, which is also extremely handy if you’re climbing hills and need your hands free but need to have the camera handy in case anything grabs you. Thanks for the review and I’ll look forward to seeing the print version. Have a great week, George.