Best Camera Sling Bags of 2021
- Hideaway rain fly
- Double buckle strap for a more precise fit
- Collapsible interior dividers
- Front access organizer
- Adjustable load straps
- Water-resistant genuine Cordura® exterior with Antimicrobial technology
- An updated, more comfortable strap
- A larger main opening with dual zip pulls for easier access
- UltraZip external zippers, which are much more durable
- A new Cord Hook external carry strap system
- New outer fabric that is 100 percent recycled and Bluesign certified
A camera sling bag is a camera sling bag, right?
I mean, there can’t possibly be a big difference from one camera sling bag to the next…
Or is there?
While there are plenty of choices out there, some camera sling bags are definitely of higher quality, more functional, and more comfortable to carry than others. In the list below, I offer five of the very best examples to help you shop for a bag that will be a pleasure to use for years to come.
Let’s get started!
HEX Brand Ranger Sling V2
I've been using these bags for three years, and they never disappoint.
These are perfect for day trips or days you want to go lean. I can easily fit my Canon EOS R5 with an RF 15-35mm lens and my RF 70-200mm lens in addition to a Rode VideoMic, filters, and spare batteries.
I can even use the bottom straps to hold my Peak Design Travel Tripod!
In addition to having a sneaky amount of storage space, this bag is super comfortable to carry. Part of that is the design of the shoulder strap, which has excellent padding to keep shoulder pain at bay.
Another comfort factor is that the bag hugs your body. As you move, it moves with you rather than banging around against your body like some sling bags. It’s a great design feature and one that you will appreciate as your day out shooting gets longer and longer.
Of course, this bag is also beautifully made. I’m a bit of a snob when it comes to the way bags are constructed, and HEX gets top marks for making a bag that’s really well put together. Not only does the quality of construction mean that the bag will be a durable companion for years to come, but it also means that this bag looks like a million bucks!
Looks aren’t the main thing to look for in a bag, but this bag certainly looks awesome!
Here’s a quick list of some of the other features this bag offers:
This is the second year HEX Brand takes the number one spot, and they earned it. This year they added a blackout version of this bag and I have to say, it has a swanky design to it, yet still has that urban charm that makes it look incredibly cool.
Learn more about the HEX Brand Ranger Sling V2
Peak Design 10L Everyday Sling Bag
Ask a group of photographers what sling bag they use, and chances are good that at least a couple of them will say Peak Design Everyday Sling.
I had this bag long before my HEX Ranger came along. It was my go-to bag for years and years.
And while HEX has overtaken it as my primary bag, the Peak Design Everyday Sling is still a fantastic bag.
Not only is it beautifully designed, but it’s built like a tank. It has weatherproof 400D nylon canvas on the outside that keeps your gear dry. It’s also a durable material that will stand up to years and years of use.
From a functionality standpoint, this bag has a wide-mount opening on top so you can easily grab needed gear. It also has loads of pockets for things like memory cards, batteries, and car keys to keep them organized and out of the way. There’s also an exterior pocket that’s expandable for larger items like a flash.
Like the HEX Ranger, this bag has an external carry system so you can lash your tripod to the bag for easier carrying.
Inside, the Peak Design Everyday sling has FlexFold dividers that can be changed into various shapes. This enables you to customize the storage compartment to fit your precise needs. Make walls, cubbies, and pass throughs to accommodate your specific gear.
Now, I have the original Peak Design Everyday Sling, but the new V2 version is out and is even better than before. Updates include:
So whether you opt for the original version like I have or this new-and-improved one, you’ll get a bag that ticks all the boxes for one of the best camera sling bags of 2021!
Learn more about the Peak Design 10L Everyday Sling Bag
Moment 6L Rugged Camera Sling
If you’re looking for a smaller sling bag, the 6-liter Rugged Camera Sling from Moment is a great choice.
Obviously, this bag is well designed with a pleasing aesthetic. You can get the back in black, olive, and my personal favorite, Fujifilm Black. But, again, looks aren’t everything...
This bag was designed to be highly durable. Moment used bomber materials to protect the outside while copious amounts of padding protect your gear on the inside.
The bag has a ton of pockets and customizable dividers so you can keep all your gear safe and organized. The modular nature of the dividers gives you all the flexibility you need to adapt the bag to different gear.
From a comfort standpoint, the Rugged Camera Sling has a Stability Strap that keeps the bag tight to your body. This means the bag hugs you - just like the HEX Ranger - as you stand, sit, kneel, and shoot.
Add in a large top opening, a waterproof NPX body material, a padded wingback panel, and an articulated shoulder strap, and you have the makings of one of the best camera slings of 2021! There’s even a lifetime warranty to give you peace of mind.
Learn more about the Moment Rugged Camera Sling
Think Tank Photo TurnStyle 5 V2.0
If you’re looking for a bag that gives you the fastest access to your gear, the Think Tank Photo TurnStyle 5 V2.0 might be your best bet…
Unlike the previous bags on this list, this bag is not a cross-body sling that can double as a shoulder bag.
Instead, this bag is designed to rotate from back to front without removing it, thus allowing you to grab your gear without taking the bag off.
In addition to this rotating design, this Think Tank bag comes with a stabilizer strap that keeps the bag steady on your bag as you work to get your shot. The contoured design is meant to help the bag conform to your body as you move. And the wide shoulder strap helps keep the bag in place, and does so comfortably with good padding.
While this isn’t the biggest sling bag out there, it’s still large enough to accommodate a small mirrorless kit plus an 8-inch tablet.
As a smaller bag, it’s also lightweight, making it an ideal option for photographers that only need their camera and a couple of small prime lenses for a quick outing.
Learn more about the Think Tank Photo TurnStyle 5 V2.0
Altura Photo Camera Sling Backpack
For those of you that are on a very tight budget, or that want a backpack-style sling bag, the Altura Photo Camera Sling Backpack is a worthy option.
This bag is the least expensive on this list, yet it’s also one of the largest. It’ll accommodate a DSLR body and up to three lenses for those intense photo outings that require more gear.
Keeping all that gear safe is a series of adjustable padded dividers that enable you to customize the space to your specific needs.
You can easily access that gear through a side access door or a positively enormous front door.
While this bag is fairly large, it’s still a comfortable carrying experience.
There is a padded sling strap that keeps your shoulder comfortable and there is also a stow-away chest strap that gives the back more stability as you get more active.
Like the Think Tank bag discussed above, this one can also easily rotate from the back to the front for easy gear access.
On top, there’s a storage compartment for a flash or extra lenses, and on the exterior there’s a spot for your tripod or monopod. So yeah, you can carry a lot of gear!
Learn more about the Altura Photo Camera Sling Backpack
