10 Best Camera Sling Bags for
Photographers on the Go
Wole Femi Asaolu
October 13, 2021
7 Comments
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I have put together this guide on the best camera sling bags for DSLRs and mirrorless cameras to try and save you some precious time and money.
After all, every good photographer who is always on the move understands the importance of a light and snug bag that won’t weigh you down.
But here’s where it gets tricky…
To suit different styles and use, the number of camera sling bags on the market is on the rise. And while it is exciting to see so many options available, it can be overwhelming to choose.
Hence, this review.
Whether you need a simple, budget-friendly camera sling bag or a multicompartment gear-hauler, this guide will definitely help you out.
And for more help choosing the best camera sling bags, I have included a buying guide at the end of this review.
Sling on, slinger…
Table of Contents
10 Best Camera Sling Bags 2021
Check out this quick list of the best camera sling bags if you’re in a hurry, or continue scrolling to see my full list with in-depth reviews.
- Best overall: Altura Photo Camera Sling backpack
- Best Budget: AmazonBasics Camera Sling bag
- Best EDC: Peak Design Everyday Sling (V2)
- Best Secured: PacSafe Camsafe X9 Antitheft Camera Sling Pack
- Best Large capacity: Lowepro Slingshot Edge 250 AW
- Best Leather: The Bond Street
- Best for Hiking: CaDen Sling Bag
- Best Water Resistant: MindShift Gear PhotoCross 13
- Best Value: Neewer Professional Sling Camera Bag
- Best for Travel: MOSISO Camera Sling Bag
Best overall: Altura Photo Camera Sling
Check Deal on Amazon
Summary: The Altura Photo Camera Sling backpack is a top-rated bag built for capacity and durability.
The Altura Photo Sling tops the list of the best camera sling bags because it pretty much has everything you want from a photography bag.
It is one of Amazon’s best rated sling bags for a reason.
Designed to hold DSLR cameras with a standard zoom lens, the bag has well padded and tough dividers for easy organization and access to your kits.
Your other accessories are not left out either.
There’s a top compartment for extra lenses or other shooting essentials, as well as two zippered mesh pockets for smaller gear like batteries, cards, etc.
There’s even space for a tripod, believe it or not!
Perhaps, my favorite feature is the addition of a zippered side opening, which means you can quickly and easily access your camera kits even without removing the sling bag.
As far as portability goes, this bag can be conveniently carried thanks to the soft and padded quick-adjust strap that allows you to rotate the bag to the front or back of your body for discreet shooting.
What we also love
At under $30, this is one of the most affordable best camera sling bags with superb quality to last you many adventures.
What’s not great
While it looks chic and sleek, the Altura Sling camera bag is only available in one color- black.
Best Budget: AmazonBasics Camera Sling bag
Check Deal on Amazon
Summary: With the AmazonBasics sling bag, you can have your cake and eat it too.
If you’re worried about the best camera sling bags being expensive, don’t be.
The AmazonBasics Sling is one of the most affordable sling bags designed to keep your DSLR or mirrorless camera kit protected and safe.
Why, you get this clean-cut style and well-rated backpack for under $30!
Even though it is a small bag, it can take quite a bit of kit – a DSLR body, 1-2 lenses, and a few small accessories.
In the main interior of the camera sling is a removable Velcro dividers to hold your camera kit. And since the dividers are removable, you have the option to personalize and resize the dividers to your specific camera setup.
The space apartment at the top is great for storing smaller gear like a handful of filters, cleaning tools, wallet, chargers, cables, sunglasses, etc. Additional storage design includes exterior mesh pockets, and built-in memory card pockets and a buckled strap for mounting a small tripod.
Made of durable polyester and nylon exterior, it is ready to take on the wear and tear that often occurs throughout regular use. Also, it spots a bright colored interior that makes dark-colored gear easier to find and protect it from harm’s way.
Another design advantage is lightning-quick access so your gear is always only a moment away.
Its other snug features are a padded strap, waist belt, and a generously padded back panel for carrying comfort.
What we also love
It has a rain cover for extra weather protection.
What’s not great
The pocket that’s meant to hold the foot of a tripod is too small to fit a water bottle while the tripod strap tends to come loose easily.
Best EDC: Peak Design Everyday Sling (V2)
Check Deal on Peak Design
Summary: Carry your camera and other essentials safe and snug in the Peak Design Everyday Sling.
For those who need both a camera bag and something with a bit more room and functionality, the Peak Design Everyday Sling (V2) comes to the rescue.
It’s got a weather-resistant 100D recycled 400D shell with a weatherproof ultra-zip that’ll work just as hard as you do, too.
It even comes in 3L, 6L, and 10L sizes so you have the option of going for the bag that fits your items and photo gear from a single mirrorless body/lens to a 13″ laptop bag.
Special details —like an easy-access panel and FlexFold dividers — keep your photo kits well protected while internal pockets and cord hook system allow you to fit and attach other needed essentials
The Sling’s padded cross-body strap features a quick-adjuster that you can loosen when accessing gear and tighten when actively hiking or biking.
What we also love
I like that it can be worn as a hip bag, so you can give your shoulders a break and of course, as a sling bag.
Sophisticated, compact, and available in three color options, this one really hits the spot as an EDC option for the best camera sling bags for photographers or videographers.
What’s not great
The front compartment can look bulky when full.
PacSafe Camsafe X9 Antitheft Camera Sling Pack
Check Deal on PacSafe
Summary: Beef up security with the Pacsafe Camsafe X9.
Worried about the safety of your valuables?
PacSafe Camsafe X9 is made for worrywarts like you.
One of the safest and best camera sling bags for photographers, this bag comes loaded with anti-theft and security features.
Its antitheft features include a cut-resistant exterior material, RFID-protected pockets as well as zippers you can lock for additional peace of mind.
Apart from these, the shoulder strap is also cut-resistant and is lockable around a fixed object so your bag isn’t taken away, in an unguarded moment.
For a small pack, its storage is quite impressive.
This 8L bag comes with inner pockets, a 11-inch tablet sleeve, memory card pocket, pen loop, and a water bottle pocket that doubles as a small tripod pocket. There’s even an inner attachment point for your smaller bits like wallet and keys.
And construction-wise, the bag is durably made with 210D nylon diamond ripstop and 200D polyester for the lining.
And of course, the addition of a water-resistant rain cover provides extra protection for your gear should you find yourself caught in a downpour.
For comfort, the shoulder strap and back panel of the sling are padded and breathable.
Plus, the strap is fully adjustable too.
What we also love
Sleek, small and secured, it’s the right companion for any form of travel, be it planes, trains or automobiles.
What’s not great
It hinders easy access to your items on the go, but I guess that’s a small price to pay for security.
Best large capacity: Lowepro Slingshot Edge 250 AW
Check Deal on Amazon
Summary: The Slingshot Edge 250 can fit a helluva lot of gear.
If you’re in the market for the best camera sling bags with ample strength and storage, then the Lowepro Slingshot Edge 250 is your guy.
This bad boy can hold quite a lot – compact DSLR with lens attached, multiple lenses, flashes, a tablet and more.
The main compartment has enough room to fit a compact DSLR as well as a couple of lenses and a power adapter. All of them will also be held nice and safe thanks to a fully adjustable padded divider system.
Your personal gear is not left out either.
LowePro has included pockets and space for your tablet, smartphone, headphone, keys, wallets, sunglasses and other accessories.
The front of the bag has a built-in tripod carrying mechanism and can hold most tripods or jackets.
What’s more?
Camera access is easy and relatively quick. Just rotate the bag to your front, open the side flap, pull out the camera, and take that once in a lifetime shot.
There’s also a built-in weather cover for both rain and sun protection.
Plus, it’s pretty stylish and comfortable too.
What we also love
If you like what you see when it comes to the Lowepro Slingshot Edge 250 bag but you want something more compact, the Slingshot Edge 150 is a great alternative.
What’s not great
This bag cannot hold a laptop and has no options to choose from a couple different colors.
Best leather: The Bond Street
Check Deal on Onabags.com
Summary: A compact and sturdy carry for mirrorless and instant cameras.
If you want a compact and beautiful leather camera sling bag for everyday use, it doesn’t get better than the ONA’s Bond Street bag.
It is a small everyday camera bag that’s perfect for photographers on-the-go.
The layout features a removable padded divider that’ll comfortably hold your mirrorless and instant cameras with lens while providing the needed protection for your gear.
I also like that it has four external pockets to help you with the organization of your smaller bits like your smartphone, notebook, batteries, etc.
With the Bond Street leather bag, you never go out of style.
Made of premium leather and antique brass hardware with a side weather flap to protect your gear, you’re looking at a bag that only gets better with time.
Plus the strap is not only padded, but also adjustable.
This means that it’s the bag that you will find comfortable to carry even after long periods.
All in all, this is a nice little camera sling pack that you can take anywhere.
What we also love
As one of the best camera sling bags, you get the option to choose your style from seven different colors.
You can check out my detailed review of the 12 Black Leather Backpacks That Are Too Cool to Resist.
What’s not so great
There’s no luxury of overpacking this bag.
Best for hiking: CaDen Sling Bag
Check Deal on Amazon
Summary: The Caden sling bag is rugged and comfortable for city breaks and outdoor adventures.
If you’re searching for something that’s as resilient as it is classy, the Caden sling bag is an excellent go-to.
One of the highly rated best camera sling bags on Amazon, this bag is praised for its simplicity of design, nice aesthetic and water resistance.
The material of the bag is high density nylon fabric.
Not only is the outer material weatherproof, it also comes with a zip away rain cover that can be deployed in seconds in the event of a sudden downpour for extra weatherproofing.
With ample pockets for organization and padded dividers, this bag fits a camera, three lenses, tripod and plenty of other accessories you need to take along on a short hike.
Even when fully loaded, the CaDen Sling maintains a slim profile that makes it easy to keep it close to your body.
And there is a good level of padding around the camera insert.
Designed to be worn across the back and swung around in one motion, the main compartment opens towards the wearer to be accessed easily and securely.
All in all, this is a tough and durable camera sling bag that’s perfect for everyday use and the outdoors.
What we also love
This bag features an ambidextrous strap design that is adjustable as well as a padded and breathable mesh on the back panel so you stay cool on your expeditions.
What’s not great
This bag is not meant to be loaded out, as it gets difficult to unzip both sides of the bag
Best Water Resistant: MindShift Gear PhotoCross 10
Check Deal on Thinktankphoto.com
Summary: A sleek water resistant camera sling bag that is tough and durable for different environments.
If you want a solid bag that can withstand the elements, it’s hard not to be drawn towards the MindShift Gear PhotoCross 10.
Another contender for the best spot for best camera sling bags, the PhotoCross bag does a darn fine job of keeping your photography gear dry and protected.
It is made of weatherproof and scratch resistant materials with polyurethane coating on the underside. It also features YKK weather resistant zippers and a built in seam-sealed rain cover for downpour conditions.
At 11L, it is practically sized without being unwieldy.
The fully customizable interior dividers allow you safely house a 10″ tablet as well as your camera kits reachable during a shoot.
There is a pocket on the front perfect for items you need easy access to like a filter, snacks, or a light layer, while internal pockets afford room for extra batteries, memory cards, and other accessories.
Other storage options include a small water bottle pocket and straps to hold a tripod.
Two strong carry handles provide easy transport, and an ergonomic shoulder strap with a breathable back panel makes it easy to carry.
What we also love
I like that you can secure your bag by linking the zipper pulls together.
Available in 10″ and 13″ options, and in two color varieties, you get to choose what works for you.
What’s not great
This bag gets uncomfortable when worn for an extended period of time because the strap and hip belt are not padded enough to support long hikes.
Best value: Neewer Professional Sling Camera Bag
Check Deal on Amazon
Summary: The Neewer Professional Sling is a compact companion for the traveling photographer.
The Neewer Sling camera bag is one of the best camera sling bags designed to carry your DSLR, two to three lenses, a speedlights or other accessories, nestled securely within cushioned dividers.
Also, the extra top compartment will hold your flash, lens and other goodies.
A side pocket with strap would fit a tripod or a small water bottle while other smaller accessories can be stored in the pockets.
The best part?
You can use this bag as a day bag by simply removing the dividers to carry non-photographic essentials.
What’s more?
The shoulder strap design is not only comfortable but also provides quick access to your gear on the go.
What we also love
The addition of a rainproof cover helps keep your gear resistant to moisture.
Plus, the bag is affordable.
What’s not great
It is a small bag- it cannot hold the quantity that most camera sling bags can fit. The side pocket can be too small to fit a water bottle or even a standard sized tripod.
Also, the fabric of the bag is not water resistant. This may lead to a soaked bag before you get to bring the rain cover on.
Best for travel: MOSISO Camera Sling Bag
Check Deal on Amazon
Summary: The Mosiso Camera Sling bag is one of the best camera sling bags for travel.
The Mosiso camera sling bag is specifically designed for photographers who want a fashionable, durable bag in which they can haul their gear around town.
You can fit a camera, flashes, lens, phone, accessories and other personal belongings.
Soft padded layer foam aids in protecting your camera and accessories from accidental shocks, drops and scratches.
The bag is separated into 2 parts.
A larger lower storage features removable padded inserts to hold lenses and flash units while the top compartment holds memory cards, pens, and additional accessories.
For even more storage options, there’s a tripod holder and an anti-theft zippered pocket located at the back for your valuables like a passport.
The sling design makes it quick to rotate from your back to the front for easy quick access to the camera and not miss the opportunity for that unique shot.
So as to relieve as much stress as possible from your shoulders, this bag too comes with an adjustable, padded shoulder strap as well as a breathable back panel.
What we also love
I like that the modular insert can be customized to fit different camera kits or removed altogether to accommodate other everyday essentials for the times you’re not taking pictures.
What’s not great
The Mosiso camera sling bag is designed for left shoulders only.
Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose the Best Camera Sling Bags
When looking for the best camera sling bags, there are features to look out for.
For one, you want a bag that’ll comfortably hold and transport your camera kits and other essentials safe and accessible.
Space
A camera sling bag is a small sized bag designed to fit limited photography essentials.
Since sling bags are small, you sometimes have to be creative with your organization.
So, take into account how many daily items you carry at any given time and go for one that has the needed space when considering the best camera sling bags for you.
The best camera sling bags come with padded interior dividers that are adaptable to fit bigger gear or even removable so it is useful to make space for everyday items too on days you are not shooting.
Most of the bags featured in my best camera sling bags review can hold a tablet/phone, tripod, a water bottle, memory cards, flashes, and other personal accessories.
Quality
Every photographer who goes about with his expensive gear knows the importance of a well-made sling that’ll keep your gear safe and snug.
You don’t want issues with a broken zip, damaged seam, or even a bag without weather protection. The best camera sling bags are comfortable, durable, and with protection from the weather.
Weather protection
The good news is that most camera sling bags offer decent water resistance with durable water repellent (DWR) coating. Although most are not waterproof, you can trust them to hold up in a light shower.
Even better, some camera sling come with rain cover for added weather protection
Padding and support
The best camera sling bags come with only one shoulder strap, which is why weight and fatigue are definitely a concern.
Unlike a backpack, there is no room for weight distribution in a sling bag.
To avoid discomfort especially when worn for a long period of time, the best camera sling bags should have padded shoulder straps with breathable back panel and even a belt strap.
Look for features like padded, adjustable straps, padded back panel, and mesh material with belt straps.
Camera sling bags that have these features are much more comfortable to log about.
FAQs
What is a camera sling bag?
A camera sling bag is a small sized bag designed to fit just one DSLR or mirrorless camera with a small to medium lens or very small DSLR and an additional lens.
The best camera sling bags also have storage options for more lenses, flash, tripod/water bottle and other personal accessories.
Mostly used for daily, travel and walkaround use especially when you don’t need to bring a lot of gear; it’s small enough and doesn’t scream camera bag as much.
It features a shoulder strap design that allows you to move the bag from your back to the front in order to access your gear and take a shot without missing a moment.
Which sling bag is best?
The best camera sling bags are those designed to protect and transport your camera kits safe from scratches, accidental drops, theft and other damages.
Also, they are well made and feature an ergonomic strap for carrying comfort and a rain cover for protection from sudden downpours.
Equally important is a sling design that’ll give you easy access to your gear so you can shoot without having to remove the bag.
Bottom Line
So there we have it – 10 best camera sling bags that are worth your money.
Whether you are heading to the great outdoors, going on vacation or just taking a photo-walk around the city, these best camera sling bags will keep your gear safe and help you get that magical shot.
However, this list is by no means conclusive, so I’m open to hearing your recommendations, questions, or experiences with any of these bags or others of your own.
Leave me a comment below!
Also, be sure to check out my detailed guide on the 15 best sling bags for everyday carry review.
This article is not sponsored in any way by any company. These backpacks have been independently selected by myself and my team. And the only thing I receive is a small commission from our affiliate program if you buy any of them through the links and buttons on this page. It doesn’t cost you a penny. But it really helps me out as this money goes to paying for maintaining the website, editing software, my time, team and everything else that goes into preparing this post.
Wole Femi Asaolu
Hey I’m Femi, the founder of Travelccessories. If I’m not busy with my data/number crunching full-time job, or spending time with my family or playing chess, you’d find me researching travel accessories.
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Hello Femi,
I was looking for a good sling bag and got confused about how & what to choose. Thanks for suggesting the best ones and the guide to buying. I look for more space and storage. So I think I can go for Lowepro Slingshot Edge 250. Do you think this will be comfortable for long travel too?
Reply
Hey Kavitha,
Thanks for your kind comments, I’m glad you find this post helpful.
To answer your question, the Lowepro Slingshot Edge 250 should be comfortable for long travel too.
That it has a protective waterproof cover is a handy feature, especially for when you encounter an unpredictable weather.
Also, the shoulder strap and back panel of the sling are padded and breathable, so you shouldn’t have a problem loading this sling up.
Plus, the strap is fully adjustable too.
However, keep in mind that the Edge 250 only get uncomfortable when overloaded and worn for long hours.
Cheers.
Reply
Hi Femi – Another detailed and outstanding set of reviews. I definitely appreciate this specific topic of camera sling bags as my wife is a photographer. She currently has the Altura sling bag and really enjoys it. For those times where she doesn’t need to bring a lot of gear to a shoot, she typically grabs that one. Even with its smaller size it can fit quite a bit of camera gear in it! Keep up the great work, thanks again for sharing your knowledge and expertise!
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Hey there, Femi. Thank you for your comprehensive and in-depth review of this 10 wonderful camera bags. I am on the road often, so this finds me really well. Personally, I liked the Amazon Basics Sling Camera, as it is really affordable and the quality looks also supreme. I think I don’t mind that it comes just in black, what I am more concerned is the additional compartment space. Do you think I can fit there some notebooks or eventually my iMac? Cheers
Reply
These bags are cheaper than I thought they would be. Many of them look extremely well made as if they could withstand a bit of rough treatment.
I think having a waterproof bag is a great option, and of course one with more storage for the much-needed snacks that are necessary for the day-long outings in nature or even the cities.
Thanks for providing many great options.
Reply
This was a very detailed analysis of so many kinds of bags! I have a Parrot drone (Bebop 2) which I am looking for the right travel case for it. It’s a 2018 model, do you have any recommendations?
Thank you!
– Rowan McLeod
Reply
Hey Rowan,
Thanks for dropping by.
To answer your question, I don’t think a sling would comfortably fit the Parrot drone (Bebop 2). A backpack would, and I’d recommend the Anbee Waterproof Backpack.
It is specially designed to transport the Parrot Behop 2 drone and it’s on Amazon.
I hope this helps.
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