This last trip to the mountains gave me the opportunity to compare two systems for carrying my photographic gear – one, an older LowePro backpack, the Nature Trekker AW II and a newer LowePro sling bag, the SlingShot 300 AW. I used information from the LowePro website to make the following comparison table:
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| Hardworking backpack can be customized for multiple systems. Includes ergonomic harness, quick-adjust waist belt, All Weather Cover™ and water-resistant zippers. Trekker Tripod Mount™ positions down the center or on either side, attachment loops made from the tough Hypalon® you see in river rafts hold optional SlipLock™ accessories wherever they’re most convenient. | The SlingShot 300 AW uses a unique sling design to go from “carry mode” to “ready mode” in just seconds. Carried comfortably on the back, it easily rotates to the front so you can get to your camera quickly. The SlingShot 300 AW has a full access lid to make loading it a snap. This feature-rich bag also includes a built-in memory card pouch, micro fiber LCD cloth and two generous organizer pockets. It also has water-resistant zippers and All Weather Cover™ |
| Capacity:
Pro SLR; 4–5 lenses (up to a 400mm f/2.8); flash and accessories; or compact medium format system (like the Mamiya® 645); or small field camera system |
Capacity:
Pro SLR with attached 70-200 mm f/2.8 lens, 5-6 extra lenses or flash unit and cables and accessories. |
| Size(Interior): 11.4W X 5.9D X 16.7H in./ 29 X 15 X 42.5 cm |
Size(Interior): 11.8W X 6.5D X 11.8H in./ 30 X 16.5 X 30 cm |
| Size(Exterior): 14.6W X 15D X 19.1H in./ 37 X 38 X 48.5 cm |
Size(Exterior): 13W X 9.1D X 17.3H in./ 33 X 23 X 44 cm |
| Outer fabric: water-resistant 600D ripstop nylon and 600D Endura™ nylon |
Outer fabric: water-resistant micro fiber, ripstop nylon and 600D TXP™ |
| Weight: 6.39lbs/2.9kg |
Weight: 3.09lbs/1.4kg |
The table provides the manufacturer’s details on the packs, but it does not tell you how these bags perform in the field. You may notice from the above comparison is that the sling bag, although smaller in two of its outside dimensions has actually larger inside dimensions. That is due to the thickness of the padding for the backpack, which adds up to more protection, but limits interior capacity. That is also reflected in the weight differences, with the backpack more than twice as heavy as the sling bag! While the backpack can hold a longer telephoto lens mounted on the camera, it does not have the capacity to carry more lenses. It also has only one main compartment, so accessing any accessories or lenses requires the complete removal of the pack. You will also need to find a spot to lay it down safely to open the single compartment. However, the backpack does have numerous SlipLock attachment points, a tripod holder and cord tie downs which make it very adaptable indeed. Notable is that the SlipLock straps on the hip belt are set further back than is convenient (especially for those of a taller/heavier dimension), meaning that accessory pouches in these locations can be hard to access.
The sling bag has three compartments – the main for camera and lenses, a top compartment for accessories and a pouch suitable for flat items such as memory cards, filters and adapter rings. At least part of the main pouch is accessable without taking the pack off - a definite advantage. With a bit of a struggle, the other two compartments can also be accessed without putting the bag down.( The designers at LowePro could quite easily have made these two compartments easier to access, however they have been designed them for use when the pack is removed). The sling bag is lighter and it is limited – although it does have 3 SlipLock attachment points, due to the nature of the bag (i.e. a single strap and the pull-to-the-front access) these will have limited use. For the same reason you will not be attaching a tripod to this bag. And the padding is thinner, so greater care is needed in handling.
Conclusion
By nature I am a someone who appreciates the journey as well as the destination. On a typical photographic outing I will be walking slowly, on the look out for any photographic opportunity which can range from macro to landscapes. On this last trip, where most of my hikes were short half-day hikes and I walked with my tripod and camera in hand, I found the SlingShot 300 AW the most convenient and comfortable. It proved to be the most adaptable to my equipment carrying needs.
On the other hand, if you are destination oriented and hiking for longer periods of time (especially if you choose to keep your tripod on your backpack rather than in hand – for instance when you are scrambling or climbing) than the backpack would be preferable. It is rugged, well made and adaptable – you can add a variety of extra pouches by means of the SlipLock straps should you wish to expand your capacity. The hip belt is well padded (almost too well padded!) and also has attachment points for accessory pouches. The extra padding makes the bag more resistant to bumps and scrapes, but at the same time it can feel overly stiff and unwieldy. For travellers this may be great to transport your equipment, but you may wish to have a smaller, lighter bag for everyday use.
One thing to keep in mind is that inaccessible gear often tends to be unused gear. The backpack has the potential to carry a lot of equipment, but accessing gear will require you to set the pack down and unzip that main compartment. In the long run, having your equipment easily accessible will mean more photographic opportunities and more photographs taken.
Alternatives for the nature photographer? Harnesses, vests, belts and shoulder bags…but that will be another post!
(Please see my disclaimer in the side bar. Images and chart information from the LoPro website)
