SlingShot 300 AW - Questions for the Masses

I will be attending the Canon Captures Catalina event on Catalina Island on the 27th of September (my birthday) and I need a new camera bag, as my Computrakker is really much more than I need for an event like that.

I saw the Slingshot 300 AW on Amazon and it "seemed" to meet my needs. For those who have one, does it work like a backpack until you need to access your camera and then it "slings" to the front? In other words, how is it normally worn?

Can anyone validate that this bag will work for dayhikes and all-day photo events?

I have the Slingshot 300 AW, and it easily swings from your back to in front of you when the waist buckle is undone for easy access to the gear. I use it because our winters are rainy, and when in the field I have nowhere to set a backpack down for access to the bag (except in wet grass and/or mud).

HOWEVER, if you fill this bag with gear (see my list) you had better have a good strong right shoulder because most of the weight is carried by this side (some but not much will be carried by the waist strap).

Because of this, I've modified mine. The modifications are described in the following link (posts 12, 13, 14):

https://photography-on-the.net …50371&highlight​=slingshot

Thank you so much, Glenn.

Based on your reply and some research on the site, I am strongly considering now the Crumpler Whiskey and Cox. It seems like it will have the best combination of features to meet my needs.

EasterLizard wrote in post #6354684
Thank you so much, Glenn.

Based on your reply and some research on the site, I am strongly considering now the Crumpler Whiskey and Cox. It seems like it will have the best combination of features to meet my needs.

Good luck with your selection whatever it is.

I have one of these, but I ended up replacing it with a normal style backpack. When it is fully loaded all that weight is on one shoulder. The sling feature wasn't very useful anyways. If I wanted to change a lens or access something other than just the camera I would have to take the pack off anyways, and a normal backpack is alot easier to put on and take off quickly.

Stregone wrote in post #6355419
I have one of these, but I ended up replacing it with a normal style backpack. When it is fully loaded all that weight is on one shoulder. The sling feature wasn't very useful anyways. If I wanted to change a lens or access something other than just the camera I would have to take the pack off anyways, and a normal backpack is alot easier to put on and take off quickly.

With the mods I did to mine, both shoulders carry it equally (or it can be adjusted so one takes more weight).

I can get at everything in my SS without taking it off my back - even the stuff at the bottom (actually the rh side). Slide/rotate it from the back to the front. One DOES have to watch that stuff doesn't fall out, but with a regular pack don't you have to lie it down on something? I could stand in thigh deep water and change a lens (risky because I could drop it, but possible).

I've owned all 3 Slingshot bags and increased to the 300 when I bought my Sigma 70-200.

I'm quite a large guy and found it too heavy to carry around all day when full so opted for a normal rucksack type bag and haven't looked back since.

The 100 and 200 bags are perfect if that's what you're after as they don't get too heavy but I think the 300 is just too heavy when full for one shoulder.

I started with the SS200, and it was neat, then, after getting more gear, along came the SS300, and the weight on one shoulder was too much. I tried the Fastpack 350, but the spacing of the compartments just did not do it. I am now using the Flipside 300, and very happy with it.
I too do not like having to remove the backpack and placing it on the ground to access equipment.

You might want to check out the Fastpack series. Worn like a normal backpack, but swings around like the SS. I have the 350 and it's extremely comfortable.

Adam. I agree with the Fastpack 350.
I wish they would offer it with the All Weather (AW) cover.