The more pictures I take, the more equipment I seem to collect. While I hardly ever carry everything around with me, I still find even a small amount of equipment hard to get to when I need it especially when I am in a hurry. So when I read about the LowePro SlingShot 200 AW camera bag slash backpack slash fanny pack I was excited. I thought finally something that can carry my most used equipment around in that is easy to carry (the backpack part) yet can easily and quickly allow me access to my lenses and other items (the fanny pack part).

Basically, the SlingShot is worn sort of like a backpack (carry mode), you slip it on using the shoulder belt and you fasten the waist belt around your waist, it is this waist belt that allows you to quickly swing the SlingShot around to your front in to a horizontal orientation (ready mode). This allows you quick access to the contents and also comes in handy as a portable shelf if you need a little bit of work space. When you’re done, zip it closed and sling it back over your shoulder back to carry mode.

What is nice is that you never have to take it off, it just slings around to the front and then back to the back and this slinging action is quick, smooth and easy. As for its size, the SlingShot 200 AW is smaller than most backpack camera bags that I have seen, however it is large enough to carry a dSLR or SLR camera with a compact zoom lens attached as well as 3 to 4 additional lenses or a few less lenses and a flash unit. There is also room for some cables and accessories and it has a full access lid to make loading it a snap. If your using a dSLR camera you will like the built-in memory card pouch, micro fiber LCD cloth and two generous organizer pockets which are perfect for batteries and the like.

The LowePro SlingShot 200 AW is made from water-resistant micro fiber, rip-stop nylon and 600D TXP and it comes with a water proof outer cover, kind of like a rain jacket for your camera bag and of this for around $80 (when purchased online).

LowePro makes some of the best camera bags on the market. They are smart looking, rugged, easy to use, and innovative and they do an excellent job of protecting your expensive equipment. Now thanks to the SlingShot 200 AW your gear is now more accessible than ever before.

Dimensions: 9.4 (W) x 7.1 (D) x 17.3 (H)-inches (External)

Warranty: Lifetime (see the LowePro USA web site for more information)