Natalie’s Passport Sling

The Lowepro Passport Sling

From the beginning, Lowepro’s Passport Sling has drawn the interest of female photographers in our community. But how would people feel once they had a chance to actually use the bag? I decided to find out by putting a Passport Sling in the hands of Natalie Andes. She’s an enthusiast photographer residing in Broken Arrow, OK, USA. I connected with Natalie via our Facebook Fan Page.

Natalie spent weeks with the Passport Sling, then sent me this review. I’m posting it in its entirety, without editing so you can get the best feel possible for this innovative bag.


The Passport Sling: One Photographer’s Review

by Natalie Andes

A bag is a personal thing. Finding the right one is trial and error. Just take a look into a girl’s closet and you’re bound to find several empty (or mostly empty) purses, totes, messengers, etc. For me, I’m on a quest for the perfect bag for my camera.

I got a Lowepro Passport Sling a few months back and have been spending my time testing it as I gear-up for vacation — the true camera bag test.

Once I got the Sling in my hot little hands, I started trying to place my gear in it: a Canon 40D, an 18-55mm lens and a 70-300mm lens.

I was warned beforehand that all of my equipment wouldn’t fit in the camera “box,” but I’m always up for a challenge. It was suggested that I leave the “box” out of the bag and just put my equipment in that way. That idea was quickly ruled out because the bag, in and of itself, doesn’t provide the protection the box does. Plus, if I’m going to carry around thousands of dollars in camera equipment, it’s going to be protected… period.

The “box” is quite sturdy, but not big. I’m able to carry my camera body with the 18-55mm lens attached in the box. The 70-300mm lens has to stay outside the box. For every day use, the 70-300mm stays home. It’s a sacrifice and I’m happy to make.

A look inside Natalie's Passport Sling. Photo by Natalie Andes.

The bag has several inside pockets for carrying cell phones and the like. I’ve found that it’s also perfect for carrying my little point and click. The camera is protected, and I have easy access on the fly.

The outside pockets are ideal for the little things — ponytail holders, hand sanitizer, etc.

There’s a large outside pocket that, according to the pictures on Lowepro’s site, is designed for a water bottle. I have to take issue with the design here. First, it’s a solid pocket — not mesh or expandable, thus limiting the size of the water bottle I can carry. Second, it butts up to the camera “box.” This means that as water bottles sweat, that condensation can get into the bag in an area closest to the “box.” I dislike this feature greatly.

The bag is expandable. It’s a nice feature if you’re taking it on errands and you just want to shove your stuff into the bag. On the whole, I found the expandable part made the bag cavernous. Not a feature for me, but it could be quite appealing for those who love the trash-bag-sized purses of the moment.

Overall, I like the bag. It’s comfortable to carry. Access to the camera is quick and easy. For travel, I plan to break it down and carry it in my Lowepro backpack. When it’s time to hit the trail, I’ll pack my Passport Sling and head out.


Derrick Story is the Photography Evangelist for Lowepro.

Derrick

About Derrick

Derrick Story is a professional photographer, writer, teacher and photography evangelist for Lowepro. He has authored several digital media books, including his latest, The Photoshop CS4 Companion for Photographers and The Digital Photography Companion (O'Reilly Media, publisher). Derrick is a Senior Contributor for Macworld magazine where he writes a digital photography column, and he's a regular presenter on the popular training site, Lynda.com. Online, Derrick has formed a virtual camera club called The Digital Story (www.thedigitalstory.com) that's open to all photography enthusiasts. The site features weekly podcasts, daily posts, training videos, and reader-submitted photos. You can reach Derrick at DStory@lowepro.com

15 Comments

  • Juan Pablo says:

    Hi im really interested on buying this product, but i need to carry my 15 inch laptop and my canon rebel t1i with 2 lenses. Do you think it would fit?

    THX!

  • tatan says:

    hello… im planning to get the sling passport as alternative to my adventura 160 as walk around bag. One thing that i worried is how to put in my D90 with battery grip; maybe the possible solution is to put my 50mm lens on the camera and the 18-105 kit lens will be on the pouch… i will try.. if it works, i probably get this bag…

  • iiiii says:

    Natalie’s Passport Sling | The Lowepro Blog I was suggested this website by my cousin. I’m not sure whether this post is written by him as no one else know such detailed about my trouble. You are wonderful! Thanks! your article about Natalie’s Passport Sling | The Lowepro BlogBest Regards Cindy

  • Hello there! I’m from the Philippines and is interested about this Passport Sling for my Canon 600D + 18-135mm lens. I would just like to ask you, is this a unisex camera bag?

    Thanks,
    Denver

  • Denver Briones says:

    Hi there Lowepro! I’m from the Philippines and am really interested about this Passport Sling for my 600D with the 18-135mm lens, but I am a bit of confused. Is this a unisex camera bag?

    thanks,
    Denver

  • Karin says:

    OK, I’ll try again :
    Hi there,
    would my Nikon D700 mounted with a 24-70mm lens fit in the compartment and an extra 70-200mm lens in the bag ?
    Thank you.

  • Karin says:

    Hi there,
    would my Nikon D700 mounted with a 24-70mm and an extra 70-300mm lens fit in the compartment ?
    Thank you.

  • Anne Rogers says:

    I used my Passport for the first time yesterday, with my Nikon D7000 & 16-85 lens plus a few other bits & pieces. I was disappointed on two counts. One, I found it awkward to get my camera in & out easily as the zip seemed to catch it regularly. Two, I found the shoulder strap really uncomfortable & kept fiddling with the pad & having to move it from shoulder to shoulder. Since I was not carrying an especially heavy kit I was surprised. I have several other Lowepro bags, but this one to date looks likely to be used as a more general purpose bag with perhaps my compact in it than for carrying the D7000. As I bought it to do the latter, it’s a bit of a shame.

  • Eric says:

    The water bottle pocket does not cause condensation in the camera box, however if you put a frozen bottle of water it’s possible but that’s not likely.

  • cy says:

    Hi there, I’m a press and documentary photographer based in China and use the Passport Sling almost daily. I was wondering if there’s a way to offer some input and suggestions on product design, in the hope that the bag can be even better for professional use. It’s a wonderful product as it is, just would be perfect with a couple of small tweaks. Let me know if it’s possible to talk to your product design people.

  • pic says:

    Hey there, I’m very interested in the new bag, seems to be what I have been looking for as a travel bag. Only problem, can i make a Canon 1D fit inside. Any way to create a larger padded section. Can the bag handle a pro size camera body? I would be great as the bag seems big enough already.

    thanks,

  • Ling says:

    jacobs & warehouseexpress.com has it for £39.99.. i just got mine yesterday 😀

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  • Bill Hough says:

    I can’t wait to get one your passport sling bags but there’s just one problem, there isn’t one in the uk, I have tried everywhere but no one has one.
    When are you going to send some here?,I WANT ONE

    Best Regards

    Bill

    • Tim Sadler says:

      Hi Bill, The Passport Slings are in the UK, just in very short supply. Check with your local Lowepro dealer to see if they have ordered any stock first, then if no luck a quick Google search will find you a stockist. Any issues call the UK office on 0845 250 0790 and have a chat with Customer Services.

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