Sling, Shoulder or Backpack? The Choice is Yours With New Sirui Bags [Tech Tuesday]

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: Photographers can never have too many bags. And thanks to Sirui‘s two new series, you have even more options now.

When you want to travel light with a mirrorless or small DSLR with up to three lenses and an 8-inch tablet, check out the Sirui SlingLite 8 Slingbags. Measuring 12.2 x 7.9 x 4.3 inches, these featherweight bags weigh less than a pound but feature a padded—and removable—insert to protect your gear. In addition to the tablet pocket, there’s a front zipper pocket for accessories and dual side pockets for water bottles or other necessities. Water-repellant, two-tone rip-stop fabric and YKK zippers add an additional layer of protection.

I especially like the looped pull tabs so you can hook your finger to open and close the top-loading zippers. The adjustable shoulder strap, with a removable shoulder pad, is perfect for carrying the bag on your shoulder or, if you prefer, across the body. Available in sand, navy, gray or black, you can pick up a Sirui SlingLite 8 for $50.

Also new from Sirui is the Weekender backpack, a dual-purpose photo backpack that is divided into compartments for photo gear and for extras like a jacket, clothes and whatever you need for a longer outing. The pack essentially adjusts to the amount of gear you’re carrying. Leave the upper compartment empty and it collapses flat, but pack it full and it expands to accommodate 21 liters-worth of accessories and clothing.

The pack itself measures 12.6 x 18.9 x 6.1 inches and weighs 3.5 pounds. Photo gear is accessed via a side entry with a removable camera insert that can hold up a standard-size DSLR (or FF mirrorless) with a standard zoom attached and two additional lenses, with one as large as a 70-200mm f/2.8.

There’s a rear simpered pocket for up to a 15-inch laptop, and the top compartment can hold up a 10-inch tablet, if you want to travel with both devices. External pockets provide extra storage space, and a tripod can be attached on the left side of the pack.

Sirui has designed the shoulder harness system for comfort and has included an “Air Run Ventilation System” on the rear surface to keep your back cool and dry. A water-resistant tarp is included that extends from the top flap to the bottom surface for protection, whether you’re carrying the pack or sitting it on the ground. Plus there’s a special lock system to foil thieves who try to unzip the pack. The pack costs $140 and, like all Sirui bags and packs, including the SlingLite 8, it comes with a whopping 6-year warranty.

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