Recently I’ve been on this kick to simplify my camera gear, or really, all the gear I’ve been using over the past six months.
Whether it’s due to the pure inconvenienced weight or the simple fact that I finally switched over from a dinosaur Nikon D7100 to the Canon family, I was eager to have a loadout that didn’t feel like a burden to carry around.
A few months ago, I made the jump to a Canon EOS R50, a true lightweight everyday mirrorless camera that seemingly checked all the boxes – it packs well, is extremely lightweight, and has been the perfect documenting companion over the last few months.
In preparation for an upcoming heavy travel schedule during the Spring and Summer months, having a camera bag that fit my new loadout was a necessity. A few criteria to consider when looking for a sling bag are to first determine the amount of gear you intend to carry and the desired level of protection.
In my case, this includes my camera body, two lenses, SD cards, portable battery bank, charging cables, wallet, and keys. Enter Peak Design’s 3L Everyday Sling V2, a sleek, durable, and lightweight everyday solution.
Materials and Dimensions
The Everyday Sling V2 shell is made from 100% recycled 400D double poly-coated DWR-impregnated nylon and features a 900D waterproof bottom liner. The use of weather-resistant materials adds extra protection and peace of mind if you encounter inclement weather.
The addition of leather accents, premium anodized aluminum, and glass-reinforced nylon hardware sets this bag apart from the hundreds of other options on the market. It exudes sophistication and is fairly discrete in its design. The Everyday Sling V2 comes in three sizes: 3L, 6L, and 10L with multiple size and color combinations.
Full Specs:
External Dimensions: Width at Top of Bag: 30cm (11.81”)
Width at Bottom of Bag: 24cm (9.44”)
Height: 19cm (7.48”)
Depth at Top of Bag: 12cm (4.72”)
Depth at Bottom of Bag: 10cm (3.93”)
Internal Dimensions: Width at Top of Bag: 25cm (9.84”)
Width at Bottom of Bag: 19cm (7.48”)
Height: 17cm (6.69”)
Depth at Top of Bag: 10cm (3.93”)
Depth at Bottom of Bag: 8cm (3.14”)
Weight: Without Dividers: 0.45kg (0.99lb)
With Dividers: 0.55kg (1.21lb)
Shoulder Strap Length 86-172cm (33.85”-67.71”)
Form and Function
The Everyday Sling V2 holds its shape and structure extremely well, which is a nod to its durable outer shell construction. The bag’s primary goal is to protect your expensive equipment rather than save you space when not in use. Aesthetically, it’s a more modern approach to a camera sling bag, separating itself from the overly tactical or inexpensive bags that feature mediocre materials.
Perfect for your everyday adventures or extended travel excursions, this airline compliant sling bag can be stowed in your carry-on or used as your personal item.
If you are in need of a collapsible sling bag that adjusts in size based on its contents, Peak Design does offer a Field Pouch with a flexible volume capacity of 1.5-3L, featuring a compressible in-bag organizer.
Compartment Access and Closure
With the easily adjustable shoulder strap, I prefer to carry the everyday sling across my back messenger style. The quick release adjuster on the strap is phenomenal.
If you are someone like myself and you’ve lost count of how many zippers and plastic buckles (and maybe a c-clamp or two..) you’ve broken over the years, then this is tailormade for you. In addition, the bag can be carried as a hip pack with fairly little effort needed to adjust the strap’s length and tension.
The main compartment is accessed using Peak Design’s proprietary UltraZip, a smooth zipper that refuses to snag around the curves of the bag. The interior features a customizable padded divider allowing the bag to form to your gear, organizing how you see fit.
Inside, there is a quick-access zipper pocket with three small divider slots, which I’ve found to be the perfect place to stash extra charging cables, an Anker SD card reader, and lens cleaning tools.
This pocket is ideal for storing loose items, preventing them from floating around near your camera body and lenses, where they could cause scratches or other surface damage.
The secondary front compartment features the same UltaZip zippers, hidden beneath a flap that enhances the bag’s sleek design. However, the thickness of the outer shell makes it harder to access. If the main storage area is packed with gear, it will also limit what you can fit up front.
With a camera body and two lenses inside, I was able to stash an iPhone 14 Pro Max, but it was a tight fit. I found the front pocket best suited for smaller essentials like a microfiber cloth, a small battery bank, or a slim utility knife.
One missing feature is an additional zippered compartment on the back of the bag, where it rests against your body. This would be ideal for carrying a passport and wallet, as it would be difficult for anyone else to access while you’re wearing the bag.
Inside My Bag:
- Canon EOS R50
- Canon RF 28mm f/2.8 STM Lens
- Canon RF-S 18-45mm Lens
- Anker SD Card Reader
- Portable Battery Charger
- Apple USB-C to Lightning Cable
- SD Cards
I’ve been a big proponent of Peak Design’s Leash Camera Strap, using it on my main camera of choice for years, but with the addition of a sling bag, this felt redundant. Utilizing the same anchors in the ecosystem, I’ve since switched to their Cuff Camera Wrist Strap.
Made from premium seatbelt-style nylon webbing, aluminum, and glass-filled nylon hardware, this product reflects the brand’s meticulous attention to detail, even in its smallest offerings. It is simple and intuitive to use, yet when you’re out shooting with the cuff securely around your wrist—thanks to a hidden magnet that holds the strap in place—you have a foolproof solution for camera drop protection.
External Anchor Points
The Everyday Sling V2 comes standard with two Cord Hook short external carry straps that attach to external lash points on the bottom of the bag. This allows you to easily carry a daily tripod such as the Joby Gorillapod.
Although the Gorillapod is longer than the bag itself and protrudes, it works as intended. The top handle is ¾” wide and reinforced with a durable box stitch on both sides, ensuring it can withstand regular use or be securely hung with a carabiner.
Verdict
I’ve been testing this bag over the last few weeks in preparation for my international trip to Japan. It hasn’t left my side, as I’ve taken it on a quick weekend camping trip, used it for several product shoots, and even brought it along for a leisurely Sunday ride to the local coffee shop on my Cannondale.
Without being overly bulky, its minimalist design made it easy to access, whether slung over my shoulder or worn in front. It has quickly become my go-to sling for my camera equipment while still providing enough space for a few of my everyday essentials.
The highly customizable interior with its 3-liter capacity kept my gear organized while on the go. I have no doubt that this bag will live up to my expectations as I prepare to document my travels through multiple airports and train stations, explore Tokyo, Osaka, and Iwakuni, visit museums, stop by countless cafés, and even attend a Yomiuri Giants game.
Access More Great Stories!
For more informative articles like this, consider subscribing to OVR Magazine in print or digital versions here. You can also find the print edition of OVR at your local newsstand by using our Magazine Finder.
No comments yet