Gear Review: Peak Design Everyday Sling Camera Bag

For the past few years, my camera bag of choice has been a small top loading Lowepro bag that I clip to my backpack using two carabiners. For a recent trip to Thailand, I knew I needed a larger bag that would allow me to carry extra lenses and have quick access for candid street photos. As I began my search, I knew I wanted to steer clear of a heat trapping backpack for Southeast Asia’s humidity. I also wanted to avoid a conspicuous looking bag that would stand out and grab attention. After some exhaustive online research, I decided on the Peak Design Everyday Sling.

The Peak Design Everyday Sling v2 is available in 3L, 6L, and 10L options. After checking those out, I felt that the 3L was too small, and the 6L was too big. Luckily, I was able to find the Sling v1 5L which worked out perfectly. The v2 has some cosmetic updates, and a few refinements, but the core of the Sling is consistent. If you’re in the market for the Everyday Sling reading this review, make sure to try out a few sizes and get the one that works for you. I’ve been using this bag a few times a week over the past few months, and will share my thoughts in this review.

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Features

The first thing that attracted me to the Peak Design Everyday Sling series of bags was the simplicity and minimalist approach to design. There are no logos, branding, or unnecessary adornments, which is perfect when trying to avoid unwanted attention. I also have found throughout the years that products with fewer features, have fewer things that can snag, fray, and break. The Everyday Sling has proven to be a no-nonsense bag that does what I ask of it and shows no signs of wearing down.

My 5L Everyday Sling comes in at 1.2lbs, measures 12.2″ x 7.48″ x 4.33″, and is guaranteed for life. The exterior is made from 400D nylon with a DWR coating. I’ve used this pack in light rain and drizzle, with the insides never being breached. With my weatherproof Fuji XT-3 and WR Fujinon lenses, I’m confident taking this bag out into wet weather and dusty deserts.

The main nylon shoulder strap is very comfortable for all day use, and has a fixed compression molded EVA pad. The EVA pad is not able to slide along the nylon strap, so the bag is most comfortable when worn over my left shoulder.

The main nylon strap has a quick pull strap for adjustments. Peak Design says you can do this with one hand, but I’ve found this feature to be finicky without two hands. The strap is highly customizable though, and can even be cinched up tight enough to be worn as a fanny pack. To keep a clean look, all excess strap can be tucked into open slits near the anchor points.

The main nylon shoulder strap attaches to the bag using grommets that enable the strap to rotate with the movement of my body. This is much more comfortable than packs with fixed straps, and more elegant than packs that use clips.

Fit/Feel/Comfort

The Peak Design Everyday Sling is clearly a capable and competent camera bag, but its comfort is what I love most about it. This bag can be worn hanging low at my hip on the street, pulled up on my back for hiking, or tight on my waist for security in a crowd. I’m also able to comfortably wear this bag underneath a backpack on days when I need to carry more gear. I have yet to experience any hotspots or chaffing, even during two weeks of 10-hour days with constant use. My only complaint is the fixed pad on the nylon shoulder strap. It would be nice to have a quick way to adjust when switching from one shoulder to the other.

Performance

As a street photography bag, the Peak Design Everyday Sling is a fantastic option. I love walking streets with a wide angle like my Fuji XF 16mm f2.8 on one body, and then a longer lens like the Fuji XF 35mm f2 or 50mm f2 on a second body. The top panel opens very wide for quick and easy access, while keeping my gear obscured and secured. The bag is also simple and plain, which keeps me from drawing attention.

For general travel, the Peak Design Everyday Sling is also a great option. Even in hot and humid weather, I found this bag to be very comfortable for long days of walking and exploration. I’m able to travel with two camera bodies (lenses attached), extra batteries, extra SD cards, a phone, debit cards, cash, and a passport, without things feeling overstuffed.

For hiking and the outdoors, the Peak Design Everyday Sling is serviceable. If I’m only going to be covering 3-5 miles and the weather is favorable, I’ll bring this bag along. For longer outings, hot days, or locations where I need more gear, a larger bag is a better option. The Patagonia Black Hole 5L is my current favorite for short outings, and my tried and true Lowepro clips to my backpack for longer outings.

Durability and Closing Thoughts

The Peak Design Everyday Sling 5L has proven to be a very durable bag. My first test was a two week trip to Thailand that had me constantly on the go. Since then, this bag has been a daily driver for me on the streets and on short trails. The Everyday Sling is not a cheap bag at $80 for the 3L and up to $150 for the 10L, but from my experience the bag is well worth the money. If you’re looking for a quality bag that looks good and delivers on performance, the Peak Design Everyday Sling won’t disappoint.