Sling Vs Backpack For Photography

Unless you’re a one-lens, one-body type of photographer, chances are you’ll need to carry an extra lens or two. Even if you only use a fixed lens system, you’ll likely have some accessories that need a place to go. Pockets can only hold so much, so getting a bag becomes necessary.

The main question is: what type of bag should you go for, a backpack or a sling? Having used both extensively, I’ll share some thoughts from my perspective. Of course, this is very subjective, and you’ll probably need to try both before figuring out what works best for you.

There are loads of different bag styles and layouts, but for the sake of simplicity, I’ll refer to a generic backpack/sling setup.

Backpack Pros

Can carry more gear
More ergonomic, as the load is spread across both shoulders
Sternum and hip straps help distribute weight better
More stable for hiking, cycling or other activities where you move around a lot
Can carry a laptop
Can be customised with pouches, camera cubes, etc.
Depending on the model, you can have rear, side and top access
Some models let you carry a water bladder

Backpack Cons

If you’re walking around in a hot climate, you’ll get a sweaty back
Accessing your gear can be tricky, even with side access
Some places won’t allow entry with a backpack
Higher risk of being pickpocketed, especially in crowded cities
More chance of theft when you sit down and take it off
Can make you look like a target, especially if it’s a well-known brand
If you’re only carrying a few items, they can rattle around and be hard to organise
Without an organisation system, things fall to the bottom and are annoying to find
No matter how stylish it is, it never quite works with smart clothing

Sling Pros

Great for cities as it stays close to your body
You can wear it tighter for security or looser for comfort
Easy to swap gear since it sits right next to your arms
Can be used as a mini table when changing lenses
Smaller size encourages you to carry only what you need
Doesn’t stand out as much
Often allowed in places that ban backpacks
Can double as a tech or accessory pouch inside a bigger bag when travelling
No need to take it off when sitting down, making it more secure
Good for keeping essentials like phone, wallet and keys out of your pockets
Depending on the style, it can be worn with smart clothing
No sweaty back in hot weather

Sling Cons

Uneven weight distribution. Unless you swap shoulders, it can cause neck tightness in the short term and posture issues over time
Only good for lighter loads; anything over 5kg becomes uncomfortable
Limited in space and carrying capacity
Not stable for some activities as it can swing around and get in the way

Backpack > Sling

I go for a backpack if I plan to carry more than 5kg or if I know I won’t be changing lenses often. It’s also my choice for hiking, cycling, or any activity where I don’t want the bag moving around. If my back or neck is sore, I’ll use a backpack as it’s more ergonomic overall.

Sling > Backpack

For 90% of situations, I’ll use a sling. This is especially true in cities, where I want to keep my gear close and in sight. If I’m using prime lenses or know I’ll be swapping lenses a lot, the sling is my go-to. And if I’m shooting in warm weather, a sling helps avoid that sweaty back.

Ultimately, there’s no right or wrong choice. It all depends on your needs and preferences. That said, if I had to recommend one bag for most photographers, I’d suggest a sling for 90% of cases.