The Hiker Mama

Lowepro Camera Bag

Gear Review: Lowepro Passport Sling III and Toploader Zoom AW II

Earlier this year, Lowepro sent me some more camera bags to review.  First is the Passport Sling III, a sling-style camera bag with room for much more.

Lowepro Camera Bag
The Lowepro Passport Sling 3 relaxing at the beach

I use this bag all the time now.  It’s become my go-to travel purse and tourist bag.  There is a removable padded sleeve for my DSLR, and a padded pocket inside for my tablet (that pocket actually fits a second tablet, as well, for when the kids aren’t using theirs).

Lowepro Passport Sling 3 Camera Bag
The tablet compartment is along one side. You can also see the padded camera compartment at the bottom of the photo

There is plenty of extra room for other items as well, such as a small first aid kit, my wallet, phone and keys (these fit securely in a zippered mesh pocket inside), and a small water bottle in a dedicated pocket on the outside. I can put in a notebook, snacks, the socks I’m knitting, lip gloss, sunscreen, and other necessary items.  There is enough space for what I need, yet it forces me to be picky and not bring too many extra items “just in case.” (Those of you who are familiar with my chronic overpacking will know that this is a good thing!) There is a zipper down the outside that allows the bag to expand or contract depending on what you carry in it.

lowepro passport sling 3 camera bag
The Passport Sling 3 in Action

The Passport Sling III has a comfy adjustable shoulder strap.  I can carry it all day with no worries. I am starting to prefer it over a backpack for smaller trips, and it stays close to the front of my body where it feels secure. It also rides nicely on the side. It’s easy to access my camera and the accessories I bring, such as filters.  It comes in all black or grey with orange accents. You can get more info and specs about it on the Lowepro website.

Lowepro passport sling 3 camera bag
Hiker Mama and Passport Sling III

I also received a Toploader Zoom 45 AW to review.

Lowepro Toploader AW
Gabe modeling the Toploader Zoom AW

I have been using an older version of a similar bag for several years now, and it’s holding up great.  Unfortunately I requested the smaller bag, and it is a very tight fit for my Sony DSLR and lens.  It has an outer pocket for small accessories, an inner zippered pocket for memory cards, and an adjustable strap.

Lowepro Toploader Zoom AW
Inside the Toploader Zoom AW

The best thing about this bag is the all-weather cover to help protect it from the rain.

Lowepro Toploader Zoom AW Camera bag
Toploader Zoom AW with Rain Cover On

I wish it had four attachment points so I could use it with my chest harness. Since it doesn’t quite fit my camera, I haven’t used it much, but it would be a great casual bag for smaller cameras.  My original Toploader is still going strong, so these bags last and last.

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I received this gear from Lowepro for the purposes of review.  I was not compensated for my review, and all opinions are my own.


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