Photographer Jim Loc: Rio Vista, CA

I will be taking a family vacation to Maui in December. I am considering picking up a sling style bag for short hikes when I don't want to carry a full load of gear, but do want an extra lens, filters, etc. I have a medium and large backpack (Tamrac Expedition 8 & 5) so I'm covered for carrying all of my gear on the plane. What I need is a small, light weight, and versatile bag for short hikes.

My research has had me considering the Lowepro 202aw and the Think Tank Turnstyle 20, with a leaning toward the TT bag. I'm well aware of TT's reputation for quality gear, and the reviews I've read seem favorable, but I'm thinking a few first hand reviews by users are worth seeking. So ...

Have any of my fellow Hoggers used the TT Turnstyle 20 (or Lowepro 202aw, for that matter) and what can you tell me about it, both pro and con?

(Just to keep the thread focused, I am not interested in a holster type set up. Nor do I need another backpack style (two strap) set-up.)

Thanks in advance for whatever help all y'all can provide.

jethro779 Loc: Tucson, AZ

I have the Lowepro Slingshot 202AW and find it to be a little clumsy for me. I think that is because I am left handed and everybody makes things for those other people. I never figured why the rights should get all the good stuff.

Seriously though I have a Nikon D3000 and attached 18-105mm lens along with 2 more lenses and a sunpak flash in the main compartment. I also carry a Sony DSC-H2 in the upper compartment along with my chargers and extra batteries. there are pockets for extra cards and filters and it seems to do well. It is just awkward for a left hander to use as you feel like you are doing it backwards.

Screamin Scott Loc: Marshfield Wi, Baltimore Md, now Dallas Ga

If you decide to go with the Think Tank, I am an affiliate for them & buying anything over $50 on this link gets you free merchandise from them...
http://www.thinktankphoto.com/affiliates.aspx?code=AP-827

Photographer Jim Loc: Rio Vista, CA

Thanks for that, Scott. I never turn my back on something free!

As an affiliate, what can you tell me about the TT 20? I know it should handle my 5D Mk ii with 24-105 and my 17-40 just fine. Any possibility I would be able to get the 100-400 in as well?

Screamin Scott Loc: Marshfield Wi, Baltimore Md, now Dallas Ga

I don't have that bag so I really can't say for sure. Their site says it holds (& I quote)
Fits a standard DSLR with 1-4 lenses plus a large tablet. The front organizer pocket holds changes, memory cards and other small accessories.

Examples:

Nikon D800 with 70-200 f/2.8 attached + 50 f/1.4 (or flash) hoods reversed
Canon 5DMIII + 85mm f/1.8 attached + 24-70mm f/2.8 + 100mm f/2.8 macro hoods reversed


So I can only assume it would meet your needs

SharpShooter Loc: NorCal

Jim, I am not familiar with the TT.
But my first bag was a sling. Though I used the heck out of it for a year, I am NOT a fan of slings. Don't know if you have used one, but just the one sided design didn't work well for me.
The TT is, I'm sure, much better than what I had. If I did not have the cross strap on, the bag would sling over anytime I bent over or leaned in the wrong direction. Maybe, you have used them and like them, and a better one would probably be an improvement.
Jim mine was an inexpensive $50 Targus bag.
If you would like to borrow it for your trip, you are welcome to it and I will run it over to you.
If you want to see it, Google it, Targus Sling Backpack. It's the darkish/black one with the red stripe running down the middle. Otherwise the TT I'm sure is a much better bag.
Let me know.
SS

mrtobin Loc: North East Ohio

I have the lowepro 300, it's a bit larger than the 202. I find the sling style bags VERY uncomfortable for hiking. What do you have against two straps? I know you said no two strap backpack, just wondering why.
regards mrtobin

Photographer Jim Loc: Rio Vista, CA

I'm looking for a good sling primarily as an option for those times when I want only a few pieces of gear on a short hike ( i.e. 2 mile round trip) when my Exhibition 5 or Exhibition 8 backpack would be overkill. I also want the quick access to a spare lens on those times when I'm someplace where I don't want to be taking a pack on and off to get into it. I also want to avoid the awkwardness of a messenger style shoulder bag. A sling will best meet my needs.

mrtobin Loc: North East Ohio

Jim; you may want to take a look at the Lowepro Fastpack .It has a side entrance. It is designed so that you slip your right arm out of the strap and slide the bag to your front, the bag stays off the ground. I am sure that lowepro has a demo vid that can explain it better than I can. It comes in different sizes. I think the 100 is the smallest, I have the 350, it weighs a ton when fully loaded but its good for "hiking" through the air port :) Either way good luck with what ever bag you choose.
Regards mrtobin ps don't forget to close the side door before returning it to the backpack position.