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United StatesRANGER DSLR SLING XL REVIEW
Love the bag like all my other Hex camera bags!
United States United StatesA larger bag for more gear
I had the Ranger DSLR Sling in Blackout Camo, but I wanted something a little bigger to carry a bit more gear and a water bottle. This is better than carrying a full backpack full of gear. It's comfortable and easy to modify the interior. I like the weight and the sturdiness of this bag. Well made and so far it's what I was looking for.
United StatesA disabled, Amateur Photographer's perspective
I am a disabled person, and use a mobility scooter when out and about. My disability makes mobility and strength two of my primary concerns when investing in a new photography bag. Because I do use crutches on occasion, this makes a backpack impractical, as the straps will interfere with my ability to use crutches. I cannot transport a carry-on style bag with my mobility limitations, so this seemed to leave me with a sling style bag. Slings all looked more like fashion accessories, rather than purpose built kit to serve a particular need. I am not a professional photographer. At best, I am an Amateur, still learning, still practicing, and absolutely loving it. I need something that is purpose made, and will allow me to carry what I need, without the room to keep making the bag too heavy for me to actually use. While I like the marketing photos of HEX products, I wanted to be sure it would actually do what I needed it to do and it would be durable, and give me the freedom to just independently enjoy something I really love. It's really hard when you're trying to use a mobility device, and you need to stop, and shoot at the lake, or at the game, and you have to manipulate the bag because it's a shoulder bag, or a backpack, and I simply cannot maneuver it all by myself. After two months, I've come to the decision that my Ranger Sling XL is the very best bag, that I've used to date, when it comes to my specific needs as a disabled person. Here's the highlights, for me specifically: - Completely customized interior that you configure as your needs change. - The bag stands up on it's own, making it easy to store next to me, almost anywhere I go. - The padding is substantial, and I trust it. - It fits on my lap, and is easy to manipulate. - Strong & substantial zippers, but I can manipulate them with one hand. - The external material is strong, substantial, and feels very durable. - Straps are strong, seat belt material. - The soft and padded sleeve will accommodate a tablet and/or other similar sized items. it's lined so it doesn't scratch your device. Same for the included cell phone pocket. - The included rainfly is great. I love knowing that I have it and it's easy to install. I do have a few suggestions that I'd like to kindly direct the folks at HEX towards: - While the straps are long, and would easily support being worn with a heavy coat, I wonder if something like a spacer could be developed, so the bag could be extended even further for those in a wheelchair or mobility scooter. - Molle or anchor points for using a carabiner or clip to rig the bag to the back of a chair, or other storage/transport options. - The straps used to secure a tripod are small, and a require some effort. They're strong, but after a month, still difficult for me to use. However, I also know my tripod is safe. - Some way to prevent the bag from sliding and/or rolling under your arm when wearing. A security strap to keep it from rolling, depending of the wearer's needs. - I realize not everyone may want this, but disabled users may need something reflective on their bag. A way to have this might be worth considering. I know that this bag will only carry what I need when I'm on the move, around a lake, a nature preserve, the city, and the game. I carry my Canon body, 300mm lens, 150-600mm sigma contemporary, batteries, charger, filters, 81" Tripod, USB cables, and small LED light, all in this bag, and it's completely balanced and does not weigh a ton. I can use this if I'm on my crutches for a short period of time, and on my mobility scooter. This bag gives me the confidence, to take my gear, and go for a fall photo shoot and lunch with my wife, the Friday night game on the sidelines, and survive a fall out of the back of my F-150 which is absolutely has. The bag absolutely has plenty of style points, and it certainly doesn't look like any other photography bag I've personally seen. This pattern is sharp, unique, and priced reasonably due to it being truly purpose-built for a photographer, of any skill level. You simply do not need to be a Nat Geo photographer to purchase a well made, purpose built, and flexible bag. Unless you're flying to the Congo, I doubt you need to spend that kind of money. While I'd personally like to see a few updates (from a disability standpoint), the bag is an outstanding investment to keep your valuable equipment secure while you're on the move. I love the look and feel of my bag, the ability to completely customize the padding to your needs, strong materials, sturdy straps, and the attention to details set this bag apart. Overall, this is a great bag, and I have zero regrets with my purchase. In fact, I also purchased the HEX Sling XL in the same pattern for use everyday to help carry my personal things, and I love it. While I have mobility needs, that doesn't mean that I have to carry things that look like I have mobility needs. Buy with absolute confidence. Thank you HEX.
United StatesWell thought out and designed sling pack
Holds a full size DSLR body and 5-6 lenses. Plenty of pockets and nooks and crannies to stash small items. Great sling pack for day trip or carry on for longer. Would easily fit under the seat on commercial airliners. I’d recommend this pack.
WARNING: Cancer and Reproductive Harm - www.P65warnings.ca.gov
