My New Favourite Camera Bag (Bellroy Venture 10L Camera Edition Sling)
Maybe it’s just me but finding the right bag is probably one of the most difficult tasks out there. Just like many of us, I have purchased a bag, thought it was the one, changed my mind, sold it, tried something else, sold it, went back to the original one, changed my mind and the story goes on and on. As someone who tries to be as minimal as possible, it’s hard finding something that is not only functional, looks good, comfortable and practical, but multipurpose too. Finally I feel that I have found an item that ticks all of these boxes for daily carry and it is the Bellroy Venture 10L Camera Edition Sling. After 4 months of almost daily use, I’m ready to share my thoughts.
Why This Bag
One of the main reasons I went with this style of bag is versatility. As you will see later it can be used as a camera bag, as a tablet bag, beach bag, daily carry bag and almost everything else. It can also double up as a camera cube to be used within a larger bag with ample padding to keep your gear safe and removable strap to keep things clean.
The second reason is that it’s a non camera brand bag and although it looks clean and minimal, it does not stand out. Before this I had a Peak Design bag and no joke I had someone come up to me in a coffee shop and ask what camera I’m using. Of course that person was well meaning and we had a good chat, but for me it was the final straw.
Finally out of all the sling style bags I tried, this is the most comfortable with the most padding and adjustability. It will never be as ergonomic as a backpack nor is it wise to load it up with too much weight, but if you’re specifically after a sling, this is a good one.
Material & Build
This bag is definitely high quality and built well, which for the price you would expect. The materials feel premium, zips feel sturdy and overall it feels like it can last many years.
The external material and zips have a degree of water resistance from a brief rain shower. However in a heavy downpour or consistent rain, it will slowly soak through. Personally I have never had that happen but came close.
The zips don’t fully seal the bag so you need to make sure the sides are tucked in to avoid the bag being partially open. Although an odd design choice, it seems to help the bag compress and keep a smaller form factor.
The front pocket has a lip which is very helpful when taking stuff in and out but will collect water and soak through when raining.
The strap is well padded and the elaborate buckles have not given me any issues. I have heard that some people managed to break theirs, but for me they have been great. The strap can also be reversed and the padding is free to slide along the strap making it easy to adjust for your needs.
The bag is well padded all round and seems very sturdy. However it is still compressible, light and can mould around the gear you have inside. This is both good and bad. It is good as it always keeps a low profile however once compressed and still on your body, it can be tricky putting things back in.
The build quality continues inside where all the zips, material choices and dividers are all high quality and feel like they will last.
Finally I am yet to pick up any major marks or scrapes either inside or out.
Organisation
On the outside things are pretty simple with some loops to allow for a strap and extra attachment as well as the front pocket.
The front pocket is big and has two smaller pockets and a key leash.
Inside there is a zipped pocket on the top with smaller pockets inside. Great for batteries, cables and smaller accessories. However if left unzipped, it will all fall out.
The main compartment has 2 dividers that can be moved and moulded into many different configurations. They are not removable but can be almost folded flat. I personally prefer this design over more rigid removable dividers. This makes organising the inside very easy.
Finally there are 2 small pockets on either side. Good for cables, filters and other accessories.
Load 1 - Daily Photography Carry
The first load is what I would typically carry when going out to shoot for the day.
Camera body
18mm prime
33mm prime
90mm prime
Spare battery
Charger
Cable
General accessories like wallet, keys, coins etc.
Load 2 - Max Load / Camera Cube
This is how I pack the sling like a camera cube before putting it into my travel backpack. This is all the camera gear I would bring on a typical long term trip. This is just the bIg bulky stuff, I have a separate pouch for smaller accessories.
Camera body x 2
18mm prime
33mm prime
90mm prime
16-55 zoom
Microphone
Mini Tripod
Load 3 - Daily Carry
This would be my daily carry load where I’m out for the day but I might stop somewhere to work yet still have a camera incase I want to shoot.
Camera body
33mm prime
iPad Pro 11”
Charger
Cable
General accessories like wallet, keys, coins etc.
Load 4 - Gym / Beach
Finally I use this bag as my gym / beach bag.
iPad Pro 11”
Towel
Folding water bottle
Change of clothes
Charger
Cable
General accessories like wallet, keys, coins etc.
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