What’s the Best Camera Sling Bag for Street Photographers?
Let’s start with a giant cliche: If there’s one thing I’ve learned from years of traveling full-time, it’s that less really is more—especially when it comes to gear.
Living out of a suitcase has made me ruthless about what I pack, and that philosophy extends to my camera kit too. I’ve become a bit of a camera sling bag evangelist over the years. At this point, I can’t imagine hefting a big, bulky camera backpack through the streets while attempting to do street photography or gather b-roll for my next video.
The simplicity and versatility of a good sling bag just can’t be beat.
Why I’m Hooked on Camera Sling Bags
When you’re spending hours wandering a city, the last thing you want is a heavy backpack weighing you down.
A camera sling bag keeps things light, letting you carry your essentials (and your camera, of course) without the hassle. It’s a breeze to slip into a crowded coffee shop or hop on the subway without knocking into people with a bulky pack.
Plus, there’s something liberating about only bringing the necessities, and it forces you to be intentional with your gear.
Street is challenging enough already. Instead of agonizing over which lens to use, if you’ve packed just what you need, you can focus on being in the moment—on nailing the shot, not fumbling with equipment.
My Favorite One (So Far): Bellroy Venture Camera Sling Bag
Let’s get straight to it: the best camera sling bag out there right now, in my humble opinion, is the Bellroy Venture Camera Sling 10L.
This bag has genuinely transformed the way I shoot.
It’s big enough to hold everything I need, but compact enough that I can forget about it when I’m walking around. It’s also become my go-to “camera cube” while traveling, serving as the organization and protection for my camera bodies, lenses, film, batteries, etc. when they’re tucked away in a backpack en route to the next destination.
The Bellroy Venture Ready Pack 26L & Venture Camera Sling 10L
I’ve had this sling strapped to me across Mexico City and Baja California, wandered the streets of Lisbon and Porto, dodged tuk-tuks in Guatemala, strolled through Copenhagen and Montréal, and hung around in countless cities across the U.S. as well.
It’s seen more miles than many people’s suitcases, and it’s held up like a champ every step of the way.
Why Bellroy’s Venture Camera Sling Stands Out
I’ve researched and tested a lot of small camera sling bags over the years, and I’m just going to go ahead and name names here.
For the record, many of the following are great options, but I want to demonstrate why Bellroy’s Camera Sling sets itself apart from the competition for me.
Peak Design, Nomatic, Moment, and Wandrd all make objectively high-quality slings, but they’re often too rigid and boxy for my taste. I like a bag that’s a little less technical and doesn’t scream “expensive camera gear inside.” To each their own on those, they may be right for you.
Wotancraft looks fantastic, but let’s be real—they’re prohibitively expensive. We’ll leave them for the Leica shooters.
Hex makes the Ranger Mini Sling, which I have had forever, and still use from time to time. It’s great for small setups, (X-Pro, XE, Ricoh, etc.) but the velcro has pretty much worn out, and it doesn’t quite fit my Fuji X-T5.
And then there are all the Amazon knock-offs. They’re either cheap or painfully obvious as camera bags. Not ideal if you’re trying to be discreet, but may get the job done if you’re on a strict budget.
Lowepro is a classic, but again, it’s the kind of bag that comes that screams “photographer”.
Bellroy’s camera sling bag checks all the boxes for me and manages not to annoy me while I’m using it.
It’s sleek, casual, and fits right in whether I’m shooting street scenes downtown or on top of a mountain.
Why I Trust the Bellroy’s Camera Sling Bag
Quick disclaimer: this isn’t a sponsored post. You might remember that Bellroy did send me a backpack for a video I made recently, but I bought Bellroy’s Camera Sling with my own money ages before they knew my username.
If it didn’t work for me, you’d know about it (as you’ve probably gathered from the above).
The Features That Matter
Here’s what I love about this bag:
Weather-resistant: Keeps my gear dry when I get caught in the rain.
Protective design: The internal padding and customizable dividers keep my camera safe from bumps.
Battery pocket: Perfect for quick swaps without having to dig through the entire bag.
Stretchy side pockets: Great for odds and ends like a lens cloth or spare SD cards that would otherwise roll around.
Reversible strap: Easily wear it on either shoulder, front or back. Plus, the strap adjusts super easily, so I can slide the bag around to change lenses without fussing with hardware.
Spacious yet compact: It holds a camera body and an extra lens (or even a second camera if I’m shooting film too), without feeling bulky or boxy.
Tripod straps: More of a nice-to-have. Handy in theory, though if I really need a tripod, I’ll tend to just opt for a backpack at that point.
Discreet front pocket: Perfect for keys, wallet, or headphones. Plus, it’s slightly hidden, so it doesn’t draw too much attention.
Dedicated battery pocket in the Bellroy Venture Camera Sling 10L
Lastly, it looks great. I know camera gear isn’t a fashion statement, but it’s nice that this bag doesn’t stick out like a sore thumb. No matter where I am, it blends in perfectly with that sleek, understated, Bellroy charm.
A Few Potential Drawbacks
No bag is perfect, so let’s talk cons:
Size: If you’re an ultra-minimalist, the 10L might feel a bit large. You might prefer something smaller like the Hex Ranger Mini DSLR Sling (some of those words may be in the wrong order) I mentioned if you’re just carrying a tiny camera.
Non-removable dividers: The dividers don’t come out. This isn’t a dealbreaker for me—they move out of the way easily. But if you love full velcro flexibility, it might feel limiting. That said, velcro can wear out, and it has for me on other bags, so I’m on the fence about this being a true con. I think Bellroy’s design choice will hold up better in the long run.
Plastic strap fasteners: Some folks have reported issues with these. I haven’t had any problems so far, but I’ll admit they feel a bit flimsy. It’s something to keep an eye on.
The Verdict
The Bellroy Venture Camera Sling 10L is a landslide pick for the best small camera sling bag out there right now.
It’s versatile, comfortable, and stylish without sacrificing practicality. It’s got everything I need and nothing I don’t—a rare feat in the world of camera… anything. If you’re looking for a small camera sling bag that can handle your gear without weighing you down, this one’s worth a look.
Have questions or want to dive deeper into the details? Leave a comment or reach out via socials—I’m always happy to chat gear.
