The Chrome Niko Camera Sling Review | Rugged, Strong, Minimal

An easy-to-access camera sling that is large enough to carry all your gear but comfortable enough you can explore all day with it.

This sling combines the traditions of a camera bag with the requirements for all day mobility.

Start with the shape, it’s rectangular which gives you the room you need to configure the bag from three small pockets to one large body. It also makes it easy to move the bag to your side, access a camera and change a lens without the bag collapsing on you. The soft, protective liner protects your gear and the small pockets prevent you from having to fish for things. The design of the wide strap and the extra chest buckle lets you lock the back down, close to your body, for all day walking or riding.

If you are looking for a camera bag that can fanny or a fanny that is a hidden camera bag, the Niko Sling is for you.

• Super Organized: For a fanny sling this is unique. You can configure the inserts to create multiple small pockets or take them out for a single compartment.
• Quick To Access: Top down opening means you can grab your gear without putting the bag down and fishing.
• Water Resistant: A rugged 1000D nylon body protects from the occasional downpour.
• Tripod Ready: instead of two straps holding a tripod like most bags, the compression flap covers more surface area, holding it in place firmly so it won’t loosen when on the move.

What It Fits

This fanny sling is unique. It’s large enough to fit large camera gear, but comfortable enough you don’t notice when it’s full. As a camera bag it’s padded lining protects your gear and its rectangular shape gives you the rigidity you need to carry. The top opens for fast access to change a lens, the pockets make it so you don’t have to fish, and the removable organizers let you change from three small compartments to one open compartment. It’s easy to pack in the essentials like my phone, keys, wallet, and passport — as well as my Olympus OM2, Portra 400 film rolls, and a Fuji X100f compact digital camera. Oh, and don’t forget a can of Talking Rain and 3 different Cliff bars (any flavor)!

The Details

This is where the history of Chrome Industries stands out. If you aren’t familiar with their bags, they have been making indestructible gear for people living in the city, since 1993. It means they understand zippers, buckles, and materials.

I didn’t know what I was missing until I used the sling. I’ve only ever owned camera backpacks prior, so I was forced to set down the bag to grab my gear. But the sling is ready for a moment’s notice, at my loyal side. I began using the sling as a lens bag on a shoot with the camera body on my shoulder, but I soon found it to be an easily accessible daily commute pack. I’m able to access anything I need, whenever I please.