The Lowepro Trekker Lite SLX 120 is a low-key sling or waist-style bag. It accommodates a full-frame digicam with connected lens and one or two extra lenses in a slim profile. We had been despatched one for assessment. How does it stack up in real-life utilization? Discover out in our full assessment.
Because the Trekker Lite title implies, this bag is good for the photographer who’s mountain climbing or strolling round lots. It’s a terrific dimension for bringing a digicam, a few lenses, some small equipment, a water bottle, and both a tripod or a jacket strapped to the again. The bag doesn’t scream, “I’ve bought an costly digicam right here!” Lowepro’s aesthetic and compartment areas have an interesting sense of minimalism whereas nonetheless having sufficient storage to get the job finished.
In case you are searching for one thing that has tons of particular person compartments, mesh pockets, and organizational components, that is in all probability not the bag for you. These options are nice for some functions. Nevertheless, if you’re not carrying quite a lot of cables, SD playing cards, and equipment, you may discover this easier design extra interesting. It is a lower-profile light-weight bag that appeals to photographers who wish to throw just a few issues within the bag and never be weighed down whereas on the go. I might in all probability use one or two extra mesh pockets on the inside orange-colored bag, however actually, the bag is okay the way in which it’s.
Professionals
- Helpful dimension for mountain climbing, road images, strolling round, and utilitarian functions
- Sturdy stable construct whereas nonetheless being light-weight
- Configurable as a sling or waist-pack
- Giant attachable water bottle pocket
- Padded sleeve for 10.5″ pill
- Padded air-mesh again for breathability
- Cinch-straps for attaching tripod or different objects
Cons
- The shoulder pad is just not absolutely padded when used as a sling
- Might use one or two extra organizational components contained in the small zippered pockets
Lowepro Trekker Lite SLX 120 — Technical specs
All specs for the Lowepro Trekker Lite SLX 120 are from the B&H web site.
- Exterior dimensions: 11.8 x 9.4 x 5.5″ / 30 x 23.9 x 14 cm
- Inside dimensions in whole: 11 x 8.7 x 4.3″ / 27.9 x 22.1 x 10.9 cm
- Inside dimensions of digicam compartment: 10.6 x 5.9 x 3.5″ / 26.9 x 15 x 8.9 cm
- Weight: 1.12 lb / 0.51 kg
- Supplies: Exterior: Polyester; insulation: Foam, Polyethylene
- Single Compartment: Matches 10.5″ Pill (10.6 x 7.5 x 0.6″ / 26.9 x 19.1 x 1.5 cm)
- Foremost Compartment: Adjustable Dividers (Hook & Loop)
- Carry/Transport Choices: Deal with, Shoulder Strap
Lowepro Trekker Lite SLX 120 – Ergonomics and construct high quality
The Lowepro Trekker Lite SLX 120 instantly feels stable and sturdy whereas weighing barely greater than a pound (1/12 lb / 0.51 kg). This consists of the YYZ zippers in addition to the material.
Lowepro Trekker Lite SLX 120 – Within the subject
The principle compartment has padded dividers that may be eliminated. The pocket and dividers are comfortable and well-padded, so there’s no worries about your tools being scratched. You’ll be able to simply configure this for quite a lot of tools.
You’ll be able to entry the primary digicam compartment by opening the highest zipper. This additionally offers you entry to the pill compartment instantly in entrance.
I discovered the bag to be typically comfy after I used this for night time images. As a result of I’m a thin man, I at all times need extra shoulder padding.
Waist-style bag or sling-style bag within the subject?
I discovered that for my functions, the bag was extra useful and cozy as a waist-style bag than as a sling-style bag. The strap additionally isn’t utterly padded all the way in which throughout. When carrying a T-shirt, I discovered this to be uncomfortable after strolling round for some time. With a jacket, it was not a difficulty.
Configuring the straps for sling-style, Lowepro Trekker Lite SLX 120
Configuring the straps for the waist, Lowepro Trekker Lite SLX 120
Regardless, you possibly can simply reconfigure the bag to fit your wants. It’s possible you’ll simply do that by releasing the strap from the Velcro situated behind the breathable mesh, pulling it out, and pulling it again in as a sling bag or again to a waist-pack.
One night, I used it with a Nikon D750 DSLR and Rokinon 12mm f/2.8 fisheye lens. I most popular utilizing this as a waist-pack slightly than a sling bag for lengthy intervals of time.
Extra makes use of within the subject
One other night, I used it for carrying two CP110 two-way radios, which we used for communication. I carried it round for about an hour earlier than assembly up with my pal and letting him use one among these radios. After that, I used to be in a position to match my lighting tools and snoot as a substitute. It was comfy and offered quick access the entire time I used to be within the subject. I used to be additionally in a position to carry a big bottle of Gatorade on the skin of the pack utilizing the included water bottle holder.
Lowepro Trekker Lite SLX 120 – What gear can it maintain?
Lowepro Trekker Lite SLX 120 straps
Lowepro Trekker Lite SLX 120 – entrance compartment
Lowepro Trekker Lite SLX 120 – each compartments
Foremost compartment
Inside the primary compartment, you possibly can retailer a full-sized DSLR digicam with a lens connected and one to 2 different lenses.
To be extra particular, I used to be simply in a position to match a Pentax Ok-1 full-frame DSLR, which is a big, heavy digicam with an connected 28-105mm f/3.5-5.6 zoom lens and a Nikon 28-300mm f/3.5-5.6 zoom lens, which is a comparatively massive lens. I might have simply match two smaller prime lenses as a substitute of the zoom lens. Or 4 or 5 Lensbaby lenses! This was comfy within the subject and labored properly. For this quantity of weight, I strongly most popular utilizing the bag as a waist-style bag, much more so than with the Nikon and fisheye lens.
Lowepro advertises it as becoming a mirrorless full-frame digicam, however even the very massive Pentax DSLR match. Nevertheless, the interior flap is not going to utterly fold over when doing this. I don’t think about to be a difficulty in any respect.
Different storage pockets
The pill compartment is massive sufficient that you may match some snacks in addition to the same old images equipment. There are additionally a few small black organizing pockets inside. I used to be in a position to maintain my telephone there. On this sleeve can be an orange-colored zipper that opens, supplying you with entry to an orange-colored pocket. Within the subject, I favored this for storing my pockets, keys, glasses, and different small however helpful objects.
Lowepro put yet another orange-colored pocket on the entrance exterior. I discovered that I might stuff a small drink bottle inside if completely vital though its in all probability probably not designed for that.
The underside of the bag has adjustable straps. You may use this for a small tripod, backpacking provides, stuff sacks, jacket, or different gear.
Water bottle storage
Water bottle holder, Lowepro Trekker Lite SLX 120
Water bottle holder, Lowepro Trekker Lite SLX 120
Lastly, the bag comes with a black attachable water bottle pocket. That is separate, and arrived inside the primary digicam compartment. I used to be simply in a position to slip a 28 oz (828 ml) Gatorade bottle inside, and felt that there was room for a bigger water bottle. This has loops so you possibly can connect it to the waist belt. The situation of the water bottle is likely to be another reason why I discover the bag to be extra useful and cozy than a sling bag.
Typically it’s the little issues
One of many issues that I instantly favored about this bag was visibility. You’ll be able to see your contents a bit of simpler than dark-colored interiors that many luggage, using yellow zipper pulls, the orange-colored inside zippers, the sunshine grey inside, or the orange-colored pocket. Very good.
