BAGSMART Soar 6L Camera Sling Bag with Tripod Holder Review

The BAGSMART Soar 6L Camera Sling Bag with Tripod Holder is a phenomenal lightweight sling with extensive organization with multiple compartments, including quick-access pockets and a hidden stealth pocket, all secured with a lockable zipper for added protection. The 6L capacity easily switches between everyday carry sling and camera bag functionality, though its limited capacity is best suited for those carrying minimal gear. Plus, you can adjust the flexible divider system to provide customized protection and compartmentalization based on your needs.

We’ve found BAGSMART bags to be functional, versatile, and well-designed, and this sling does not disappoint. It features a removable shoulder strap that you can adjust based on your carrying preferences and overall gear. Additionally, built-in compression straps on the bottom serve dual purposes to either cinch down the bag or secure additional gear to the bottom.

External Components

The BAGSMART Soar 6L Camera Sling Bag with Tripod Holder is made with water-repellent fabric that provides excellent protection against the weather. Although the exact material isn’t specified, it is lightweight and comfortable to hold. The design features a soft, malleable frame with a distinctive grid-like pattern and nubuck accents. Its flexible material and construction make it highly adaptable, although it lacks any rigid structure or frame.

The main compartment is equipped with waterproof zippers and a protective coating for added weather protection. While the zipper pulls are comfortable to handle and use, the combination of the coating and flexible fabric means the main compartment typically requires two hands to zip or unzip, especially around corners. These zippers can be locked together for additional security. In contrast, the other zippers throughout the bag operate pretty smoothly with one hand.

The external carry straps underneath the sling connect using G-hooks and offer easy adjustability while remaining secure, preventing any unnecessary dangling. These straps are versatile enough to carry various items like a tripod, jacket, or even a water bottle. We can attach an Owala FreeSip Water Bottle under the bottom of the sling without any issues. The design includes strap keepers that neatly manage any excess slack while adding a nice visual contrast to the overall straps.

Branding is minimal, featuring only the company’s logo in reflective material on the front of the sling, along with a small pull tab displaying the logo on the removable shoulder strap, which has a subtle shimmery finish.
The BAGSMART Soar 6L Camera Sling Bag with Tripod Holder can be worn as either a crossbody or a shoulder bag, though due to the strap attachment design, it tends to hang forward uncomfortably when worn on one shoulder. The shoulder strap has a reflective finish and a slightly rougher feel than typical seatbelt material. A convenient plastic buckle on one side allows for quick removal when wearing layers, though it is important to remember the correct side when putting it on for this to work.

The shoulder strap includes a removable padded support for comfort with heavier loads. This support attaches quite easily with hook-and-loop fasteners. However, the strap’s limited length is a notable detriment. While it sits nicely on the back at full extension, slipping it over the head and arm can be difficult, especially for those with bigger frames. The high-riding position may appeal to some users but is not ideal for those who prefer a looser fit.

The absence of a dedicated grab handle is slightly inconvenient for quick movements, forcing users to clutch the bag and risk dropping it. While the compression strap loops can serve as makeshift handles, this causes the bag to hang sideways, which is not ideal if you have delicate items inside, like a camera.

Fit Notes

This sling has a unique approach to aesthetics, offering both vibrant, bold color options and a somewhat more neutral and understated option. The vibrant color scheme serves a dual purpose, enhancing visibility for safe commutes while making it easier to locate specific pockets and the gear inside. The design definitely makes a statement, particularly with its orange accents, so those looking for something more discreet might prefer the gray version. However, even that option is still fairly eye-catching. While the fit runs rather close and tight to the body, it is still pretty comfortable overall. This design will particularly appeal to users who prefer their sling to sit higher and closer to the body.

Inside The Sling

The rear pocket has a visible orange accent at the opening and uses a strong magnetic closure that provides a satisfying snap. It’s ideal for storing everyday essentials with quick access, though its practicality becomes a slight issue depending on what you decide to store inside. An included key leash attached to the top of the pocket uses nylon webbing with a circular carabiner. The circular design provides a nice aesthetic, but it’s not the smoothest or easiest to use when obstructed by the webbing.

Ordinarily, this pocket would be perfect for quick storage of a phone. However, the key leash presents a potential issue. In our testing, it seems storing both keys and a phone here presents the risk of unwanted scratches to the phone. Ultimately, we favor the phone here thanks to its quick-access functionality. Additionally, because the key leash is short and the webbing lacks stretch, using the keys while still attached feels difficult and impractical. We often just removed the keys from the carabiner, which presents its own set of challenges, with the circular opening potentially obstructed by the nylon webbing. The placement and length of the key leash are just not very efficient, even while trying to squat for those users who are on the taller side.

The front compartment is nicely sized and offers substantial storage with a good amount of organization. It includes two super stretchy mesh pockets that provide convenient access and item separation. These pockets sit flush against the compartment wall when empty, maximizing available space. The remaining area of this compartment serves as an ideal space for storing loose items you still need to access quickly.

A hidden pocket is conveniently tucked underneath one of the flaps, offering a discreet storage pocket. This pocket is pretty spacious and works well for storing sensitive items like cash, a wallet, or even a passport. Its capacity takes up nearly the entire front of the bag. One thing to keep in mind is that the large zipper pull may reveal the pocket’s presence when unzipped due to its tendency to dangle. However, when zipped and secured, it remains nicely concealed.

The main compartment on the BAGSMART Soar 6L Camera Sling Bag with Tripod Holder features a wide opening with dual lockable zippers for extra security. Inside, the compartment offers extensive flexibility and organization for various uses. A large padded slip pocket against the back wall can fit a phone or Nintendo Switch and conveniently sits flush against the wall when not in use to maximize space.

On the opposite side, you will find a zippered mesh pocket with plenty of stretch. This pocket contains three soft, stretchy slip pockets perfect for smaller items like batteries and SD cards. The remaining space in this zippered pocket works well for securing everyday items like keys or a wallet with secured access.

The main compartment’s remaining space is ideal for larger gear and is flexible. A set of deployable dividers attached to one side protects and separates sensitive equipment like cameras or lenses. These dividers can also serve as just a general partition for any items needing separation or organization. When not needed, the divider system conveniently folds and compresses against any compartment wall, ensuring it is always available without taking up unnecessary space.

The BAGSMART Soar 6L Camera Sling Bag with Tripod Holder offers a cleverly intuitive design with impressive organization and adaptable storage. While the bag excels in its flexibility and protective features, there are some slightly annoying issues with the strap system and accessibility. The waterproof materials and secure closures provide nice weather protection, though the zippers on the main compartment are not the smoothest to use. Despite its limitations with the shoulder strap length and lack of a grab handle, the sling balances functionality with versatility, making it a solid choice for photographers and everyday users who prioritize organized storage and weather resistance in a compact form factor.