Peak Design Everyday Sling 6L

Much of railfanning is moving: walking a platform, climbing to a viewpoint, working along a line from one vantage to the next. A sling keeps the camera on your hip while you walk and swings forward without taking the bag off, which suits a train that is already in sight. The maker describes the Everyday Sling as the smallest, lightest bag in its Everyday line, made for minimalist carry of everyday or photo gear, and the adjustable padded strap can be worn on either shoulder. A stabilizing strap goes around the chest or waist so the bag does not swing when you step quickly.

The maker states a top-access opening with magnetic closures for quick retrieval, which fits the usual routine of hearing a horn, opening the bag and raising the camera. Padded dividers can be rearranged around a body, a lens or personal items. The maker describes a weatherproof recycled 400D shell and a 900D waterproof bottom liner, so setting the bag down on a damp platform or walking through a shower is what it is built for. Peak Design's own captions show a camera with a lens inside the 3L, and the 6L is the middle size of three: check the maker's size guide against your body with the lens attached before buying, because a body with a long telephoto may call for the 10L instead. Wear any camera bag so that it never snags on equipment, and keep clear of the track.

It suits a railfan who walks to the lineside with one body and one or two lenses and wants quick access without a backpack. Look elsewhere if you carry a laptop, a second body or a large telephoto and need to spread the weight across both shoulders. Peak Design also sells it in 3 L and 10 L sizes, so a lighter or larger kit can stay in the same design.

The Lowepro Fastpack BP 250 AW III is a 20.5 L backpack with a camera zone and a 13-inch laptop sleeve for a larger kit. Within the same Peak Design line, the 10L Everyday Sling gives more room if your body wears a long lens.