The Element Sling is the incredibly versatile Quick-Access Champ. It provides the well-known Sling geometry that allows you to access your camera in a second. But we didn't stop there. The spacious Sling features offers ergonomics and handy features, which will make a huge difference while shooting or in everyday carry use. Because the Element Sling 15 has the most adaptable, most variable carrying system of all our products, we created this 'in focus' feature to provide you with information around the Sling 15. We're going to answer all the questions we've heard so far and tell you straight up what you need to know to make your decision which Element is perfect for you:
¿? What does 'Sling' actually mean? Is it a backpack or a shoulderbag!?
☞ The Sling 15 blends both worlds in one acutally. Common for sling bags, the Sling 15 sits slanted on your back. It offers an ergonomically padded carrying system with moisture-wicking 3D AirMesh. Thanks to this design you can easily swing the bag to the front and access your kit in a second. The camera quick access is always at hand without the need of setting down the bag. But this Element can do even more: You can switch the padded shoulder strap to the other side and thus carry the bag on the other shoulder. This way your bag won't get tired on longer hikes or walks because you can change shoulders within seconds. The Sling 15 comes with detachable straps which add even more versatility. You can carry the Sling 15 similar to a backpack by adding the straps as a hip belt. Or you can use the strap to secure the Sling 15 on your back carrying it slanted. By doing this, the Sling 15 will sit like glove even while riding (motor)bikes, hiking, running and obviously while shooting. The extra strap attaches to the buckle in the front of the strap and won't get in your way putting the bag on or down. As you can see: The Element Sling 15 is packed with usability options.
¿? Will there be a smaller Sling 13 model in the future?
☞ Currently we're not considering a Sling in 13-inch size. As the overall weight of our Element Line is low and the slanted carrying position of the Sling 15 makes the bag feel compact and light, it will never bother you. Also it provides more freedom when it comes to laptop sizes and overall equipment bulk. And with the spacious daypack rolltop there is enough room to carry home your groceries for example. If you're working with a very compact kit without the need of carrying a lot of extra stuff, the Sling 11 could be a great way to go. That is the lightest shoulder bag we've ever made.
¿? compagnon is known for leather products. Why does the Element Line not have any leather on it?
☞ We love our leather collection just as much as their owners, some of whom own theirs sind 2013 when we first started selling bags. compagnon leather is durable, natural and water repellant. But for entering the demanding, functional outdoor segment, we wanted to up the ante. So we set on a vegan alternative that allowed us to save weight and provide exceptional protection and durability. All this and more did we find in the XPac fabric.
¿? What kind of fabric is XPac and why does it look so unusual?
☞ The Element Line exterior shell is mainly made from high-tech XPac sailcloth. It is made by the world leader in racing sail technology from Germany. Developed near Düsseldorf, Germany, the light, high-tenacity laminate is a great choice for us. XPac by itself can't be passed by water because of its laminate construction. There is no enviornmentally harmful coating needed at all. Thanks to the internal XPly structure, which you can see from the outside as X-shaped lines, the fabric is extremely strong and can take tough outdoor use without suffering. The top layer is nearly impervious to dirt and stains, most traces of outdoor use can simply be whiped off with a damp cloth. If you're now wondering why this awesome fabric is this uncommon for bags and outdoor applications, there is one simply reason: That kind of performance comes at a price. XPac is around 5-10 times more expensive that widely used fabrics. But staying true to our vision and striving for your satisfaction, this was still the right way to go for us.
¿? Will the Element Line be available in other/more colors in the future?
☞ Currently we're not considering more colors for the Element Line. The unique hightech fabric XPac is only available in a limited range of colors so offering new colors goes along with massive expense and cost. So we're sticking to our current colors with the super versatile and subtle Volcano black or the dapper and special Desert brown.
¿? Is the Element Sling 15 waterproof and why did you include a rain cover with it?
☞ Waterproof bags are made for submerging a bag in water without any leaks. So regular bags are never waterproof. But the Element Line with its XPac fabric is very water resistant and the YKK Aquaguard zippers are made to withstand most kinds of downpour. The cover that is included with the Element Sling 15 and Element backpack should provide extra security in cases of heavy rain lasting many hours and also while using the bag in dirty and mudding surroundings. This way your Element stays clean. As you get mud on the cover you can easily clean it off in a shower or using a pressure cleaner for a few seconds. So its always a great thing that our Elements have a small floor pocket with a cover inside.
¿? At the end of the rolltop daypack there is a strong velcro flap. Can I get around the noise when opening it?
☞ Of course you can. Neatly folding the end of the rolltop once or twice would be enough to close the daypack properly but we wanted to offer the extra security of another barrier. But we also included a silencer option for it. Once its open you can fold it down and lock it there so you can always use the daypack without making any noise at all.
¿? Is there some kind of partition between the daypack and the main storage underneath?
☞ With any Element Line bag you can decide to use both segments separately or open the zippered flap to create one large compartment for massive gear or reach into the storage section from the top. The dividing flap can effectively isolate a damp rain jacket from your equipment but it is not sealed for protection against leaking drinking bottles or similar. That's why there is a drinking bottle holder on the exterior of Sling 15.
¿? Is there a way to attach the Sling 15 to my trolley/roller case?
☞ There is a grab handle on the rear of the Element Sling 15 which doubles as a suitcase mount. With this your Element can sit on your roller and you can carry all your kit & luggage efficiently.
Do you have another question about the Element Sling 15 that we did not answer yet? Simply send us an email. We'll get in touch and help you out. If you have questions about the Element Sling 11 or Element backpack, check out our 'In Focus' blog posts for these models. Best regards and enjoy your compagnon Element Sling 15!
