In detail: Element sling 15

The Element Sling 15 is the incredibly versatile quick-access champion. It offers the familiar sling geometry and allows access in seconds at any time. But the spacious sling also offers amazing ergonomics and practical features that make a huge difference not only when taking photos but also in everyday life. Because the Sling 15 has the most variable carrying system of all compagnon products, in this detailed post we provide all the information, not just about the carrying system, and answer all the questions we have received so far. Perhaps this will help you decide which Element is right for you:

¿? What exactly does sling mean? Is the Sling 15 a backpack or a shoulder bag?

☞ The Sling 15 offers something of both worlds. Typically, the Sling 15 is worn diagonally across the back on one shoulder. It offers an ergonomically padded back system with moisture-wicking 3D AirMesh. This design allows you to swing the Sling 15 forward in a second and, for example, open the quick access camera without having to take the sling off. But this element can do even more. For example, you can change your shoulder strap, as the comfortably padded shoulder strap can be removed and mounted upside down. This prevents shoulder fatigue on long days/tours. But that's not all. The Sling 15 comes with detachable additional straps that allow you to carry the Sling 15 like a rucksack with a hip belt or to fix the Sling diagonally on your back. This means it never moves unintentionally when cycling, riding a motorcycle, running fast, etc. The additional strap can be clicked onto the front of the shoulder strap and therefore does not interfere with putting it on or taking it off. As you can see, the Element Sling 15 offers an incredible number of possibilities.

¿? Will the Sling 15 also be available as a smaller Sling 13 version?

☞ We are not currently planning to add a medium size to the sling lineup. Thanks to its low weight and carrying position, the Sling 15 feels compact during every activity and movement and never gets in the way. This gives you more freedom in the stowage area with laptop sizes and bulkier equipment. You can also store more in the roll-top for everyday use and transport larger items of shopping if required. For particularly small equipment, there is the Sling 11, the lightest shoulder bag from compagnon.

¿? I know compagnon for leather products. Why is the Element Line now available without any leather?

☞ We love our leather collection and many owners, some even from the very beginning in 2013, love it just as much. But even though compagnon leather is robust, natural and highly water-repellent, we wanted to go one step further for the demanding, functional outdoor sector. We wanted a vegan alternative that would not only save weight but also offer the highest level of protection for equipment and durability. XPac offers us all this and more.

¿? What kind of material is XPac and why does it look so unusual?

☞ The outer skin of the Element Line is mainly made of XPac canvas. It is packed with the latest innovations and is used by the world's top sailing teams as a racing sail. Developed by the world market leader DP in Kempen near Düsseldorf, XPac offers a number of advantages: XPac is a very light but high-strength and robust laminate. The multi-layer structure ensures that XPac cannot be physically penetrated by water. This means that we can dispense with coatings that are often harmful to the environment and the waterproofness does not wear off. Thanks to the XPly, the reinforced X-structure inside the laminate, the fabric is extremely strong and can withstand enormous loads, especially in outdoor use. Even stubborn dirt can hardly stick to the surface and can usually be simply wiped off. If you are now wondering why this incredible material is not generally used for outdoor products: Unfortunately, this performance comes at a price that exceeds common fabrics by a factor of 5-10. But your satisfaction and our vision are worth it.

¿? Will the Element Line be available in other colors in the future?

☞ We are not currently planning any additional colors. The unique high-tech outer material X-Pac is generally only produced in a few colors, so adding more colors would be extremely time-consuming and extremely expensive. Therefore, we are leaving the color range at the currently available and super versatile options Volcano Black (beautifully subtle) and Desert Brown (classy and yet not too conspicuous).

¿? Is the Element Sling 15 waterproof and why does it come with a rain cover?

☞ Waterproof bags must not let any liquid into the interior, even under water. Of course, this does not even apply to the Element Line. The XPac material of our Elements is completely waterproof in itself, but of course this does not apply to the entire bag. The YKK Aquaguard zippers as well as the other materials are extremely water-repellent and can easily keep out almost any precipitation. The cover, which is included with the Element Sling 15 and the Element Backpack, is designed to provide additional safety and protection in heavy rain lasting several hours and also to help keep your Element clean and facilitate cleaning, especially in muddy/dirty conditions. If the cover is completely soiled with mud after a trip, it can also be cleaned in seconds with a high-pressure cleaner if necessary.

¿? There is a Velcro fastener at the top of the roll-top area that closes tightly. Can I avoid the Velcro noise if necessary?

☞ Of course you can. Even though the roll-top strap reliably closes a carefully folded roll-top, we wanted to offer the additional security of an extra barrier. But the Velcro fastener naturally has a silencer function. When open, it can be folded down and fixed, so you can access the roll-top area silently.

¿? How is the roll-top area separated from the main storage compartment?

☞ With the Element Sling 15, you can use both storage areas separately at any time or open the divider with a zipper and load large items through it. This divider is very flexible and can also provide some space from above and below when closed. The divider can effectively separate a damp rain jacket from the equipment, but of course does not offer sufficient security for leaking drinks bottles. There is a practical bottle holder on the outside of the Element Sling 15 for this purpose.

¿? Can I also transport the Sling 15 on my trolley/rolling suitcase?

☞ The Element Sling 15 has a handle on the back that can be used as a trolley strap. This means your Sling 15 can ride on your trolley case and you can transport your equipment and other luggage efficiently and comfortably.

Do you have another question about the Element Sling 15 that we haven't answered here? Then take a look at our video tutorial on the Element sling 15 or simply send us an email with your question. We will be happy to help you there. If you have any questions about the Element Sling 11 or Element backpack, take a look at our detailed posts about these models on our blog. Best wishes and have fun with your compagnon Element Sling 15!