Veteran Member Registered: February, 2011 Location: Colorado, USA Posts: 830 | | Review Date: April 26, 2015 | Recommended | Price: $49.00
| Rating: 8 |
| Pros: | Well made, ample storage in a small package. | | Cons: | Side opening too narrow and can be frustrating sliding in/out a dslr the size of a K5. | |
Searching around for a replacement bag for my aging Pentax holster, I've decided to get a sling instead and looked at almost all of B&H listing for bags and sling – Tamrac, Ape Case, Lowepro, Manfrotto, Kata, Case Logic, etc.. I wasn't looking for anything big, just a “day pack” to carry a K5 with lens and accessories. The local Microcenter carries the Lowerpro Slingshot 102 and was sold on that when I came across this Ruggard Triumph 15 Sling bag.
There were two things security related I liked about the Ruggard 15 versus the Lowepro 102. 1) The Ruggard's main compartment opening rests on the back of the carrier, making it practically impossible for a thief to “tailgate” you in a crowded street and steal whatever they can. 2) The side-opening has two zippers in parallel with a handle that can be put under a quick release buckle, that in addition to a velcro on the top of the side-cover itself. It will be virtually impossible for someone to open the side-cover without you knowing it – unless you're knocked out.
Built Quality and Main Storage:
The product is well constructed and made with what appears (to me) high quality material. For its size, this sling offers quite a storage space (See product description photos above). Using three of the five removable padded dividers, I was able to fit a K5 w/DA*16-50 (no-hood), DA*55, DA18-55, DA35mm 2.4 and a small point-&-shoot. Please note, this configuration is a snug-fit, which can make sliding in/out a K5/16-50 combo from the side opening a bit challenging – if not frustrating. Of course, you can configure the inner dividers to your preference. Main storage space can be increased by unzipping the zipper around the bottom front of the bag and stretching the lower portion like bellows.
Top Compartment (Outer):
Compartment faces on the outside and offers large enough space even for a second body. For sizing reference, a seen on product photos above, a K-r without lens will easily fit inside with enough room left for other miscellaneous items. There is also an inner mesh pocket suitable for memory cards or something similar in size. I don't have the lens to try but from the looks of it, you might be able to fit the same body with a pancake lens. Mounted with a DA35/2.4, the K-r will fit inside this compartment and close the zipper however, it will be bulging out at the back! This might pose damage risk to the lens especially if the “bulge” is accidentally hit or bumped.
Lower Compartment (Outer):
Facing outside, it is more of a large zipped pocket rather than a compartment. There are three inner pockets (2- Small, 1 Large). Although storage is adequate for cell/smart phones, keys and other personal items, I would rather not use this space for that purpose, as it is easily accessible by a potential tailgater (thief) from the back. For me, this storage is excellent for Lenspen, Pens, Manuals, blank memory cards, batteries, microfiber cloth, etc.
Upper Pocket (Inner):
This is where the removable rain cover is stored. Since pocket is resting on the carrier's back and difficult to access without you noticing it, removing the rain cover makes this an ideal storage for wallets, cell phones and keys. Accessing it with the bag slung forward is easy, as opening is on the same side as the camera access.
Tripod Holder:
Suitable only for small to medium tripod or monopod. It can also double as a water bottle holder.
Field Experience:
One of my main reservations with this sling-bag is the size of the side-opening. It's narrow. Coming from a holster, I'm used to pulling the camera out holding it on the grip-side with my right hand. With the Ruggard's tight side-opening, pulling in/out a K5/16-50 combo can be frustrating especially if you have big hands like me (XL Gloves). I would have to pull the same camera/lens combo from the rear with an “eagle claw” (i.e. thumb on the bottom, three fingers on top, palm on the LCD screen). Putting aside the narrow side opening issues, this sling-bag is actually a decent product well suited for daily use. The strap is padded and designed to be carried on the right shoulder only. The strap itself even has a small mesh pocket. As with most sling type bags, there is a third strap to secure the bag around the carrier's body while in backpack mode. Third strap is easily latched/unlatched with quick release buckle for a “quick sling”.
Bottom Line;
The Ruggard Triumph 15 Sling-Bag is a well constructed product made with high quality material. For its physical size, It has plenty of storage with configurable inner paddings to suit your needs. Unfortunately, the narrow side-opening is probably the biggest reservations I have with this bag. For me, a K5 w/o grip and DA*16-50 would be the largest combo I would use, and that is pushing it. This bag is definitely not for “quick-draw” access. For that matter, the Lowepro SlingShot 102 AW would be a better option. The main compartment will actually fit a K5 with battery grip or even a K3 however, sliding in/out of the side pocket will be impossible especially if mounted with a lens the size of a DA*16-50.
If you have a small DSLR body – Kx, Kr, K01 – with a prime or a lens the size of a DA 18-55, and be realistic on what you take with you, then this Ruggard Triumph 15 Sling Bag would be perfect for daily use.
Despite the shortcomings of this sling-bag, particularly the narrow side-opening, I'm giving it an 8. It is a well made product offering ample storage (within reasons) in a small package. I would have no problem giving a higher score had the side opening been a half-inch wider on all sides.
Pros:
Well constructed and made with what appears (to me) high quality material.
Internal paddings offer adequate protection.
Five Velcroed dividers of different shapes and sizes that can be rearranged as needed.
Offers quite a storage space for a small sling-bag.
Main compartment access rest on carrier's back which is a nice security measure
Removable rain cover included.
Secured pocket for removable rain cover as it rests on the carrier's back, which is excellent for personal items such cell phones, wallet or keys.
Cons:
Side-cover access is too narrow and practically impossible to slide in/out a K5 w/grip and DA*16-50.
A bit more expensive than the Lowepro SlingShot 102AW, which doesn't suffer from the same narrow side-cover issue. | |
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