Case Logic sells a few different styles of DSLR camera slings and the TBC-310 is their entry-level, basic sling bag. Like most of their other DSLR bags, it uses their hammock system for secure storage and quick access. I'll go over all the storage compartments, durability, padding, and convenience in this review.
PROS:
- Comfortable to wear
- Lots of unique storage
- Light-weight
- Tripod straps
CONS:
- Some padding deficiencies
- Hard to find a place for the sling strap
STORAGE
For a relatively small bag, the TBC-310 has quite a bit of storage. The main camera compartment uses Case Logic's hammock system that allows the camera to be suspended inside. I can easily store my Canon T2i inside with an 18-55mm lens with hood in that hammock, but due to the length of the hood, it doesn't really suspend in the hammock. The hammock can be adjusted to allow another lens to be placed next to it. I can place my 55-250mm lens with hood next to it and it fits well. Unfortunately, the hammock pocket is not padded in any way so there isn't much to protect the body and extra lens from damaging each other during impact (should you drop it or throw the bag in the back seat of your car). The flap to the main pocket also has a zippered pocket on the inside for miscellaneous items.
The TBC-310 also has a large front pocket that has a mesh pocket inside and another zippered pocket. I was able to easily put my lens pen, lens caps, memory card reader, and charger in this pocket, with room for more. A zippered napolean pocket graces the front of the large front pocket as well. The top of the TBC-310 has another zippered pocket that is fairly deep. You could probably put another body in it but I chose to put my BlackRapid Strap RS-7 strap there. On the opposite side of the main camera pocket are straps for securing a tripod.
CONSTRUCTION & DURABILITY
The construction of the TBC-310 is very solid. All the zippers work smoothly and everything is stitched together well. The nylon exterior is very easy to clean and I have no complaints with the build quality of the TBC-310.
CONVENIENCE
Sling bags are ideal for some people. The way Case Logic implemented the TBC-310 made it very comfortable to wear and easy to slide the main camera pocket around to access the stored camera. The section of the back that rests on the wearer's body is padded well for extra comfort. Every pocket is easy to get to and access, but I had a problem when I had to put the bag down. First, I couldn't lay it straight down on the bottom without leaning it on something. If I wanted it to stay upright without leaning it, I had to lay it down on its side where the tripod straps are. Second, I couldn't figure out what to do with the sling strap. Since it's a long single strap, it's just kind of out there. Case Logic does include a velcro wrap to secure excess strap material but the bag could've really used something to keep the strap flush against the back of the bag when not being worn-maybe a clip.
PADDING
The padding around the TBC-310 is pretty good but there are two areas that need additional padding-the hammock and the main front pocket. I already mentioned that the hammock has no padding so when configured to place another lens beside it, there is nothing to keep the lens and camera body from damaging each other. The main front pocket has basically no padding at all so it probably wouldn't be a good idea to put an iPhone in there.
CONCLUSION
The Case Logic TBC-310 is a pretty decent sling bag. It's a useful form factor and has enough storage for carrying a fair amount of gear. However, there are some shortcomings when it comes to padding and I'm still not sure what to do with the large strap when not being worn. Still, the TBC-310 is worth trying out if you're a casual user who doesn't need to carry a ton of equipment.