The Booq Python Slimpack is a compact backpack that can handle a decent-sized DSLR kit. It is a comfortable bag to wear – with more than adequate padding on the shoulder straps and back contact points.
The Python Slimpack is made with a rugged, ballistic nylon exterior with a water-repellant coating. It has a top opening for quick access to a camera and lens. The main compartment, however, is completely concealed with access only via the back panel. As a result, you have to completely remove the bag from your shoulders in order to gain access to additional lenses or camera bodies.
The placement of the main compartment access means that it is very secure to carry. No one can access your gear while it is on your back. Even the top compartment flap opens away from you – meaning that someone would have to unzip the compartment toward your head. It would be near-impossible for that to happen with you noticing that someone is tampering with your bag.
The shoulder straps both have a pocket for a cell phone. You can squeeze in an iPhone 6 while in a case; however, you won’t be able to fit phones that range in the phablet size.
The main compartment can be configured in a number of ways using the modular padded dividers within. It can easily handle six additional small to standard sized lenses. The specs say it can hold four lenses but that is a conservative estimate.
If you want add in larger lenses like a 70-200mm f/2.8, it will handle that fine by removing some dividers and cutting down on the overall kit size. Of course, if you want additional accessories like a flash, remotes or filters, you will need to configure your camera and lens kit accordingly. Additionally, the back panel has a slot for a standard iPad with a folio cover.
The Python Slimpack uses YKK zippers on all the compartments, including the two side external compartments. The side compartments have these nice plastic covers that provide some texture to grip.
The top and back compartments have standard metal zipper pulls with a ring for locking the bag closed.
I love the quality of the YKK zipper; however, my fingers occasionally slip off the metal pulls, so I wish it had a cord zipper pull for a more secure grasp. Fortunately, those are easy enough to add if you feel like you need them. As a quick fix, I threw on some tiny carabiners that I had laying around in order to make my grasp more reliable.
The side pouches also allow you to pack in several accessories like memory cards, card reader, pens, keys, notepad and the like.
The pouches are well-organized with various internal pouches and sleeves to keep accessories in their place instead of just lumped in a large compartment together.
Along the front of the bag is a strap to secure a tripod. It is used in conjunction with the tripod pouch that pulls out from the bottom of the bag to hold onto the tripod base.
The Python Slimpack also includes a waterproof cover that is stowed away in one of the side pouches. It covers the bag entirely for intense weather situations.
Booq also offers a free service to its customers called Terralinq. Each bag is tagged with a Terralinq serial number, which is prominently displayed on the back of the bag via a metal badge. Using this number, you can register your specific bag with the Terralinq service at terralinq.booqbags.com.
In the event you ever lose your bag and an honest soul contacts Booq using in the info on the tag, Booq will then help get the bag back to you. Obviously, some goodwill is required on behalf of the person who finds it, but it provides an identification process that most camera bags don’t offer.
The Booq Python Slimpack is a fantastic bag that, while small, offers plenty of storage due to its efficient design. Everything that Booq advertises with this bag, it delivers in spades. It is light, rugged, spacious and comfortable. For a small to medium DSLR kit, it’s hard to go wrong with this bag.
Highly recommended.
At the time of this review, the Python Slimpack is selling for $145. You can find it here on Amazon.com.
