Lowepro Presents the Next Generation of Its Award-Winning SlingShot™ AW Series

(Sebastopol, CA, February 18, 2010) – Lowepro, the leading brand of protective gear for photography equipment and portable electronics, today unveiled the next generation of its innovative SlingShot AW series. Designed to go from carry-mode to ready-mode in seconds, the award-winning sling bag rotates from back to front for fast and easy access to gear. Redesigned using customer input, the new and improved models of the SlingShot AW series add a Hideaway Tripod Mount™ system, compatibility with the latest popular prosumer and professional grade DSLR cameras, and a more efficient storage and workflow layout.

“As designers, we are routinely able to interact with the photographers who use our products day in and day out, so it is truly rewarding to be able to innovate the popular SlingShot AW series based on their feedback,” said Tim Grimmer, Lowepro product manager. “These new additions to the SlingShot AW series build on the inventive design of their predecessors and incorporate enhanced features to enhance workflow and overall experience.”

The latest SlingShot AW models offer increased volume in their upper compartment for personal items and include an elastic band for securing a camera manual or book. A zippered stash pocket placed at the top is the ideal spot to store a UV filter, cell phone or keys. In addition to its ergonomic and quick-rotating design, SlingShot AW features easy-glide zippers throughout its construction, providing smooth operation and fast access to all of the compartments.

Since its inception in 2005 the SlingShot AW series has been praised by photographers and editors from around the world. Most recently, the series received Editor’s Choice awards from PCPhoto (recently retitled Digital Photo), American Photo and Outdoor Photographer magazines. In this latest update, Lowepro sought to carefully improve some of the features regularly lauded by fans, including:

• A fully padded and customizable main camera compartment now includes an updated divider system to accommodate the most-popular models of DSLRs and their compatible lenses and accessories.
• A repositioned microfiber cleaning cloth is built into a convenient mesh pocket that is easy to access but out of way when not in use.
• New models now feature a Hideaway Tripod Mount™ system securing a compact tripod or monopod to the side of the sling via a foldout holder, quick-release buckle and strap.

As with the original series, the latest SlingShot AW models include Lowepro’s patented built-in All Weather AW Cover™ to protect gear from the elements during inclement weather. Additional features include: three SlipLock™ attachment loops to expand carrying capacity and two built-in memory card pockets located on the inside lid of the main compartment.

“The SlingShot 302 is by far the best pack that I have ever taken into the backcountry. Lowepro has really knocked it out of the park with the new SlingShot design,” said extreme outdoor photographer Todd Williams. “These bags are perfect for anyone who gets into the backcountry on snowmobiles, ATV’s, enduro motorcycles, skiing or snowboarding. Its comfort, fit and style can’t be beat.”

The new SlingShot AW editions are available in three sizes in Black/Grey and are priced as follows: SlingShot 102 AW $89.99, SlingShot 202 AW $109.99 and SlingShot 302 AW $129.99.

For more information on the series and other products, please contact Lowepro or visit http://www.lowepro.com.