From Prototype to Perfection: The Journey Behind the LORIS Quick Release Sling

Designing gear that can stand up to the demands of both hunters and adventure photographers requires an obsession with detail. At LORIS, we believe that creating a product isn’t just about functionality—it’s about pushing boundaries to deliver something that truly solves problems in the field. Our Quick Release Sling is no exception. The journey from concept to finished product has been one of constant iteration, fine-tuning, and a relentless drive toward perfection.

The LORIS Quick Release Sling wasn’t born overnight. It’s the result of countless prototypes, field tests, and, yes, a few missteps along the way. But each version taught us something new—something that ultimately led to the innovative, reliable, and easy-to-use design we’re proud to share today. Here’s how it all came together.

Step 1: Identifying the Problem

Every great product starts with a clear problem to solve. For us, it was the frustration experienced by hunters and photographers alike—needing quick, silent access to gear without it getting in the way of movement. Whether it's a hunter needing to draw a bow without alerting game or a photographer trying to quickly grab their camera without missing a moment, the need was obvious: a reliable, hands-free sling that could handle bulky gear and perform in high-pressure situations.

Too often, slings either secure gear too tightly, making access a hassle, or they’re too loose, leaving your equipment bouncing around. We knew we could do better—so we started with the basics and designed something that would give users fast, one-handed access to their gear while keeping it securely in place during movement.

Step 2: Creating the First Prototype

GEN 1 Prototype: The early stages of the LORIS Quick Release Sling—where the journey to perfection first began.

With the problem identified, the first prototype was all about form and function. We knew that the Quick Release Sling had to be built around a few key principles: ease of access, ergonomic design, and durability for rugged environments. But putting those ideas into action required a lot of trial and error. Our first model featured a basic locking pin, but it wasn’t as smooth or as fast as we wanted. Hunters and photographers don’t have time to fumble with their gear, so we went back to the drawing board.

GEN 2 Claw: A bold attempt that didn’t make the cut, but every failure brought us one step closer to the perfection.

After several revisions, we introduced what became one of the core features of the LORIS Quick Release Sling: the self-seeking magnetic ball lock pin. This mechanism allows the pin to effortlessly find its place and lock in without the user needing to look or adjust their gear. The idea came from watching how people naturally interact with their equipment in the field. They want their hands free, but they also want quick access to their gear when it matters most.

Step 3: Field Testing and Refinement

As any designer will tell you, what works in theory doesn’t always translate to the real world. So, after building our early prototypes, it was time to put them through the paces in the environments they were meant to thrive in—whether that was deep in the woods or on a rugged mountain trail. This phase was crucial, as it revealed the tweaks and improvements that had to be made.

One of the early challenges we faced was with the locking mechanism’s durability. In harsh conditions—rain, mud, snow—the original design wasn’t holding up as well as we’d hoped. This was where the Kaegan Trigger Mechanism came into play. By adding a smooth, intuitive release system that could handle the elements, we created a more reliable sling. It allowed users to release their gear quickly and silently, even when the weather wasn’t on their side.

Field testing also helped us realize that the sling needed to handle more than just bows or lightweight cameras—it had to be versatile enough for larger equipment, like tripods and long lenses. This insight led us to optimize the design for gear 12 inches or longer, ensuring that the LORIS sling could manage the demands of adventure photographers with serious setups.

Step 4: Finalizing the Design

Once we had a working model that held up to field tests, the next challenge was finalizing the design for both form and function. Every hunter and photographer knows that comfort is just as important as usability—especially on long days in the field. So we worked on refining the sling’s ergonomic design, making it ambidextrous and optimizing the weight distribution for all-day comfort. This design ensures that no matter how heavy your gear is, the sling won’t cause fatigue or discomfort.

But what makes the LORIS Quick Release Sling truly stand out is its versatility. With universal attachments and the ability to carry larger equipment, it’s not just for one specific type of gear—it’s for whatever you need to carry that day. Whether you’re hauling a tripod, an extra camera body, or a full-sized bow, the sling adapts to you and your gear, keeping everything secure but easily accessible.

Step 5: Bringing the Sling to Market

With the design finalized and our patent-pending innovations in place, it was time to share the LORIS Quick Release Sling with the world. What started as a simple idea—creating a better way to carry gear—had transformed into a fully realized product that could help both hunters and photographers perform better in the field.

At LORIS, we don’t just create gear—we create solutions. The journey from prototype to perfection wasn’t easy, but it was worth it. We’ve created a sling that’s intuitive, reliable, and built for the toughest conditions. The LORIS Quick Release Sling is more than just another piece of equipment; it’s a tool that helps you do what you do best—whether that’s capturing the perfect shot or taking the perfect shot.