Butler Creek Featherlight Minimalist Grey/Prym1 Blackout Sling with Swivels Review

The Butler Creek Featherlight Minimalist Grey/Prym1 Blackout Sling with Swivels Made a Bold First Impression

The Butler Creek Featherlight Minimalist Grey/Prym1 Blackout Sling with Swivels promises a lot in a small package. Marketed as the ultimate lightweight and durable sling, I was eager to see if it lived up to the hype. I’ve used countless slings over my decade in the outdoors, ranging from simple nylon straps to heavily padded tactical models.

I needed a sling that wouldn’t add unnecessary weight to my already burdened pack during long backcountry hunts. My old sling was bulky and tended to snag on branches, causing frustrating delays. The promise of a minimalist design from Butler Creek immediately piqued my interest.

Unboxing the Butler Creek Featherlight Minimalist, I was immediately struck by how incredibly light it was. The Prym1 Blackout camo pattern on the grey sling material looked sharp and functional. The materials felt surprisingly robust despite the minimal weight, hinting at the durability promised.

Compared to my old padded sling and a basic nylon web sling I also own, the Butler Creek Featherlight Minimalist was a clear winner in terms of weight and packability. I chose it over others primarily due to its advertised blend of strength and minimal bulk. My initial excitement stemmed from the prospect of a truly “out-of-the-way” sling that still provided reliable support.

Real-World Testing: Putting Butler Creek Featherlight Minimalist Grey/Prym1 Blackout Sling with Swivels to the Test

First Use Experience

I tested the Butler Creek Featherlight Minimalist during a week-long elk hunt in the Montana backcountry. The terrain was rugged, with steep inclines and dense forests. The weather ranged from crisp mornings to wet, snowy afternoons.

The sling performed admirably, especially in the thick timber. It didn’t snag on branches like my old sling, allowing me to move freely. I barely noticed it was there when my rifle was slung across my back.

The sling required no adjustment period; it felt comfortable from the start. Initially, I was concerned that the minimalist design would sacrifice comfort, but the shoulder strap conformed well and provided a secure grip. The only surprise was how easily the Hyperlite material shed water, even after a prolonged downpour.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of use, the Butler Creek Featherlight Minimalist has proven to be remarkably durable. I’ve used it on multiple hunts and several range trips. The Hyperlite material shows no signs of wear and tear.

The sling is easy to clean; mud and dirt wipe off easily. I’ve simply rinsed it with water and allowed it to air dry. Compared to my previous experiences with bulkier slings, the Butler Creek Featherlight Minimalist has exceeded my expectations in terms of durability and ease of maintenance. It is a much better solution for my hunting purposes.

Breaking Down the Features of Butler Creek Featherlight Minimalist Grey/Prym1 Blackout Sling with Swivels

Specifications

• The Butler Creek Featherlight Minimalist is constructed from Hyperlite material. This material boasts a tensile strength of over 3000 lbs per square inch.
• The sling weighs a mere 3 ounces, including the steel swivels. Its lightweight design minimizes added bulk.
• It is designed to withstand extreme temperatures. It can handle temperatures ranging from -22 to 248 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Solid steel swivels are included with the sling. They provide a secure and reliable attachment point.
• The sling can be rolled up to the size of a baseball. This allows for compact storage in small pockets.

These specifications are crucial for hunters and outdoor enthusiasts who demand lightweight and durable gear. The high tensile strength ensures the sling can handle heavy loads, while the temperature resistance makes it suitable for various environments.

Performance & Functionality

The Butler Creek Featherlight Minimalist excels at its primary function: securely carrying a rifle or shotgun. Its minimalist design translates to minimal interference with backpacks or other gear. The shoulder strap’s non-slip grip ensures the weapon stays in place, even during strenuous activity.

The main strength lies in its lightweight and low-profile design. A potential weakness could be its lack of padding for heavier firearms during extended carries. It meets expectations as a minimalist sling, but those prioritizing comfort above all else may want to consider padded options.

Design & Ergonomics

The build quality is excellent. The Hyperlite material feels strong and resistant to abrasion, despite its thin profile. The weight is negligible, contributing to overall comfort.

The sling is user-friendly; it attaches easily to standard sling swivels. The lack of complex adjustments contributes to its simplicity.

Durability & Maintenance

The Hyperlite material is designed for long-term durability. The steel swivels are also built to withstand harsh conditions.

Maintenance is minimal. A simple wipe-down with a damp cloth is usually sufficient to keep the sling clean.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Butler Creek Featherlight Minimalist comes standard with solid steel swivels. There are no additional accessories included.

Since it uses standard swivels, it is compatible with most firearms equipped with swivel studs. There are no specific customization options beyond choosing the color/camo pattern.

Pros and Cons of Butler Creek Featherlight Minimalist Grey/Prym1 Blackout Sling with Swivels