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GADGET BAG |
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Lightweight Contenders
Small, compact bags can be handy in many situations
By Dikla Kadosh
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With several camera bodies, numerous
lenses and an endless array of accessories, it’s no wonder most
photographers love those cavernous camera bags. However, lugging around
a heavy, bulky load is often inconvenient, if not impossible or even
dangerous.
When you want to travel light, a small bag is sufficient to hold your
SLR, one or two lenses and a few accessories, and can save you a lot
of hassle at the airport. If you plan to shoot a specific subject and
you only need one lens, bringing all of your usual gear to the location
is unnecessary. A compact, lightweight bag can be more comfortable to
carry on long hikes and is safer when scrambling over rocks to that
prime location.
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It’s useful to have one or two
smaller bags in addition to your spacious carry-all for situations like
these. Look for a bag that’s made of light, but durable, weatherproof
material—it should withstand sun, rain, wind and almost anything
else you might encounter while outdoors. Water-resistant exteriors can
keep water from penetrating the bag if it gets splashed, but rain can
still seep inside through porous zipper openings. Flaps that go over
the opening often help lessen the chances of this occurring. A highly
effective solution to both rain and dirt is a rain-proof cover that
stretches over the entire bag and can be used when necessary.
Comfort is key since you’ll most likely be carrying these bags
around for longer periods of time. It’s preferable to have several
options available so you can adjust the position of the bag to fit your
needs. Padded shoulder straps are comfortable and let you move the bag
around with ease, allowing you to put it down as you please. You can
shorten or lengthen the straps to suit your needs, sling the bag over
one shoulder (but there’s a danger it could slip off) or loop
it diagonally across your chest for a more secure hold.
Waist belts or belt loops are very convenient when you want to fasten
your gear around your waist and not have to worry about your bag swinging
into a rock while you’re hiking. Distributing the weight around
the waist is often less cumbersome than carrying a bag over your shoulder.
When a shoulder strap and waist belt are available, use both to maximize
your comfort and the security of your equipment. Because your bag isn’t
likely to be extremely heavy, non-slip hand grips are another option
for carrying your bag. Some bags can be converted into backpacks or
chest packs for further versatility.
Pockets and customizable interiors can help organize your gear so you
can get to it quickly when photo opportunities arise. How the bag opens,
typically by zippers or buckles, also affects the accessibility of your
gear. Zippers offer a tighter barrier against water and dirt, but other
types of fasteners, such as buckles and straps, facilitate faster opening
and closing. A tall, narrow bag will rest comfortably against your body,
but your photographic tools may be harder to reach if they’re
stacked on top of each other. Conversely, a wider bag will spread out
your equipment, but may jut out awkwardly.
Extra features to consider are mesh pockets, easy-to-clean fabrics and
D-rings, or similar attachment points, where you can secure a water
bottle and fold-up reflectors or pack towels and additional lens pouches.
Below is a sampling of compact bags that offer many of the functional
qualities mentioned here.
Adorama
The Slinger is a multi-purpose bag that can be worn
as a sling bag, backpack or waist bag, and features a foam-padded camera
cradle that allows an SLR to fit snugly with its lens attached, leaving
room for a couple of lenses, a flash and other necessities. Several
internal and external pockets, including a special zippered security
pocket, provide plenty of space for smaller items. Other features include
an extra-wide padded shoulder strap, four D-rings for clip-on accessories,
and a water-resistant exterior. Dimensions: 10 (l) x 10 (h) x 4 (w)
inches. List Price: $39.95.
Billingham Bags (RTS)
Designed for smaller SLR cameras, the L2 is a protective
carrying case ideal for all-day use. The dual-laminate, waterproof canvas
exterior and side weather flaps shelter your gear from rain, wind and
dust. Instead of zippers, a solid brass bolt and leather harness secure
your camera, and the quick-fold top allows for easy access. With the
Superflex partition system (dividers included), interior back pocket
and gusseted front pocket, you can efficiently organize your equipment
for a day in the field. Dimensions: 10.5 (w) x 7.75 (h) x 5.75 (d) inches.
List Price: $245.
Delsey (Bogen)
Made for the traveling photographer, the PRO BAG 4 is a slim bag featuring two large side pockets, a removable film holder,
tripod straps, a built-in weather cover and a multi-pocketed front organizer
section. The customizable interior, with padded modular dividers, has
room for a pro SLR with attached lens, additional lenses, flash, light
meters and other accessories. A two-inch-wide shoulder strap, with a
skid-proof pad, ensures comfort and protection. Thickly cushioned on
all sides with waterproof fabric, this bag helps protect your gear from
all kinds of damage. Dimensions: 12.75 (l) x 9.75 (w) x 8 (h) inches.
List Price: $128.
Domke (Tiffen)
The versatile F-5XB Shoulder/Belt Bag can be used either
as a camera bag slung over your shoulder or as a belt bag worn snugly
around your waist. By removing the included Gripper Shoulder strap and
sliding your belt through the tunnel on the back, you get an instant
waist pack. With seven compartments and pockets, it comfortably fits
one SLR or rangefinder camera, one or two lenses, filters, film and
accessories. The main compartment is surrounded by soft knit fabric
over padding and includes two movable/removable cushioned divider walls.
Dimensions: 10.5 (l) x 4.5 (w) x 6.5 (d) inches. List Price: $79.95.
Lowepro
Lightweight and compact, the Nova Mini AW is well-suited
for those days when you want to travel light. Its capacity is one SLR
with one to two lenses or a flash and extra lens. Accessory pockets
provide all the space you need for your film, batteries and other essentials.
The All-Weather Cover keeps out rain, sand and dust, while the water-resistant
outer fabric prevents further damage from moisture. A pressed-foam shoulder
strap, padded handle and belt loops add to the convenience of this recently
redesigned bag. Dimensions: 6.5 (w) x 3.5 (d) x 6.5 (h) inches. List
Price: $35.99.
M-Rock (Argraph)
The Grand Canyon accommodates all styles of SLR camera
bodies with room for two lenses and a flash. The removable lens rest
and adjustable dividers help organize the interior space, which is lined
with ultra-soft, non-abrasive material. Three pockets afford extra space.
In addition to the oversized top flap, a protective jacket that covers
the entire bag defends your equipment against inclement weather. Two
padded, adjustable shoulder straps can be used to carry the Grand Canyon
as a shoulder bag, backpack or chest pack. Dimensions: 6.75 (h) x 9.5
(w) x 4.75 (d) inches. List Price: $56.
Pelican (BKA)
Part of the Soft Sided Series from Pelican, the PCS140 is
easy to carry and makes for a hassle-free travel companion. It neatly
stores one SLR with two lenses and accessories in its divided main compartment.
For quick access to your gear, you can open the bag from the top or
the front side. Multiple pockets on the outside allow you to keep miscellaneous
items close at hand. The adjustable fanny-pack belt tucks away and the
shoulder strap is removable. Dimensions: 11.5 (w) x 9 (h) x 5.5 (d)
inches. List Price: $69.95.
RoadWired
With its distinctive winged outer-pocket configuration, the Podzilla is easily recognizable as a useful tool in transporting
your photography equipment. You can fit a full-sized SLR in the padded
main compartment and plenty of other accessories in the 20 or more pockets.
An exclusive, one-piece segmented divider panel can be fastened in a
variety of positions within the main space. All materials are water-repellent,
and further protection is afforded by the oversized, dual-closure weather
flap. A padded, moisture-wicking mesh panel behind the belt loops provides
added comfort when wearing the bag as a waist pack. Dimensions: 9.25
(l) x 9 (h) x 6.5 (d) inches. List Price: $69.95.
Tamrac
As the name indicates, the Superlight 2’s main
feature is its very light weight. Made to hold just the essentials,
the bag uses pillars to support an SLR with a zoom lens attached so
that you’re ready for any photo opportunity. A mesh pocket in
the top stores filters, lens caps or cleaning materials. You can keep
film, maps and personal items readily accessible in the front zippered
pocket and back open pocket. An adjustable shoulder strap and an EasyGrip
handle provide convenient carrying options. Dimensions: 8.75 (w) x 6
(d) x 9 (h) inches. List Price: $41.95.
Tenba
Made of a waterproof, rugged material that’s non-abrasive and
easy to clean, the comfortable P503 Traveler is perfect
for a day of shooting outdoors. A two-inch-wide adjustable shoulder
strap, lined with non-skid material, makes it easy to carry for hours.
A quick-closing, rainproof top and a zipper top that resists snow, dust
and sand provide two layers of protection. When traveling by airplane,
you can store your film in the “Airport Express” removable
pocket. Four D-rings allow you to attach accessories to the bag. Dimensions:
9 (l) x 7 (h) x 4.5 (d) inches. List Price: $90.
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