Very well constructed using quality materials

Zipper pulls are large pliable rubber for easy gripping

Superb padding for the main compartment

The upper flap zippers to the main compartment and it's front snaps onto the bottom of the bag. This completely shields the zippered top and the upper part of the front compartment zipper from rain

Relatively large capacity for it's size

No major weakesses observed.

It's possible the rubber coating on the zipper pulls could deterioate over time

Likewise the nylon (?) zippers could become brittle with age

Expensive for the size

Although a bit pricey for the size this is a very sturdy and convenient bag for a small 35mm system. The price shown is the current (May 2006) average

Construction is excellent and is composed of high quality materials. The outer shell is 600 denier polyester which sheds rain quite well, although I've never been in a downpour situation with it to see how it performs. The inner surfaces are a soft yet durable feeling material that poses no threat to the contents.

Stitching is sturdy and, on this bag, perfect. The top handle is very thoroughly stitched in place and there is a large rivit on either side to ensure it's tenure. The rivits (and very possibly the stitching as well) pass through a flat piece of firm yet resilient material that spans the width of the top flap between the inner and outer surfaces. Note that it would be unwise to carry the bag by the top handle without having the top flap snapped into the lower catch as it would cause all the weight to be placed on the upper flap's zipper. The shoulder strap is also thoroughly stitched and passes completely beneath the bag so that all the weight is on the strap and not the stitching. The strap has a nicely padded (and not overpadded) shoulder pad that has a grippy inner surface that keeps the strap nicely placed on the shoulder. The strap length is adjustable.

Padding in the sidewalls and floor of the main compartment is superb! Only the top flap and the three zippered compartments on the bag's exterior lack padding. Inside the main compartment is a T shaped padded divider that attaches via hook-and-loop fasteners to divide one end of the compartment into two cells that are perfect for holding lenses or a large flash unit and other accessories. A zippered mesh compartment inside the top flap might be useful for papers or other relatively thin items but not much else, as it will intrude into the main compartment if bulky items are placed in it.

On the front exterior of the main compartment is a zippered compartment that when opened reveals another zippered mesh compartment on it's front wall. On it's rear wall are four stitched-on pockets; two of which I can place three fingers into and the other two I can barely get my little finger into up to the first joint. On either end of the bag where the shoulder strap attaches there are stretch mesh pockets suitable for lightweight items (flash, filters, teleconverters, etc.) or a small bottle of water. Zippered compartments on the outside front of the front panel of the upper flap and the outside rear of the main compartment will accomodate only thin items.

I find that I can easily carry a SLR body with a normal or wide angle lens attached, a 200mm long lens or similar zoom lens, another short lens, a teleconverter lens and a small flash unit in the bag's main compartment. Moving the flash and teleconverter to one of the outer compartments allows me to carry a second SLR body inside. I place a folded hand towel in the front outer pocket's zippered mesh area to provide some padding for the filters and other accessories carried in the main part of the pocket; plus I have a towel should I need it.

In all this is a very convenient bag for carrying the photographic essentials on the Gold Wing or for any outing where the full load of gear isn't necessary.

Similar Products Used:

Kiwi

Tamarac