Until recently, I preferred to shop for jeans or even swimsuits over camera bags. When I first started in photography, all serious camera bags were plain, frumpy man-bags. About eight years ago, several messenger and sling-type bags arrived and while these were still clearly designed for the angles and expansive flat surfaces of a man’s body they were also an indication of something new – a turning away from plain, homely concepts in favor of a more inspired design that began to consider both form and function.
Years ago, determined to carry my equipment with me as much as possible, I ruined an expensive lens by storing it in a purse with little padding. I then attempted to carry my gear in the case pictured above. It’s a very cool case and I love the look of it, but it weighs a ton and it brought me too much attention. I gave in and bought an ill-fitted if practical bag that looks somewhat obscene when worn across my body, bruises my hip bones, and always has miles of surplus black nylon strap streaming behind it. It was clearly made for a seven-foot-tall lumber jack with a washboard stomach, but it keeps my gear safe and so it suffices.
Good news! There are now several fantastic companies creating truly lovely and very practical camera bags for women. In fact the diverse scope of the bags ranges from pretty to sporty to emo to fashionista. Finally – something for everyone and in accommodating sizes that allow you to travel in style and comfort – from day-tripping to world-trekking.
Over the next few weeks I will be reviewing a variety of bags that I’ve personally field tested. I will keep a running list of all the bag reviews and links here on this first post and there is also a new category (see the left-hand column) dedicated solely to this topic. The first review will be out next week, so be sure to sign up for emails (see the right-hand column) so that you don’t miss out!
In joy,
Melinda
View more camera bag reviews! Click on the “Reviews: Camera Bags” link under “Categories” at the top left of this page.