Men's Journal

Six adventure-ready camera bags, tested by extreme-weather photographer Jim Reed, who spends his days in some of the scariest conditions imaginable.

by Stan Horaczek

Kata 3N1-22

Adjustable straps allow it to be worn as a sling or a backpack, and the Kata also has a slot for a netbook. “It’s sturdy, but with so many zippers and latches I couldn’t get in quickly,” says Reed. He liked the yellow interior that makes gear easy to see, and the thick nylon top handle. “When you’re jumping out of a truck, you need a tough handle.” [$120; kata-bags.com]

–

Clik Elite ProBody Sport

With a pocket for a hydration bladder, the Clik is built for backcountry shooters. “It has the most comfortable waist strap,” Reed says. “That’s key when you’re running across a field or hiking.” The side-entry camera compartment holds a pro dSLR and an extra lens, leaving the upper section for clothes and food. “I like the placement of the zippers and the compartments,” notes Reed. “It’s elegant, and the second simplest bag to use, behind the Lowepro.” [$175; clikelite.com].

Detail: Zippers are fully lined and taped to ensure your gear can’t be doused by rain or spilled beers.

–

Tenba Messenger: Large Photo/Laptop Bag

This attaché-like messenger fits a prosumer dSLR and up to three lenses, plus it has a padded slot for a 17-inch laptop. The Tenba also boasts an excessive 24 pockets. “I really liked the hefty strap,” says Reed, “but the best part is that you can easily slip out all of the camera dividers and use it like a regular travel bag.” Another cool feature: A zipper across the top flap lets you access your gear without exposing it to the elements. [$115; tenba.com]

Detail: The Tenba stands on its own, its thick rubberized bottom panel keeping out ground moisture.

–

Crumpler 7 Million Dollar Home

With space for a pro dSLR and five lenses or accessories, the Crumpler is bigger than the Tenba. It compensates for its girth by employing the Australian company’s trademark quirky-smart design. “There aren’t a ton of pockets to lose things in, but the mesh pocket on the back of the flap is useful,” Reed says. His main complaint? A lack of external padding. “There isn’t a lot separating your glass from the outside world.” [$142; crumplerbags.com]

Detail: Like the Kata’s, the Crumpler’s bright interior makes it easy to find what you’re after.

–

Naneu Military Ops Echo-X

At 3.65 pounds, the Naneu is the heaviest bag here. At least the sling strap has ample padding and the back is well ventilated. The main compartment fits a pro body and three lenses, with 11 more pockets. “It’s the only one with a cell phone pocket on the strap, which is handy,” Reed says. “But it’s not the most attractive bag.” [$143; naneubags.com]

Detail: The Naneu includes a handcuff-like key chain to keep your keys secure.

–

Lowepro Versapack 200 AW

“I was ready to start using this bag as soon as I picked it up,” says Reed, who loved the simple two-chamber design. The upper section holds essentials; the lower has a side access door and movable dividers for storing a dSLR and an extra lens. Reed liked its weatherproof build — “rain just rolls off in beads” — and the hideaway tripod holder, which “gets in the way the least” of those tested. [$130; lowepro.com]

–

About our expert
Growing up in Springfield, Illinois, Jim Reed spent his early years watching tornadoes and blizzards. In 1992 he turned his fascination with storms into a career in extreme weather photography. Since then Reed, 48, has published three books, including his latest, Storm Chaser: A Photographer’s Journey. In the process he has become an expert in keeping his camera safe from the elements.

—-

This article originally appeared in the June/July 2010 issue of Men’s Journal.