The subject of gadget bags can be a prickly subject to camera collectors. To some collectors gadget bags are an unfortunate complication. Gadget bags bulk up the collection. They come when you acquire someone’s photographic kit—a kit that the original enthusiast had to carry around at some point—but a collector can end up with a specific camera manufacturer’s collection displayed on shelves or in showcases that will never be carried around again.
And camera cases can be expensive. Some were made from high quality canvas and leather (Billington is one example). Some were finished to extremely high standards and could cost hundreds of dollars. And of course there were expedient camera cases like WWII canvas messenger bags…
Anyway I have acquired quite a few LowePro cases. Their range of cases is quite wide, their designs, choice of materials and assembly of those materials faultless. They are quite common, ranging from small compact camera’s clutch cases all the way up to waterproof backpack bags.
Which brings us to this LowePro Adventura 170 bag. It is an extreme case (pun intended) of a lot of case without a lot of additional features you don’t necessarily need. It originally retailed for something in the $120 range, but I bought it for $1.50 at a thrift store. It weighs less than a pound, can carry and protect a camera with a mounted lens with room for two more lenses, or your choice of anything from external flash to chargers to water bottles.
Special features are—
two Velcro© dividers with top flaps that you can build a camera cradle with
a front zippered flap that has a pocket shared with...
a specially padded pocket for a memory card
a rain flap with a snap fastener that covers the main compartment’s twin zippers
open-top pouches big enough to take a water bottle, or zoom lens, on each end
The bag has a shoulder-strap that is pretty minimal. That being said the LowePro snaps are almost unbreakable and the strap has an slightly sticky material insert to keep the strap centered on your shoulder.
There are two loops on the inside face of the bag so you can thread the bag onto your existing harness. It should be quoted some feel adding to your profile is dangerous in some conditions. You don’t want to be knocked off a ledge by your gadget bag pushing you off!
While I wouldn’t want to leave the bag sitting in a puddle, or toss the kit off a ledge expecting the contents to
survive, I am sure this case is enough protection for limited exposure to the elements and careless handling while touring. An additional feature is the case will be forcing you to chose—for your next shoot—what is necessary and what must be left behind.
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