If you’re anything like me, you can’t have too many camera bags and backpacks. They each have their individual qualities (and drawbacks) and meet different needs depending on where you’re going, what you’re shooting and, of course, what gear you’re taking with you.

I recently had the opportunity to test out a couple of bags that aren’t exactly mainstream—at least not yet. Both the Shootsac and jill-e Designs' Medium Chocolate Brown Suede Bag are unique because they are supposedly designed with the female photographer in mind though, as I found out while testing them, they might appeal to both genders. Read my two-part review on both these bags to see if they live up to the hype.

PART ONE
Shooting with the Shootsac
Considering my addiction to camera bags, I was surprised that my initial reaction to the Shootsac was merely lukewarm. I didn’t quite understand why anyone would want one of these neoprene bags designed simply to carry lenses. It wasn’t long after a sample arrived on my doorstep, however, that I understood how useful the Shootsac can be, especially for wedding photographers and others who need quick access to their lenses. It’s not a replacement for your camera bag but, rather, an additional bag that you can transfer your lenses to for greater freedom of movement and I’m all for being unencumbered, especially when I’m shooting.

Designed by wedding photographer Jessica Claire, the Shootsac is made of 3mm neoprene and measures 17.25” in length and 9.5” high but gains another 0.5 inches in height when you attach the fold over cover. There are three pockets in the front and three in the back. The latter have a snap closure, while those on the front are protected by the Shootsac’s detachable cover. An adjustable nylon-webbing strap means you can wear it over your shoulder or better yet, like a messenger bag across the chest, which allows you more mobility.

In theory, you can stash lenses in any of the pockets but the snaps on the rear pockets made it slightly more difficult to pull the lenses out easily (and the Velcro from the cover kept scratching the back of my hand) so I stashed things like a CF card case, extra batteries and other assorted accessories in the pockets that rested closest to the body. If you don’t pack the front pockets too tightly, you can also squeeze a flash in one of the rear encasements.

That meant that lenses and, on occasion, an extra camera body, were relegated to the front pockets. The two end pockets are about 5.25 inches wide; the center pocket measures about 6 inches but the latter held a Canon 30D body with 70-200mm f/2.8 IS and 16-35mm II lenses in the other end pockets. Shootsac recommends that you place the 70-200 in the end rear pocket but I found it more convenient to place the telephoto lens in the front, so I did it my way.

It was a tight fit with the two lenses and camera body in the front pockets, but at least I knew that nothing would fall out accidentally. Because of that, however, I was worried about how easily they could be retrieved with one hand. Fortunately, removing the lenses wasn’t a problem although taking the 30D body out required a little extra tug on the camera strap (we tried a 5D body as well, with the same results). You have to be a little creative if you want to keep a lens shade on the 70-200mm, though.

Freedom to Move
Although I don’t shoot weddings, I was happy to have the Shootsac for some outdoor shoots where I needed a variety of lenses but didn’t want to carry a larger bag that I’d have to dig into every time I wanted to switch a piece of glass. The Shootsac was comfortable to wear and when I was working in a crowd of people, I didn’t have to worry about bumping them with an oversized bag or backpack because the bag stays pretty flat and close to your body.

When shooting backstage at Fashion Week in New York City where there’s barely enough room to raise the camera to your face, the Shootsac came in particularly handy. I just had to find a trustworthy person to watch my larger camera bag—and my space—on the photo riser out front. Wedding photographers should also be careful to secure their main camera bag before working the party with only the Shootsac.

The Shootsac comes in basic black but you can order replacement covers in a variety of colors, designs and fabrics. Attached by a strip of Velcro, the covers are easily changed (or removed). It’s a style thing and, while we’re not sure how many people will take advantage of it, I like having the option to change covers.

I have a few concerns, though. For the price, it really should come with a shoulder pad. Sure, you can add your own but come on, how much does a shoulder pad cost to make? Perhaps more importantly, if you try to overstuff the pockets, will the stitches that attach the elastic gussets (which provide most of the “give” between compartments) eventually tear loose? The bag is really well made and I’m sure they’ve taken that into consideration but your best bet is to keep those 300mm lenses either on the camera or in your regular camera bag rather than the Shootsac.

I have to say, though, that I’m hooked on using the Shootsac. Not all the time and not for every shoot but when I want to travel light and have quick access to lenses, I’ll be wearing this bag. It’s also one of the most comfortable bags I’ve ever used and that means a lot.

The Bottom Line
This unique bag may seem to be more form over function at first, but when it’s put into action, it really delivers on its promises.

Pros: Lightweight, attractive, comfortable to wear; provides quick access to lenses; interchangeable covers for added style
Cons: Pricey; doesn’t come with a shoulder pad; one size only
Price: $179
Further information: www.shootsac.com


PART TWO
jill-e Designs—Smooth as Chocolate
It was definitely love at first sight when I stumbled upon the Jill-e Designs booth at a tradeshow and I was immediately drawn to the bags’ stylish designs and well-padded interiors. The theme “designed by women for women” is true but that’s only a small part of the story. Yes, the bags are designed by women and the bags do have some feminine touches like the polka dot interior of the medium chocolate brown suede bag I tested and the smaller consumer camera bags definitely trend towards fashionistas. More importantly, these bags are incredibly well designed, construction and quality are excellent and jill-e has produced a line of bags that will appeal to pros of both genders.

For this review I tested one of jill-e’s medium size bags (they also have larger bags and a roller bag that makes a good combo with a shoulder bag). The Medium Chocolate Brown Suede bag may not have a fancy name but it’s a simple and clear description of the product, which is refreshing after trying to decipher the labels put on so many cameras and other photo products. The bag measures 14 x 8 X 9.5 inches and features a beige interior that can be called polka dot but really is decorated with only a handful of large black and grey dots—nothing that a guy would turn up his nose at as being too “girly.”

The bag comes with seven Velcro dividers and a crossbar pad (also Velcro) that fits neatly across the top of the interior to protect the top of the camera body. Four of the vertical dividers have fold-over tops that can be folded and tucked to add additional protection to lenses or flash units. As expected, the interior can be easily configured to fit your gear du jour.

A double-zippered top folds open to the side and is lined with convenient mesh compartments for CF cards and batteries. I’d like to see the compartments fitted a little tighter to prevent anything from falling out, though. But the bag comes with a small attachable case (it clips to the inside) so I stored my CF case in there, along with a Lens Pen and a couple of other necessities. Four external leather pockets provided a nice accent to the bag’s rich suede exterior as well as room for batteries and other accessories. There’s an exterior pocket that runs along the length of the bag and just fits a small notebook and a couple of pens.

Outfitted with dual leather carrying straps, the bag also comes with a detachable shoulder strap (with a shoulder pad). I’d occasionally catch one of the hand straps on something when I was carrying it over my shoulder but that was easily remedied by folding the handles over the top of the bag.

Although it’s called a medium-sized bag, it easily accommodated a Nikon D3 with a 24-70mm f/2.8G ED lens attached, a couple of other moderate-sized lenses and an SB-800 and flash cord with some, albeit not much, space to spare. Even with this heavy load, the bag felt comfortable to carry. And, except for the time when another photographer almost stepped on the bag when he was coming down the photo riser at Bryant Park, I felt confident that the thick padding would protect all the equipment. I also had no qualms about putting the bag down since the bottom is made of leather with small metal “feet.”

I love the bag’s design—it’s both attractive and functional. If I had my way, though, I’d remove the buckles from the front two pockets. The pockets snap close so the buckles are decorative and, while they add a certain something to its appearance, it would be easier to open the pockets without them. The buckles would occasionally dig into my back or catch my hand when I was walking with the bag slung over my shoulder, so I could easily do without the extra embellishment. I also missed having a place to put a bottle of water but replacing one of the side pockets with a bottle holder would ruin the bag’s lines and it’s easy enough to find an accessory pouch instead.

This bag has lived through Fashion Week, traipsing around the city and a couple of weekend trips – take out a few some of the dividers and you have a great travel bag with enough room for a change of clothes and a small DSLR and lens. The jill-e Medium Chocolate Brown Suede bag has quickly become one of my favorite carry bags. If you’re not sure this bag is for you, check out the other jill-e bags – you might prefer a larger bag in leather or one that rolls (or both). Regardless of your preferences, these bags definitely rock.

The Bottom Line
jill-e Designs proves that a camera bag can be handsome and practical at the same time with its solid good looks, top notch construction and functional design.

Pros: Stylish design; good padding for protection; high quality construction
Cons: Buckles on external pockets are superfluous (and a little annoying, although they look good); CF cards and batteries may fall out of mesh compartments
Price: $239.99
Further information: www.jill-e.com