Cambags

I bought this bag as one in a series of unsuccessful purchases, and incidentally this is the one I kept in the end, although its not technically a camera bag. I also went through the Lowepro Nova 180 and the Timbuk2 Snoop Messenger, both of which I reviewed here. I ultimately picked this bag because it was the only one that comfortably fit all my gear in a discrete non-camera bag looking bag, and because it was the cheapest. I got this on sale at REI (easy returns) for $70, while the Lowepro was $80 plus shipping, and the Timbuk2 was $130 with free shipping from ebags.

Opening the flap reveals a decent size zippered pocket on the front, as well as another novelty in messenger bags- a ZIPPER. The flap has a magnetic closure tab, but also has a zipper to securely keep your gear inside when access is not desired. This is RARE. The zippered pocket opens wide and has some sewn slots intended for pens and such. The pen slots I haven't found a use for, but the larger opening fits 2 filters just fine. The flap of the pocket has a zippered mesh pocket with a key strap inside.

Inside the main compartment is one very large opening. Attached to the back panel is the laptop sleeve which is nicely padded and covered in a soft felt-like material. There is a velcro flap over the top, as well as an additional flat pocket next to the laptop sleeve for folders, etc.

I have found that access to the inside of the bag is good when on the shoulder. It's comfortable with moderate amounts of gear in the bag. If you add a laptop (I have a MBP 15") the bag obviously gains a little more structure and a lot more weight. This is where I felt the extra pad on the strap would be nice.

I have two major complaints: first, there are no dividers in the main compartment. Your gear is free to float around, which does allow more flexibility in what you carry as well as how the bag molds to your hip. However, it offers less protection than one with pads and dividers. (I plan to add custom foam dividers) Second, the zipper is not easy to close. It's very difficult to do with the bag on and requires a concentrated two hand effort. With the bag set down on something (even still around your neck) it's much easier to close, but still definitely requires two hands. With the magnetic closure I don't feel it's operationally limiting, but it is frustrating nonetheless.

In the photos, in addition to the obvious photos, you'll see one of the Keen next to a Lowepro Nova 180, and one side view of the bottoms of the Keen and the Timbuk2 Snoop, giving you a good comparison of how much more room the Keen has!