Fig Bags Hanborugh at a glance:
- All-leather construction with brass fittings
- Interior dimensions 12cm x 24.5cm x 30cm
- Holds a DSLR, 3-5 lenses and a 10in tablet
- Available in tan, navy, brown or black
- Price: £305
- Website: www.figbags.co.uk
While there’s a lot to be said for the protective properties of generic nylon bags, many photographers find themselves looking for something more individual and stylish. Fig Bags is a small English company that aims to satisfy this demand with its range of hand-crafted, all-leather, satchel-style bags. I tested the larger Hanborough, but a smaller Lincoln model is also available for £230 that would be nicely suited to a CSC system.
Beautifully crafted from thick leather with chunky brass fittings, the Hanborough is a good-looking bag that has been widely admired around the AP office (unusual for a camera bag). It’s practical too, with a padded, soft-lined interior and two repositionable dividers. It’s big enough to hold an enthusiast DSLR with three to five lenses, including a large telezoom such as a 70-200mm f/2.8.
A slimline internal pocket will accommodate a 10in-tablet, and there’s a smaller external rear-zipped document pocket that will also take a 7in-tablet or e-reader. However, one disadvantage is that there are no other accessories pockets for such things as batteries, memory cards or filters.
Fig Bags Hanborough – Key features
Detachable strap
The leather shoulder strap attaches via chunky brass clips. There’s also a grab handle riveted to the leather cover for carrying briefcase-style.
Roomy compartments
With a padded, soft-lined interior and two repositionable dividers, there’s space for 3-5 lenses and a filter.
Tablet space
A slimline internal pocket holds a 10in-tablet, while an e-reader or 7in-tablet will fit into a smaller external pocket.
Quick opening
The sturdy top flap is released by two push-button release. All the fastenings are made of quality brass.
Fig Bags Hanborough – Verdict
The Hanborough looks fantastic and is capable of transporting a surprising amount of kit. Even with a lot of weight onboard, it’s quite comfortable to carry, with a thick leather shoulder pad that moulds around your body. The thick leather exterior and internal padding should also keep your kit safely protected. It’s expensive, but it should last a lifetime.
SCORE: 4.5 out of 5
You may also wish to consider:
Billingham Hadley Large
Price: £164
Website: www.billingham.co.uk
This classic British canvas-and-leather shoulder bag has a removable padded insert and a back pocket for documents or a tablet.
Ona The Union Street
Price: £259
Website: www.onabags.com
Capable of holding a DSLR, up to three lenses, and a 15in-laptop, this bag and available in either all-leather or canvas, and a choice of colours.
ThinkTank Retrospective 7
Price: £115
Website: www.thinktankphoto.com
An attractive, casual-styled canvas bag, this holds a DSLR with two to three lenses, and an external rear pocket for a tablet or 11in-laptop.