National Geographic Africa Midi Satchel at a glance:
- Made using real leather
- Stylish and ergonomic design
- Fits a DSLR kit with two lenses
- Inner pockets for tablet and personal belongings
- Price: £109.95
- Website: www.geographicbags.co.uk
In May, National Geographic announced six new bags for its Africa range of camera bags. This collection wouldn’t look out of place on the set of an Indiana Jones film with its global explorer styling. Many photographers find this classic style very desirable and equally appreciate the durability of the materials used. Alongside tote bags, sling bags and backpacks, National Geographic has brought us this, the Midi Satchel.
Inside the Midi Satchel is a removable compartment for camera kit. This has dimensions of 165x175x110mm, which is ample space to house a CSC kit with around four lenses or a small or medium-sized DSLR with a couple of lenses and a flashgun. In the main compartment of the bag there are plenty of internal pockets ideal for storing chargers, memory cards and cables. There is also a small padded compartment intended to house a computer tablet. I found that a 13in laptop would also fit inside the bag.
National Geographic Africa Midi Satchel – key features
Top zip
As well a fold-over leather flap, there is also a zip that secures the bag, making your equipment even more secure.
Rear trolley strap
On the rear of the bag is a strap that allows users to slip the bag over the handle of a rolling suitcase
or trolley.
Tightening strap
On either side of the bag are two straps that can be tightened or loosened to increase or decrease the size of the bag.
National Geographic Africa Midi Satchel – verdict
My only gripe about the Africa Midi Satchel is that the straps can be a bit fiddly. Other than that small detail, I think it’s great. While the style may not be to everyone’s taste, the materials used are to a very high standard.
SCORE: 4 out of 5
You may also wish to consider:
Billingham Hadley Large
Price: £164
Website: www.billingham.co.uk
With a range of sizes and a good choice of colours and finishes, the Billingham Hadley series includes a bag to suit most photographers’ needs.
Domke F6
Price: £110
Website: www.domkebags.co.uk
Domke is well known for its hard-wearing bags, and the F6 has the space to house a similar amount of kit to the Africa Midi Satchel. It also boasts a water-resistant canvas build.
National Geographic Medium Tote Bag
Price: £129.95
Website: www.geographicbags.co.uk
Inside the Medium Tote Bag is a 130x86x60mm compartment intended for a small compact camera or CSC, but there is also enough space for a 15in laptop and plenty of other personal possessions.
