DSLR / Laptop Group Test – Case Logic SLR Camera Back Pack

Case Logic are an American company founded in 1984 in Colorado. They began making audio cassette cases and now make a huge variety of cases and backpacks from iphones and tablets to DSLR’s and video equipment. The Case Logic range is more competitively priced than the other manufacturers we have tested and therefore make a good option for travelling when your bag is liable to become stained and scuffed and otherwise ill treated.

Case Logic - SLR Camera Bag

Case Logic were kind enough to send us one of their DSLR/Laptop Camera Bags. This version can hold a DSLR with a 70 – 200mm lens attached and 3 other lenses still leaving room for a flash. In the back you can slide a 15inch Mac or 14 inch Laptop and there is a plethora of pockets for all your incidentals. Much thought has gone in to the design and this bag would be ideal for a day trip into the city or a weekend away, sadly the padding isn’t up to the rigeurs of travelling in a plane hold so you would need to keep your gear close. This bag is a good £200 cheaper than the Kata bag we previously tested and as such you cannot expect the same levels of protection and quality but even so this is a good item for the money. There are some nice practical features like the rain cover, tripod holder  and strap management system which keeps wandering straps out of harms way.

This pack is more ideally suited to the weekend break or city trip as the padding is somewhat lacking and I would worry about my gear if the bag was subjected to too much abuse or entrusted to baggage handlers. The tripod whilst a welcome addition and useful to have couldn’t cope with the full size manfrotto that I carry, the tripod holder is off center so if the tripod has any weight to it the bag tries to rotate over on itself which becomes irritating. With a lightweight pod this wouldn’t be an issue but if landscapes requiring a sturdy base are your thing you may want to look towards a more substantial bag with a central tripod holder to distribute the weight better.

Useful Camera Access Flap

On the plus side the bag will take a small laptop comfortably although finding a pocket to fit a charger was a challenge and wasn’t satisfactorily resolved. My favourite feature on the bag is the two straps that prevent the zip from running the full length of the bag. This creates a handy flap out of which you can retrieve your camera without fear of dropping other gear or needing the lay the bag flat for access. The hidden security pocket is also a nice touch even if the bag itself isn’t lockable.

In summary this a goof value starter bag for the DSLR enthusiast. Whilst it may not have the quality or high end features of some of the other bags the price does compensate for this and it is comparatively good value. I still use this one for day trips when I may need the camera but don’t want to lug around a full size bag like the Think Tank Photo we also tested.

Vagabond Rating: 4 out of 5

For details and to purchase please visit Caselogic
*Gear provided for review by the manufacturer. To have your Travel Gear reviewed on Vagabond Journey Travel contact us.