RoadWired Photo/Video Convertible Bag

Gadgeteer Hands On Review by William Ray Jr.

November 24, 2003

While 'gearing up' for our new photography business (Ayngelgraphics), my wife and I found ourselves looking for a good camera bag. We think we found it in the Photo/Video Convertible Bag from RoadWired.

The Photo/Video Convertible Bag is medium sized and made from 1050 Denier Ballistic Nylon. RoadWired's website specifies straps made of seatbelt-grade webbing and these straps certainly look sturdy enough. The shoulder strap is fully adjustable, with quick disconnects and sliding shoulder pad.

The pad, formed to fit comfortably on the shoulder, has three grip strips underneath to help prevent slippage. In between the grip strips is a moisture-wicking padded mesh which helps those of us who have a tendency to sweat. My wife would like me to explain that I am the one who tends to perspire.

The shoulder straps attach to loops which are tied into another strap of the same material which runs down the sides and across the bottom of the bag. This feature should help the bag to maintain it's shape over time.

The two treads on the bottom of the bag give it a stable base.

The bag also comes with a built-in belt made of seat-belt grade webbing that converts the bag to a waistpack. Although this is not really my style, I tried it out for the review. I may have to set aside my macho reservations and actually strap this thing to my hip on a photo shoot. The belt stows away neatly behind the webbing (also made of moisture-wicking material) that runs across the back of the bag.

If the shoulder strap or belt do no work for you, the bag comes complete with a rugged handle on top. The handle has a hard rubber insert which gives it a nice feel.

The bag has two side pockets with triangular sides which fold out when the pockets are opened. This feature prevented loose items from spilling out when we opened the pockets.

A front pocket runs the width of the bag and, like the side pockets, also has triangular sides.

The main compartment measures 6.5 inches deep and 6 x10 square padded. The bag comes with five separators which allow you to separate the main compartment into six fully adjustable smaller compartments.

The main compartment comes complete with a weather shield which can be rolled up when not in use.

With all of these pockets, compartments and velcro straps, we were easily able to stow all of our gear with room to spare. Below is an illustration of everything we took with us on a recent wedding shoot (minus the camera used to take this photo).

This bag was obviously designed with the photographer in mind. From the fully adjustable inner compartments to the elastic loops inside roomy gear pockets on the side, the bag is laid out perfectly for digital cameras and accessories. The overall look of the bag is professional and stlylish. The overall dimensions are 12.5L x 8H x 7D and it weighs in at 3.5lb.

My wife and I both found this bag to be perfectly suitable for transporting our equipment to weddings and outdoor location shoots. At $124.95, this bag runs a little high for the typical consumer. Compared to other professional-grade bags, the price runs toward the middle of the pack. The durable construction and versatility make this bag a good buy.

 

Price: $124.95 Available in Black/Black, Titanium/Black (as illustrated)

Pros: 
Perfect size for digital cameras
Padded shoulder strap with grip strips
15 elastic loops inside 3 roomy gear pockets
Up to 6 adjustable compartments in main bag
3 flat zippered pockets (2 made of expandable webbed mesh)
Large single buckle for quick access to the main bag
Padded

Cons: 
A little pricey for consumers
Velcro (for Julie)