Design
Principle 1
Every one of my camera bags is built to be as lightweight as possible, while still providing full protection to your camera. The Scout starts at 32 g; the Ranger at 57 g. That's lighter than popular camera clips, and includes full padding and a waterproof rolltop closure.
The way I get there is by removing what isn't essential and using modern, ultralight, tear- and abrasion-resistant fabrics like Ultra 100 X / 200 X (which you might know from ultralight backpacks) and Dyneema Composite Fabric (see ultralight tents). Evazote EV50, the closed-cell foam also used in sleeping mats, handles the padding.
Put together in my camera bags, these materials protect your camera gear at minimal weight.
Principle 2
I've come up with new construction techniques for my camera bags to make sure they fully protect against the weather. If you roll your bag closed you'll notice it bulges, trapping air inside like a balloon. This airtight effect is a clear sign that water has a hard time coming in – what keeps air in, keeps water out.
How do my bags achieve this? The rolltop closure is the most obvious part. But in conventional camera bags, air would still escape through the seams, especially in the padded foam area. To prevent this, I reduce the number of seams to the bare minimum, tape every remaining seam, and in the case of the Scout and Ranger, construct my protective padded box without any sewing at all. I glue a padded foam box out of waterproof closed-cell foam, and tape a liner out of waterproof Dyneema Composite Fabric.
This results in a bag that handles rain without a problem.
Principle 3
Missing a shot because you had to unzip a bag or take off your backpack is one of the worst feelings as a photographer. The shot was right there, but handling your gear was just too slow.
That's why quick access is an integral part of my camera bags: unroll the lid once at the start of your hike and let the magnets in the hem snap to magnets at the front, closing the bag on the move. When the light is good, simply flip up the lid, grab your camera, and take that shot.
With a bit of practice this only takes about 3 seconds.
Principle 4
I don't believe in one solution that fits everyone. And so my camera bags offer a minimal starting point that you can configure into your ideal custom camera bag: pick your own fabrics, colors, sizes and features.
I also understand that every person walks and shoots differently. And I don't want my gear to dictate your style. So I include two full rows of cord loops with every bag. Use them to mount the bag to your shoulder straps or hip belt, clip on a shoulder sling, or come up with your ideal DIY solution.
Ultralight camera bags, quick access magnetic lid, waterproof rolltop design. Handmade to order in Hamburg, custom-sized to your camera gear.
See the bags