Bare Bones vs Think Tank Retro 5

I have several BBB's. I think that the evolution is a step up due to the slight increase in dimensions and padding. I have tried many bags and the lightweight and versitility can't be beat. The TT was to boxy for my taste.
 
I have several BBB's. I think that the evolution is a step up due to the slight increase in dimensions and padding. I have tried many bags and the lightweight and versitility can't be beat. The TT was to boxy for my taste.

That's good to hear about the evolution because I have one arriving tomorrow.

I've had the original BBB for a long time. Like someone else posted, when I've flown someplace, I've packed the BBB in the checked 22" bag and used a carry-on bag (a ThinkTank Sling 10) to transport my gear to "location". :) I decided to try the latest BBB evolution because I'm curious about the recent design changes. I looked at the retrospective bags many times, but just couldn't quite agree with them.
 
That's good to hear about the evolution because I have one arriving tomorrow.

I've had the original BBB for a long time. Like someone else posted, when I've flown someplace, I've packed the BBB in the checked 22" bag and used a carry-on bag (a ThinkTank Sling 10) to transport my gear to "location". :) I decided to try the latest BBB evolution because I'm curious about the recent design changes. I looked at the retrospective bags many times, but just couldn't quite agree with them.

where did you order a new one from?
 
Got an update from Stephen the other day he was on his way to (IIRC) Paris and was testing a new bag of some sort....
 
I ordered mine directly thru Courierware since they manufacture them for Indianhill Imageworks. Much faster too since Indianhill waits until they have enough orders before submitting to Courierware.

I called Eric at Courierware on a Tuesday to order my bag and it was delivered that Saturday to my door.

Those guys rock!!
 
For what is worth - I have a customised Courierware deLuxe bag (without photo insert). I ordered back when there was no zipper on the front pockets - so I had it sewn in place, as well as I had the inner pocket size customised a bit.

It is a good bag for some things, but sometimes har to use. Being a messenger bag it get less deep towards the top of the bag. And I would actually prefer to have one or two inside pockets with bit of padding. When I carry my Mamiya 6 + 3 lenses - (75 mounted on the camera), then I have each item in a thin neoprene pouch. It works, but bit of hassle to access.

I have traveled with the bag (vacations) and find the size just right not to fit a compact MF setup, but also other bits and pieces one may need on a road (documents, phone, notebook, map, bottle of water, etc.)

I use the bag now daily as my man's purse (occasionally it holds some groceries too) and while I appreciate the low weight, the bag is very soft, so carrying some paper documents requires some additional folder that protects them. I do not have a iPad or similar, but would guess than carrying it in the Courerware would not be that comfortable - you would have to put it in the back pocket and so it would push directly against your hip with no padding in-between. I have done that with MacBook 13" (which JUST fits) and while doable, it was not pleasant.

So - it is a good bag, but I would actually love to get something else eventually. None of the bags I have seen (online) has however been interesting enough. But one day ... :)
 
Te BB E looks great. I am using Lowepro message exchange for the same purpose. --- a cheap but very handy bag. My only complains on the lowepro are 1) need some protection, 2) need better material. Seems like the BBE meet all the above.
 
I have an Exchange Messenger too Robin.I've put in a Puleme insert and it works well, around £11 on eBay.

Paul
 
I have an Exchange Messenger too Robin.I've put in a Puleme insert and it works well, around £11 on eBay.

Paul

Dear Paul,

Thanks for the information. I will check it. on the other hand, my Exchange Messenger never give me any problem on protection. Here we are in city, the gears don't need the heavy protection as we thought.
 
Hope Stephen doesn't mind me saying but his new bare bones bag is a leather version. A quality bag by all accounts. You guys with a fetish for leather bags may just love it.

Paul
 
i like leather but it stiffens here in the cold winter...in fact the bbbe bag got really stiff last time i ventured out for longer than thirty minutes.
 
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