Courser F1002 canvas messengerbag review

Thank you for doing this review. I have just ordered this bag. I considered Kai's review and decided that I probably won't be using it to swing from a basketball hoop.

I hope you still like your Courser.

I picked up the slightly smaller F1003 from Camera World last week (£38) and so far I'm pretty impressed with it, especially compared with the price of the Domke bags. I've previously owned the Domke F2, F3X and F803 bags and even though the canvas on the Courser bags is slightly thinner I can't really complain about the quality.

Spent 30 minutes in the store trying to choose between the F1003 and F1002 and with hindsight I wish I'd gone for the larger F1002. Compared with the F1002, mine doesn't have the side pockets, and the front pocket is 2 separate ones instead. I can easily fit my 650D with 17-40L attached along with the 70-200mm f/2.8 IS in there along with accessories, but would struggle to fit another lens in.

So as I said, if anyone is wondering which to go for I'd suggest the same as the original poster, the F1002.

Definitely good value for money (and yes, the Domke post office shoulder pad fits them perfectly)

FatPete wrote in post #15452941
I picked up the slightly smaller F1003 from Camera World last week (£38) and so far I'm pretty impressed with it, especially compared with the price of the Domke bags. I've previously owned the Domke F2, F3X and F803 bags and even though the canvas on the Courser bags is slightly thinner I can't really complain about the quality.

Spent 30 minutes in the store trying to choose between the F1003 and F1002 and with hindsight I wish I'd gone for the larger F1002. Compared with the F1002, mine doesn't have the side pockets, and the front pocket is 2 separate ones instead. I can easily fit my 650D with 17-40L attached along with the 70-200mm f/2.8 IS in there along with accessories, but would struggle to fit another lens in.

So as I said, if anyone is wondering which to go for I'd suggest the same as the original poster, the F1002.

Definitely good value for money (and yes, the Domke post office shoulder pad fits them perfectly)

Good to know Pete, thank you. I will be checking out that strap if the stock one is not up to snuff.

khughes44 wrote in post #15452744
Thank you for doing this review. I have just ordered this bag. I considered Kai's review and decided that I probably won't be using it to swing from a basketball hoop.

I hope you still like your Courser.

Like? Hell no.. i LOVE it, and everyone that sees it thinks it looks and feels great.
You wont be dissapointed.
Quality and looks don't always have to cost a ****load of money.

Edit*
The one Kai is reviewing isent the one you ordered.. i don't even think it's the same brand.
It's sturdy as hell.. i been using it on a daily basis since i got it, carry it with me everywhere, it's been in rain, in dirt, in snow... it's quality bag.

FatPete wrote in post #15452941
I picked up the slightly smaller F1003 from Camera World last week (£38) and so far I'm pretty impressed with it, especially compared with the price of the Domke bags. I've previously owned the Domke F2, F3X and F803 bags and even though the canvas on the Courser bags is slightly thinner I can't really complain about the quality.

Spent 30 minutes in the store trying to choose between the F1003 and F1002 and with hindsight I wish I'd gone for the larger F1002. Compared with the F1002, mine doesn't have the side pockets, and the front pocket is 2 separate ones instead. I can easily fit my 650D with 17-40L attached along with the 70-200mm f/2.8 IS in there along with accessories, but would struggle to fit another lens in.

So as I said, if anyone is wondering which to go for I'd suggest the same as the original poster, the F1002.

Definitely good value for money (and yes, the Domke post office shoulder pad fits them perfectly)

I too think you should go for the F1002, and if you picked it up last week they should have some sort of return policy?
Most of the stuff you buy in stores in Sweden have a 14 days return policy.

If you walk in there and say that your very dissapointed and feel that the bag is too small and that you hope they would do a "goodwill" and swap it for the bigger one... i doubt they would say no.

Let us know if you do.

Bent Toe...is the trim on yours real leather, or plastic leatherette?

bent toe wrote in post #15453450
If you walk in there and say that your very dissapointed and feel that the bag is too small and that you hope they would do a "goodwill" and swap it for the bigger one... i doubt they would say no.

Knowing me I'll end up keeping the F1003 and buying the F1002 as an additional bag sometime in the future! My initial thought was I wanted something smaller as a walk-around town with camera + spare lens combo (my old Domke F2 felt a little too conspicuous at times). Having just bankrupted myself getting the 70-200mm I should hold off getting a larger bag otherwise I'll feel the urge to fill it

FatPete wrote in post #15455324
Knowing me I'll end up keeping the F1003 and buying the F1002 as an additional bag sometime in the future! My initial thought was I wanted something smaller as a walk-around town with camera + spare lens combo (my old Domke F2 felt a little too conspicuous at times). Having just bankrupted myself getting the 70-200mm I should hold off getting a larger bag otherwise I'll feel the urge to fill it

Haha so true.
The 1003 is a very good looking bag, so you might not fit everything in it, but you'll look good talking photographs atleast

I received my new 1002 last week. I've used it every day and I love it. It's a great, functional piece of gear that's reasonably priced. In fact, it's down right cheap. What a find.

Thanks for the reviews and the insight.

khughes44 wrote in post #15453763
Bent Toe...is the trim on yours real leather, or plastic leatherette?

I believe it's leather..

khughes44 wrote in post #15521638
I received my new 1002 last week. I've used it every day and I love it. It's a great, functional piece of gear that's reasonably priced. In fact, it's down right cheap. What a find.

Thanks for the reviews and the insight.

You see.. it's a great bag! I'm glad i'm not the only one who loves it.

Lets see if I'm following the sizes correctly, the larger the number the smaller the bag? I'm thinking about the F1002. I would like to carry 7D gripped with 24-105 on the camera.I would also like to carry a couple of lenses smaller than the 24-105.Would the F1002 be OK for those items?

claybuster wrote in post #15657561
Lets see if I'm following the sizes correctly, the larger the number the smaller the bag? I'm thinking about the F1002. I would like to carry 7D gripped with 24-105 on the camera.I would also like to carry a couple of lenses smaller than the 24-105.Would the F1002 be OK for those items?

I believe it will be perfect. I carry a 60D, no grip, with a 55-250 wearing a hood, a flash, a 50mm F1.8, and an 18-55 with no problem. I tuck my Black Rapid strap between the foam dividers and the outside of the bag. I have had mine for over a month and I love it. I use it every day and I can't imagine a better every day bag. Highly recommended.

claybuster wrote in post #15657561
Lets see if I'm following the sizes correctly, the larger the number the smaller the bag? I'm thinking about the F1002. I would like to carry 7D gripped with 24-105 on the camera.I would also like to carry a couple of lenses smaller than the 24-105.Would the F1002 be OK for those items?

I don't know... i can have my 70-200 on my gripped 60D but thats it, i can't have any deviders with anything else than maybe a few filters tucked in the other "compartment". This is inside the shockproof part.. ofcourse i can add lenses both in the side pockets and front pockets.

Right now i can have my 17-40 on 60D gripped with a divider for the 70-200 standing.


If you want 3-4 lenses and a gripped/bigger cam with attached lense.. i would recommend the F1001:

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Thanks guys ! I think it's time to get out the gear and a tape measure and check the specs on these bags.

claybuster wrote in post #15658272
Thanks guys ! I think it's time to get out the gear and a tape measure and check the specs on these bags.

Check page one for measurments and images.

Tempted by this, I've been to the store in London where they sell them. Was looking at thinktank retro 7 but for this price....hmmmmm.