National Geographic Medium Shoulder Bag Review

DEMO wrote in post #2237594

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I have the small shoulder bag and the sides are padded, not like a lowepro, but padded. In the photo above, by DEMO, the sides/ends on the medium bag look to have the same padding as mine.

Pinto wrote in post #2498793
I have the small shoulder bag and the sides are padded, not like a lowepro, but padded. In the photo above, by DEMO, the sides/ends on the medium bag look to have the same padding as mine.

It does look like padding in the photo, but there isn't any. All you are seeing is that the inside liner isn't attached to the outside material so there are creases. Pity, as a little padding in the ends would be a huge improvement to an already decent bag.

And yeah, none of the padding in this bag is as thick as a LowePro, and miles behind a Crumpler. Thing is, for the most part at least, it has enough. The thinner padding also makes for a smaller bag. I mean I like my crumpler and all, but the thing is 50% padding.

And the other side of 'more padding' is 'more rigidity'. What makes the NG bags (and Domke bags) is their 'floppiness'. They tend to wrap around the waist, which makes for much more comfortable carrying - at least to me.

Citizensmith wrote in post #2499143
It does look like padding in the photo, but there isn't any. All you are seeing is that the inside liner isn't attached to the outside material so there are creases. Pity, as a little padding in the ends would be a huge improvement to an already decent bag.

I guess the thing to do then, is get some closed-cell foam padding and make a couple of pads for the ends.

Pinto wrote in post #2503783
I guess the thing to do then, is get some closed-cell foam padding and make a couple of pads for the ends.

What I've done is moved the little insert pouch thing down one end, and then got a divider from one of my LowePro bags at the other end. The limited padding really isn't a huge deal, I just wanted to make sure anyone considering this bag is aware that as it ships there is no padding at either end. I still think its a great bag.

Glad you've got the bag figured out. So strange that the padding is different from the small bag.
I'm going to do a review of the small bag in a day or two. Like you, I really like the bag, but is has a couple of peculiarities I'd like to address.

soho wrote in post #2498153
The bag is not actually "weather proof". I have noticed it can keep your equipment mostly dry as you run to the car in a heavy downpour, and it can withstand a little mist. Has anybody actually tried canvas waterproofing-spray on it? If so how did it go? I'm mostly concerned about discoloration or damage to the material.

As far as padding is concerned you could always use a small synthetic blanket or stich your own padding to the inside. I suppose It comes down to being careful and lucky as far as avoiding serious impact.
Soho

i just sprayed on a water protector that i use for my shoes...no bad effects but i dont have time spilling some water in it. though i was once caught under a heavy downpour. it was dry inside.

Would this bag be able to fit a 1D with a 24-70 f/2.8, 70-200 f/2.8, and a 50 f/1.4?

Wow, another great shoulder bag that I'd never previously considered. Much prefer the look of this over the crumplers and it seems like it'd be very functional (like a domke)to work out of and comfortable as it would conform to your body a bit.

Dbix wrote in post #2641440
Would this bag be able to fit a 1D with a 24-70 f/2.8, 70-200 f/2.8, and a 50 f/1.4?

my 24-70 on my 20d with grip, you wont be able to close the flap of the padded area. but there is still another soft flap and the main flap to cover it so it doesnt matter.

Oh man.... should I get involved in another bag thread?

No, probably not a good idea.

Uggghh.... gotta do it.

c l i c k

SoundsGood wrote in post #2644389
Oh man.... should I get involved in another bag thread?

No, probably not a good idea.

Uggghh.... gotta do it.

c l i c k

Looks good doesn't it? I think this is what I'm going to go for.

Dorman wrote in post #2645542
Looks good doesn't it?

It does.

I'm not thrilled with the one comment on Amazon, but it does look good.

http://www.amazon.com …?ie=UTF8&n=5023​94&s=photo


EDIT: also, it might be a tad big, no?

[QUOTE=SoundsGood;2645​682]It does.

I'm not thrilled with the one comment on Amazon, but it does look good.

http://www.amazon.com …?ie=UTF8&n=5023​94&s=photoQUOTE]

From the above quoted review: "The strap, all of two inches wide looks very sturdy. Unfortunately, the material of the clip that lets you adjust its length was extremely flimsy - at least in my bag. A few hours after I had loaded the bag and was carrying it on my shoulder, the clip broke and the bag crashed down."

I have the small shoulder bag with, I would guess, the same adjustment buckle which appears to be solid brass. I'm surprised that this would fail. Maybe it was a flaw in the metal. As far as the lack of padding on the outer ends, which is different than the small shoulder bag, this has been addressed in a earlier post if someone is interested in how the owner responded to it. I will probably add this to my bag inventory and will utilize some Domke inserts to provide adequate protection.

[QUOTE=Pinto;2645963]

SoundsGood wrote in post #2645682
It does.

I'm not thrilled with the one comment on Amazon, but it does look good.

http://www.amazon.com …?ie=UTF8&n=5023​94&s=photoQUOTE]

From the above quoted review: "The strap, all of two inches wide looks very sturdy. Unfortunately, the material of the clip that lets you adjust its length was extremely flimsy - at least in my bag. A few hours after I had loaded the bag and was carrying it on my shoulder, the clip broke and the bag crashed down."

I have the small shoulder bag with, I would guess, the same adjustment buckle which appears to be solid brass. I'm surprised that this would fail. Maybe it was a flaw in the metal. As far as the lack of padding on the outer ends, which is different than the small shoulder bag, this has been addressed in a earlier post if someone is interested in how the owner responded to it. I will probably add this to my bag inventory and will utilize some Domke inserts to provide adequate protection.

Mine has no clip like the one in the photo. The strap is connected to the bag with a square brass hoop that looks welded shut. Seems very sturdy. My only fault with the bag is the shoulder pad slips off my shoulder sometimes. It could use a bit of split leather sewn on it to give it some tooth.