Golla SLR Camera Bag M Don
by Wayne A. Thorp, CFA
$59.99
A padded shoulder bag for your digital camera, tablet and accessories.
In this column, I have reviewed several laptop bags and have come across several that I highly recommend. However, if all you are carrying is a tablet or a digital camera, the bags are not configured properly or are simply too big. The selection for camera bags is as expansive as it is for laptop bags, if not more so. Recently, I was given a Golla SLR Camera Bag M Don to review and was impressed with its functionality.
Out of the Box
I first became aware of Finland-based Golla at the 2011 Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas. The company has been designing and producing a variety of bags and accessories since 2004. Many of their products are a little too fashion-forward for me (if you’ve read any of my reviews, I place function over style), but when I saw the Don camera bag, I was struck by its understated looks.
The bag’s exterior is made of black polyester that is sufficiently thick enough to protect the contents inside. The bag itself measures 8.9 inches by 11.8 inches by 4.7 inches.
There is a Velcro flap that you lift up to expose the main zipper compartment, which measures 8.3 inches by 9.5 inches by 3.7 inches. This padded compartment is big enough to hold an SLR camera and lens, while offering ample protection. Under the flap is a separate compartment that is big enough to hold an iPad, Kindle or other tablet device.
There are two additional zipper compartments—one on the outside of the flap and one on the back panel of the bag—for you to carry smaller items and accessories. There is also an adjustable and removable shoulder strap.
Beyond its functionality, I really like the Golla Don bag because it doesn’t look like a camera bag. When carrying around such expensive pieces of electronics, being nondescript isn’t a bad thing.
Overall
The Golla SLR Camera Bag M Don is a perfect “day bag” to take on a trip when you don’t want to carry around a larger laptop or shoulder bag. It is also ideal for those looking for an actual shoulder bag to carry their tablet instead of just having it in a sleeve or case. The bag’s interior padding will also protect your precious cargo. At less than $60, its functionality and protection make it a good value as well.
Pros
- Room for SLR camera and lens as well as accessories
- Separate pocket for tablet device
- Padded compartment
- Rugged design
Cons
- Surprisingly heavy for a smaller bag, even when empty
$59.99 (currently $49.99 in-store or at Target.com)