Finally, a few months after CES dies down, and after some one-on-one time with Case Logic’s latest innovation, the Reflexion camera messenger bag, it’s time to review!
Figure 1. Front facing (color: Anthracite)
Figure 2. Main body compartment
The official name is: Reflexion DSLR + iPad® Medium Cross-body Bag in Anthracite (aka charcoal gray). There is also a Morel color, which is more of a green-ish earth tone. If you are looking for just a small bag that is primarily for your camera, then there is a “small” version of this messenger whose features are the same. The popular color for the Reflexion DSLR + iPad® Small Cross-body Bag seems to be Pomegranate right now, considering that at the time of review, it was temporarily sold out on the Case Logic website!
Figure 3. Reflexion Medium in Morel
Figure 4. Reflexion Medium in Pomegranate
The great thing about these bags are that they don’t look like camera bags. I would gladly use the Reflexion as an everyday bag, which I have been using for the past few months. The numerous pockets and pouches add to the practicality of the messenger bag, which I take to school, work, and on trips. Surprisingly, the most functional pocket for me was below the flap, as I put my more valuable items there knowing that it would be more difficult for any potential thiefs to steal from that pouch.
Figure 5. Main compartment filled with items.
Figure 6.Front facing with main compartment open
Figure 7. Front zipper compartment
Figure 8. Compartment under the front flap
Even better is the removable camera pouch, which I think might be the greatest feature of this bag. This pouch has two handles, and a cinch to enclose the bag for easy transport. The interior has multiple compartments, which allot for additional camera lens, tripods, batteries, etc.
Figure 9. Microsoft Surface Pro 3, Removable Camera Bag with cover cinched, and Reflexion Medium Messenger
Figure 10. Removable camera bag with cover folded down
Figure 11. Removable camera bag, top view
Typically, I carry quite a few items with me when I go out for work or school. What’s great about the medium sized Reflexion messenger is that it fits more than just an iPad. As shown in the photo, I’m able to fit my Microsoft Surface Pro 3 laptop, my Canon SL1 DSLR camera (not photographed because it was used to take the photo), telephoto lens, extra battery and charger, mini tripod, wallet, lip moisturizer, glasses, AND two cell phones. With all these items in the bag, I’m still able to add more, such as a binder or a textbook, some snacks, etc. The bag is large enough to hold a backpack’s worth of items, yet small enough to be carried as a cross body messenger bag.
Figure 12. Reflexion Medium Messenger with all items unloaded
Practically speaking, this bag has everything that the everyday working man or woman would need. However, I did discover one disadvantage to this bag, as a busy woman myself. Because of the hinged zipper opening of the main compartment, which allows for a wider opening of the bag, it is very difficult to impossible to close the main compartment of bag. Now normally this wouldn’t be that big of an issue, but when my arms are full and I’m in a hurry, sometimes I need to grab something quickly out of my bag. I’m able to open the bag fairly easily singlehandedly, but I’ve not successfully figured out how to zip the bag shut with one hand.
Figure 13. Reflexion Medium Messenger, main compartment (empty)
Figure 14. Main compartment open, with camera bag and Microsoft Surface Pro 3 inserted
I give the Reflexion DSLR + iPad® Medium Cross-body Bag a 10 out of 10. The various zippered compartments and pouches at every accessible place on the bag allows for the ability to house multiple items everywhere. The removable camera bag allows for the bag to convert to a standard laptop or tablet messenger bag. The design of the bag is casual, yet plain enough to use in the workplace, and does not look like a camera bag. Other than the one minor issue of single-handed operation of the main compartment, overall, the Reflexion DSLR + iPad® Medium Cross-body Bag is a winner in my eyes, and I can understand why it was a 2014 Red Dot award recipient. I would highly recommend purchase of the Reflexion bag for your camera bag and everyday use.
Figure 15. Reflexion Medium Messenger, Case Logic logo
