A camera bag is just as important an accessory as any other equipment. It helps you to carry your precious equipment with comfort. While there are multiple brands on the market today, one brand that faded too soon is Portage Supply. The short-lived brand offers products that feature a combination of style, ruggedness, and materials such as leather and canvas, along with quick access and other desirable features. Here is a quick look at it.
Portage Supply was founded in 2016 and was based in Fergus Falls, Minnesota. Although there is limited information available about the brand, we received two units and were impressed by them. This included the Kenora Backpack and the Mariner Messenger Bag. The former one included side pockets, a waxed canvas exterior, a velcro divider, memory card storage, and a vintage leather zipper. The Kenora bag measured 17 x 13.5 x 7.3 inches, while the Mariner bag was 15 x 5 x 12 inches in size. Unlike the Kenora bag, which featured plush waxed canvas, the Mariner was made from premium cotton canvas. The latter also came with a secure antique brass tuck clasp, weather flaps, and can store a camera, two lenses, and a laptop/tablet.
In our test, we found the Portage Supply Kenora Backpack can withstand rain. The waxed canvas and the padding can also help to withstand big bumps on the subway and falls. The contents of the camera bag continued to be fine. The quick-access pocket was a great addition, and the interior and pockets were to our liking as well. As we said in our review, it “provides balance with all the gear,” and we could even put the tripod into our side pocket. The straps’ thickness is one of the reasons why it was possible. We awarded our Editor’s Choice to the Portage Supply Kenora Camera Bag, saying, “I think that for photojournalists, working photographers, wedding photographers, and those who need to be away all day, the Portage Supply Kenora Backpack is going to surely find a comfortable spot on your back.”
Similarly, the Mariner camera bag also features a great design. It offers a top flap, snap straps, and two pockets underneath. There is also a divider, which is of adequate size and thickness. Portage Supply’s bag can also withstand rain; the inside holds up well, and the straps as well. The zippers and pockets are made well. The bags’ waxed canvas and leather accents help keep things both soft and rugged at the same time. Overall, the device is easy to use and enhances the design. As we said in our review, “For me to say that I adore a messenger bag these days is a big feat, but the Portage Supply Mariner Messenger Bag is truly winning my heart over. The only thing that could make it even better is making it convertible to a backpack.”
The camera bags were also affordable, with the Kenora bag priced at around $149, while the Mariner bag was priced at $109. Both devices were also winners of our Editor’s Choice Award list, but for reasons unknown, the company has since shut down. We haven’t heard from them since the launch of the devices in 2018, but if they had stayed around, they would have certainly gained more fame, like Peak Design. We hope that, after reading this, the company will consider its revival.