A Compact Camera Bag Built for Comfort, Style, and Everyday Versatility
buy from amazonA few weeks ago, I took a trip to a camera shop that was about three hours away from me. I wanted to take a look at the Canon R5 Mark II, and since we don’t have a local shop, I packed a camera bag with my original R5 to make the trek. My goal was to get trade-in value for the older model and put it towards the new version of the camera and possibly a new lens. When I went to grab a bag, I needed something larger than my McKinnon Camera Sling.
So, I grabbed my small camera backpack (also a Nomatic McKinnon bag) and thought, “Boy, this really is too big for this small kit.” But, it was the best option at the time. I felt a little like Goldilocks; trapped somewhere between too small and too big. While I was wandering around the camera store, I stumbled upon the just-right solution to my bag problem: the McKinnon Camera Messenger 13L by Nomatic.
About McKinnon Camera Messenger 13L
The Nomatic McKinnon Camera Messenger 13L is designed for creators who need a reliable way to carry their photography gear. Built with durable, water-resistant materials, it keeps your equipment safe while maintaining a professional look. Inside, customizable dividers allow you to arrange your camera body, lenses, and accessories to suit your setup.
A dedicated laptop compartment fits devices up to 14 inches, making it practical for editing on the go. The quick-access top opening helps you reach your camera without slowing down, and the adjustable strap provides comfort during long days of shooting. Additional pockets and mesh organizers keep batteries, memory cards, and cables neatly stored.
This messenger-style bag combines protection, efficiency, and clean design in a compact 13-liter form. Whether traveling between shoots or working in the city, it offers a smart, functional way to keep your camera gear close at hand.
Main Features
Internal:
3 SD Card Pockets 2 Battery Pockets 2 Stretch-Mesh Utility Pockets (4” x 4”) 1 Stretch-Mesh Zipper Pocket 1 Tall Divider & 1 Tall Shelved DividerExternal:
Grab Handle/Roller Luggage Pass-Through 2 Hypalon Lash Tabs with 4 Slots Each Laptop/Tablet Compartment (Fits up to a 14” Macbook Pro)Specs:
Dimensions: 7″ D x 14.5″ W x 10″ H Weight: 2.6 lbs Material Composition: 75% Nylon, 25% PolyethylenePricing & Availability
The Nomatic McKinnon Camera Messenger 13L is listed for $199.99 and can be purchased on nomatic.com or Amazon.
User Experience
So, here is the crux of my problem. When I want to “run out to grab a few photos,” I want to take my camera with a lens attached, usually the Canon RF 24-70 and one other, usually the 70-200. These lenses are not small. That’s why the sling didn’t fit the bill for me all the time. It’s a great bag if you need to carry one extra lens while you’re holding the camera or wearing it on a strap. But, when it comes to a quick day trip, I needed something more. That’s why I’m so glad I found that Nomatic offered this Messenger-style 13L bag that is also part of the McKinnon collection. It’s by far my favorite bag set and I’ve worked with many, many bags over the years.
The Messenger bag is made with the same materials as the rest of the McKinnon collection. It’s built with materials that prioritize durability, protection, and comfort. The main exterior fabric is N900D square ripstop with a 0.20mm film-laminated TPU65 coating, giving it exceptional water resistance and a rugged texture that resists wear from daily use. The zippers are urethane-coated to prevent moisture from seeping in, and the back panel is compression-molded EVA for comfort and structure. The shoulder strap incorporates dual-density EVA and PE foam padding layered with breathable air mesh, keeping it comfortable for extended carry sessions even with a full camera load.
The bag’s interior features Velux hook-and-loop compatible fabric that stands up to frequent repositioning of dividers without fraying or loosening over time. Overall, the combination of these materials creates a messenger bag that feels tough enough for professional use yet refined enough for everyday carry.
Getting the messenger bag set up took a little planning. The items I outlined above didn’t fit the pre-set dividers, so I pulled them out and set my camera with the lens attached into the bag and then attached one of the dividers. I set it so that the camera would sit in that slot and I would be able to grab the handle with no issues. I didn’t want that blocked, which was something I’ve had trouble with before.
Once that was set, I grabbed my Canon RF 70-200 lens and put it on the opposite end of the compartment. Then I set the other divider next to it so that the lens was snug in the bag. The combination of these two pieces of equipment ended up taking up most of the space in the main compartment. With the remaining space between the two lenses, I set my battery sleeve (the McKinnon Battery Case). I was able to stick the Polar Pro Slate II – SD and Slate II – CFexpress Type B into the inner utility pockets for storing my memory cards. They both fit those slots perfectly. Before I ran out the door, I slipped my 13-inch iPad Pro (M4) into the laptop compartment.
There were still slots open, but I felt this configuration was the bare minimum amount of gear that I would grab and go with. The only other piece of equipment I had in hand was my flash (Godox V480-C). With the camera and the extra lens in the main compartment, I couldn’t slip the flash into the bag and still get it to close. That said, I could put it in the bag and use the one-handed quick closure system to hold the bag shut, or I could swap out the 70-200 if I really felt that the flash was necessary for that outing.
The point is that this bag is designed for work on-the-run, and it’s perfect for it. I will likely leave the one slot I measured for the camera in place and then use the other side of the main compartment as the catch-all/multipurpose spot for whatever I might need.
The bag is incredibly comfortable to carry. The shoulder strap is well-padded, and it can be worn on one shoulder or as a cross-body bag. I found the crossbody option a bit easier, especially when it’s loaded with gear. Overall, the fit feels natural and adjusts easily depending on how I want to carry it.
Getting gear in and out is easy once you set it up properly and have the compartment divided up according to your equipment. The wide opening of the main compartment makes it easy to get to all the different pockets and pouches inside the bag. I also love the one-handed closure feature since I don’t like fumbling with a zipper when I’m shooting against the clock.
Conclusion
After using the Nomatic McKinnon Camera Messenger 13L, I can confidently say it fills a perfect gap between a compact sling and a full-size camera backpack. It’s well-designed, easy to carry, and made with high-quality materials that seem durable enough for years of use. The organization system is flexible and easy to customize, which makes it great for photographers who carry different setups from day to day. While it’s not the best choice if you need to haul a full professional kit, it shines as an everyday or travel-friendly option for mirrorless or smaller DSLR gear. For short trips, day shoots, or quick sessions around town, this bag hits the sweet spot.
For more information, visit nomatic.com
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