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Home >> Photography >> Accessories National Geographic Earth Explorer Shoulder Bag (Medium) National Geographic needs no introduction, what with its famous yellow-bordered magazine and a Society that finances the pursuit of science in many fields. The magazine is renown for excellent writing and of course, outstanding photography. Many a photographer dream of hitting the big time by becoming a regular contributor to the magazine, including yours truly. Unfortunately, the closest I’ll ever come to becoming an NGS photographer is carrying one of its logoed camera bags on my shoulder whenever I’m out and about.
There’s more to NGS than its magazines or scientific endeavours, as there is a commercial side to the society that flogs merchandise to its membership. With photography being such a vital part of the NGS history, it should come as no surprise that NGS sells some camera bags, one of which I’ve had for over a year now. As of this writing, if you visit the NGS website and browse to its online store, you will only find two camera related bags or packs (visit Amazon.com for a more comprehensive offering than from NGS - cheaper prices too):
Previously, NGS also offered a Small version of the shoulder bag and pouches for digicams. I recall seeing a news release some months ago that a Large version of the shoulder bag would also be offered, but I’ve not seen it available through the online store yet. The Large version of the shoulder bag would address one of my gripes about the Medium version of the shoulder bag, which is the subject of this brief review.
Current cost is about USD $130 direct from NGS, but back when I ordered mine, I ended up paying around CDN $180, which is pricey for an everyday bag, but probably average for a bag from a real camera bag manufacturer, such as Lowepro or Tamrac. One of the features that attracted me to the Earth Explorer bag is its ability to fit a notebook computer, as well as photography equipment inside the main compartment. In addition to this primary large section, the bag also has:
The bag comes with a removable, internal, padded compartment that is obviously meant for storing a camera, lens or other accessory needing some protection. The bag itself has no padding except at the inside bottom, which is also removable to make the bag more flexible and accommodating of a bit more gear, if desired. Two inserts are included for use inside the padded section.
As an everyday bag with the internal padded section removed, the Earth Explorer bag is not bad and I’ve carried a large amount of documents inside it to and from work. I’ve also stuffed my 15-inch Sony notebook in it along with the usual assortment of power cords and wireless mouse to support the computer, along with lunch and documents. However, the bag is not without some problems. While I just mentioned being able to carry my Sony notebook inside the case, it was not within the designated notebook storage compartment, which is ridiculously small and useless for all but the smallest notebooks. At max, you could probably squeeze in the 13-inch MacBook, but nothing larger. I tried my 14-inch Dell work notebook, but no go inside the cramp quarters. Thus, my larger Sony notebook must travel within the main compartment with documents or books to provide some measure of padding from the front of the bag. It’s easier to show you the problem than describe it in words, so if you look at the photo below, you will see that if the bag’s designer had simply created a notebook section that was end-to-end, accommodating a 15-inch notebook would be no problem (the notebook compartment is just below my thumb).
The underside of the strap is exactly like its top, which is to say there is no grip. There’s also no give on the strap either to help provide some relief, but this lack of give is common for just about every shoulder bag on the market. Unfortunately, with the strap sewn into the bag itself, you cannot exchange it for another strap. On the positive side, the strap does have two velcro loops on either side, which would indicate an ability to attach one of the smaller Earth Explorer pouches. When the bag is loaded up with gear, the weight helps to keep the strap on the shoulder more, but over time there is still a slow slippage, so habit now dictates that I readjust every few minutes whereas I do not need to when using my Lowepro Reporter 400 shoulder bag. Third issue is that as a photo bag, it leaves something to be desired with minimal dividers available. While the padded, internal section seemed nice at first, it’s actually useless for anything more than one camera, or one pro sized lens, or a combination of smallish accessories.
Fourth, but most minor issue is that front pocket flaps curl over time and stick out (seen at right), which takes away from the smooth look. Conclusion As a photo bag, I’d suggest looking elsewhere, because I don’t think the Earth Exlorer Shoulder Bag cuts it for hardcore photographers. Look to Lowepro and Tamrac for bags meant for real photography instead of catering to the yuppie. You’ll also benefit from the use of high tech materials and superior moisture protection from the big two bag makers. Below is a shot of what my old Lowepro Reporter 400 shoulder bag can accomodate for gear.
As an everyday bag, I’m more generous and think that it’s not too bad, but if and when the large version of the shoulder bag arrives, I’d recommend getting that one instead of the medium sized bag, especially if you regularly tote around a notebook. The large version of the bag can apparently accommodate 17-inch size notebooks.
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The medium Earth Explorer Shoulder Bag is designed by the large US photographic equipment distributor, Bogen, and has a classic look to it, with its earth tone, canvas-like material. It should cater to the yuppie wanting to look environmentally friendly, but not wanting to give up the gas-guzzling SUV. 
I have to say that the main section is quite generous in size and can fit a fair bit of stuff when called upon. The top of the bag is tapered so that it’s higher near the body than the far side, which allows the bag to carry even more than first expected, especially taller items such as the Nikkor 70-200 f2.8 AF-S VR lens.
Second issue I have with this bag is the shoulder strap. When the bag is relatively empty and lightweight, the strap does not sit on the shoulder for long and tends to slip off after a short time. 
If this bag has actually been field tested, as claimed on the NGS shopping site, was it by actual photographers who need to carry an assortment of gear? Or, was the field testing by consumer travellers who are not photographers and need or want to carry many other items besides camera gear? Given how the bag is marketed, I think the latter.
