Those of you who have read past reviews and articles that I've authored are probably well aware that I'm not a fan of the TSA and the nonsense that is part and parcel of getting on a plane, train, or bus these days, so anything that makes my traveling life easier is something in which I'm deeply interested. This product immediately caught my eye when I saw the press release and photos on the Broadcastengineering.com website back in January. Serendipity or happy thoughts brought the bag to me for review.

Petrol, long known for their rain covers, soft cases, and carry bags, have just released a new bag named the "Camporter." They sent one to me for a short-term review, and I like it so much, I bought it! That doesn't happen often with products that are sent for review, but this is one sweet accessory that I had to have for my kit.

On first opening the shipping box, the initial thought was "This thing isn't big enough to hold much." I always was in last place in those contests where you had to guess the number of jellybeans in a jar, too… This case holds a LOT. My primary portable kit for flying and close-to-home shoots is a Sony HVR-Z1U with a mattebox, wide angle lens, wireless kit, batteries, charger, boom, AT 4053 hypercard, Chrosziel follow focus, tripod plate and sticks. In other words, just the basics, but the basics take up a lot of space, and it always seems I'm using a big case and finding things to fill it up, or casing the cam separately and carrying accessories in another case. Not so with this case. Everything is well designed to fit this specific camcorder style (the bag is designed to carry the Sony FX1/Z1, HVR A1/HC1, Panasonic DVX-100, HVX-200, Sony PD 150/170, Canon GL2, and other cams of that size).

With the matte box mounting rails still on the camera (I hate removing them), the HVR-Z1U fit in the case with the AT 4053 mounted on the camcorder! Nothing short of my Pelican hard-side would allow the combination. In fact, it's possible to leave the follow-focus in place as well, but the extra air on the side of the camcorder can act as additional protection, or leave you some room to carry a couple extra T-shirts or…_The HVR-A1U fits smoothly in the case, leaving enough room for a weekend's change of clothes.

After placing the camcorder in the forward compartment and strapping it down with the nylon strap and quick-release buckle, it became apparent at how much space remained in the front. So much so, the matte box is just able to go in the front compartment while attached to the camcorder, provided that you remove the brow/flag and side panels. A longer shotgun mic will also fit along side the camcorder if that's more appropriate for your kit. Petrol does offer a line of audio-centric carry bags as well, known as the "Eargonizers" if you have more than just a shotgun mic to carry.

The rear compartment also looks small at first glance, until you start putting everything into it. What appeared small at first glance becomes a black hole where you wonder if you can easily fill it. The anterior section holds a lot more than you'd imagine. In the picture below, the rear compartment is holding a wireless system, spare batteries, wide angle lens, follow focus, matte box brow (folded), firewire cable, M-Audio MicroTrack, AT899 microphone, two camera batteries, and charger. And you'll note there is still a section without anything in it! (that's where my filters seem to fit perfectly.

Tape and cables are carried in the side pockets; there are two. The side pockets are good for tape cassettes, papers, and other thin objects, but the pockets aren't bulged out/expandable to hold larger items. This is one place the frequent flier in me wishes for more. The case could stand to have a couple of small Velcro or other type fastening system that would easily allow for a short boom pole to be attached; some of the new carbon poles are quite short, and would fit the length of the case quite easily, and it doesn't seem like a difficult option to attach some loops or other attachment options. Otherwise, the back is remarkably well-designed. The rear/anterior portion of the bag has removable dividers that allow users to customize how their gear will fit, complete with flaps.

The internal dimensions of the case are 15.5 inches (front) long, nearly 10 inches wide, and 9 inches tall. The rear compartment is the same height and width with a depth of nearly 8 inches. Built from heavy Cordura and ballistic nylon, the carry straps are entirely underslung for strength and balance, with a heavily padded shoulder strap.

Additionally, the carry handles are heavy duty, interlocking grips so you don't have to deal with the sore hands that typical nylon straps offer. Petrol also offers an optional PUBP harness allowing the bag to be carried as a backpack. The bag is available in blue or black, both with orange interior.

The bag isn't going to prevent the typical TSA ditz from dropping a camera, but it does make it easy enough to open and close so that the airport rent-a-Barney Fife shouldn't have to remove the camera from the case, allowing them access to swab the camera (this is a pretty common encounter when carrying electronics thru a transportation station). The front and rear bi-directional zippers allow for an easy access, wide-opening front and rear, leaving plenty of room for placing and removing the camera without flaps getting in the way.

Overall, this case from Petrol is a hit in my book, providing lightweight, easily carried protection that fits nicely in the overhead bin of most any aircraft, slides smoothly into the backseat of a car, and easily can be slung over a shoulder or back. Congrats to Petrol for a well-designed product.