Morally Toxic camera bags

From £170/$210 www.morallytoxic.com

Morally Toxic may be a new name in camera bags, but the brand actually comes from 3 Legged Thing, the British manufacturer of quirky tripods with rock ’n roll-inspired names, such as Ray, Winston and Brian.

First in the range is a backpack, which goes by the name ‘Valkyrie’, and a messenger bag ‘Wraith’. Valkyrie comes in 20- and 25-litre capacities, while Wraith is available in 15- and 20-litre sizes. In both cases, the larger bag has a sleeve for a 15in laptop while the smaller can accommodate a 13in device.

The main compartments of the bags have a clever divider system, with attached pockets for storing cables, filters and the like, that can be customized to fit your camera kit. But the big USP is a ‘frog pocket’ – a separately accessible waterproof compartment that can be used to stash wet gear, like rain jackets, while the rest of your kit remains snug and dry. In more clement conditions the pocket can be used to store additional camera gear or minimized to give more storage in the main compartment.

There’s also a plethora of compartmentalized organizer pockets with for storing all your bits and pieces, including a ‘hidden’ pocket for valuables, and a stretchy side pocket for water bottles. In addition, the Valkyrie has a bungee strapping for tucking fleeces and the like, as well as a tripod carry system, plus there’s a removable memory card pocket. The Wraith has various carrying strap attachments so it can be worn messenger or sling-style, and can be attached to a roller bag.

On the outside the bags come with blue, green or black finishes, and the seemingly random design is actually a reproduction of a vintage map of Stagsden, the Bedfordshire town where the company is based. The tough material is water resistant, and there’s an additional pull-out waterproof rain cover.

The company’s ethical code minimizes waste materials, while any off-cuts are recycled. Minimal plastic is employed, but where it is needed recycled ocean plastics are used, when possible.

FIRST IMPRESSIONS

With some neat features and an eye-catching design, the Morally Toxic range oozes cool and could shake up the camera bag market in the same way that 3 Legged Thing did to camera supports.