Gitzo Century Traveler Camera Messenger
As you might expect from Gitzo, this is a messenger bag that can play host to a tripod as well as camera kit
Best known for its top-end carbon fibre tripods, gitzo also makes a range of camera straps, photo backpacks and messenger bags. The bags come in two sizes, kicking off with the century compact, which is ideally suited to small mirrorless camera kits. We went for the larger century traveler, which is about the same size as the hadley pro 2020 but slightly taller and more voluminous inside, as it doesn’t have a removable padded insert. Some chunky lenses are an easy fit in this bag, whereas they’re a little too large for the hadley pro 2020.
Italian full-grain leather panels and trim have a carbon fibrestyle finish. this continues the theme of gitzo’s legendary tripods. Leather, combined with weather-resistant, heavy-duty black nylon, creates a strong, durable and stylish overall build.
As with the hadley pro 2020, the gitzo is supplied with two adjustable and removable upright dividers, along with two similar horizontal dividers. The main compartment can be easily configured to accommodate a dslr or mirrorless camera with a lens attached, plus up to four additional lenses or accessories.
There are no front dump pockets in the gitzo, but there is a dedicated compartment for a 13-inch laptop or large tablet, plus an additional document pocket at the rear and a front pocket with organiser sections. Below the front pocket, there’s an additional zippered pull-out holder for securing a travel tripod. And finally, there are small zippered compartments at both ends of the bag.
Although fairly slim and svelte, the gitzo can hold a lot of kit. It’s very well-made and comfortable to wear, either as a shoulder bag or across the body, thanks to a well-padded, non-slip shoulder pad. And for something bearing a gitzo badge, the bag is refreshingly affordable.