If you're in need of a camera bag and do a quick search on the internet for one, you'll end up with dozens of results, and probably hundreds at that.
So that begs the question, do we really need yet another camera bag company with more bags for an already saturated market?
The answer to that question is yes!
Sure, there's tons of camera bags available today, but the problem is that so many of them are just not up to snuff.
Whether it's cheap materials, poor functionality, a lack of carrying comfort, or a combination thereof, most bags just don't cut it.
That's why I'm so excited about the Xennec bags that I've been testing the last couple of weeks.
There's three different models, each for a different type of photographer - the CityScape Messenger 13, the CityScape DayPack 15, and the CityScape BackPack 15.
As you can see in the graphic above, all three bags look great thanks to an attention to construction and detail that some camera bag companies seem to neglect.
When you actually hold one of these bags and examine it up close, you can see that the stitching is beautifully done. That, to me, is a top indication of whether a bag is well put together and if it's going to be durable for the long haul.
Aside from aesthetics and construction, Xennec has packed plenty of innovative features into these bags to make them more functional.
For example, on the DayPack 15 and BackPack 15, there's a side pocket for easily carrying your tripod.
But the innovative part of that is that the pocket opens and closes thanks to magnets, that way you can easily open it with one hand to put your tripod in and close it again with one hand when you don't need to carry a tripod.
Furthermore, this magnet system is used on the Messenger 13 to secure the flap, on the BackPack 15 on the sternum strap, and the water bottle pockets on each bag.
On top of that, Xennec has used a Durable Water Repellent (DWR) coating on the bags to keep your gear safe and dry. The waterproof zippers on the laptop and tablet compartments only further the bag's ability to keep moisture out.
Another neat feature that sets these bags apart is the Twiz-Lock zipper pulls on the DayPack and BackPack.
As you can see in the GIF above, the zipper pulls actually lock together to ensure a tight closure. Not only does that help ensure that you've actually zipped the bag up, but it also serves as a theft deterrent for would-be thieves.
But all of those amazing features aside, what really sets these bags apart from the crowd is the sheer volume of space they have inside for your gear.
Now, I'm not advocating that you carry every piece of equipment you have with you at all times.
However, if you have a big photo shoot coming up and you need to get your gear there in one bag (and in one piece), it's hard to beat these bags from Xennec.
In the photo above, you can see the Messenger 13 bag that I've been testing.
Inside, there's a Nikon D850 with an L-bracket and a 14-24mm lens attached. Also in the shoulder bag is a 24-70mm lens and a 70-200mm lens.
As you can see, all that gear fits in the bag beautifully. It's not bursting at the seams. My gear isn't piled on top of each other. It's nice, neat, and organized, just as it should be.
There's even room left over for a 10-inch tablet, a 13-inch laptop, and photography accessories like a flash, memory cards, batteries, and so forth. That's a huge amount of gear!
But, like any good camera bag, the Messenger 13 makes the experience of carrying a full load much easier.
The bag doesn't feel overwhelmingly large, and with a large shoulder pad to distribute the weight of the bag over a larger area, it's a comfortable bag to carry, even when it's loaded for bear.
When I'm roaming the city looking for things to photograph, this is the perfect bag to take with me. It's a perfect combination of aesthetics, functionality, and capacity!
Xennec's other bags follow suit with vast amounts of space for storage.
The DayPack 15 can accommodate a 15-inch laptop, a 12-inch tablet, a DSLR or mirrorless body, 3-4 lenses, a tripod or monopod, and all your small accessories.
And, as you can see above, Xennec has integrated an easy-access panel on the back so you can grab your gear in short order.
Of course, that panel can't be seen when you're toting your bag around, so it acts as an extra layer of protection for your gear.
The DayPack is perfect for photographers that have a long day of shooting ahead of them. I'm thinking of my portrait photography friends here in L.A. that have to go from one location to the next all over town. This bag would make the task of getting gear from Point A to Point B so much easier! If only the bag could make the traffic better...
And for photographers that have a big adventure lined up, Xennec's BackPack 15 (shown above) is the way to go.
We're talking your camera, 5-7 lenses, a tripod or monopod, a 15-inch laptop, and a 12-inch tablet with room to spare.
It's like having a little office right there with you wherever you go!
But, just like the Messenger 13 bag makes easy work of carrying a full load, so do the DayPack and BackPack bags.
These bags really are amazing in that they've achieved what so many other bags can't - dashing good looks, next-level storage space, superb functionality, and excellent comfort.
So, yea, there's a lot of bags out there, but after testing these bad boys, I can say with great confidence that we really do need another camera bag company - and that company is Xennec!