Opening the main flap also gives you access to the two front pockets. There is one padded divider that is included, and it feels like there is a thin piece of fiberglass or plastic inside the divider to help it keep its shape, which is a really nice touch. You also gain full access to the main compartment, which is very well-padded. Once you open the main flap, you can see the side flaps that help protect the contents of your bag from the elements. ↑ Here is a close up of the buckle and latch. I usually do but there are occasions when I find it easier to just leave the flap of my bag unlocked. Plus, it will make clanking noises, if you don’t attach the buckle to the latch. I try to be a little more careful with this buckle because I wouldn’t want to knock it against any of my lenses. It serves it’s purpose, it’s definitely high quality, and it is relatively easy to lock and unlock but it’s unnecessarily heavy if you ask me. The thing is, I have mixed feelings about the buckle, which is also found on other ONA bags. The main flap of the ONA Bowery is held by a single buckle, which is all that is really needed considering the size of the bag. ↑ The shoulder strap is detachable increasing the versatility of the Bowery.

↑ This is the seatbelt-like shoulder strap that comes with the waxed canvas version of the Bowery. ↑ You could slid a small tablet into the back pocket. ↑ On each side of the bag, there is a small pocket right under the ONA label. Either way, the shoulder strap is detachable if you remove the strap, the Bowery can function as a protective camera insert or as an organizer inside a larger bag adding to the Bowery’s versatility. Otherwise, you’ll get a strap that kind of resembles a seat belt from an airplane, which I’m not exactly a fan of. If you purchase a leather Bowery, you’ll get a leather shoulder strap. Remember, this is a compact bag, so it’s not necessarily designed to carry a ton of gear. Most likely though, part of your tablet will be sticking out. In terms of the outside, there are tiny pockets on the side of the Bowery that can fit smaller items like memory cards or even business cards, and a larger pocket in the back for papers or possibly a tablet depending on the size. It’s definitely durable, and it should have no problems lasting for many years. I also found the canvas to be nice and thick. For this review, I asked for the waxed canvas Smoke color because I prefer canvas over leather for my camera bags. The canvas goes for $149, which isn’t so bad when you consider the quality of this bag but if you want a Bowery made out of leather, it’ll set you back $249. As I said earlier, it comes in several different colors, and you can choose between a waxed canvas version (which is water resistant) or a leather version.

The stitching is neat, all the metal on the bag like the buckle for instance, is made from brass, and the leather trim around the bag looks great. ONA has developed a reputation of making high quality bags, and it’s clearly evident even with one of their lower priced bags, the Bowery. In fact, it’s quite attractive, and at $149 (at least for the waxed canvas version), it isn’t exactly cheap but it won’t break the bank either. It’s tiny, comes in several different color and material combinations, and doesn’t look half bad. ONA must’ve read my mind because their Bowery bag seems to fit exactly what I want. At least for me, it’s always been kind of hard because I also want a quality bag, and one that is at least relatively decently priced. What I mean by that is a bag that fits about two lenses, and a camera but also feels comfortable carrying just a camera and a lens.

For a long time now, I’ve been looking for a small camera bag that fit’s truly the essentials.

Ona bowery camo bag