PORTEEN GEAR

Here’s where my girlie side shows—I love camera bags that don’t look like camera bags. Robyn Porteen of Porteen Gear makes custom, stylish bags that satisfy my desire for something different. I enjoy choosing the fabrics, colors, and sizes, and a few of my favorites now hang ready in the closet for days when a backpack won’t do.

When I travel light or just want something more discreet, I reach for one of my Porteen Gear bags. Despite their casual look, they’re heavily foam-padded and rugged, able to carry anything from a small camera to my complete Hasselblad three-lens kit (shown below). Designing my two large, medium, and small bags was a creative treat, but my favorites are the two medium-long bags Robyn tastefully designed. One came straight from her Etsy shop, and the other was created after a conversation about my specific needs, which was to fit perfectly in my electric scooter’s middle basket for outings across the nearby wildlife refuge.

I’ve used most of these bags for over seven years, and they’ve held up beautifully. You can find Porteen Gear on Etsy and get one of your own.

A Thoughtful Custom Bag for My Hasselblad Kit

The large custom-made camera bag from Porteen Gear pictured above comfortably holds my two-lens Hasselblad kit, both film and digital. It originally came with a beautifully crafted waxed canvas pouch for cords and small accessories (not shown), but I often swap that out for a clear, heavy plastic cosmetic pouch—like the one shown—for easier visibility of contents. I bought several of these clear pouches years ago at Walmart for just 99¢ each, and they’ve served me well for organizing studio tools and backpack items. That said, I still appreciate the durability and style of Robyn Porteen’s waxed canvas pouches and have since purchased more of them.

Lightweight Yet Protective with Smart Design Updates

The thick foam insulation between the interior and exterior provides excellent protection while keeping the bag surprisingly lightweight. Robyn’s thoughtful design has continued to evolve since I purchased my first bag, which is seen in the top banner image with olive green and Southwestern trim. Newer models now include fold-in dust flaps for added protection, as seen in the “flower power” bag above. I love using this bag in public settings like our nearby state gardens. It lets me blend in, avoiding the appearance of a pro photographer with high-end gear—exactly the subtle presence I aim for in those spaces.

What’s Inside: A Hasselblad Travel Setup

My “flower power” bag holds my Hasselblad 503 CX with the PME 51 viewfinder, along with two lenses. I always bring the 100mm f/3.5 CFi, and pair it with either the 60mm f/3.5 CFi or the 180mm f/4 CFi—depending on the shoot. For portraits or floral close-ups, I go with the 180mm; for landscapes or architectural scenes, I pack the 60mm. The digital back, a CFV II 50c, is stored safely inside a Stone Photo Gear cloth magazine case to protect the screen—my preferred solution over plastic covers.

Also tucked inside: an A12 film magazine, my cord-and-bits pouch with a shutter release cable, a Hasselblad rapid winder knob, a lens cloth, and a pro-pack of Kodak Tri-X 120 film. There’s still space left for personal essentials like my phone, keys, and wallet, making it an ideal all-in-one travel companion.

A Custom Medium Bag for My Nikon F3 Kit

The medium-sized Porteen Gear bag shown above is designed to carry my Nikon F3 along with four lenses. When I created this bag, Robyn Porteen offered a “Bag Builder” tool on her website, allowing customers to select the leather, fabric, and color combinations to suit their style. While that online customization tool is no longer available due to supply limitations, Robyn still welcomes direct inquiries for personalized options.

Quality and Style That Goes Beyond Camera Bags

I’ve been consistently impressed with the quality and design of Porteen Gear products. One of my favorites is the Crossbody Purse—it holds just enough for a light outing and is extremely comfortable to wear. I also recently added a custom-made Porteen Gear guitar strap to my collection. It’s not only beautifully made but also practical and easy on the shoulders during longer sessions.

Handy Pouches for Travel and Organization

The small zippered pouches that come with larger camera bags are another highlight. I liked them so much, I ordered a few extras for organizing cables and cords in my backpacks. They’re just the right size for road trips—durable, easy to access, and built to last. Whether you’re a photographer, musician, or traveler, Porteen Gear’s handmade accessories—crafted in Michigan, USA—are worth exploring.

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