Why I Love Their Camera Bags - Billingham Hadley 2020 Hands-on

[@JDirom]

Camera bags, an obsession that is never satisfied by a single bag

[@aromaticsnail]

and here I thought I was weird for liking and owning several camera bags

[@pilsberry]

I love bags. I don't use 'em though.

[@ShutterManAce]

For 20 years I bought a new bag from Tamrac, Domke, Temba, Lowpro, Pelican, and ThinkTank, only to be left wanting another bag the following year. Four years ago I bought the Billingham f/Stop 1.4 and it's the best bag I ever owned and it put a stop to that nasty habit of wasting money every year on new bags.

[@cccycling5835]

Camera bags are like lenses: there’s always a specific use case. I have a completely different bag for the city than for the wilderness.

[@MrIggybo]

I treated myself to a Billingham One 2 years ago. The front looks like new. Tha back looks like my jeans. Or my jacket. I got the canvas one and I've been wearing it on my motorcycle for a good 12.000km. I've been through the worst storm and it didn't even care. I've been to Italy with 5h of rain and it didn't care. It's still as waterproof as ever and looks amazing. Should've gone for black though. But there's always room for more. These won't be thrown away. They'll be inherited. If you're thinking about getting one go for it. I've never endorsed something as much as Billingham. The price is nothing for what it is.

[@TheLokCheung]

Igor Bobar I’ve been telling people how mine stay complete dry inside under heavy rain, not as convincing as your story, just wow 😮

[@johnnyl.4911]

Igor Bobar By ´Should’ve gone for black´, do you mean black canvas tan leather or the black fybernite black leather version? I can’t decide between the two. I prefer the looks of the all black but prefer canvas as a material..

[@MrIggybo]

Johnny L. If they were to make a all black canvas one I'd buy it immediately. It would be so much better. I mean the standard khaki canvas is a classic but I love black as a color.

[@lincolngriffin1061]

i guess Im asking randomly but does any of you know of a tool to log back into an Instagram account..? I was stupid lost my account password. I appreciate any tricks you can offer me.

[@melvinrowan9892]

@Lincoln Griffin instablaster =)

[@35mmview18]

Had my Hadley pro for around 20 years. Still functions as it should. Great value for money.

[@flatulent-1]

Billingham sells a bright orange insert for their bags. I got one for each of my Hadleys, and the improved visibility inside is phenomenal.

[@TheGegX]

I bought my first billingham in 2015. Still going strong and using it every day for work. Love it

[@martinjohnston4274]

Have been using Billingham bags since 1988 and the first one I bought back then is still perfectly serviceable. The price is cheap when you think that the product will last you the rest of your life!

[@cheetosislife]

Got my Hadley pro in 2017. Sage green with chocolate leather. Best decision made ever.

[@scorpionx211]

I absolutely agree with you! It is so nice to think that the camera bag you use was made in a small (boutique) place in England. If that is not classics I don't know what is!!!

[@TheMidlandsMenace]

I wanted a Billingham ever since I saw one way back in the day while you were doing videos for DigitalRev. Come last year, I said what the heck and treated myself to a 445. It's an amazing piece of kit - there is probably enough room in it for me to comfortably pack my furniture as well. The quality is astounding - it really is one of those things that is worth every penny. It's durable, resistant to weather and very comfortable to carry even when fully loaded, and the thing is truly massive if you plan on carrying it every day (not really recommended). I had to settle for the 445 because I carry a 1D body, and often a laptop and a myriad of accessories. It's one of the most satisfying purchases I've ever made. The thing will probably outlive me, but come hell or high water, I am absolutely sure my gear will be protected.

[@kribomon]

Many years ago, I refused to buy a Billingham as my friends toted them with an aura of smugness (maybe it was just me) but now I have the Hadley small and I see the appeal. It's perfect for my everyday carry!

[@Reversedpi]

Got Billingham bags since 2015 (DigitalRev days ) and i got to say, it is worth every penny, and their after-sales service is impeccable. I recently sent them an email about a hole at the corner seam of my Hadley Pro, and they kindly assisted me throughout the whole process of sending the bag back to England for repairs. Speak about service and commitment!

[@Adepalady999]

I’ve had my Bellingham for about 10 years, it’s been everywhere with me and still looks like new. I even take the lining out and use it for small shopping runs. They are worth every penny 🥳

[@cloestine]

Best bag ever. Got the original Hadley pro for years and my wife bought me a 2020 edition. They are superb.. they are built to last. Throw my cameras plus laptop and packed it to the brim with such heavy load the bag still holds like a champ.

[@sungphung9638]

Sweet gmt master ii, time for a watch collection video 👌

[@esfahan1961]

My Hadley bag dates from 1994 when I switched my 2 Nikon F3s for a Leica M6 with Summicron 35 & 90mm and a Wetzler flash. Only needed to change the green padded lining because the old foam hardly existed. Thanks for your review of an icon.

[@bfotosuk]

Thanks for putting out some content during this crazy time Kai! I’ve been a Billingham user for years and I echo all of your comments. Fantastic bags and I think the updates are really thought out, what you’ve not mentioned is how good their customer service is. Billingham are a credit to the photography world.

[@DiggingForFacts]

I've owned mine for a year and a half now. Absolutely wonderful for walking around town and shoots where you don't need a lot of gear. Comfortable to carry (unless you're an idiot like me and chuck a D750 and a Pentax 67 in it) and I've even been complimented by multiple non-camera people on how nice it is. Had the luck of receiving it as a birthday gift and it's been in the top three most useful ever.

[@LEARNHOMEOPATHY]

my favourite bags . Had several big ones but now just the smaller shoulder friendly ones

[@ROAMitRALPH]

I picked up my Hadley Pro because of you, they're awesome as my carry-on! Just wish I could travel again 🛫

[@lenkiewitcz]

Same, i ordered both the black and olive with the intention of sending one back...it never happened, ones for summer ones for winter lol....

[@alfredovitenteiii3612]

Love my black Hadley One. Fits my iPad Pro, MacBook Pro, a camera and a couple of lenses, plus a small sketchbook and pencil pouch. Use it every day, and it still looks good as new.

[@alfredovitenteiii3612]

They Caged Non Not a flex. It’s just all the gear that I’ve been able to fit into my bag, which is pretty much all the gear I own.

[@gabriel1chan]

Still can’t believe I watch this throughout. The almost same bag for the last 20 years, yet still get good entertainment.

[@JasonMorrisphotocinema]

that watch though. Make a review on that haha love it

[@IdleSummer]

He says a Submariner is an icon, but wears a GMT Master lmao

[@riciy]

I also prefer the GMT

[@carminered]

i thought he had this on oyster bracelet and not jubilee...

[@bak2mb]

@@IdleSummer is that a batman hes wearing?

[@neddodds7117]

Those external straps with the holes are a hassle (not easy to one -hand or use without looking) yet not entirely secure - can be pulled out by mistake or by getting caught. The holes get bigger and less secure with age. A busy, feedbag look to my eye but fans of olde English stuff may enjoy.

[@chriscollard5860]

I bought a Billingham last year (mainly because you won't shut up about them) I'm very happy with mine even if I only use it for special occasions as it makes me appear more sophisticated. Thanks for the recommendation.

[@Capt_Billy]

1:46 Fishing bags? Now you have my attention! I need a good camera bag.

[@deepsoulfulsounds]

Great stealth option if you don't wanna get robbed! Black on black looks NICE!!

[@magnuswidqvist4457]

Went "Billingham" some ten years ago. Never looked back. Can't live without my B-bag! Er, B-bags! Plural.

[@MrMaltesumpf]

Bought a Hadley Pro on your recommendation and love it to bits.

[@stefantotev]

For me it's been struggle to love Billingham bags. The first one I got was the Hadley One. Great quality, but larger than expected and very heavy once filled with stuff. It's just not practical for your shoulder. I use it rarely when travelling as a leisure bag. Then I got the Hadley Small Pro, which turned out to be too small for my needs, and again heavier than much roomier bags I have, such as the wonderful Peak Design Slings 10L and 5L. I've returned it. I also bought their messenger/laptop bag Thomas briefcase for a present to my dad. One look at it and he decided it's too heavy for him... It's now in its dust bag in the closet. (Not him. The bag.) I think that the Hadley Pro will be perfect for me, but I just can't justify another experiment after so many disappointments. For me personally, PDs bags (old version 1) are still the best in regards to usability, quality, features and size/weight. For everyone watching this video now, you've just missed on a big sale Billingham had on their website last weekend. The next one will be probably for Black Friday... Sorry.

[@lenkiewitcz]

Honestly speaking, the Hadley Pro is pretty much the perfect walk around bag, any bigger and its too bulky any smaller and what's the point....although depends how much you're carrying. I use mine for day trips when on going with a body and two lens etc or just my X100, its large enough to also carry an iPad, book and bottle of water without being too heavy. Jesus i sound like I'm on commission ;)

[@cccycling5835]

All PD bags suffer from over engineering and extremely poor zippers. Cheap quality, poor quality control. Buy Billingham or a real bag company and not some fake gofundme bags. You’re paying for product placement and advertising with “peak” design.

[@piketubeman]

I own a messenger bag made out of bike inner tubes as the outer and tough nylon inside with a seatbelt shoulder strap. That thing IS a RUBBER BAG. And I love it. Good video Kai. Enjoy that sunshine!

[@vinyalonde]

Tough bags. I have two and they can carry a lot. As Kai says, they are quiet when in use and very secure when closed up. They also wear very well and are completely waterproof in a downpour. They can carry a lot but even if they are heavy, the strap is comfortable.

[@sgpork]

Style and Casual - bilingham Usability and Practicality - Thinktank I own both and I must say they are very well made camera bag / everyday bag. Depending on situation.

[@Outandaboutwithpoggy]

Bought mine in January, Hadley Pro 2020 Fibrenyte in Sage and chocolate, great british product made in Cradley Heath, 4 miles from where i live, went there once to purchase some side pockets for my older Hadley Pro, excellent service, expensive ?, well mine cost me £269, but in my opinion well worth it as the quality of this bag is first class, being an outdoor person and birdwatcher there is nothing more annoying than someone opening a zip on a bag or rucksack when you are in a hide photographing birds trying to keep quiet, the quick release fastenings on a Billingham Bag solve this problem, Thank you Kai for another interesting video of such a great and iconic British made product.....Mike

[@tranimal72]

I have my Hadley for ten years now but I use it as a messenger bag since it rains where I live still looks like the first day I bought it. The initial cost is a bit but over the years I have gotten my money worth.

[@ALWH1314]

Hawksmille makes almost identical bags. Can you do a comparison of the two?

[@yourshansel]

Just picked up a Hadley Pro 2020 last Sunday and can't wait for it to arrive!

[@clydeselsor]

I love my mid ‘90’s Billingham f/5.6. It carries my Contax G1, CZ lens, flash and of course, extra film!

[@Goose619]

Damn Kai why do you have to make we want to buy another bag. I have more bags than my girl now lol

[@miikmar]

I have had small hadley for couple years, its awsome bag to carry my m6 and couple lenses.

[@tansanite09]

These bags look awesome and for sure they are well made... but would I struggle adding a tripod to them - where to attach???

[@tylou4479]

Had a large b-bag during uni in the 90s and then got the Hadley about 12 years... Love the bag but have switched to Lowe Pro rucksack to carry more stuff. Recently, I have been thinking about using the Hadley as a carry around with less gear in it than the rucksack.

[@Nostromo4261]

You hit the nail on the head. If the insert was a bright, contrasting color, it’d be perfect.

[@-grey]

I was just in Vietnam, and the manufacture standards are real solid out there, particularly for textile. There's not much difference between what you could get on the street of Saigon and the malls of Tokyo in terms of quality, the only difference being a 5x first world mark up.

[@cameralabvietnam]

のぢGrey We Vietnamese don’t half ass things. At least in the textile and clothing department ;)

[@-grey]

@@cameralabvietnam Not at all. I'm thinking I need to visit more regularly. It was a fun month.

[@alexawalker2690]

Love my Hadley Pro Mini for the A7iii and 2 lenses. Got the black too after a lot of deliberation. Also shelled out for the additional shoulder pad. All made up the road in the Black Country.

[@diezeldim27]

I bought a Hadley Large after seeing your video on DRTV and it's an absolute gem of a bag. It's the only bag I'd trust in a downpour and like you say it's a bargain for what it actually is and how its made.

[@xjoexedge]

the Hadley bag is the best bang for the money its insane. I have had mine for 6 years of daily use. I have been caught in downpouring rain and snow and my cameras and such are dry as a bone.

[@Tellitphoto]

Great Kai, I've been using Billingham Bags for years and currently have three. By far the best ones I've used.

[@LucisPictor]

Totally agree. I love the Billingham bags as well. Got three of them.

[@lescphotos]

Billingham bags look good but why no pocket for a water bottle??

[@phototristan]

It's weird that B&H doesn't sell this bag.

[@lenkiewitcz]

Perfect for a meander with minimal gear. Bought the original Hadley Pro after 1st seeing Kai, with the top handle its near on perfect. Durable comfy and waterproof ( that's been tested many times ). Although for carrying lots of gear including my laptop and even with the strap attachment it weighs you down so i use a Lowepro backpack which is also amazing. When travelling i take both. Perfect combo.

[@The_Mister]

Ooh, definitely love to shop camera bags. Vintage canvas and cordura all the way.

[@SarahAnn_81]

I love my Hadley pro but I bought it in 2017 so I’m not too sure about that bag timeline.

[@BadKarma714]

Your live stream is on private

[@jk12324]

I have a Hadley Pro but I find if I'm carrying around a DSLR, tablet and 1-2 lenses in it, it's too heavy to be comfortable and end up opting for a backpack instead. Great if I'm just taking my camera and nothing else though.

[@howardmaryon-davis666]

No zips, no velcro, silent in use, which is actually important in some situations, and the removable interior divider system makes it easy to set up so that you can find the gear you need without having to stop and look inside the bag. The inserts come out as a group so you can have another configuration already set up for a different camera outfit, or an everyday kit with tablet, notebooks and important paperwork. Opens with a flick of the thumb and closes in a similar way without havingbto look at it and find a zipper pull. Have a look at one, If you don’t like it, you can always get an overpriced nylon bag with a big logo, made in China.

[@aussie8114]

They really are beautifully made. I have had a canvas one for a long time though I think the black one would be more practical.

[@tinylil]

Just got the Hadley small pro in camo thx to this video! Best bag ever

[@magnusnordstrom9594]

I have too many! Had a Billingham 307 Khaki/Chocolate for a while, too heavy though for my back....

[@harlanchinn8121]

Between you and Lok have how many Billingham bags?? I bought my Hadley Small Pro in Sage/Chocolate when they first came out a couple of years ago. It replaces all of my previous old Crumpler, Domke and Think Tank bags that have so many cloth snagging and ruining Velcro panels on them that you sound like a little kid ripping off their shoes when you need to discretely get something out! It can securely hold an M8, M10 and four lenses. It’s been such a great bag that I’ve even inquired with Billingham about making an external water bottle holder for their bags. BTW, green crystal/black Milgauss.

[@NoName-jq7tj]

Is this decent enough for 2 bodies & 2/3 lenses? Thanks

[@PewPewDave]

I have a small Hadley. Always thought it felt flimsy.

[@jward3622]

These bags are as rugged as they come. I once fell down a Cretan mountain side. Trousers and T Shirt ripped to shreds, the sole came off a walking boot and I was covered in blood. The only thing to survive without with barely a mark on it was the Hadley Pro I was wearing slung across me. A wipe down with a damp cloth and it looked like new again. Also none of the £10k worth of kit in it was damaged. Billingham brilliant!

[@robinlennon4752]

Perfectly sized for my Fuji gear, if you're in the UK the used market is great if you're patient and know where to look. My collection is 72, Digital, Small, Small Pro, Pro, S3, F1.4, Leica M Combo & 225. Total cost 50% of best retail price. Think Tank for backpacks. 2 great companies with quality products and excellent customer service.

[@movieman2009]

How would this Billingham compare to the Wotancraft bag, like the Pilot 7l or 10l ?

[@padbrit]

Took mine to India in 1993. It got very dusty. I accidentally washed in a very hot bath. That destroyed the waterproof layer. Lesson learnt. I still use it.

[@dennyyshmael]

Looks gorgeous but is the black version a lint magnet?

[@bimbimbembem1356]

got mine (fibernyte) back in 2013, still going strong

[@madmaxh33]

Great bag, thanks for reviewing it! Really liked the quality feel and snaps etc. The closure is first rate.

[@JaySilva88]

I hope you can afford pants one day, as clearly all the budget went into the bags! Take care.

[@aromaticsnail]

1:33 Ona bags??

[@Frisenette]

History teachers bag.

[@billium9970]

2:02 damn kai with the wacko maria hoodie!!

[@grigoiv2555]

Please compare Tamron 70-200 g2 and Canon 70-200 m3/latest Nikon 70-200 lense

[@captlove8788]

A bit late to the party, but just treated myself to a Pro 2020 in classic Khaki, an absolute beauty. Being an owner of four Filson bags, I was first skeptic. But after handling a Billingham in person, it became obvious that the attention to detail and quality control of Billingham far surpassed any classic Filson I have. There is no crooked fastener/liner/trim attachment on Billingham, something quite commonly accepted/occured on a Filson. Though I probably would still gives higher marks to Filson in term of durability, they truly are build like a tank to handle extinction level event. All in all, I love them both brands. Billingham is more a durable precision screwdriver that will last a life time, Filson is more a functioning sledge hammer that would survive a nuclear blast.

[@ErikJensenDetroit]

I blame you for both the Hadley Small I bought in 2015 (that cost almost as much as the gear I was putting in it back then) and the Hadley Pro I use now. My Hadley Pro is black canvas with brown leather, and it's just now starting to wear in beautifully 3 years later.

[@JS-shim]

My problem with Billingham is they don’t sit properly on your shoulders and easily slip off. The canvas handles always get tangled as well.

[@Dscar1]

Is the 2020 larger than the Hadley Pro? I purchased several other camera bags before I finally broke down and bought a Billingham Hadley pro which I’d been lusting over for multiple years. It is the best decision I’ve ever made. They are the best bags ever. So much so that I now have a second one. One in black and one in tan. When people ask for recommendations it’s the only bag I talk about.

[@1905milosz]

Another Amazing review! So that's my next camera bag after the Hadley Small. Thanks Kai! Now I'm waiting for a sale 😁

[@Zlin0035]

I was at Wex looking at a new shoulder bag. the BIllingham although a nice looking bag, is pretty useless as a bag. So I bought a tenba instead.

[@Andy1076]

WAY too much talk about the outside and not enough coverage on how you'd use the inside lol! 😅

[@2WheelsGood.01]

That's up to you and dependent on the gear YOU use.

[@Zakalwe-01]

I’ve got three now. Utterly perfect 👌

[@leemartin2978]

Is that a Rolex on a jubilee strap that keeps heading into the bag ?

[@38201270298]

The one of metal hooks(or how you called it?) that holds leather belt constantly unscrew on my bag? How to fix it?

[@danielduron6131]

Do you know if they increased the shoulder strap length? The pro length was too short for me (I'm pretty tall)

[@declannorton2023]

i got one for Christmas, absolutely love the thing!

[@dennyyshmael]

What side Avea are attached? 7 or 8?

[@Walaby50]

now they only need to make beautiful backpacks and I'm sold

[@markjonz]

they already do

[@The7dioses]

Yes but do they come with the facemask special?

[@fatboyboy811]

Still using my Hadley pro! Good vid! Thanks!

[@AL-sf3qy]

I’ve got two billingham bags now bcus of ur digital rev videos!

[@ThespankedoneRidesReviews]

Hi Kai, Have the lads from Scottish watches podcast been in touch? You would make a great guest.

[@jameslloyd-stuart975]

Nice bit of Stone island clobber mate!

[@shademanirvanipour6870]

I got 2 of the 225 models from Billingham company and the first bag i brought was in 2018 I paid £70.00 for it and I recently brought another 225 model the dark green colour from a car boot sale in London on 12/2/24 and I paid £40.00 for it and is LOOKS BRAND NEW And not been used at all

[@VictorBasa]

I love Billingham! Have a Hadley Pro, a small Hadley digital and a 1.4 in Black. And a Hadley large in sage! Also can't get enough of their bags. Have you checked out Brady bags(?) They are connected somehow historically i know but still can't beat Billingham imho.

[@rickyrivera5489]

Love the video :) ~ will maybe buy one of their bags( Hadley 2020 ).

[@lorenceckk]

nice touch the ending shot with the little one, stay safe man

[@nuj427]

6:46 lol! In all seriousness, Billingham and Domke are great bags.

[@Nightsbringer1]

They look amazing and probably feel great. But due to my situation I'd be needing to go for a backpack (can't carry a shoulder strap properly). I just don't know if it's worth investing 1/4th of my set up value into a bag

[@vikmanphotography7984]

Definitely not the bag for you. Tbh, if ~$180 is 1/4 of your kit, the green/black Canon backpack or something like it is probably best.

[@vikmanphotography7984]

No hate, btw. One of me main bags is a messenger bag from the 80s that I was given for free. I use it about as often as my new $200 Peal Design 30l backpack.

[@lilcarriepeng]

Is this the same bag you were using back at DR?

[@Alex_564]

How often do you try/use the GM1? In the States the price difference between Hadley & Peak bag of similar size is enough to sway it towards the Peak. Plus, Peak has the advantage of a ebay page that sells like new reburbs, which at times can be almost a 50% savings. It be nice to see Billingham offer refurb bags at a lower price.

[@GreenVampireTurtle]

I just prefer to use timbuk2 messenger bag for my camera bag with velcro silencers.