Tenba DNA Messenger Bags | Upgraded All-Weather, Rugged-Performance Mirrorless, DSLR Camera Bags

[@neileverett5183]

I was looking for a messenger style bay and have recently bought DNA 13. It’s a well made and designed bag perfect for my needs.

[@1iblock]

Not only functional - but really beautiful

[@reyrey2971]

literally bought the 16 slim on monday from my local camera shop and so far i've loved it, i don't have a lot of camera gear just 1 body and 2 lenses but i like all the extra room and the ability to fit my 15. 6 inch laptop as well as comfortably wear it while riding a bike. that extra security strap really holds it in place incredibly well as its still so comfortable to wear even when its full of heavy gear.

[@jstunzi]

These look great! I’ve loved both my V1 and V2. Congrats Peter and the whole Tenba Team!

[@TenbaBags]

Thanks, Joe. Much appreciated.

[@GrantSR]

This is what I which I had bought instead of that Timbuktu messenger bag that I used in college. The Timbuktu was great but it just would never sit upright on the floor. It was always flopping forward onto its front. Sometimes, even rolling further forward so it was actually sloped down towards the ground at the top.

[@Mo.Jo.]

I have the previous gen DNA 11 messenger - always loved it. I need a little more space when I'm flying in my personal item to fit a 13" inch laptop - so I'll be getting the new DNA 13. The fidlock magnetic clip is also in my current bag - and while it sounds nice in theory - it often comes undone or the straps that hold it loosen and you have to tighten the straps again. But its an inconvenience I've learnt to live with.

[@TenbaBags]

Thanks for the feedback. The Fidlock clips on the new bag will not come undone so easily, or when the bag rubs up against something. They are more secure.

[@Mo.Jo.]

@@TenbaBags Glad to hear that, i just took delivery of mine and will test it out soon. Thanks.

[@jayeads]

Ordered... I've been waiting for a worthy replacement to my once beloved Peak Design messenger, which has devolved into a bag I wish had a face, so I could punch it. I can't wait for this to show up at my door.

[@jc.baptiste]

Have you been happy so far ? I am basically in the same situation. I don’t like the poor pocket quality of the PD, as well as the dividers which don’t work with small lenses.

[@jayeads]

@@jc.baptiste I am happy! I miss the dedicated battery pockets on the Peak Design, but that's honestly it. I like everything else on the Tenba *more* than the PD. Granted, I have only had it for 7-8 months, and need to go through a busy summer with it, bit so far, so good. I ended up getting the 16 pro AND the 9 after being happy with the 16. I wish the 9" was a 10" or 11" though, but we can't have it all :)

[@jc.baptiste]

@@jayeads Thank you for this feedback ! I am going to give it a try then :)

[@jayeads]

@@jc.baptiste obviously what we think of gear is subjective, but I am really happy so far.

[@ThiagoGuedesC]

Really interested in getting the 16, just not sure whether the Pro or Slim. In regards to internal height, can I stack two lenses? Well in fact the idea was to put a V1 Godox flash sideways at the bottom and the Sigma 85mm 1.4 at the top. The whole thing would be around 20cm high.

[@bubuli]

1:38 I'm looking for a new shoulder bag and this definitely sold it for me. 🙂A feature only found in higher end bags like Billingham.

[@martingoodson1651]

Looks like the features are a big improvement, but the aesthetic seems to have taken a step back. The earlier generation DNA bags - especially in the copper and cobalt - were things of beauty. This just looks ... OK.

[@jayeads]

interesting! I thought this was an improvement.

[@mrjon144]

Personally, I like the simple, clean and anonymous look to this bag!

[@pascalhibon7928]

I totally agree. I have two of the previous gen DNA bags and prefer the astatic of the older versions too. Both bags are still going strong even with daily use for many years. The new versions seem to have improved weather resistance features. That could be e great addition although I never had any issues with the previous models.

[@leighhaynes]

Yep, I have the old DNA 11 and the material makes it look like casual general purpose bag. The new design looks like a dated business laptop bag.

[@DaveJulianUTube]

LOVED the first version and curious if this new version has reduced space inside.

[@peterwaisnor2241]

Same interior space as before.

[@emgee44]

I’ve got the older DNA 11 bag in forest green, I was out with it last night in London in the pouring rain, I used the rain cover and unfortunately it didn’t quite do the job. The area where the cover doesn’t cover bag, the back, got very damp as did some of kit inside. It’s drying out as write this, I’m not a pro photographer so the bag doesn’t get a lot of heavy use, but the stitching on some of the internal pockets is coming away and the material for internal padding, where the Velcro attaches is loosing its ability to grip. I’ve had the bag for a few years now and it mostly sits in my room to store my gear. Outwardly it’s fine and I like that it’s not too big or shouts camera bag, I like the quick access too but the fast clips are annoying, as they tend to get knocked off, I’m not sure you they’re really necessary? These new bags look like a n improvement but I’m not sure about how waterproof they would be if Tenba are still using the same rain cover method?

[@TenbaBags]

The new DNA bags are far more water repellent. The fabric is more heavily coated, and the bottom 1.5" of the bag is completely waterproof.

[@markheywood5626]

I have used the Tenba Copper 15 many years and it’s a great bag. But very poor cushioning on the base of the bag. I had to pad it out myself to give it good cushioning

[@TenbaBags]

Yes, the Cooper series was more lightly padded as part of its design since we wanted the canvas bag to have a more body-hugging casual feel. We can't get that kind of easy, urban style with a lot of rigid padding. The DNA bag is more of an "every day, every condition" professional workhorse, so it has more structure.

[@HBZERaviation]

Very interesting bags but the previous design was more beautiful (but less functionable ?). There is no straps for tripod ?

[@seanfc_mn]

Ok I'm sold. Add to cart.

[@brandonelliotphotography]

After watching this video I decided to purchase one - my first Tenba bag! I’m happy with the build quality of the materials, apart from the zippers and zipper pulls - they could be bigger, making it easier to open/close. The zipper pulls from the old series (DNA 15, etc) are much better with the rubber rings. There are also some design decisions that seem odd: 1.) Being a messenger bag, there aren’t any pen slots, cell phone pockets, etc. (like the old series) that are easily accessible (back pouch or flap). 2.) There isn’t any storage on the flap (like the old series) 3.) ipad slot is small when it could have been made as wide as the laptop space very easily 4.) no where to carry a tripod (under flap covers access to gear inside) 5.) no pockets on the insert anymore If there was a DNA 16 wide in the old series, I definitely would have purchased that instead. Overall, it’s a good bag, but with a few tweaks it could have been a really great replacement to the old series!

[@brunocavalcanti4949]

Hi, Brandon. The side pockets are way too small to hold even a small collapsed tripod, right?

[@djm243]

Good review and I love my dna13 messenger bag but how the hell do I attach my 3 legged thing tripod

[@TenbaBags]

We stopped adding tripod straps to messenger bags because they made for difficult and uncomfortable carrying. However, lots of users slide two legs under the flap and one leg on the outside.

[@pulseimages]

Appreciate the new 16 Pro but did you have to remove the zippered pockets from the outside flap? Those were really useful to store memory cards, batteries and business cards, basically anything you wanted to grab quickly without having to open the bag.

[@ninitoboy8250]

Hello. If i buy the 9L for my camera, do i have to pay on airports or they allow it as personal belonging? Thanks.

[@TenbaBags]

The DNA 9 would easily meet the strictest international regulations for a Personal Item.

[@johnpatricklim4509]

Question: will these bags carry my mirrorless camera and my gopro with all of the accessories and lenses...?

[@TenbaBags]

Yes, every size will carry a mirrorless camera and a full GoPro system. If your mirrorless kit has more than 1-2 lenses and you want to carry a lot of GoPro cameras and accessories, the DNA 13 will give you more space than the 9 obviously.

[@yoshiYoish]

just bought the 16 slim, I love everything about it! The design may be a step back in the picture, but looking at it up close looks super nice! Actually reminds me of Timberland's boots design which then fits my overall outfit haha. The strap though, I don't like the fact that you can't remove the strap because I usually replace them with my custom strap. So I'd have to hack it. Only thing I'd replace on my custom strap is the shoulder pad! I need that Tenba memory foam haha!

[@RA-gr9lz]

It is a pity the current line still lacks the SLIM version of the DNA 11 bag. There is a huge gap between the DNA 9 Slim and DNA 16 Slim bags. The former is more than 2 times smaller than the latter. The DNA 9 Slim doesn't comfortably fit even a small mirrorless body with 3 compact zooms, e.g. the Fujifilm X-T30 w/18-55 + 10-24 + 70-300 (with a lens hood on each lens). Of course, the DNA 16 Slim does but it is too bulky for me. In addition, the DNA 9 Slim is heavily castrated. It lacks not only the security strap for hiking or biking, the rear trolley strap, and the exterior loop to attach a case with a lens that doesn't fit inside, which here would be especially useful but there is only one pocket (not even expandable) instead of four ones in the zippered compartment at the front of the bag. Definitely, a bag like DNA 11 Slim with all the features is missing in the line. (The DNA 13 DSLR is too boxy and actually as bulk as the DNA 16 Slim - based on the outside dimensions they both have the same volume of approx. 17L. BTW, the volume of the DNA 9 Slim is only 7.8L and for the DNA 11 Slim it would be 11L.)

[@TenbaBags]

One of the stranger trends amongst mirrorless cameras is that each new generation is usually a bit larger (not smaller) than the previous one. Virtually every Sony, Canon, and Nikon mirrorless is larger than the ones from just a couple years ago. In addition, the full-frame lenses are every bit as large as their DSLR predecessors. So the depth of the DNA 13 is really the result of the industry's trend on gear sizing, and not any preference of our own.

[@RA-gr9lz]

@@TenbaBags Thanks for the answer. I don't deny the usefulness of the DNA 13 in any way. There are systems, mainly the FF ones, which have larger bodies and larger lenses, or some people have to carry a set of 5 lenses with them. On the other hand, there are still those who want to take their cameras with only the so-called holy trinity lenses, meaning 3 zooms, wide-angle, standard and telephoto ones. Also, the trend seems to be reversing for some companies. For example, the recently released Fujifilm X-H2 body is smaller than the X-H1 and it looks like their new X-T5 will be more compact than the X-T4. Hence, the option of the bag larger than the DNA 9 (but much smaller than the DNA 13) would be very welcome.

[@Indydi]

I've got the same dilemma. I have an H2S, and would love a DNA 13 Slim. I ended up finding the older style DNA 10 slim, which is about right, although I'd love to have a larger (but not massive) bag too. If Tenba released a 13 Slim, I would buy it.

[@Indydi]

@@TenbaBags Not so, as you've probably learned that in the last 8 months since this post. The Fuji X-H2(S) is smaller than X-H1, and the X-T5 is smaller than the X-T4. They also released another X-S series, the S20, which is smallest of all and will be very popular given the upgrades.

[@evenaicantfigurethisout]

i really think you should've included tripod-ready straps on the bottom like on the Switch 10. That way it doesn't add any bulk at all, and you can let the user decide whether or not the trade-offs are worth it. I have the older iteration on the DNA11 and really really wished i had this feature. I had already tried the "Sliding the tripod legs under top flap" trick which you also suggested somewhere else here in the comments, and it really doesn't cut it. If you can come up with some sort of quiver-style add-on for current DNA models that would be even better. I hope you can make a survey to see if it'd be worth your while to make such a contraption. I would most definitely purchase it.

[@TenbaBags]

Thanks for the feedback. We'll pass it along to our design team.

[@jc.baptiste]

It looks very nice and I am almost buying it. However, it’s not clear if it can be carried confortably like a sling (behind the back) and what are the dividers inside the insert (13").

[@TenbaBags]

If you cinch the shoulder strap, it will carry very well close to the back. The 13" has two vertical dividers and five smaller dividers.

[@jc.baptiste]

@@TenbaBags I got the bag and really like it, I much prefer it to the Peak Design messenger v2 (more pratical in terms of pockets and dividers, also more confortable) and to the LowePro MG 160 protactic (good overall but lacks of pockets). However, I am disappointed by one thing : it rainned today. Not that much, just the usual rainny day (in Paris). And humidity got its way through the top zipper quite easily and quite a lot. Such a thing is simply impossible with the two other bags. I understand there is a rain cover, but it should not be mandatory for a 20min urban walk when it rains, just for mountain or tropical heavy rain. I don't see myself carrying and puting the cover for that short urban walks. I am not sure a top zip is a good design, especially with the good magnetic system you for the top. This makes me wondering if I will actually keep this bag :(

[@TenbaBags]

Sorry to hear you had an issue. We tested the bag under wet conditions and did not have similar issues. But water is a strange beast, and experiences vary.

[@jc.baptiste]

@@TenbaBags No worry! As an extra feedback, this waterproof material takes easily dirt. I am just telling this to you for consideration maybe in future versions. Otherwise, after weeks of intensive use, I am very happy : it's the best photo messenger I have ever had, it's perfect for gear organization and very confortable. Even if I carry the exact same gear, it feels lighter than my other bags :) Congrats!

[@Ronroncho]

waiting for the DNA 15 backpack v2! :)

[@jonsnih492]

Mr. Tenba, any plans to add something between the 9 and the 13? As was the old 11?

[@TenbaBags]

The new DNA 9 is closer to the old 10 that it is to the old 8. Since the new DNA bags are tapered in the front, and since the laptop sleeves now go the full width of the interior, the new 13 is very close to the dimensions, look and feel of the old 11.

[@jonsnih492]

@@TenbaBags I have two things. The first gen suffers from too tight front pockets. Has this been fixed? They look thicker now and do not expand into main compartment if overloaded, right? Can you also add a top down view of what is displayed at 03:27 to your website? Thanks!

[@TenbaBags]

There were a few too many overlapping pockets on the previous version so if there was something in all the pockets, the bag would expand a bit too much. This has been resolved. The bags are not thicker, they are the same depth front to back. There should be top-down photos of all sizes on our site.

[@sunburntknees2904]

Why is there no stability strap on the 9?

[@TenbaBags]

That's correct. It's just too small for it. If you just tighten the shoulder strap nicely, it will hold tight to the body.

[@brandonelliotphotography]

Is there a way to carry a tripod with it?

[@TenbaBags]

Users often slide two legs under the top of the flap and leave one leg on top of the bag. We used to have tripod straps on our earlier messenger bags but they were really inconvenient to use and made the bag difficult to carry and to set down.

[@reallyphotography9774]

Stiff falls out if you don't strap an the straps. You can't wear the bag the wrong wear or stuff falls out.

[@TenbaBags]

This is definitely the first time we've heard a complaint like this. Gravity keeps things in a messenger bag. And the design of a messenger bag is to have a flap over the top, without a zipper, for quick access. So it would definitely require some care and attention if stored sideways, but that is true of any messenger bag.

[@brianpalmer6385]

I can't tell in the video which size is which. Also the older version looks way better.

[@TenbaBags]

Lots of photos on our website if you need more details.

[@eneasperez3798]

No Tripod space 😢😢😢😢

[@TenbaBags]

We do have other bags that have that much-needed tripod space! Our Axis backpacks, Solstice backpacks, and Fulton backpacks have dedicated tripod space 🙏

[@TenbaBags]

Just a note of clarification. We used to have tripod carry straps on our messenger bags. The carry experience was not great. Put the tripod on the bottom and you can't put the bag down with stability. Put it on the front and the weight balance is all off. Put it on top and you can't get to the camera. So we eliminated it. What users do is slide two legs under the flap and leave one leg outside. That can work for quick carry needs.

[@azizilovemusic]

Hi, can tenba DNA 13 fit 14 inch macbook?

[@TenbaBags]

The new DNA 13 Messenger Bags can fit a laptop up to 13 inches (33 cm).

[@markcampbell8401]

How could you get this bag 🎒

[@powderedtoastman3093]

no slim 13 --- why!!!!!

[@TenbaBags]

Good question. The current trend in mirrorless cameras is that most of them are getting slightly bigger each time a model gets upgraded. On top of the fact that full-frame lenses are still the same size from DSLR days, there has been less overall demand for the super-slim bags of the recent past.

[@powderedtoastman3093]

@@TenbaBags Ahh yes but some of us are Leica M users and we don’t want to have to buy some bags like Billingham or Oberworth just to get a nice slim bag that snugly holds our smaller bodies and lenses. Please make the 13 a slim version it would definitely sell. Aim it at Leica users - one thing about Billingham is that the Hadley pro is slim and is very comfortable plus it has very good padding like the DNA but I’d rather a more modern style. The DNA fits that perfectly but it needs to be as slim as the 9 I just bought. It would be ideal. Make it happen 😉

[@powderedtoastman3093]

@@TenbaBags Another thing I noticed on the 9. I have the strap at hip height and if I want to tighten it say 6 inches more the shoulder pad can’t be closed over the buckle so I’m not able to tighten it to the desired length.. if I go past the shoulder pad the pad is not sitting correctly and the bag is off balance.

[@lichtloper]

Does anyone have real life experience with this 'thick' bottom? It looks a bit awkward.

[@TenbaBags]

The bag functions just like our last DNA Messenger version, it's just that the bottom fabric comes up higher to enhance the waterproofness.

[@bowdenimages1197]

Loved this bag, but for whatever reason, they decided to use plastic parts on the strap where it connects to the bag. Makes absolutely no sense for a company who’s motto is “never compromise” for them to have compromised the integrity of this amazing bag with freakin cheap plastic.

[@markcampbell8401]

People who want them live in Brooklyn nyc

[@A3Kr0n]

I suppose it's OK if you're OK with spending $180 on a fucking bag.

[@michaelmarzella5460]

So far so good and Comfortable for Baby Diaper Changing kzbin.infoUgkxPJX6WCW1H8qoBMKuvAzjhRos9V53TrlR My friend picked this one out as he said it's the only one he would feel comfortable carrying around. We've used it for a month, and no problems yet. We like that there are many different pockets, diapers in one, wipes in another, and so forth. Lots of room, but still lightweight. It's great hanging from the stollers as well.

[@thomashecht71]

Looks like great design upgrade, congratulations. I always would have loved the special edition material on the DNA11; this seems to get close to it. The zipper on the outside pocket is also appreciated, it makes it safe to store memory cards and batteries than before. However, in the previous version, there were pockets on the insert as well as inside the bag. The new insert doesn‘t seem to have them anymore, what about the bag itself?

[@TenbaBags]

Thanks, Thomas. It is true there are less pockets overall on the new bag, but that's because lots of users said there were too many pockets before. We tried to focus on the most useful ones. The MOLLE loop on the side will now allow the attachment of a card wallet like the ones Tenba makes with the belt loop, or it can slide into one of the mesh pockets. The 11-inch tablet pocket is also useful for other items when it's not being used for a tablet. And the new material is even nicer than the Special Edition material from before.

[@thomashecht71]

@@TenbaBags Thanks for your reply, Tenba team, that‘s helpful to know.

[@roybixby6135]

I love Tenba bags but is there any Pro that only shoots with one Body ? 🦘

[@TenbaBags]

A great question! The DNA messenger bags are designed with on-the-go photographers in mind who need quick access to their gear or a discrete method of transport. We do offer other bags that can accommodate more gear.

[@pulseimages]

Appreciate the new 16 Pro but did you have to remove the zippered pockets from the outside flap? Those were really useful to store memory cards, batteries and business cards, basically anything you wanted to grab quickly without having to open the bag.

[@TenbaBags]

Sean, thanks for the feedback. The zipper in the flap unfortunately did not work well with the new design. But you can still enter the bag through the top zipper and quickly access items in the front pocket underneath. Not exactly as quickly as before, but still fast.

[@pulseimages]

@@TenbaBags That’s okay, I’ll just stick with my current Tenba Messenger and DNA bags.