THE TOP SHELF

Thank you Stefan for your kind review. We hope you get many years of enjoyment out of the bag 🙂

We greatly appreciate your feedback on the bag. However, we believe that with a little more time, you would have come to appreciate its unique advantages.

Having full access to your gear at the press of a button provides you with unparalleled convenience and utility. Additionally, one of the standout features of our bag is that it doesn’t require you to set it on the ground to reach your gear.

While there is a small learning curve, most users get accustomed to their bags quickly. If any additional assistance is needed, we have an in-depth video tutorial series, and we are always here to help!

We appreciate your review 🙂

Thank you for your detailed feedback, Craig. We understand that there are some features, or a lack of features, that may feel limiting, and we appreciate the opportunity to provide clarification on your concerns.

Tripod pouches:
Because the bag’s fabric must remain fairly tight around the internal frame in order to maintain overall rigidity and stability, some of the pockets are more snug than those found on camera bags without this requirement. Optimally, users will want to stow the tripod straps away, though they can also be left out if preferred, without affecting overall functionality. It is also worth noting that most camera bags do not offer the option to stow tripod straps at all.

Storage:
As previously stated, the bag requires tighter tolerances in its design than a traditional camera bag. This can make it feel smaller, especially for new users. With some rearranging and familiarity, The Top Shelf is capable of holding an amount of gear equivalent to most small to medium camera bags, accommodating roughly 80 to 90 percent of photographers’ typical storage needs. For gear configuration examples, please visit the bottom of our tutorial page: https://bevisgear.com/pages/tutorials

Water bottle holder:
There is a necessary trade off between speed and versatility in this area. One side of the bag must remain free to sit comfortably on the hip, while the other contains a side access door. Unfortunately, this leaves no suitable space for a dedicated external water bottle pouch. In addition, adding one would create balance issues, and the bottle would likely fall out during access. Some alternative solutions include carrying a small bottle inside the bag, using the tripod pouch and strap, or using a separate water bottle holster.

As this bag was designed for ultra quick and convenient access, combining elements of a traditional camera backpack and a sling, there are some inherent trade offs in the overall design. Even so, with a short acclimatization period and some use, most users are able to use The Top Shelf comfortably and efficiently.

It is also worth noting that we will be releasing a new camera backpack in the near future that is geared toward larger storage needs and more varied pocket options.

We apprecaite your review. We hope your niece receives many years of enjoyment with her new bag 🙂