Maxpedition is one of the better companies in the outdoor market for building bags and related gear. The company recently introduced several new bags that have a CCW application. One of the more interesting to me is the Solstice CCW Camera Bag.

According to Maxpedition, the company partnered with pro shutterbugs to develop a bag that offered good storage and protection for photo gear while also providing a compartment specifically for concealing an easy to access pistol. The company states the design went through two years of testing and development prior to release.

The weapon compartment is at the rear of the bag, closest to the body. It zips closed and is lockable. It appears large enough for a full size pistol like the Glock 17 or SIG SAUER P226. More compact guns will also fit. Should you not need this section to carry a pistol, it can be used to carry a full size Apple iPad or other tablet.

The main compartment is large enough for a full size DSLR and a pair of lenses including a 70-200 f/2.8 lens. The lid of the main compartment can be easily accessed while the bag is carried on the body, allowing you to swap lenses or grab a fresh battery while on the move. I’ve done a lot of sports and news photography. Through the top access is quite useful.

Side and front compartments allow for the carrying of additional accessories such as flashes. The underside of the bag has nylon feet to help keep it off of wet surfaces.

The should strap has a quick cam release and a solid shoulder pad. The pad is removable, and the strap is made of soft seatbelt nylon. It has a waistbelt and ATLAS attachment points (similar but less bulky than PALS webbing.)

The bag is constructed of 500D hex Ripstop and 1000D plain weave with YKK zippers. Maxpedition uses a Teflon treatment to protect the fabric.

Gray, black and tan are the three colors currently available. I’d like to see a few more colors such as a dark green and blue to better blend with consumer/prosumer camera bags. All of the colors have a suggested retail price of $199.99.