Clik Elite Escape: Ideal for Day-Long Adventures

TrulyNet readers know we like to check out the latest and greatest gear designed to accompany outdoor enthusiasts in all their adventures. The latest outdoor item we’ve gotten our hands on is the Clik Elite CE513GR Escape camera bag in gray (it also comes in black), a mid-sized camera bag that’s ideal for the day-tripper outdoor photographer. The bag’s camera bay provides quick and easy access to the camera, lenses, and other items, and is padded sufficiently well. The space allotted should be adequate for most cameras and lenses, though we think it wouldn’t have hurt for the compartment to be a tad bit larger to accommodate bigger cameras and longer lenses. The camera bay has cradle lens dividers, full-length vertical dividers, and a camera nest to protect your camera. The dividers are removable as well as flexible, molding better to the camera and lenses than other stiffer dividers on the market. The compartment can be partially opened just enough to grab the camera for super quick access when that camera shot you’ve been waiting for all day finally manifests.

We were very pleased with the comfort of the bag, although it’s a little heavier than similar camera bags on the market. The shoulder straps are comfy and easily adjustable, and the chest strap is a nice addition, providing added security and weight distribution. The hydration bladder compartment is a great feature and holds up to 3 liters of liquid, and it allows the side mesh compartments to be used to hold tripods. We like that this bag doesn’t scream, “I’m a camera bag!” It’s a stylish little thing. It’s also airplane-friendly, meeting size requirements for carry-on luggage.

We thought the bag could use some more storage capacity for accessories, food, and the like. One storage area is under the top flap, covering the camera body, which is great for general storage, camera cars, and frequently accessed small items. The bag also has a storage area on the lower front that is fairly roomy, and a third area at the top of the bag is good for holding things like maps but not a whole lot else. Unfortunately, none of these storage areas are padded. Another less than desirable quality is the bag’s handle at its top, which isn’t thick enough and cut into our hands a little bit. Also, unlike Case Logic’s Caselogic SLRC-206 SRL camera and laptop bag we reviewed not too long ago, the Escape does not have a waterproof bottom. Thus, caution must be used when setting the bag on the ground.

Despite these quibbles, the Escape is a good choice for day-long adventurers seeking a comfortable camera bag but not requiring an excess amount of storage or padded protection. The bag retails for $210, a little on the expensive side. Amazon.com along with some other online retailers sells the bag for $189.