When I went out birding I used to always carry a backpack with my field guide(s), hat, notebook, tissues, extra batteries, etc. I also transported my bins and camera in the pack but when out walking these remained around my neck. Last spring I was starting to get sick of the backpack. It's especially annoying to have to dig into the pack (or ask a companion to dig) for a field guide while you're actually looking at the bird you want to look up. By the time I'd get the book out the bird would be long gone. I looked around for something more convenient that I could use to carry my field guide. There are a few different things I see my birding buddies using: vests with huge pockets, fanny packs (vertically oriented) or book satchels. I wasn't sure what I wanted to get until I came across a small messenger bag at a Columbia outlet store.
The Medium Azza Messenger Bag (note: link goes to newer model of this bag) measures 10" x 6" x 2.5" and fits everything I want to carry on a short outing.
The front flap of the messenger-style bag has a small pocket where I keep a pack of tissues.
Lifting the flap accesses the main pouch for books plus a small zippered pocket where I keep extra batteries, memory cards, a pen and a small notebook.
The back of the bag has another wide open pocket where I can fit my wide-brim floppy hat. This makes the bag a bit bulbous on the back but that's just some extra padding between Sibley and my hip. ;) This photo shows the empty bag with a few things I might bring with me on a walk. Everything fits inside.
I can carry more books if I want to, too.
Here's the bag in action. I really love the long strap but it's totally adjustable and can be worn much shorter.
I looooove this bag! Do you have a favorite birding bag? How do you carry your field guide? Do you use a backpack, a fanny pack, a vest, or something else? Or do you go commando?
I give the Medium Azza Messenger Bag four and a half Goldfinches out of five.
Nightjars, Potoos, Frogmouths, Oilbird, and Owlet-nightjars of the World by Nigel Cleere. First published 2010. I'm still pretty new at this birding thing, so I'm still enjoying learning about the history of the hobby and of ornithology. The more I read, the more I come to understand everything I...
Here’s a list of current (as of October 4th) blog & online contests by birders, for birders, and/or offering bird- or birder-themed prizes. Click on the links to learn more, check eligibility, and enter to win! If you are running a contest or know of something that should...