At first a Billingham bag felt like a product from Louis Vuitton at a third of the price (Weekender compared to Keepall 55). Bags from both companies exude presence, the former is much less in your face.
The Hadley comes in a dust bag on top of a generous number of dividers tailoring to individual needs. Instead of blingy accessories that add heft to the canvas bag, the English made product had some thinking done which doubles the Hadley’s personality. It’s first a camera bag, remove the insert and voila, a messenger bag.
PRO
Timeless design
Tonnes of colour combination
Look, feel and smell
CON
Slow opening and
closing mechanism
Missing top handle
SPECIFICATION
W: 290mm D: 120mm H: 220mm
3.5-litre
700 grams
From RM 1,100
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REVIEW: Billingham Weekender
ANALOGUE: Canon Eos 3
What got me most is the attention to detail that has been put into carefully chosen materials. Stitching especially, an aspect that has gone well above expectations. Take a closer look at the Hadley and competing bags start to reveal themselves for costing less. That aside, most of us found ourselves reaching for a non-existent carry handle that should have been on the top of the Hadley Small which is one thing Billingham could have done better.
Despite it all, this is a nicely put together bag which will make one feel bad for exposing it to dust and bacteria-filled surfaces when left on the floor. Oh well, patina..