Jack on the camera backpack for people who stopped replacing them
Jack on the camera backpack for people who stopped replacing them
You have stopped expecting an ordinary camera bag to fit the way your day actually works. The Algonquin gives your camera, laptop and small things a clear place, so it finally fits how you live.
The people who write to me keep telling me that the same camera bag gets replaced every few years. I hear it. The Algonquin is £126.95, down from its usual £360.95. I am saying farewell to ready-made bags after 29 years; Jack Reid is moving to custom-only, so this is final stock and it will not be made again.
The people who write to me are not looking for a bag that asks for a ceremony. They want the camera when the moment comes, and they want the rest of their day still around it. I kept that in mind.
I have spent 29 years making bags by hand. It feels strange to say what changes next, but I would rather say it plainly than make it sound grand.
1997
Today
A camera that comes out with you
I insisted on removable padded foam and a removable camera pouch, rather than letting the camera disappear under the rest of the day. The pouch comes out with the camera, while the organiser stays behind. At an airport queue, you can reach the gear without unpacking everything around it.
"I was looking for a timeless, handcrafted bag and Jack Reid exceeded my expectations. Its durability, design and craftsmanship make it my go-to bag for both work and travel."
A sleeve for the laptop
I asked for a dedicated laptop sleeve instead of letting the laptop share the main organiser. The laptop has its own place while the camera kit stays with its own. On the morning commute, that means you can pull out the laptop without turning the bag out.
"The quality of my Jack Reid bag is unparalleled. The leather is incredibly soft and the attention to detail is impressive."
A home for the small things
I wanted a roomy main organiser, a smartphone and camera accessories pocket, and zipped pockets, not one deep space where small things disappear. On a wet Monday commute, the phone and its small companions can be reached without emptying the main organiser. It is a small courtesy to the person carrying it.
"Ordered on a Monday and it was on my doorstep in Ennis by Thursday, beautifully wrapped with a handwritten note from Jack. You can tell this was made with care."
Straps that stay put
I chose comfortable shoulder straps with sternum support because a camera bag should stay on both shoulders. On a long walk from the station to the hotel, the straps keep their shape while the bag hangs from your back. Camera days are rarely only camera days.
"Jack Reid bags perfectly combine style and functionality. The design is sleek and the compartments are well thought out; my laptop and notebooks fit with room to spare."
Material made for the knocks
I asked for woven waxed cotton canvas and Crazy Horse leather because the outside should work hard, not behave like an ornament. It puts the character where the bag is handled and set down. At a weekend market, you can put it beside you without treating it like a display piece.
"What sets my Jack Reid bag apart is its versatility. Whether it's a business meeting in London or a weekend away, it adapts to any occasion effortlessly."
No spare tote inside
I kept the roomy main organiser and separate pockets, so the bag can hold the day without needing a second layer. On a weekend away, the camera, laptop and quick-reach things have places before you leave the house. That spare tote can stay at home.
"I bought this for my husband's birthday and it arrived in Cork beautifully wrapped, with a handwritten note from Jack. The leather is gorgeous and the stitching is perfect."
The Algonquin, against the camera backpacks you have been buying
Camera buried under the rest of the day
Laptop sharing a catch-all compartment
Phone and accessories lost in the organiser
Pockets emptied and searched every time
Removable camera pouch lifts out with the gear
Dedicated laptop sleeve keeps it separate
Smartphone and accessory pocket gives them a place
Zipped and slot pockets keep quick-reach things together
The leather ages beautifully, making it an investment I'll cherish for years.
A farewell to the ready-made collection
After 29 years of making ready-made bags, I am moving Jack Reid to custom-only. This is the last of that collection, so the Algonquin will not be made again once the final stock is gone.
The current price is £126.95 against the usual £360.95. I would rather tell you plainly than put a pretend countdown on it. The waxed canvas and leather, removable camera pouch, organiser and laptop sleeve are all part of the same handmade piece.
Jack Reid bags perfectly combine style and functionality. The design is sleek and the compartments are well thought out; my laptop and notebooks fit with room to spare. A luxury item, but also practical for everyday use.
A final piece from the ready-made collection.
The people who write to me usually say it plainly: does it fit the day? I hope the Algonquin fits yours. It is £126.95 against £360.95, and you can send it back within 30 days.
Take a look if you are still carrying a bag that almost does the job. I will leave the choice with you.
See whether the Algonquin is still available
- Ask about availability before the last one goes.
- £126.95 against the usual £360.95.
- You can send it back within 30 days.
- 4.9 stars across 1247 reviews.
£126.95, rather than the high-street bag you replace after two winters.
Check availabilityAbout the writer. Jack founded Jack Reid in the United Kingdom in 1997.