Barbour Stainton Map Print Retriever Bag

When I’m out on my travels researching features and blog posts I never know what kind of bag to use.

My usual handbag is too small to hold my DSLR camera, charger and notebook on top of its usual sprawling contents. If I carry two separate bags then I worry that I’ll lose one. And whatever bag I use needs to leave my hands free for taking photos and making notes.

Barbour bag

So when Barbour asked me if I’d like one of their bags to review I explained what I needed and they sent me a Stainton Map Print Retriever Bag. Barbour was founded 120 years ago in the North East of England to supply oilskins and other waterproof clothing to sailors, fishermen and dockers. These days it produces outdoor wear that’s made to last and recently it’s become a fashionable brand, just like Hunter wellies.

The bag is made of thick waxed cotton and is a kind of dark browny-green colour which Barbour call ‘olive’. It’s well-made and the quality of the materials is excellent. It measures 42 x 54 x 16.5 cms and so is plenty big enough to carry the stuff I need and my laptop will fit in there too if I need it. To close the bag you simply roll the top over on itself and fasten the buckle.

The buckles, studs and eyelets on the bag are made of the kind of brass I like, brass which isn’t shiny but looks like it’s old and used. It has a long, adjustable strap so that you can wear it across your body comfortably and keep your hands free. There are two large pouchy pockets on the front of the bag which I find just the right size for a notebook.

Map print lining

The lining inside the bag feels like waxed cotton (but it’s polyester) with a lovely vintage map print on a cream background.

Barbour Stainton Map Print Retriever bag lining

The lowdown

The Barbour Stainton Map Print Retriever bag is just right for me to use when I need my camera and other things with me.  It’s priced at £129.00 on the Barbour website. Thank you to Barbour for sending me the bag to review.