On a whim, I picked up a ViaTerra DSLR tank bag to see how it would be after using two trusty old Cramster Turtles over time. Cramster Turtle was on its last legs, and I needed a DSLR tank bag to replace it. If you need more accurate information, leave a comment at the bottom, and I will update this.

What’s a DSLR tank bag?

A regular tank bag with configurable padded inserts allows you to safely transport a DSLR body, some lenses and accessories. Get rid of the padded insert, and you get much more space to use as a regular tank bag.

ViaTerra Tank Bag Fly Universal

Let us look at the ViaTerra tank bag, starting with its features list.

Zips

I am starting with the zips since this is what you use the most. Heavy duty YKK^TM, solidly built.

Good: Most of the zips have extended tags. I can use it with my thicker gloves on.

Bad: The main compartment zip does not have tags to it. So, I’m forced to use the smaller metal tab for added grip.

Via Terra could have added a couple of nylon tabs as they’ve done for the others. I will probably add some myself. The tabs themselves could have been stronger, too, since the top pocket’s tab has already cut on mine.

Update

These tabs have three removable components. I have put the tab back together, but given the failure of one of these leads me to believe the others can also come off at some point. If possible, open it up, use good quality glue and put it back together.

Main compartment

A single zip opens up the top on three sides. Still is the best way to do it and most tank bags do this. Tried and tested. Nothing new here to see. It has a storm flap on the main compartment for added rain protection.

Bad: Again, the zip of this main compartment. Look above.

Magnets

3-point mounting for the bag using magnets which could be designed a little better.

Good: Makes life simpler than having to strap in and out of a harness. Like most magnetic tank bags.

Bad: It does move around while riding. I tried it both on a flat(ish) Bullet 500 tank and a sloping Thunderbird 350 tank. Edit: and now on the Royal Enfield Himalayan tank too. You do not want that happening when you have a DSLR and a couple of lenses in there.

Expandable

Expandable main compartment, mostly I use that to put in a soft towel or something to protect the camera equipment from above. Starting with 16 litres, expandable to 20.

Good: The denier fabric exterior material is solid enough to hold its own when expanded. Apparently, it fits a full-face helmet, but I have not tried that out. What I have tried, however, is to stuff my 13″ MacBook Air with the mouse and charger and other things on the way to the office. It fits everything well and has enough space to spare.

Rain cover

Almost all tank bags come with a rain cover, but it is vital for a photography-oriented tank bag to have a rain fly. Rain-cover is constructed from a single fabric piece. The bag has a small stowaway pocket with a flap to cover the exposed zip. Did we test the rain performance or what?

Over the first week of riding with this bag (after having bought it), we got everything from drizzle to pouring rain. We did not use the rain cover in some conditions where the clear sky was on the horizon, but there was an entire day where we did not get rid of the rain cover. The bag kept everything dry and continues to do so now, as you can see in the tank bag on the Himalayan above.

Side pockets

These are my go-to pockets of all the pockets on the DSLR tank bag. But these have been my favourite pockets from the Cramster Turtle days. I usually stuff it with a bit of chai money, some quick access tools, a multi-tool maybe and a box for shades.

Good: My shades’ box is big enough for two shades. These side pockets can accommodate that. 3M reflective tape between the expandable area of the side pockets for better visibility. Nice touch.

Top pocket

The top pocket is my least-used pocket today. I think it may be due to the fact below the clear pocket that this bag comes with. I usually forget this pocket is there. It may also be because my previous tank bag did not have a pocket here.

Despite this being the least used pocket, the nylon tab on this snapped off the zip before everywhere else.

Detachable transparent pocket

Good: The transparent pocket is practical. Used this extensively during the 2015 ride to keep a folded map of Karnataka since we were on a no-GPS trip. You could use it to keep anything you want to grab a quick look at on the move.

Bad: I would have liked it a little bigger and better secured. Currently, it feels a little flimsy and not as well attached.

Mesh pocket (inside)

I use this mainly for memory cards. I would have liked this to be two separate pockets instead of one wide pocket. It would have made it easier to separate used and unused cards.

Inbuilt hidden straps

Now, this is excellent. I like that I can use this bag as a backpack and has helped me a lot on the previous trip. Climbing the rocky Matunga hill in Hampi was much easier with the camera bag strapped like a backpack v/s having it swinging off one shoulder.

Faux leather bottom

Good: Soft enough to save the tank surface from significant scratches as long as the surface is clear of dust and particles.

Bad: Not always possible to make sure that the bottom surface remains particle-free, due to the magnets. My 500’s green tank does have scratches because of that. But that’s okay for me, given the other advantages.

Where to buy?

I bought mine from the MotoStore, near Ulsoor Lake in Bangalore. You can do the same.

Overall Verdict

Two things make a good tank bag, the finish and the stability. While the finish of this is good, and I like it, the stability on all three motorcycles, as seen below, would be acceptable.

If you have a motorcycle with a smaller tank, this should not be a problem since the flaps with magnets can secure the bag better.

As for me, I will look for a better-fitting bag next time around and maybe head back to something with straps too.