Many thanks to Billingham for the opportunity to try out the Pola Stowaway bag. For once I, Elmar, have been busy with a bag. Mehrdad took the fine photos, very nice, as always.

I've been using it for three weeks now and I have to say that it has really won me over. Admittedly, I've never been the biggest Billingham fan, although I've been using the Hadley Small Pro and the Hadley Digital on and off for about four years. I use the latter mainly as a backpack insert, not always for a camera, but also for smaller items that would otherwise get mixed up in the backpack. In this respect, the Pola Stowaway has now found a whole new function for me, which has made it not only a practical but also a really stylish companion.

As with all Billingham bags, the Pola Stowaway feels extremely high quality. The bag is made from Billingham's signature three-layer, robust material (weatherproof after all!), which is renowned for its strength and durability. The strong fabric ensures that the bag retains its shape and does not bulge - a real plus if you use the bag every day. There are no wobbles and the material simply feels good without being too stiff. It can also withstand a bit of rain - although the top zipper will give way at some point.

The bag's main zipper is not only practical, but also saves on external dimensions and weight, which is particularly beneficial for a compact bag like this. Even though the zipper is less weatherproof than, for example, the Hadley model's throw-over lid, I don't see this as an annoying disadvantage. The bag is basically just as robust and reliable, but much lighter and more compact. In heavy rain, I prefer to stand somewhere underneath or have this bag in my rucksack...

What I particularly like is the fact that the strap is detachable. This is ideal if I want to use the bag as an insert in my rucksack rather than as a shoulder bag. It fits perfectly into smaller rucksacks without taking up too much space and if I want to take the bag with me quickly, I can simply remove the strap.

I have often used the Pola Stowaway as a small camera bag, for example for my Fuji X100 or Leica XE. The great thing is that there is still enough space to store my wallet and glasses. For a bag of this size, it offers a surprising amount of storage space and is therefore really suitable as a daily companion. Whether for a quick stroll around town or as a camera case in my rucksack - it is simply versatile and adapts perfectly to my use.

Of course, we're talking about a camera bag here, so the question is how well it works as a camera bag for everyday use. The Pola Stowaway does exactly what it should: It protects my camera while making sure I can neatly store all my other small items - like my wallet, glasses or keys. It's a pleasant mix of camera bag and everyday companion. Please note: the padding of this bag is slightly thinner than that of a Hadley Digital, for example - for my purposes this is sufficient, but I would just like you to bear it in mind.

When you consider that there are three models in the Billingham Stowaway range - all with a compact cut - the Pola is a real eye-catcher. It remains true to the typical Billingham look and combines the classic design with modern functionality. For example, it also has two eyelets on the back that can be used to attach it to a hip belt. It wouldn't be my first choice to carry it like this, but it works - for example as a hip bag when cycling.

Price/performance:

For around 190 euros, you get a bag that not only offers high-quality workmanship, but also impresses with its compact design and versatility. Anyone looking for a small bag for everyday use or as a camera insert in a rucksack will not be disappointed.