Golla "Music" Camera Pouch Review

Golla is an up and coming accessory brand name here in the United States. Based in Finland, Golla's mission statement is to blend "lifestyle and technology to create true fashion bags for portable electronics."

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When I received a few Golla "Music" pouches for review, I quickly figured out that they're versatile little bags with lots of possible uses beyond their stated purpose as MP3 player or cell-phone holders: they were the perfect size for an ultracompact digital camera. The bigger question is whether they're a practical alternative to dedicated camera pouches.

Specifications

• Dimensions: 85mm x 115mm
• Made of either 100 percent cotton or polyester/nylon blend
• Metal clip for storing and carrying

Design and Aesthetics

Golla Music Bags come in a 10 different designs - we received Cube, Adele, Merry, Dream, Parrot and Alley - and three of the designs come in multiple colors. The fabric the bags are made of varies but they all have a soft inside lining to prevent screens from scratching.

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Each bag has a metal clip on the top and comes with an attachable bungee cord. They all Velcro closed and sport three pockets. The larger main pocket is where you can store an MP3 player, compact camera, or cell phone. The second smaller pocket could be great for Id's, business cards or a tube of lip glass. The side zippered pocket is where you might keep cash, a spare memory card, or ear buds.

The Music Bags come in only one size: 85 x 115mm, or 3.3 x 4.5 inches.

Using the Bag

Though I only received and reviewed Golla's Music bags, I think it's important to mention that Golla also makes the "Digi" line of camera-specific bags. Digi bags come in two sizes: large (75 x 115 x 30 mm) and small (70 x 95 x 20mm). The Music Bags, on the other hand, are made for MP3's but work perfectly for cell phones and for thin compact or ultracompact digital cameras (the Golla rep I am corresponding with agreed).

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I used the Music as a case for the Fujifilm Z100fd I'm reviewing and it worked great. In trying out the bag with a few different cameras, it would be equally well-suited for the Canon SD models, or Panasonic's FS and FX cameras. A Canon PowerShot A model is probably a stretch. Anything bigger than this and the Digi bags are probably a better, more practical and functional choice.

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Assuming your camera fits, however, the Golla Music is an excellent choice for a close-fitting camera case. The inside, as mentioned above, is soft to keep the LCD from scratching. The metal clip is great for attaching the case to a belt loop, purse, or bag so that your camera is always within reach.

Pricing and Availability

Golla Music Bags can be purchased via retailers worldwide, though the company remains a relative unknown in the U.S. United States retailers listed by Golla include Target, AT&T stores, and Radio Shack. (The full list of worldwide retailers that carry Golla's products can be found on the company's website.) Priced under $20 per the manufacturer, street prices for the Golla Music are closer to $10, making this pouch easier on your budget than many purpose-designed camera bags.

Conclusions

These little bags are über cool and with about twenty design/color choices to choose from, you can't go wrong. In short, while they're designed for MP3 players, the Golla Music bags are a neat, stylish, affordable, and very functional alternative to the bland, monotone camera pouches from many camera-specific accessory makers.

Pros:

• Stylish, with several color choices
• Reasonably priced

Cons:

• Only comes in one size
• Not water resistant/waterproof (I can dream, right?)