McKinnon Battery Case Review: Keep Your Batteries Organized and Safe

If you're a photographer, you know the struggle: loose batteries rattling around in your bag, memory cards lost in the abyss, and the constant fear of a short circuit. The NOMATIC McKinnon Battery Case promises to solve all that. Designed in collaboration with photographer Peter McKinnon, this compact organizer aims to keep your batteries, cards, and small accessories safe, organized, and easily accessible. In this review, we'll put it to the test and see if it lives up to the hype.

The McKinnon Battery Case is part of NOMATIC's growing ecosystem of camera gear, which includes the popular McKinnon Camera Pack 25L and various camera cubes. It's built for photographers who demand efficiency and protection. But is it worth the investment? Let's dive into the details.

Design and Build Quality

The McKinnon Battery Case is surprisingly compact, measuring roughly 7 x 4.5 x 2 inches. It fits easily into any camera bag or even a sling like the Navigator Sling 6L. The exterior is made of durable, water-resistant nylon with a padded interior to protect your gear from bumps and drops. The zipper is smooth and sturdy, with a large pull tab that's easy to grip even with gloves on.

Inside, the case features a modular design with removable dividers. You can configure the space to hold up to four standard camera batteries (like Sony NP-FZ100 or Canon LP-E6NH) plus a handful of memory cards. There's also a mesh pocket on the lid for SD cards or small cables. The dividers are thick and padded, ensuring batteries don't touch each other and risk shorting out.

• Water-resistant exterior with padded interior
• Removable dividers for customizable layout
• Mesh pocket for memory cards and small accessories

Organization and Capacity

One of the biggest challenges with battery storage is keeping things organized. The McKinnon Battery Case excels here. The dividers create separate compartments, so each battery has its own snug spot. No more digging through a jumble of batteries to find the charged one. The case can hold a mix of battery sizes, though it's optimized for standard DSLR/mirrorless batteries. Larger batteries like those for drones may not fit as well.

The top mesh pocket is perfect for SD cards, microSD cards, or even a small charging cable. I was able to fit six SD cards and a USB-C cable in the pocket without any issues. The case also has a small loop on the outside for attaching a carabiner or strap. If you're using a larger bag like the McKinnon Camera Pack 25L, you can easily clip the case to a D-ring or stash it in a side pocket.

• Holds up to 4 standard camera batteries plus cards
• Separate compartments prevent battery contact
• External loop for attachment to bags or straps

Protection and Safety

Batteries are sensitive to impact and temperature, and the McKinnon Battery Case provides solid protection. The padded walls are thick enough to absorb minor drops, and the dividers keep batteries from rattling around. The case also has a slight rigidity that prevents it from being crushed in a packed bag. For extra safety, the zipper closure ensures batteries won't fall out even if the case is turned upside down.

While it's not waterproof, the water-resistant exterior offers peace of mind in light rain. If you're traveling in wet conditions, you might want to put the case inside a dry bag or a waterproof compartment in your backpack. The Navigator Collapsible Pack 16L, for example, has a water-resistant exterior and could be a good companion for rainy day shoots.

• Padded walls and dividers protect against drops
• Water-resistant exterior for light rain
• Secure zipper closure prevents accidental opening

Portability and Compatibility

The McKinnon Battery Case is designed to be a travel-friendly companion. It's small enough to slip into a sling bag like the Access Sling or the Navigator RS Sling 10L, yet spacious enough to hold a day's worth of batteries. I tested it with my mirrorless camera setup and it fit perfectly in the front pocket of my McKinnon Camera Pack 25L, leaving the main compartment free for the camera body and lenses.

The case also works well with other NOMATIC products. For instance, if you're using the Method Luggage Check-In Large for a photography trip, you can pack the battery case in the front organizer panel for quick access at security checks. The modular design means you can even remove the dividers and use the case as a general-purpose pouch for cables, chargers, or other small electronics.

• Fits in slings, backpacks, and luggage
• Compatible with NOMATIC's modular system
• Versatile design for multiple uses

The McKinnon Battery Case is a well-designed, durable solution for photographers who want to keep their batteries and memory cards organized and protected. Its compact size, customizable interior, and robust build make it a worthy addition to any camera kit. Whether you're a professional or an enthusiast, this case will streamline your gear and give you peace of mind. Pair it with the McKinnon Camera Pack 25L for the ultimate modular camera carry system.