How do you store your memory cards? I used to keep each one in its individual plastic case and put them inside a pocket on my camera bag. This can get messy especially if you have a lot of cards — you dig around trying to find a new card, and once you pull one out you need to figure out whether or not it’s been used already. In the beginning, I numbered my memory cards with a Sharpie and used them in order.

I started thinking about a better way to organize things after a lecture from Philadelphia wedding photographer Cliff Mautner in which he discussed having an assistant to help transport equipment, but noted that all memory cards stay on his person at all times. Then a friend and photographer who shall not be named had a scare… he thought a card containing some very important photos had been lost. Fortunately it was just misplaced and he located it after a few days, but at that point I realized that I needed a memory card holder to keep everything safe.

I picked up the Tamrac MXS5368 Memory and Battery Management Wallet and it’s been great. Not having cards loose on my desk or floating in my bag alleviates some stress. Now I know they’re always in one of three places:

1. In the camera.
2. In the card reader.
3. In the memory card holder.

The material seems sturdy and the inside is lined, but there is no mention of this product being water resistant or weatherproof. I could not find a statement on exactly what kind of material is used. It offers some protection but I would not suggest exposing it to the elements.

The memory card holder has what Tamrac calls an S.A.S. “strap accessory system” which is a fancy name meaning that it attaches to shoulder straps, backpack harnesses and belts. The strap is sturdy and closes with both a button and velcro, but I can still imagine it getting snagged on something and pulling off, or someone easily grabbing it. I keep it inside a bag pocket or on my belt at important events.

The wallet unzips and opens up to reveal four pockets each with a red flag inside. The pockets are big enough to hold CF cards. When a card is full of photos you place it in a pocket and pull out the red flag to indicate it’s not to be used again. This is a nice feature that eliminates any confusion as to which memory cards you have filled.

The Tamrac MXS5368 is advertised as a holder for both memory cards and batteries, but I only use it for memory cards. I keep 8 compact flash cards inside and could probably fit a few more. I’m not sure why I didn’t get something like this sooner because it’s a great organization tool for photographers.