Bag suggestions

[merciless49]

Hi all, I'd like to get some suggestions with regards to a good, but inconspicuous, camera bag. I'm rather active and go hiking and do lots of outdoor activities. As such, I'd prefer a backpack/sling style bag, over a messenger-type.

I got interested in the Ari Marcopoulos bag by Incase due to its design and great reviews on Amazon. Just received it last night and found out that it is pretty large, and fits terribly on my body (I'm 5'7", slightly athletic build), no matter how I adjusted the straps.

I usually have a film body (35mm SLR or Fuji GL690) with 2 prime lenses, film, few accessories, plus a Panasonic GF1+2 lenses (20mm f1.7 and 14-45mm zoom). Ideally I would like to have a pocket for a laptop/tablet/notebook should the occasion needs it. Waterproof is a good plus, but I have raincovers so that's no big deal.

I currently have a Domke F6 bag, which is great but I don't like how it carries...and my current work-around is to use my hiking backpack but it doesn't have compartments so fishing stuff out can be a pain.

Thanks for all of your input!

 

[kshapero]

Lowepro Sport 200 AW backpack or sling

 

[merciless49]

Thanks kshapero, I'll check this bag out at the local REI...

Considered it before but have not actually looked at it.

 

[Marc G.]

kata 3N1 series. can be carried in different ways, supporting either flexibility if used as a sling bag, or supporting comfort when carried as a hiking backpack putting the weight to the waist.

complete black outside and yellow interior

 

[merciless49]

Thanks Marc G., I just looked at this on Amazon and these bags seem quite large and bulky.

Seems like a better route to go may be to buy inserts and just pop them into whatever bag I am using?

 

[Godfrey]

First time I've seen that InCase Ari Marcopoulos bag. Interesting design but much bigger than the first picture of it seemed to be when I looked at the video. In the video, it looks a little awkward when in use.

Tenba Mini or standard Messenger would likely fit all that with ease, isn't overly heavy or expensive, and is tough and protective. Messenger style carry, though. It wears well with a large or heavy kit, for me, and doesn't tend to fall off my shoulder due to the well-designed strap pad.

I don't carry so much as you do when I'm out walking about, tho. I recently discovered the Lowepro Passport Sling bag for my similar need as a knockaround, "do a lot of general purpose photo things while bumming about" bag. It's an odd looking thing, but seems to have space for everything I normally need/want to carry easily ... and then unzip the compression zipper and it fits 30% more. I just got it the other day and haven't started using it yet, but it seems promising at the moment. Loaded up and walking about my home, it feels comfortable and distributes the weight nicely, without getting in the way. It's got a zip opening without overflap and external pockets, making it convenient to use when shooting at the expense of providing much weather protection.

(One thing about it I like is that I can quickly pull the padded insert section out and fit the insert from my A&A ACAM 7100 bag instead, which is longer and slimmer, fits my gear better than the standard, more square insert.

BTW, there are two models. The "II" model adds a little bit of fancy piping and is otherwise identical. I didn't see much point to spending an extra $20 for that, paid $40 for the standard Passport Sling.)

at bh photo: http://www.bhphotovideo.com - Lowepro Passport Sling bag
​

It's worth looking at.

G

 

[merciless49]

Thanks Godfrey, I just looked at this particular one on Amazon and yes, it looks promising. I guess I'm not that much of a minimalist when carrying my gear around? But again, when I go outdoors I definitely don't haul a laptop/tablet. It's just nice to have, say, if I use the bag for traveling or on vacation.

The Tenba messengers also look quite nice. I'm definitely trying to find a decent bag for all occasions, so messenger-style may not be ideal in that regard. Thanks again!

 

[Marc G.]

Thanks Marc G., I just looked at this on Amazon and these bags seem quite large and bulky.

Seems like a better route to go may be to buy inserts and just pop them into whatever bag I am using?

thats why i said series. I had the 3N1-33 which is bulky (but not even close to a normal hiking backpack!), yes, but can fit a lot. but there are 3N1-10 e.g. oder the 20. these are a lot smaller and quite unobtrusive

 

[seakayaker1]

You may want to check out the f-stop line of bags. I use one to travel with but they also have several models for day trips and hiking.

http://fstopgear.com/product/black-box/street-pro


Good luck with your search . . . . .

 

[back alley]

the never ending search...you guys have me looking at bags again...damn!!

i see that think tank has a new line called 'city walker'...they look good but i don't think they are available yet.

 

[merciless49]

thats why i said series. I had the 3N1-33 which is bulky (but not even close to a normal hiking backpack!), yes, but can fit a lot. but there are 3N1-10 e.g. oder the 20. these are a lot smaller and quite unobtrusive

Yup, I meant to say that I looked at all 3 (3N1-33, -20, and -10) and the 10 may work for me, I just have to see if I can find it in physical form to try out. But from the pictures they look bulky, in general, but that may just be due to the design more than anything else. My hiking day pack is a rather nice size, but fishing things out of there can be annoying at times.

 

[merciless49]

You may want to check out the f-stop line of bags. I use one to travel with but they also have several models for day trips and hiking.

http://fstopgear.com/product/black-box/street-pro


Good luck with your search . . . . .

Thanks Dan, these look great! Several options to ponder, now.

 

[merciless49]

the never ending search...you guys have me looking at bags again...damn!!

i see that think tank has a new line called 'city walker'...they look good but i don't think they are available yet.

Joe, it is true, there is no perfect bag! But, like I said earlier, I'd like to at least find a good all-around bag so I won't have to have too many bags around. I'll have to look at think tanks when that one comes out!

 

[Marc G.]

Yup, I meant to say that I looked at all 3 (3N1-33, -20, and -10) and the 10 may work for me, I just have to see if I can find it in physical form to try out. But from the pictures they look bulky, in general, but that may just be due to the design more than anything else. My hiking day pack is a rather nice size, but fishing things out of there can be annoying at times.

with these katas you usually got a daypack but everything I fit in there could be accessed really quick, especially the camera for quick shots. otherwise it was quite okay. since dslr isnt simply my style anymore the kata went to another owner easily. they are very practical backpacks. you can put on a tripod holder and your full equipment is ready to go

best thing that I rarely see in backpacks is that you can switch from 1-strap-carrying to 2-strap like a backpack and then pull out the waist strap for a third attachment to the body... again, very comfortable and practical

 

[semrich]

Here is the backpack I use around town and traveling, I'm rarely without it. I've used a number of different messenger bags and backpacks all nondescript and non camera specific. I carry all my cameras and lenses in neoprene coverings and just stick them in the backpack. Gear is heavy enough to carry I prefer to not have an ounce more than necessary to carry coming from the backpack I've been using a Golite bag for 4 years and won't use anything else. My back search is over.

http://www.golite.com/Rush-10L-Pack-Unisex-P46809.aspx