Finally have a perfect lightweight Bag (for me)

[wilonstott]

Alright. I've tried many bags--nay, many approaches to carrying gear, and this is best system I have heretofore come up with.

Here's what I needed the bag to hold:

Cameras:
Leica m2
Leica m4-p

Lenses:
Nokton 50mm f/1.5
M-Hexanon 50mm f/2
Nokton 35mm f/1.4
Ultron 28mm f/2
Skopar 21mm f/4
(plus hoods and all)

Misc:
Vivitar 2800 flash unit
omni-bounce
21mm finder
pigtail flash cord
filters: ND, Red, Yellow, DIY Polarizer
Tabletop Tripod (very small one--not the Leica one)
Gossen digisix
VC-II meter
Film (up to 15 rolls)
Pack of Flash Gels
Small notebook

Requirements:
Unobtrusive
Hard to pickpocket/unavailable for opportunistic crime
Backpack--(have done shoulder Domke--seems to get in the way and can get tight in crowds)
Easy to organize


Here is what I've found that works the best. (its a 2-part system)

Part 1: The Pacsafe 'Metrosafe 350)
Here's one guys review: http://www.practicalhacks.com/2010/03/02/quick-take-pacsafe-metrosafe-350-daypack/

It's small.
Only slightly bigger than a Jansport standard gradeschool pack but still has a decent amount of space.
Slash-proof and tamper proof zippers, and you can anchor it to stuff.

Part 2: I didn't use Domke inserts, but I thought about it. Rather, I bought the Clik Elite Compact Camera Capsule:

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/675858-REG/Clik_Elite_CE510RE_CE510RE_Camera_Capsule_Compact.html

It fits snuggly into the bottom of the pack, but still leaves room at the top.
Hence, I generally keep my lenses, flash, and one body in the capsule, and there's enough room for the other body+lens to sit on the top.
All of the other odds and ends go in the back pockets.

Final Points on why this works for me:
--Super inconspicuious
--Theft resistant (as long as I use the anti-theft mechanisms on the bag)
--SUPER FAST UNLOADING--I can pull 90% of the contents out of the bag in 2 moves--1) top body+lens comes out 2) capsule comes out.
--Clik Capsule zips up and can be put into other bags w/o worrying about stuff falling out.
--Still more useable space than my loaded Domke F-3X, and the Pacsafe takes up less space on my person--(i.e. the Domke feels very bulky)
--Changing cameras/lenses just as fast as a shoulder bag (you always have to stop with either one)


Anyway--just thought I'd share--do with it what you will.

 

[porktaco]

i have a pacsafe fanny pack (i know, i know) that is great for one camera (and maybe one lens) and some assorted battery/lightmeter extras.

 

[35mmdelux]

With all that gear you must be walking at an angle. Enjoy.

 

[wilonstott]

With all that gear you must be walking at an angle. Enjoy.

Sounds like a lot right.
When I wrote it out, that's exactly what I thought.
However, it's really not that much at all.
I hate being bogged down with gear.
I generally use a 35mm and 50mm (the hex) all the time.
All the other lenses (esp. the 21) are somewhat special purpose.

I just hate getting somewhere and wishing I had something with me.

All that gear still hardly takes up any space, and I bet it weights around 5 lbs (could be slightly less or more--I was never very good guessing weight).

For a mental picture--I have a hard time fitting my 13'' Apple laptop in the backpack--makes the sides poke out on the top.

Bag is small. Seems like much less than it is because the stuff is packed vertically.