How is This for a Camera Bag?

[ktmrider]

There seems to be a lot of interest on this forum in motorcycling and bicycling. I have a trip to SE Asia in February and have a motorcycle reserved for 9 days in Laos. The bike is a small 250 cc enduro so luggage will be limited. Either toting an X100 or M body with 35/90 lenses.

This is what I plan to use for a camera bag: http://www.aerostich.com/bags/shoul...ks/messenger-bags/aerostich-dispatch-bag.html

Reviews on the bag are all outstanding and Aerostitch is to motorcycle gear as a Nikon F is to legendary indestructible 35mm cameras.

 

[johannielscom]

I'd say that should do it. But, maybe wanna use the bag for some time at home already so it won't signal New Bag in Laos?

Normally whenever I shoot somewhere unknown, I try to fit in with the locals, at least in wearing old and worn clothes and shoes if that is what most people wear

 

[mrmeadows]

This bag seems a bit large for your planned use. Worse, it apparently doesn't have any provision for adjustable internal dividers to keep gear from banging into each other.

I travel a bit like you plan to travel and I use a somewhat smaller bag from Think Tank Photo. I can get 2 M8s, plenty of memory, five lenses, charger, extra batteries and cleaning supplies into my Retrospective 5.
http://www.thinktankphoto.com/products/retrospective-5-blueslate.aspx

Another bag I that sometimes use for a four lens kit is no longer available, but the Hubba-Hubba-Hiney is very close to the same size.
http://www.thinktankphoto.com/products/hubba-hubba-hiney.aspx
The big advantage of this one over the R5 is that I can wear it as a waist pack under the small backpack that I use for clothes, maps, phone, tablet, etc. That keeps my hands free for photographing, even when transporting all my possessions without having a shoulder bag swinging about.

Packing as much gear as I do in a small volume is made possible by the adjustable, thin but padded internal dividers which velcro to the insides of the bag and to each other. They also enable me to use the same bag simply for transport and for working out of once I reach my destination. I'd never use a bag that didn't have this capability.

Whatever gear you take and bag you carry it in, enjoy your travels and make some great photos. That, after all, is a main purpose of travel, I think.

--- Mike

 

[JMQ]

Is it waterproof? I'd be more concerned about keeping your gear dry if its rains.

 

[Rob-F]

Something more drab in appearance might be better. My raggedy old Domke F5XB would hold that bit of gear. But to follow up on JMQ's point about water resistance, what about a small Think-Tank in Pinestone green or other subdued color? I think they come with a rain cover.

There are some good bag reviews on You Tube.

 

[ktmrider]

Primary use is for lots and lots of motorcycle travel (perhaps RTW next summer). I own bags from an original Domke F2 (as well as a couple smaller Domkes) purchased from Jim Domke when he still made them himself down to a BBB and a couple rigid Pelican cases.

Am traveling light so things have to serve more then one purpose. The bag is waterproof, comes with an optional insert, and will not be unobtrusive as I got it in day glow yellow for riding visibility.

Besides the Leica, it will probably carry binos, tablet, lunch and water, and passport. Again, I may go RTW next summer and total luggage will be a backpack which I can carry on and perhaps this bag as it can hold more then just a camera and a couple lenses. Think versatility and durability,

 

[Landshark]

I've dealt with Aerostitch for years and have yet to find a product that wasn't high quality.

The only complaint I had was with the availability of their cloaking device. It was always on backorder.

 

[ktmrider]

Aerostitch-American Made and Outstanding Quality

Aerostitch-American Made and Outstanding Quality

Yup, I put 11 years and 150000 miles on my Darien before having to replace it (with another Darien).

This bag is not optimum for photography but it was designed for motorcycling. Will it work as a camera bag? Yes. Would I rather use one of my other bags for photography? Yes. Would they work as well on the motorcycle? No. Can I take ALL my cameras and lenses on the trip with me? No, not even on a Honda Goldwing.

 

[ktmrider]

Update

Update

I just returned from 10 days motorcycling in Laos. The Aerostitch bag worked great on the bike but as I suspected and others noted, it is too big for shooting out of. I carried an M9 with 21/50/90 lenses inside a BBB which was inside the Aerostitch while riding allowing instant access but used the BBB when off the motorcycle.

Would recommend the Aerostitch Courier bag as a great way to carry a camera and other things while riding