Need ideas for commuting messenger bag

[Spicy]

Hey all,

I'm looking for a THIN (when empty 4"-5", preferably less than 6") messenger-style bag that'll be used mostly for iPad 2 (smaller than iPad 1 and the case is only the front part) + Rangefinder gear, as well as paperwork for class. Think of it as a combo college-classes/photography-excursion satchel bag. Light-duty commuting, not "carry all my photography gear at once" kind of thing.

It needs to be able to hold:
-An iPad 2 and basically 2 standard sized single-subject ringed notebooks
-A yet to purchase M5 (likely) or M2/3/4/6 (less likely) body
-*Maybe* a backup IIIc but probably not
-A total of 2~3 lenses (maybe 2 M mounts and an LTM)
-Some film

I'll probably take the lenses off the bodies to put them in the bag, so that should free up a bit of flexibility regarding how the gear is arranged in the bag.

Being able to walk quickly, incognito, through narrow/crowded markets in Asia is one of it's main objectives, so size is important to me. I want as small as possible while still being able to accommodate that ^ kit.

Other priorities are, in no particular order, low-profile but classy/formal(ish), preferably doesn't scream "I HAVE EXPENSIVE STUFF IN ME," and decent build-quality/rugged enough to not be worrying about it while strolling around through crowds. Lightweight would be nice. It doesn't have to be built like a tank, as it isn't going to be taking tons of abuse. Just light duty walking around and maybe some travel. "Sturdy," I guess...

I've been looking at some options, and have come up with the Domke F-803 (802 seems too large), the UrbanClassic Ryker ($$$$ and possibly too small), and the Artisan and Artist ACAM 7000/7100/7200, which I've yet to research, but it looks like they're wayyyyy too thickly padded. I don't really like the Crumpler bags style - too immature.

The Domke looks just about perfect, size-wise, except that it looks like it can only fit the iPad in the back pocket, which would be potentially concerning in the rain/snow. It might be possible to fit it inside, but I'm not sure if that would interfere with the padding... But otherwise, something nice and narrow like it would be perfect, I think. Maybe slightly more narrow but a bit taller and longer.

*Whew* that's quite the novel, heh... Anyone have any thoughts, or other bags/manufacturers that I don't know of?

Thanks,
~Spicy

 

[EthanFrank]

I carry very similar gear and the Domke F-803 is absolutely perfect.

 

[Matus]

I have a messenger styled bag from Courierware, but would not recommend it for iPod (the bag is soft), but what about the Retrospective 5 from ThinkThank photo ? The F-803 looks indeed like a nice bag though.

EDIT: iPad can bet fit in Retrospective 5, but it is probably not the optimal solution. See HERE

 

[RobVinc]

That about the Timbuk2 Snoop Camera http://www.timbuk2.com/tb2/products/snoop-camera-messenger ?

Or just any messenger bag you like with an insert..

 

[Spicy]

I'd prefer tall and narrow (roughly the size of say, a businessman's attache case), so I can wear it behind me and not have people jostling me as I slip by them. The short squat ones would fit all my stuff, but the problem is that they'd stick out from my body enough to always be bumping into people. A nice streamlined bag would be perfect.

I'm digging the look of the Wotancraft Ryker, but it seems a) expensive, and b) too small to fit an iPad 2 in... Does anyone know for sure?

 

[nightfly]

Just get a nice insert and pick whatever bag you want.

I just picked up a Crumpler Haven in the small size and it fits an M body with a lens attached with room for a second camera or a few lenses. I fold back the top (it has a drawstring top) and it's very easy to grab the camera from my Jack Spaade (minus one "a", the thought police think it's a derogatory term if I spell it correctly) bag.

I find most camera bags are either over built or not the right size or ugly. So I much prefer being able to just drop the insert into whatever bag I want. Leaves more room for other stuff. Better for me than having a bag with all those built in dividers/padding.

 

[Tzelet]

I'd prefer tall and narrow (roughly the size of say, a businessman's attache case), so I can wear it behind me and not have people jostling me as I slip by them. The short squat ones would fit all my stuff, but the problem is that they'd stick out from my body enough to always be bumping into people. A nice streamlined bag would be perfect.

That's not the bags fault, it's how you wear it. I have the Timbuk2 Snoop and when I put it on and strap it properly it's not bumping into anyone. Here's the idea:

This bag is huge compared to a small Snoop, but you get the idea.

Compared, this is how every other idiot uses their messenger bags:

It doesn't matter what bag it is - if you're gonna wear it like this.

 

[ottluuk]

My €0.02:

Don't worry about the brands that people talk about on the internet. Go to a brick&mortar shop where you can look and touch and examine stuff. Don't go to a camera shop, go to a bag shop, the kind of place that would sell traveling luggage. Chances are that you will find something decent and if you don't like anything you see, at least you get a much better idea of what to look for on the web.

I was looking for a small shoulder bag that could hold a small camera or two (M4 and GRD-III), a paperback, notebook, film etc. I thought out roughly what I wanted (thick canvas, thin or no padding, no crazy decorations, NO VELCRO, easy access), went to a shop, spent 20 minutes browsing, came home with a €37 bag by http://www.trooplondon.com/ (can't find the exact model on their website, they have way too many). Nicely made, practical design, no sticker shock. The £350 Fogg satchel is 10x better? Yeah, right.

 

[ottluuk]

---
I'll probably take the lenses off the bodies to put them in the bag, so that should free up a bit of flexibility regarding how the gear is arranged in the bag.
---

Don't plan on doing this - just get a bag where your camera fits normally with a lens attached. What's the point of "walking quickly, incognito, through narrow/crowded markets" and then stopping to fumble your lens on camera so you could take a picture (also a perfect opportunity to drop your lens or camera). Rangefinder lenses are pretty small so you're not going to need a fat bag anyway. The worst case is a 90 or 135 lens where you are better off putting the camera nose down or sideways, and that's still only 3" thick (the height of an M body).

 

[back alley]

tamrac ralley 5

 

[Graham Line]

Domke 803 takes an ASUS Eee, M body, a couple lenses and miscellaneous stuff, and the strap is long enough to go over the shoulder and across the chest for biking, scootering or motorcycling.

Thieves will steal anything -- you just need to be aware of your surroundings.

 

[Spicy]

Good points, I suppose. Thing is that nice bags are tough to come by here (either outrageously expensive or anything but subtle), and I'm not exactly sure where to go about finding a padded insert making ANY bag a camera bag...

I'd either have the camera in my hand or in the bag for a reasonably long period of time. And most bags aren't small enough to necessitate removing the lens just to fit the camera into the bag...

I know most people wear the messenger bags like idiots... The thick ones will stick out even if you wear them correctly, though. I always wear it slightly slanted with the top slightly above the small of my back.

 

[ottluuk]

Good points, I suppose. Thing is that nice bags are tough to come by here (either outrageously expensive or anything but subtle), and I'm not exactly sure where to go about finding a padded insert making ANY bag a camera bag...

Tenba makes wraps: http://www.tenba.com/products/Messenger-10-inch-Wrap.aspx

Domke (among others) makes inserts http://www.tiffen.com/results.html?search_type_no=434&tablename=domke

Soft lens/camera pouches from Tamrac and Lowepro may be worth a look.

And while not so classy, a warm winter hat is enough to keep your gear banging into each other until you find something better.

 

[seajak]

Nightfly,

Thanks for the heads up on the Crumpler Haven. I have a Crumpler Seedy One messenger bag and I've been looking for a way to carry my small M kit (M6 with 35 'cron and 90 Tele-Elmarit) in it . The Haven looks just the ticket with the draw string keeping everything secure if the bag is filled with lots of other stuff. Price is right too 🙂.

cheers,
clay

 

[nightfly]

You're welcome. I've been using a Domke single insert for years with a cut up mousepad in the bottom inside a variety of messenger bags but it was falling apart so I sprang for the Crumpler. I actually think $45 for a insert is pretty expensive but it's nice and well made.

 

[seajak]

The price of the Haven does seems expensive until it's compared to the price of imported camera gear here e.g. AU$69 for a Zing camera case. And the retailers are wondering why they're losing sales to the internet.

clay