Out of town / walking camera bag

[FrozenInTime]

Anyone else tried Mountainsmith lumbar bags when photographing out in the field ?

Shoulder/courier bags are fine in town, but not so great after a few hours walking about.
Backpacks don't really provide quick access.

I like the hybrid shoulder/lumbar bag combination as it facilitates shifting the weight to the waist belt to reduce back strain on longer walks.

http://mountainsmith.com/products/all-lumbar-packs/tour.html

Japan Camera Hunter 'what's in your bag' inspired photo:

Mountainsmith Tour bag ( just upgraded my old one to this years model ) :

M6/Leicavit+21 C-Biogon , M-A/Leicavit+50 C-Sonnar ; 8x20 monocular ; ND filter, Kindle, Yaesu VX-3R ; headphones ; water ; snack bars ; Rab wind shell jacket.

View from Angel Island looking at Alcatraz and San Francisco .

 

[arseniii]

Looks like something the US military will use.
Interesting concept of a hybrid bag, I still think going lighter is a key for a healthy back...

 

[marcr1230]

Ok - tell me how you use the Yaesu ?

 

[Rob-F]

Looks like a good idea. I'll mention the Tamrac Convertible bags as also having this versatility, as they convert readily from fanny pack to shoulder bag. I have the smaller size and have pretty well worn it out. I tried the larger one and couldn't even lift it when fully packed. The smaller one is very comfortable. I will look into Mountainsmith!

 

[FrozenInTime]

Looks like something the US military will use.

That's an interesting observation:
The Mountainsmith bags have been around since the 1980's but the designs have recently updated from being only in bright colors / highlights to now including tactical hints and colors.
Military-like / tactical / e.g. molle gear is becoming more popular.

Perhaps this also helps distance the product from the effeminate bum-bag and fanny-pack connotations.

 

[FrozenInTime]

Ok - tell me how you use the Yaesu ?

Can't think of anything to do with photography either - like the kindle its mainly for idling away time.

I am a radio amateur - it has 2m and 70cm TX
( who knows; one day it may be useful in emergency out of cell coverage )
Also receives AM and FM broadcast radio, NOAA weather , marine VHF etc.

 

[finguanzo]

Noticed the radio too. Also a ham here, vx-5.

 

[rfaspen]

Here too. Got rid of all but my first Heathkit RX. No time for all my old hobbies.

 

[Ben Z]

With a small camera bag worn crosswise, a light unpadded bag can be worn on the other side, or a lightweight daypack. They don't interfere with each other, and the load is better balanced around my body vs all on one side pulling at my shoulder.

 

[kshapero]

Just bought my second A&A Penn Satchel Bag only this time I got the Black Label Bag brand. Was a knock off but now IMHO it exceeds the A&A bag.