Pack vs Bag

Bill Pierce

Bill Pierce

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How do you carry your cameras? Years ago I was ripped off in two rather rough neighborhoods with a couple of folks hitting me and grabbing my rather obvious camera bags. From that time on I started using rather nondescript backpacks to carry my gear in rougher urban areas. I still do. And because even more folks seem to use backpacks these days, I attract even less attention than I used to.

Of course, backpacks don't give you instant access when you need to change cameras, lenses, whatever; so, in many cases you would think a conventional bag would be better - except for the fact that with the ever increasing popularity of zoom lenses that keep improving in quality, you change cameras and lenses much less often. Besides, as an official old person, I can backpack more weight before my spine starts to whine and complain. And am I the only one whose camera bag strap keeps slipping off his shoulder when he puts himself in some weird posture to get a shot?

I'm using backpacks more and camera bags less. That makes me feel sad because there are some beautiful camera bags out there, and the folks who design and build them deserve our support. Well..... Your thoughts? What are you using to carry your cameras, large cel phone, lunch, sun glasses, camera batteries and house keys in these days? And why?
 
Backpacks make you feel less conspicuous and you are. I use both, but the backpacks have bit me more than once when I forgot to close it and then grab it to go. Lens falls out and that's $150 repair. But if I'm going into an iffy neighborhood I use a small well-worn Lowepro backpack. I haven't looked recently as I've accumulated enough bags of all types to last a lifetime, but why hasn't anyone designed a small backpack that stands upright, accesses from the top, and balances well on one shoulder? And, looks distressed, not valuable.
 
I'm afraid this is all very personal. I've used both messenger style bags, backpacks and slingshot bags. In the end I prefer the traditional messenger style bags: because the goods are in front of me and not on my back where I can't see them. And yes, I've been with all three options in neighborhoods where you'd be concerned about your belongings.
 
I never could get used to the backpack. When I shot stock the worst part about a backpack was putting the thing down to retrieve gear and then having a wet back.
 
I like a backpack for "slow" photography -- in the field shooting landscapes and such with more gear. Otherwise, I prefer messenger style, where everything is readily accessible. Although I don't often carry much. No problem with slippage because I carry the bag across the body. I find sling bags the most functional, but just don't like the look.

Of course, if you don't change bodies or lenses often, but want extra gear just in case, a backpack is great. Like you say, it's the most comfortable. And least conspicuous.

John
 
It depends on the gear I am carrying, which depends on what I am shooting.

If I am in Costa Rica to shoot in the rainforest, I would bring a DSLR and long lenses. For may back's sake, I would use a backpack. If street shooting in an urban area, I prefer quick access, which means a shoulder bag. However, if I have to carry more than a camera, and it gets to the point where weight on one shoulder becomes an issue, then I go back to a backpack.

Being inconspicuous and a lot of common sense is always good for safety and possible theft. But if yor would-be assailants are keen on physically assaulting you, i.e., robbery versus theft, then it really won't matter if you were carrying a shoulder bag or backpack.
 
My favourite ways to go out shooting, are with a camera ready and in my hand (with a wrist strap), or slung bandolier style across my chest if possible (like with an M). The weather here in Ireland makes a bag a necessity though, and have always favoured shoulder bags. After an unexpected back op, I have to review my choices, and think I will lean either towards back pack, or else strive for a camera small & light enough that toting it in a shoulder bag will not be an issue.

I've never liked back packs the way most photographers have used them, ie transforming themselves into pack mules with about 20lbs of camera-related kitchen sink, but a small, light back pack would appeal to me. All in all, a back pack would not bother me, as I rarely change lenses, and would literally serve as a weather proof home for my camera when out and about.
 
i don't like backpacks because i feel like i'm going to get robbed from behind and i wouldn't even know, i've always used messenger bags. if you're walking around with a camera and someone wants it, you're going to be a target. i'm not sure how many thieves know exactly what cameras to go after.
 
I've tried to use backpacks several times and given up. A well designed shoulder or sling bag does the right thing for me in any urban situation. A solid box carrying case (with wheels, preferably; like a Pelican case) does the business in the field.

Most of the time, I just minimize what I carry and use a small nondescript shoulder bag, like a Lowepro Teraclime 100 or Passport Sling. That keeps me from choice paralysis (lack of choices) and is light enough not to hurt my neck, back or shoulders. I'm getting into the officially old category too. ;-)

G
 
On the one trip that my wife got excited about having camera gear she used a back pack. It was kind of embarrassing for our teenage girls as their mother was like a bull in a China shop with that thing on.

I've now condensed my (travel) gear down to fit into a messenger's bag. This next trip I may carry much more by using a large camera bag with a lot of gear, and an empty small bag in luggage. At the destination I can put what I want into the small bag depending on my mood at the time.

Not sure if I can do the back pack. Too much bulk and heat.
 
I don't need a very big bag for my kit and now prefer a shoulder bag slung across the chest and my camera carried the same way. I can quickly access what I need and can quickly put the camera away if conditions warranted.
 
I usually carry a light shoulder bag but when I went to DC to photograph the tea party rally a few years ago I wore a back pack & was quite comfortable carrying my gear around.
 
When I want a backpack, I stuff a Chinese foam insert into my Mammut or Overboard (depending on the weather) and away I go.

No-one's going to take anything from the bag without my knowledge, though I can fish out what I want quickly enough for my purposes. Anyway, they don't look much like they contain anything valuable and they're fine to carry all day long, although the Mammut is better for heavier kit because of its frame and mesh back system.

:D
 
I carry a beater Domke bag. I know that if the people in the neighborhoods I work in often want my camera, there is little I can do to stop them.
 
I own or have owned pretty much every type and style and size of camera bag and backpack. I found that backpacks are great for larger and heavier gear, such as DSLRs and zooms or telephotos. The big problem with them is having to take them off and on to get at the gear, and also having to set them down while getting at the gear. If the ground is dirty/muddy or wet and there isn't a bench or a ledge or a rock nearby, that's a problem. OTOH shoulder bags that accomodate large gear tend to stick out from one's body (and one's center of gravity) which is uncomfortable and unweildy (especially in a crowd or when the ground is slippery). Nothing is perfect.

One invention I found essential is the OP-Tech SOS bag strap. It is made of a stretch material and acts as a shock absorber to the shoulder as the bag bounces while I walk. It makes the load feel half its actual weight.

For security I like bags that have both a shoulder strap and a waist belt, like the Domke F5XB. It won't deter armed robbery, but it will deter snatch&grab thieves. When I travel I carry the little Domke bag in a PacSafe backpack, which has thick cables sewn into it to prevent it being slashed, and also a cable that can secure the bag to an immovable object in a hotel room.
 
I don't like backpacks,and am moving towards messenger bags. I do have a few standard camera bags, but I want to replace them with messenger bags with photo inserts.
 
The trouble with backpacks is you have to take them off to get things in and out. Slingpacks might be an idea, though I tried one and found it not as comfortable or handy as I'd hoped. Al may be on the right track here, with messenger bags. I like my Domke 803 messenger bag--it even holds a Hasselblad and two lenses. I'm looking at the Think Tank Retrospective 7 as a possible second messenger bag. It is rather large and conspicuous though.
 
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