Pack vs Bag

[Al Patterson]

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.

The Retrospective 7 looks less conspicuous than my Tenba Messenger in Orange though. I was looking at a Pinestone one, but went with a black Sub Urban Disguise 30 so I could carry my tablet with my DSLR. The Tenba fits. 15" laptop.

 

[noisycheese]

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 have a Pacsafe daypack that is similar to this one
( http://pacsafe.com/metrosafe-350-gii-anti-theft-daypack ) which I use when theft is a concern.

This bag has a built in steel mesh that prevents "cut and pilfer" type theft from a daypack that you are wearing on your back. It also has security features to prevent a thief from surreptitiously unzipping the bag and helping him/herself to the contents.

It does not have a camera insert, but I put my camera and lenses in Zing neoprene pouches to protect them from banging around. You could also put an insert from another camera bag in it if you wanted to go that route.

Pacsafe also has a large selection of messenger bags, a couple of camera bags and other anti theft luggage and products that are worth checking out.

 

[furcafe]

I almost always carry the camera(s) I'm using diagonally across chest "bandolier" style (never have to worry about it slipping off the shoulder or bouncing around). Occasionally, when I need the maneuver the camera into an unusual position (e.g., overhead), the strap goes around my neck. Any bulky extra gear or other things (iPad, books, water bottle, etc.) normally goes into a messenger bag (Chrome brand, w/seatbelt release) or business bag w/strap (if I'm somewhere that requires a "dressier" look) w/inserts for the fragile stuff.

 

[wilonstott]

I have a Pacsafe daypack that is similar to this one
( http://pacsafe.com/metrosafe-350-gii-anti-theft-daypack ) which I use when theft is a concern.

This bag has a built in steel mesh that prevents "cut and pilfer" type theft from a daypack that you are wearing on your back. It also has security features to prevent a thief from surreptitiously unzipping the bag and helping him/herself to the contents.

It does not have a camera insert, but I put my camera and lenses in Zing neoprene pouches to protect them from banging around. You could also put an insert from another camera bag in it if you wanted to go that route.

Pacsafe also has a large selection of messenger bags, a couple of camera bags and other anti theft luggage and products that are worth checking out.

Dude. This is my incognito bag of choice. I've mentioned it on here before and no one ever seems to believe me. The backpack is tiny--incredibly slim and compact compared to anything else I've seen that's built to its standards. However, I can fit a lot of stuff in it without cramming. Thing is tough as nails. Plus, it's one of the most aesthetically nondescript backpacks I've ever seen.

I can fit a Clik Elite Compact Camera Capsule inside, and that essentially makes the bag double tiered.

Here's the Clik Capsule: http://www.clikelitestore.com/product_p/ce510re.htm

I can put a camera and lens on top of the Capsule lid if I need to.

Size comparison, fully loaded, next to a Domke F-6:

And one of the straps has a hook-and-latch fixture, so you can anchor it to a chair (security feature for the bag). However, I tend to only wear one strap, so I wrap one over the other.

If I'm in and out of the bad a lot--I know some people don't like having to set them down--I'll actually wear the back backwards, so the top loop faces forward (make sense? only works if you're wearing on one shoulder), and then I can get in and out of it fairly fast.

So, yea, I think this is most undercover and secure bag I've been able to devise. I think Pacsafe makes some great stuff.

 

[back alley]

for security, I carry a knife...

I prefer shoulder bags...I'm too big for a back pack to wear it comfortably...

 

[seakayaker1]

I use a Artisan & Artist ACAM 7100 the majority of the time, usually 2 M bodies with lens and accessories.

I do have a f-stop backpack that I use when traveling to transport gear, laptop and enough clothes if it is a short trip without checking luggage.

There may come a time when I may use a small backpack full time instead of the A&A bag since it is easier on the back when taking long walk a bouts.

Worst case is just carry one camera with lens and get rid of all the weight as I age.

 

[Dave Jenkins]

This one looks really good to me: http://pacsafe.com/metrosafe-gii-100-anti-theft-shoulder-bag

However, I can't find any information about the size. I am entirely micro 4/3s for travel, and if this bag will hold my stuff (three bodies, three lenses plus a few accessories), I will buy it for an upcoming trip to El Salvador.

 

[wilonstott]

This one looks really good to me: http://pacsafe.com/metrosafe-gii-100-anti-theft-shoulder-bag

However, I can't find any information about the size. I am entirely micro 4/3s for travel, and if this bag will hold my stuff (three bodies, three lenses plus a few accessories), I will buy it for an upcoming trip to El Salvador.

I'm not sure, man. I just bought my bag and the Clik happened to fit. I can fit 3 bodies, a lens, flash, and film.

Looking at that thing, you may want to size up one. Depth is the issue. They are some somewhat narrow.

 

[Ronald M]

gym bag with domke inserts or lenses put into homemade bags made from old sweatshirts.

leave the monster Nikon/Canon digital lenses home. Put the leica lenses in your pocket.

Wear an old shirt, scruffy shoes, worn jeans, generally look poor so you are not a target.

Don`t drive your big black SUV.

Bring a friend, a large fellow, or a colt, or decide ahead of time to give up the gear peacefully. A local bank was robbed a week ago with nothing but a note to hand over cash. Citi Bank employees complied. A big risk for a few $ and you commit a federal offense. The FBI was there pretty fast. At least they can`t get him for armed robbery.

Honestly no picture is worth risking being mugged.

 

[Godfrey]

This one looks really good to me: http://pacsafe.com/metrosafe-gii-100-anti-theft-shoulder-bag

However, I can't find any information about the size. I am entirely micro 4/3s for travel, and if this bag will hold my stuff (three bodies, three lenses plus a few accessories), I will buy it for an upcoming trip to El Salvador.

tall and deep like that doesn't work for me. i'm always fumbling about looking for what I need and can rarely use the space efficiently. most of my equipment is short, rather than long.

i prefer the ACAM 7100 design. shallow and a little long works a lot better.

G

 

[Dave Jenkins]

i prefer the ACAM 7100 design. shallow and a little long works a lot better. G

Beautiful, but $249 is a total deal-killer.

 

[johannielscom]

The unknown-model Billingham I use has a back-carrying harnass. It didn't come with it but I kept it from an earlier bag that I sold.

Doesn't make it a backpack, but at least I can carry it on my back if need arises.

But, I might bring a small Barnack kit in a lovely vintage, worn-leather Perrin case to Berlin next week.

I prefer shoulder bags for easy access, and when it gets crowded I carry them messenger-style on the front and move the wallet to a front jeans pocket too, but my back sometimes requests abstinence from a shoulder bag. Even if it's a light one...

Decisions, decisions...

 

[Sejanus.Aelianus]

for security, I carry a knife...

You wouldn't want to do that in Britain, on account of 4 years in prison will severely limit your picture taking...

😀

 

[wilonstott]

You wouldn't want to do that in Britain, on account of 4 years in prison will severely limit your picture taking...

😀

Yea--I know the knife thing is a partial joke, but whenever I talk about 'security' with a camera bag, it mostly has to do with opportunistic crime.

You never see good pickpockets and bag snatchers in the act--you just turn around and your stuff's gone.

The other thing has to do with attracting attention.

Honestly, I think any shoulder bag stands out more than a plain backpack, and this includes smaller shoulder bags.

Actually, I think a small bag like a Domke f-5xb stands out. It may not scream camera bag, but it screams special purpose. I actually own that bag, and everyone knows what's in it--the door guy, people on the street, 16 year old waitress says something about my "camera bag" and I don't even have the camera out (every time I just mentioned, I didn't have a camera out).

Don't get me wrong. I love my Domke F6. Love it. Perfect bag.

Everybody knows what's in it.

Little black backpack? Then I'm just a dude with a little black backpack.

Yea, it's not as convenient and doesn't look as cool, but let's face it, if you really want to fly under the radar, go get yourself an old Jansport and put some inserts in it. Become invisible.

Aesthetically, that's about what that PacSafe bag is, except it's only a few notches shy of being bullet proof. Why not, right?

Now I'm not trying to fear-monger. If I'm in an area that isn't known for opportunistic or street crime, F6 all the way. If I'm in a dodgey location with shadey characters at a questionable hour (or any combination of those circumstances), I'm taking a backpack.

 

[semilog]

A key part of personal safety is being able to run away. I can run fast with trainers and a small backpack. I cannot run fast with a satchel.

The best gear insurance is gear insurance.

 

[E__WOK]

A key part of personal safety is being able to run away. I can run fast with trainers and a small backpack. I cannot run fast with a satchel.

The best gear insurance is gear insurance.

Rotate the satchel to the front of your body when you run just like what Jack Bauer does.

 

[KevinS]

I carried lots of gear in a shoulder bag for years when I did assignments and it was a real workout. For stock shooting I tried a medium sized backpack and loved it; so much more comfortable. As others have said, access to a backpack isn't quick, but I could swing it to the ground real fast when needed. But after that whatever dirt, water, or most often snow that was on the ground was on my back. So after that wore out I got a small, black Lowepro (Flipside 200) that solved that problem. The access is between the straps so no problems with setting it down. Also, no spills if the zipper gets left open by mistake. It's small enough that I even take it on ski lifts. Very comfortable, but narrow, it fits tightly on my back. I put a DSLR w/70-200 in the middle, plus 2-3 lenses, batteries and cards.

 

[Bill Clark]

When I was doing on location gigs, I used Pelican 1510 case for cameras and lenses. It fits quite nicely in the overhead compartment of most commercial aircraft. I used a cloth case for lights and accessories and a case for stands.

Now I have a small case, a Lowepro Event Messenger 100 that holds one rangefinder camera with 50mm lens attached, film and light meter.

A lady I met, oh it's probably at least 10 if not 15 years ago, did some work in New York City and she carried her Hasselblad (film) camera in a brown grocery bag. She felt as I do, that many camera bags offer an invitation to letting know a thief I've got some expensive stuff here.

 

[Chuck Albertson]

Neither, at the moment. I tend to use a belt bag (an old Domke F-5Xsomething). It's easy to work out of (don't use a lot of gear) and if I have to squat or climb something for a different angle, it doesn't throw me off balance and cause me to fall under a bus.

In rough areas, it's like the guy in the Dos Equis commercial says: "The right look will usually suffice."

 

[giellaleafapmu]

This one looks really good to me: http://pacsafe.com/metrosafe-gii-100-anti-theft-shoulder-bag

However, I can't find any information about the size. I am entirely micro 4/3s for travel, and if this bag will hold my stuff (three bodies, three lenses plus a few accessories), I will buy it for an upcoming trip to El Salvador.

How is this "anti-theft"? Where I live if someone wants what you have he comes with a bud and a knife, the bud stays at a distance with hands in pockets implying he has a gun and they ask you politely to give to them whatever you have, I don't see how this bag could change anything in this pattern.

GLF