Which Bag? Hate Shipping Back and Forth

[ktmrider]

I live in El Paso, Texas, which has a population of over 800000 but no camera stores. I don't mind using Shutterbug and the internet for supplies but hate shipping back and forth when something is not what is needed or the wrong size (think ordering hiking boots by mail).

I will be traveling for 90 days leaving the US in mid August for Scotland, Spain, Morocco and other locations TBA. We are doing a 95 mile hike in Scotland and a 100 mile part of the Camino de Santiago in Spain so I need something light which can fit in a backpack while hiking and be easy to shoot while on the street. Also, a seven day horse trip in Morocco so it needs to be very comfortable to carry. And we plan to pack everything (clothes, boots, electronics etc) in a medium size backpack which we will probably lug on our hikes.

It needs to hold an M9 and 21/35/90 and perhaps a Mac Book Air and/or a second body although the jury is still out on the Mac and second body. I own several bags including the BBB, Domke 803 and original Domke so I may just use one of them. I have been looking at the Billinghams as well.

Open to suggestions. Am thinking the 803 comes closest among the bags I already own.

 

[Dan]

I have owned my 803 for years and think it'd be the perfect solution, especially since you already own it! Although, from what I've read, the BBB would probably do equally well.

Sounds like an amazing trip. Morocco is a very interesting country but tough to travel around. Be careful as anyone who even remotely thinks you've taken their picture will demand some money (get comfortable shooting from the hip).

 

[ktmrider]

803

803

Honestly, I will take either the 803 or BBB. The 803 for sure if I take an extra body. I really think I am looking for an excuse to buy a Billingham.

Different topic: back up would be either M2 or X100. Have only 3 months to decide.😀

 

[benji77]

Whooo, I love bag threads. Hehe.

I dont know if the Mac Air will fit, but the Domke F6 will be a nice addition with its wider base length. The other expensive option is a Billingham F1.4.

Bags.

2 is never enough :bang:

 

[shortstop]

I live in El Paso, Texas, which has a population of over 800000 but no camera stores. I don't mind using Shutterbug and the internet for supplies but hate shipping back and forth when something is not what is needed or the wrong size (think ordering hiking boots by mail). I will be traveling for 90 days leaving the US in mid August for Scotland, Spain, Morocco and other locations TBA. We are doing a 95 mile hike in Scotland and a 100 mile part of the Camino de Santiago in Spain so I need something light which can fit in a backpack while hiking and be easy to shoot while on the street. Also, a seven day horse trip in Morocco so it needs to be very comfortable to carry. And we plan to pack everything (clothes, boots, electronics etc) in a medium size backpack which we will probably lug on our hikes. It needs to hold an M9 and 21/35/90 and perhaps a Mac Book Air and/or a second body although the jury is still out on the Mac and second body. I own several bags including the BBB, Domke 803 and original Domke so I may just use one of them. I have been looking at the Billinghams as well. Open to suggestions. Am thinking the 803 comes closest among the bags I already own.

if you open a business, you may be the only camera store in El Paso. would be a great business. 800,000 potential customers 😎

 

[Sejanus.Aelianus]

I really think I am looking for an excuse to buy a Billingham.

OK, do you want style or light weight? Billinghams are superb but light weight? :angel:

 

[Sejanus.Aelianus]

If you're after light and comfortable, there's always the Crumpler Light Delight. I found a second hand 4000 in a local camera shop for £15. Empty, I can forget I'm wearing it. Full, the weight I feel is the kit in the bag.

 

[Godfrey]

A bag to carry laptop and all your camera gear is always tricky, the laptop tends to make the bag bulky.

The Tenba Messenger Mini (see http://www.tenba.com/Products/Messenger-Photo-Laptop-Bag-Mini-Black.aspx) is my favorite lightweight and protective bag in the size class you need that will carry a two-body, four-five lens kit plus 13" laptop easily, and it's also an excellent shoulder bag to work out of.

G

 

[Scrambler]

I'll give my standard travel packing advice, which is to read this site: onebag.com

I wouldn't take a camera bag myself because of the bulk. In transit the camera can be protected by clothing etc. I might consider a light padded insert. A lightweight carry bag (like a pocket bag) only if you plan to be staying in one place. If you are walking each day then simply pack the backpack for easy camera access.

I don't know your local suppliers. These are what I use:

Kathmandu Light Haul
Kathmandu Pocket Pack

The Light Haul has a laptop pocket. It is carry on compatible. The Pocket Bag is a grocery bag with backpack straps. It's main virtues are that it weighs less than a t-shirt and is as compact as a pair of socks. YMMV.

 

[hlockwood]

How about an iPad instead of the MB Air?

HFL

 

[ktmrider]

Love Pondering Equipment Choices.

Love Pondering Equipment Choices.

I love pondering equipment choices. And no matter what I take, things seem to work out OK in the end.

Daughter has the ipad mini. I have a larger Samsung. Packing any computer comes down to whither I decide to try post processing on the trip. Am thinking I will leave the computer at home and just treat the SD cards as undeveloped film. If anything, I would rather carry my M2 and film as extra weight vice the laptop. But talk about a back load of images (90 days worth plus film from the M2). It would give me something to do while the wife works 🙂.

Of course, my daughter loves to upload stuff to Facebook right away which is why I am trying to talk her into taking my X100. If she did, I would have a great backup and it would not weigh anything (in my pack anyway).

Again, thanks for all the recommendations. I will check them out later today but I suspect the Domke 803, F3X, D2 or BBB provide enough choice that I don't really need another bag. The plan is to check the backpacks and use a shoulder (camera) bag as carry on luggage. Then the shoulder bag goes into the backpack for hiking. Am just looking for the best combo of bags for maximum versatility.

And a reason to spend money as GAS has not been totally cured.😀

 

[stillshunter]

Depends on the size MBA you're considering toting. If 11" - which is what I am typing on as we speak - then I'd suggest the ThinkTank Retro 7 (TTR7). Has a nice dedicated pocket for the MBA11 with room enough inside for your nominated gear (lens stacked) plus backup. Not miscellany though….

Having said that I find mine heavy for everyday use…which equals rugged, which you would appreciate. Mostly around here I defer to the Timbuk2 XS w/- Domke 3 compartment insert…used interchangeably with the 803 or even the BBB…love their bags! The TTR7 spends most its time on the shelf but I'd seriously dust it off if the better half announced we were doing a trip like yours…sounds great!

 

[porktaco]

I looked at the timbuk2 snoop bags this week. I like them. the little one is probably too small for you, but the bigger one could work. lots of padding though, so it won't wad up real well into a backpack.

the temba mini looks remarkably awesome.