Camera Satchel

I guess the Crumpler range might have something?

I was looking at various fishing and game bags to see if they could be used as a camera bag that wasn't too obvious but not found a likely one yet. Probably don't give the right level of protection.
 
desf said:
I guess the Crumpler range might have something?

I was looking at various fishing and game bags to see if they could be used as a camera bag that wasn't too obvious but not found a likely one yet. Probably don't give the right level of protection.
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Most "game" bags or similar offer zero protection as they are designed for a completely different purpose. It's a shame tho, they are a great size :(.

Andy
 
You're right there Andy. The kit would have to be in pouches or something so not exactly easy to get to quickly but I'm going to keep looking.

Tim - How about Domke bags? Expensive but they have a great reputation.
 
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One of the biggest problems I came across with bags is that hardly anywhere stocks a decent variety and it can be tricky to judge dimensions by looking at a photo (or even when the specify measurements). Nothing beats actually throwing it over your shoulder and testing it.

Lowepro Exchange Messenger is what I went for as it can hold more than it looks but is very low profile. Costs hardly anything as well! :)
 
rjbell said:
Another option is buy padded inlays on ebay and stick the in any bag you like.
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/New-Folding-Partition-Padded-Camera-Bags-SLR-DSLR-Insert-Protection-Case-A21-/261025157958?pt=UK_Camera_Cases_Bags_Covers&hash=item3cc64fd346
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Best option IMO. I've found myself in a few places where it's nice not to have "I have a big expensive camera" printed on my bag, albeit mainly in third world cities. Means you can change the size of your bag whenever you want too!
 
Thanks all, some really good comments and suggestions.

I like the NatGeo bags as well as this one from Crumpler.
http://www.crumpler.eu/index.cfm?seite=photo&productID=6713&sprache=EN
These are probably ones I'll consider at a later point.

Ideally, the padded inlay would suit my needs for now as I will be spending a few months in Egypt where as Janitor said, it wouldn't be wise to have the type of bag I'd usually opt for. I just have to find one in UK stock because it seems the whole of Asia is suddenly taking a week off! I can just put the inlay into a plain canvas bag and job done.

Points all round.
 
Janitor. said:
Best option IMO. I've found myself in a few places where it's nice not to have "I have a big expensive camera" printed on my bag, albeit mainly in third world cities. Means you can change the size of your bag whenever you want too!
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Same here, I have a "manbag" from Next into which I've put an ebay camera bag liner (about £12) which means that I always have my X100 with me as well as day to day stuff such as my diary, pen(s) an apple, random bits of paper etc.

I was a little dubious about the whole manbag thing at first, but it's really usefull, I hardly ever go out without it, so much so that I'm toying with the idea of finding a leatherworker/saddler and getting a proper one made for me that should last a few lifetimes.
 
You'd look like Indiana Jones with those National Geographic bags!
 
Tim Grebin said:
So far the best thing I've found is this: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Lowepro-Pas...?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1348804663&sr=1-34

I'm looking for a messenger/satchel bag which can protect my camera+bits as well as carry some day to day essentials.

Has anyone had any experience with this bag? Or anything similar to recommend?
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I've just bought one of these to trek around the Atlas Mountains and Western Sahara. I think you've probably selected the ideal bag. In my case I need to fit in a Canon 5DMk2 with 24-70L attached, and this is quite long at about 20cm. I discovered that the padded camera box in the bag just about accommodates this with the lens hood reversed and quick release mount attached. The top zip is then quite tight, but do-able. In the smaller partition of the box I then still have room for my 24L lens and maybe a remote or something. There are an additional 3 internal pouches, one of which can accommodate my iPhone and the other two 5D2 batteries or CF cards, etc. This then leaves the bulk of the internal cavity empty into which I've put my big fleece jacket for cold desert nights! You could also have food, creams, provisions or more camera stuff if you like. On the outside of the bag are big pockets for maps, wipes, or whatever. These are not zippered or even sealable with Velcro or anything so you take a risk with these, although one would be hidden next to the wearer's side. The bottled water pouch at the front seems perfectly positioned too. All in all, this seems to be the near perfect bag for someone travelling light who needs to carry a professional camera, but also needs to pack some essential provisions and not look conspicuous. It allows you to wear it across the body and reach in to grab the camera quickly with one hand without having to stop, remove the bag, find somewhere to place it, take out the camera and then put the bag back on – not my idea of fun when on the move. The drawbacks I can see is that there is no tripod/monopod hook or anything, and the outside pockets and not protected from pick-pocketers! The pluses outweigh these though. None of the other bags in the thread allow you to pack so much non-camera stuff. Fine if you're on a day trip in an urban environment and can get access to shops and cafes for stuff, but if you’re genuinely out trekking you really need ‘more bag’!

Anyway, I’m going on Thursday, so when I return I’ll be able to provide a real-world verdict.
 
I use a generic eBay insert from China in a normal, day-to-day messenger bag (from ASOS, if you are interested). It looks nothing like a camera bag from the outside, which is perfect. Nothing shouts "rob me" faster than the word Lowepro on your bag :'(

Velcro inserts and sufficiently well padded, and I change it around depending on the camera type being used.
 
I bought one of these :

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Tuff-Luv-Shoulder-case-digital-camera/dp/B001C5PM96

Not a bad bag for the price, can fit my D90 with the 55-200 and a flash or another lens. There are two side pockets to hold a water bottle and one at the back for a magazine.

Have used it on a day out and the only think I would have liked is a zip on the internal pocket, apart from that it was comfortable and cheap.
 
efunc said:
I've just bought one of these to trek around the Atlas Mountains and Western Sahara. I think you've probably selected the ideal bag. In my case I need to fit in a Canon 5DMk2 with 24-70L attached, and this is quite long at about 20cm. I discovered that the padded camera box in the bag just about accommodates this with the lens hood reversed and quick release mount attached. The top zip is then quite tight, but do-able. In the smaller partition of the box I then still have room for my 24L lens and maybe a remote or something. There are an additional 3 internal pouches, one of which can accommodate my iPhone and the other two 5D2 batteries or CF cards, etc. This then leaves the bulk of the internal cavity empty into which I've put my big fleece jacket for cold desert nights! You could also have food, creams, provisions or more camera stuff if you like. On the outside of the bag are big pockets for maps, wipes, or whatever. These are not zippered or even sealable with Velcro or anything so you take a risk with these, although one would be hidden next to the wearer's side. The bottled water pouch at the front seems perfectly positioned too. All in all, this seems to be the near perfect bag for someone travelling light who needs to carry a professional camera, but also needs to pack some essential provisions and not look conspicuous. It allows you to wear it across the body and reach in to grab the camera quickly with one hand without having to stop, remove the bag, find somewhere to place it, take out the camera and then put the bag back on – not my idea of fun when on the move. The drawbacks I can see is that there is no tripod/monopod hook or anything, and the outside pockets and not protected from pick-pocketers! The pluses outweigh these though. None of the other bags in the thread allow you to pack so much non-camera stuff. Fine if you're on a day trip in an urban environment and can get access to shops and cafes for stuff, but if you’re genuinely out trekking you really need ‘more bag’!

Anyway, I’m going on Thursday, so when I return I’ll be able to provide a real-world verdict.
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Well, I've just returned from the trip and can confirm this bag is near perfect for my chosen purpose. It adequately held my camera, lens, spare lens, batteries, CF cards, Blower, lens pen, remotes, etc, as well as passport, maps, jacket, water, torches, food, fossils, bottled saharan sand...! etc. All while remaining light, stylish, unassuming and generally out-of-the-way. The camera is very quick and easy to whip out with one hand, even whilst on camel back!

The only thing I would add would be zips on the two outsie pockets, and add some more pouches on the inside, for stuff like remotes, lenspen, etc. Recommended. Shame there wasn't more options like this, but currently this is the ONLY bag like this. Unbeleivable really.
 
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Tim Grebin said:
So far the best thing I've found is this: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Lowepro-Pas...?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1348804663&sr=1-34

I'm looking for a messenger/satchel bag which can protect my camera+bits as well as carry some day to day essentials.

Has anyone had any experience with this bag? Or anything similar to recommend?

Many thanks.
Click to expand...

Not tried that bag, but I notice 2 things:-
13 reviews on Amazon and all are very good.
The design is very similar to those bags that are supposed to be easy on the carriers back.
 
After buying and selling dozens of bags, I have finally settled on a Domke F803. ( see HERE)

This is a keeper ( at long last!)

Allan
 
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