Camera Shoulder Bag VS Backpack, which one? (ft. Morally Toxic Valkyrie & Wraith) - RED35 Review

[@azpiazu]

I have both a messenger-type and a backpack and I use both of them, depending on the situation. I use the messenger one for day-to-day activities, or street photography, and the backpack for more trekking-like situations, where I'll be waking in more difficult terrain, or longer distances, since the weight is distributed better.

[@MrFirstdance2000]

Great video...so glad you are back in the saddle!! My answer regarding your query, when to use it, and what I am using. Easy answer, Shoulder bag for a day out that has a specific location and understanding of what you are going to shoot. Backpack, hikes, overnights, all-day shoot where I can bring most of what I have and make sure I am ready for any circumstance. (When I say most, I don't mean everything, just what might be used for a landscape so that I cover at least 10- 300mm of ground with, of course, a 1.4x in tow) Also, there are those times that a friend tells you..."You need to go to this location" who knows what you'll find:) I use the Caden shoulder bag and, for my backpack, the Endurax, extra-large. I can get 2 Olympus Emi MK ii's, and 3 lenses mid-size, and one large lens (300 or 40-150pro) in the backpack. Very safe and very cost-efficient! I love the direction you are taking us...a salad bar of info is always much preferred!

[@berntlie6799]

I tend to use a shoulder bag -- mainly because I like to travel in Southern Europe, where a backpack makes my shirt get soaked after 5 minutes. The downside is some back problems. I wish there were backpacks that don't lead to sweating...

[@JosephHawkins]

Backpack - New Shimoda V2 i awesome - there are three sizes - 25-30-35 liter. - i have the middle one thin low profile but good space for a day outing and well organized

[@Red35Photography]

I know Shimoda, they are designed for hiking and world travelling, definitely pretty cool. Valkyrie here is more an urban version of it, the new dividers are pretty solid for protection.

[@JosephHawkins]

Excellent review - your points about learning what kind of photographer you are and need to be are spot on - and i agree one cannot do with just one bag - as with camera gear - the carry must be taylored to the task. Keep up the great tutorials ( ie im an Olympus shooter - love this system )

[@Forthejoyofphotography]

My #1 is comfort. I have used a messenger-style bag. But it just pulled on my shoulder and strained my neck. So my personal choice is a backpack every time. I have several sizes of the backpack to alternate between - depending on where I am going, what I am carrying and what I am doing. I have gone for the Shimoda Explorer V2 35 and 25L.

[@15ThousandDayCrisis]

It’s an illness. Highly personal choice though. I use messenger bags for street/general use, but worn cross body if carried for any length of time. Backpacks for nature/landscape. I have a sling for walks with the dog, and another bag especially for hanging off the front bars of my bike. One thing I’ve never found is a camera specific backpack that is as comfortable as a decent hiking pack. I’ve used inserts in a normal hiking pack for longer bush walks…not ideal, but I tend to hang my camera off a strap so it’s good to go. Getting at equipment with this setup is a bit of a pain though. My most used at the moment are the Lowepro ProTactic 450 backpack and the ONA Bowery small messenger (because, well, it doesn’t really look like a camera bag at all). I can switch down to the ProTactic 350 if I don’t need the space out in nature, and can switch up to the ONA Union St if I want to carry more into the office. I have others…how much time do you have? Yes, it’s definitely an illness.

[@jaypp9372]

I have both also, I use the backpack for camera and lenses and the shoulder bag for my 3 AD100 Pros and accessories.

[@rwilifeandtravel]

I've ended up with far too many bags over the years. Some I use for street photography, some for wildlife, and others when travelling. Generally I prefer shoulder bags for when I'm not carrying much gear (usually a camera body and one or two lenses). Shoulder bags are great when there is not much weight. If I need a lot of gear with me then it's always a backpack. I once use to carry a lot of gear in a shoulder bag and I enjoyed the quick access but the weight was unpleasant after a while. Unfortunately there is no perfect bag so I use the bag suited to my needs on the day.

[@frankvrba6247]

Nice looking. I like the style of the material they are made from. Accessibility is a big thing for me, too. A side opening access panel is a must.

[@Red35Photography]

Thanks Frank. Yes, the new fabric is unique and feels soft at the same time.

[@w0lfyovi294]

I prefer the holster bag, mainly the Crumpler products, over messenger ... especially for the summer. I have a very large one that fits 2 zoom lenses and a body or one zoom and 3 medium size primes, and a compact size that fits just the super zoom lens or 2 smaller primes for when I am more focused on what kind of images I want to make. The backpack is mostly for commuting and short travels (I haven't been doing much long travels lately).

[@frankinblackpool]

I have a Vanguard shoulder bag for all my video equipment for two main reasons. The main reason is that the bag does not scream "Camera bag please rob me". And the second reason is I can get to all my stuff without putting the bag down. I live beside the sea and sand is bad, very bad. If I need a back pack, then I use one of my climber's rucsac's. You're go to have to put the bag on the ground and rummage around as normal. And the bag does not scream "Camera bag, please rob me" And a climber's rucsac is designed to be rugged for outdoor environments. A photography backpack isn't, no matter how good the marketing says.

[@joestrahl6980]

Hi and thanks for your perspective on this never ending "debate" on bags. I have a retrospective shoulder bag...and then have repurposed two backpacks (no designed for photography) for the times when I take "everything" or will be going longer distances. In the later cases, I need more room for hat, gloves, extra layers, food, thermos and so on. It seems that the problem is (most reviewers say so) that fewer regular backpacks work well for photographers and most photography backpacks are not really good for very long excursions because there is not enough space for other stuff a.k.a. snacks, rain gear, thermos, and so on. Do you have a suggestion? Point nr two is that most camera bags seem to be designed around "larger cameras" and so tend to be too deep (front to back) for smaller cameras like many MFT. In this case the total volume is ok but you end up carrying unused space front to back. Any suggestions there? From what I can tell, no one has ever done a MFT specific camera bag whick also includes snack plus space. But the ThinkTank 26 and 36 might be possible?

[@micahgin]

I am currently using a Lowepro BP400 drone bag as my primary camera bag. It's big enough to store all of my gear (a couple of bodies and a dozen or so lenses including my old Tamron 60b beast). I also like it because it's got a hard shell on the outside which offers a lot of protection for getting bumped around. It doesn't have any external access compartments which sucks for quick access, but is great for theft protection when out in crowded urban areas. It's also discontinued and can be found for around $50 USD here in the states.

[@Red35Photography]

I know about these drone bag, I had one from Manfrotto years ago too, but they are a little too bulky walking around city. There are lots of different bags aim for different 'environment', Valkyrie here is more an urban explorer type.

[@joeytide3298]

KZbin puts so many commercials head of the videos that I forget what I was trying to view, LOL. I was just taken by surprise when I finally heard your familiar voice.

[@ghas4151]

Compagnon Element Sling 15, check it out. Very comfortable for a sling, with excellent build quality and a clever layout with the roll top.

[@NikCan66]

Depending on the event and kit requirements as I use both messenger, backpack and roller bags but thse dividers are an excellent idea,

[@25palex]

lowerpro 180 all the way

[@olafweyer859]

I really hate that camera shoulder bags are more wide than tall. It makes sense I guess in regards to accessibility but they really suck for walking. Give me something that doesn't extend too much from my body! I found my own solution, but man!.....

[@bamsemh1]

Thinktank retrospective 5 v2 and 20 v2 here 😊 both shoulder bags 😊

[@Red35Photography]

LOL, you are a 'quick access' type :)

[@bamsemh1]

@@Red35Photography only have m1 mark ii with 12-100mm f4 pro, 75mm 1.8, 1 xtra battery, pixi mini tripod, bottle of water, a snack and some wipes for the glass 😊 the 20 v2 can even hold some weekend clothes 😅 I need more lenses 🤣

[@ianwillis-bentley2086]

For me, yes!! Have 3 Tamrac Backpacks and 2 of their shoulder bags and 4 Billinghams, and for flying a Peli Case. Like the cameras and lenses I have, they all have there time and place for use :-)

[@robertspeicher5047]

Back packs that hav3 "side" access to your camera while wearing thev" pack "....Why?.....zippers can break...that opening is generally on the side of pack....Could the zipper start opening due movement of the pack while walking?.....The camera can fall out

[@Red35Photography]

Unlikely camera to fall out that easily. I've used different types of bags for over the years and none I have experience broken zip and camera falling out, though I must add, all my bags are pretty high end.

[@friatankar]

Hi Jimmy, I have a backpack that can accomodate all my gear, but what I really want is a messenger bag that can accomodate my em1mark2 2 plus the 12-200 and the 100-400 in the same bag. Any suggestions?

[@stuart-hayes]

Personally I use both......if it’s a hike to the shoot I use a backpack......but weddings and general it’s one of my good old Billingham’s.......Just wish they made a decent backpack

[@Red35Photography]

Billingham has 25 and 35, though I agree, they could have expand the range a little.

[@extremelydave]

Another good review Jimmy.... the only thing is, your audio lacks highs so you sound like you have a cold or something....

[@Red35Photography]

Cheers Dave, actually, I had a cold when I was filming this... blocked and runny nose.

[@r.c.griffin7520]

What are the names of the bags, manufacturers and website to check them out?

[@Red35Photography]

Morally Toxic is the brand and the link is in the description. They are new but from a much bigger and established brand, 3 Legged Thing, who makes pretty cool tripods.

[@r.c.griffin7520]

@@Red35Photography Thanks Jimmy, I found the website: you're right, these are very serious bags. BTW, love all of your Olympus videos.

[@marcusmurray5440]

Can i get 3 lenses and a mirrorless in the messenger bag 15lt?

[@Red35Photography]

Depends how big your lenses. Primes, definitely

[@midop1975]

I put in my pocket

[@LeighKempPhotoArt]

Hi mate, never mind all this bag stuff, what are the steak and caramelised onion crisps like?. They must be good to justify a dedictaed compartment in your bag! :) Personally there are, apart from the bag being big enough to accommodate my choice of gear for the day, it has to be small and light to save my shoulders and neck and it has to have good protection and rain proofing. Going back to my personal hilight of the review, let me know how the crisps performed as I'm always on the lookout for new taste sensation tips. :). Cheers Leigh

[@Red35Photography]

LOL, yes they are good, finished it after the video!!! hahaha These bags are pretty solid and good quality, I particularly like the backpack as it holds my laptop, means that I can take it out with my mobile editing suite if I have to work at location.

[@LeighKempPhotoArt]

@@Red35Photography Hi Jimmy, I've got so many bags over the years trying to find "the one" that works for my back and shoulders. The nearest I've got is a Thinktank sling bag but the biggest problem is of course weight and that's why I try and travel so light on foot. Fortunately I don't have to lug around video gear. :) PS. thanks for the feedback on the crisps :)

[@dave815078]

I prefer backpacks due to better balance, the only downside is getting a sweaty back!

[@bamsemh1]

And that's actually mostly the spot not as weather sealed as the rest of the backpack 😬

[@Red35Photography]

I agree, one downside for backpack is back ventilation. I've used many types and most still give me sweaty back. I've used this Valkyrie for a month now, it seems good, though I haven't try a day long walk so I can't comment on that yet :)

[@marioplus321]

SLING bag, roughly speaking 🤓 ( PD 10L v1 )

[@Red35Photography]

Quick access photographer :)

[@marioplus321]

@@Red35Photography to answer YOUR question: messenger bag!✔👍

[@harttakada5066]

Backpack for the money hahha

[@Red35Photography]

Perfect for a heist.

[@stevepage2369]

you and your bag fetish... ( joke joke ) .. great vid as usual .. keep up the good

[@Red35Photography]

I am not denying it :D