Do you need expensive camera bags?

[@acegh0st]

The problem with these camera bags, like most photography equipment, is that the pricing on them is just ridiculous. You can go out and buy an expedition quality backcountry/mountaineering backpack that’s designed to go to Everest base camp 4 for less than a lot of these camera backpacks cost. Anything that will hold more that a body and a few lenses is gonna be $300 minimum, and 90% of those bags have literally 0 space for anything other than photography gear. Like a lot of them don’t even have space for a water bottle or a jacket. I feel like this is a market that a small company could come into and make some reasonably price, well designed stuff and clean up.

[@chosenideahandle]

Swiss Gear makes some very affordable camera bags that rival some of the best designed bags out there. Just a PSA. They're all under $100, and start at $30.

[@melvinch]

I blame it on Billingham. They started the trend of expensive camera bags.

[@jeanettemullins]

Yes, This annoys me so much. Why don't they accommodate anything else like water, food, wallet your jacket etc. You end up having to carry two bags.Most camera bags are so similar and so poorly thought through. It's like unless your are mountaineering or doing adventure sports they're not interesting in designing for it.

[@metgala6396]

@@chosenideahandle any you recommend from them?

[@chosenideahandle]

@@metgala6396 I wouldn’t even know what they have now, but they think of all the details for a photographer. You just figure out how big a bag you need. I have a sling from them that fits my smallest setup.

[@tenylegnincsevem]

whole photographytube: full of peak design v2 videos because the release was last week. james: worst photography bag i've ever bought.

[@cristibaluta]

For me is the best because i can take the camera out when it's still on my shoulder.

[@Django45]

@@cristibaluta and so can everybody else! :D

[@cristibaluta]

@@Django45 Not when you need to lay the bag on the floor to open it from the back.

[@thorstenbrand4803]

I have to agree, peak design everdayback is the worst bag i ever had. Its heavy, not well or organized, heavy linses bang around, its uncomfortable and ists much too expensive. But peakdesign makes great marketing and sents every youtube one for free. So youtube is full of praise.

[@Django45]

@@cristibaluta you did not understand my response, friend. I implied everybody else can get into YOUR BAG from the side whenever you are not vigilant and may take your stuff. I prefer back opening for safety reasons and I have a peak design camera clip on the strap for carrying my gear at the ready.

[@savnac]

i enjoy your satire, unconfident humor, innocent judginess.. glad i found your channel hahah

[@johnmacmun9934]

I've been looking for the perfect camera bag for 40+ years.... still looking.

[@JamesPopsysPhoto]

I hear you John!

[@Django45]

try checking out Peter McKinnon's bag. He designed it with a bag company. It is rather pricey but if I had spare cash it would be the bag to get!

[@TheProdijoe]

==> Atlas Athlete

[@marcwatt8649]

Boundary prima system is first bag l tried that did everything. Depends what you need really but i hated the peak design bag and saw a video about Boundary prima, never looked back. Flexible system , bit heavy but cheaper than peak design. My gear feels so much safer than it was in the P.D backpack.

[@prabodhadesilva4653]

try Peter McKinnon bag. lot of hype around that one.

[@JohnDrummondPhoto]

Oh, my tripod plate. I've been looking for this... Oh, my jeans! I've been looking for these... Oh, my dog! I've been ... wait, my dog? I don't even own a dog!

[@twotone3070]

Ha ha

[@reframevideo]

Highly recommend the shoulder bag option if you do events/weddings. I have a main camera bag for all my gear but when I'm shooting an event or a wedding I use a small shoulder bag to load up the batteries and any additional lenses I may need without having to lug around the whole backpack.

[@fenlandwildlifeclips]

One of the things I like about your channel is the lack of forward planning. It’s reassuring to know I’m not the only one.

[@TyDarapiza]

I feel like James is the kind of guy you'd wanna just have a pint with and just talk shop

[@tobywinarto9479]

I just got a new camera bag yesterday and saw this was uploaded... Thank you for not de-valueing my purchase ❤️

[@Paul9]

I’ve stared just using an Osprey 36ltr with an insert and it’s miles comfier than any camera bag I’ve bought. I generally do a fair amount of hiking with my gear and the problem I have with camera bags is the huge expense, they are heavy and don’t have enough room for non photography gear unless you spend a fortune. Also you can use a dry bag inside a rucksack to keep your gear 100% dry, I had a bad experience with a camera bag leaking even with a rain cover. (It was torrential, like underpants wet torrential) but still. As camera bags go I still have a Mindshift ultralight which is a good balance but I just use the insert from it in my rucksack now. No idea how this comment got this long. 😆

[@michaels8597]

hail Osprey,great bags..

[@rosaliebischof1171]

Paul Downey I did the same thing using a floating frame backpack from Genesis. It’s heavenly!

[@johnmorrissey9516]

I have an Osprey Talon 11. Just throw camera in it and away i go. So comfortable. Great for mountainbiking/photography combo.

[@michaels8597]

and i dont even know why camera bags are so heavy,with so many KZbinrs who cry about 'weight'...I just like an Osprey or something similar..

[@MrAlgloom]

Which insert do you recommend?

[@rodmehta5356]

I bought a $14 padded lunchbox with plastic insert. Bit of bubble wrap, job done! Also, it doesn't shout "expensive equipment, steal me" 🙂 Tx, James

[@twotone3070]

Unless you are desperately hungry?

[@rodmehta5356]

Haha, I didn't think of THAT!

[@anouk8553]

LOL, I just love the fact that you found your stuff back!!

[@henkpeter1755]

The "Pouch" is called "Insert" James. I use a ThinkTank Speed Changer V2.0 as insert in my all-day backpack when I need to take additional items like raincoat and lunch. On my daily round to walk the dog I carry a LowePro Slingshot 100AW which holds a GX8 or X-T2 camera with two lenses, spare battery and a small binoculars. The slingshot is ideal when you want to change lenses. Thanks for your informative vlogs.

[@TwentyThrill]

Thank you! I was looking for that pouch!

[@johnw65uk]

Ah No your wrong think tank speed changer is a pouch. They call it that themselves. All hail the pouch.

[@rosspowell1665]

I get to that stage with my beard and just find you have to push on through the itchy stage to get to a glorious full beard that moves gently in the breeze. Love the channel.

[@JamesPopsysPhoto]

Cheers Ross, the struggle is real!

[@FabrizioZago]

At the beginning I have started with a small camera bag, then a bigger camera bag. Then gear have increased and so I've bought a backpack, then now I have a bigger backpack and hopefully that's it :-) At least for some time... Interesting channel, I'll follow.

[@ilkoallexandroff]

Great video, I’ve just been reviewing all my camera bags for those few years, and was planning to talk about how much each of them lasted! Cheers from japan!

[@williamschultz8198]

The title should have been..."Do you need a dozen camera bags like me."

[@st1nk1n]

I started with padded box in regular rucksack, which is great for budget option and low key approach. Not great for accessing camera when other day trip stuff involved. Moved onto small shoulder bag for one camera which i think encouraged me to take camera on trips more. Also easier to access camera on walks and get more photos. Then moved to LowePro 250 or 350 which allows me to carry more lenses and day trip stuff. *** PARTY TRICK: *** You can take the bag off your shoulders and rotate to your front using only the waist belt/strap, open the back to get camera and leave bag hanging in front of you hands free whilst you potter about with lens caps etc. No need to put bag on muddy ground at all. Zip back up and rotate and back on shoulders. Genious. Best bag I ever owned.

[@fabienb]

I travel a lot and not always in the safest of places so I normally go for unassuming bags that don't scream photo equipment. I have an Osprey bag that I purchased at an outdoors shop. If I use a camera bag, it's the Shimoda, because it's made for hikers and photographers alike and is very comfortable. I was excited with the Peak Design one when I bought it, but it's so heavy even when empty and the laptop sleeve so useless that I more and more left that bag in the closet. If you're out for a cheap option, the AmazonBasics bag is actually a pretty good all-rounder. Cheers James.

[@neildaintree]

Yessss! Always find a random tripod plate 🤣 always when you aren't looking for it... 😭

[@mikemitchell3889]

James, I have the same green Mindshift bag and It's a very good product. I have used it for about two years and witnessed no failures. Gi-Giddy Up, Mike

[@johnw65uk]

Just spent the last 3 days trying to find a backpack for a micro four thirds and 3 lenses max which I could also fit my socks and a small karaoke machine without any luck. They all look either over engineered (expensive) , huge, like boxes, or just generally not very cool looking. So I’ve taken your idea, use my trusty 20 quid travel backpack and buy a pouch to go inside for the camera bits. Thank you for the tips.

[@B-RollBooks]

Alternate title: James entertains us while finding misplaced knickknacks in his old bags.

[@JustTony72]

The peak design is the second best camera backpack over every bought because the straps are too thin. Sadly I haven't found as bag that works well with a mirrorless APS-C system yet. Ohhhh the ever elusive camera bag where are thee.

[@74bish]

Went for the pouch + normal backpack solution, no regrets so far. The messenger type bags are not for me, they tend to get too uncomfortable after carrying them for some time. So yeah, definitely a backpack fan.

[@JamesPopsysPhoto]

Me too - I love the messenger bag set up for about 20 minutes!

[@MrShaville]

Where to find the pouches ?

[@74bish]

@@MrShaville A lot of camera bag companies sell separate pouches, some retailers that sell camera gear have them or just search for them in online shops.

[@ceaabe]

For my everyday photography in my city and surroundings, when I just need a tiny camera and 2-3 lenses, I use a leather shoulder bag. It's not heavy and has more style. When I do a long trip at nature where I want to have everything with me, I use the big camera bag with all filters and tripod and so on. But I don't do youtube videos like you. ;-)

[@Meritumas]

I don't know why but your videos remind me of the series "An Idiot Abroad" ;-) Great sense of humor. I like it! Subscribed!

[@dammitelijah]

Whenever I need talking out of buying gear I don’t need I watch your videos. Thank you.

[@RobShootPhotos]

You got a good point about a backpack doesn't make it obvious what your carrying. My 15 year old large Canon bag might get replaced but as a personal bag on a plane it does carry a lot of gear and other personal items. My main camera bag is my cargo pants and/or rain jacket. It's amazing how small M43 is even comparison to the old 4/3rd system. I usually carry 17mm, 45mm, 40-150mm kit lens with two batteries, body cap, a lens pen and a backup SD card. It covers me for landscapes, portrait and street photography. My E-M10 has a wrist strap to make it smaller in my pocket. Love M43.

[@liutony4872]

It’s a camera “insert “. However, most camera insert has no strap, so I bought a Sony lcs-sl10 and throw it inside a backpack. It can fit a (M43) 12-32mm, 45-150mm, 25mm and a small body like OMD or GX85/GX9. For a 20 liter backpack I can fit a tripod, the Sony bag with some space to spare.

[@nigelcooke1064]

F-Stop Loka Ultra Light. After lots of dedicated camera bags, this is the best purchase I've made - light, loads of space for kit and other stuff, not too big (air hand luggage), internal frame for support. Deliberated for ages due to price, but never regretted the purchase

[@noenken]

Great video, one more thing: When you get your first camera bag, get it used. Most likely it's a fraction of the retail price and usually those bags are as good as new. And the best thing about used bags is you won't care about it getting dirty and worn out. I think I have a dozen different bags now and I only bought one of those new. ... Guess which one I regret buying. ... yeah.

[@DeputatKaktus]

Yes. Maybe not the biggest and fanciest one there ist but IMO you DO need one. Even if it is just to keep dust away. Also: First.

[@wayneashton]

I have a wardrobe full of backpacks, it's just so difficult to get rid because you shared so many great adventures with them!

[@shutterbug1076]

Wow! What a coincidence!!!I just retired my 10 year old Lowepro Flipside 400AW yesterday. I absolutely loved that bag! It has been with me everyday for it's entire life. It was getting tired and worn out so finally decided that I needed to replace it. I found a black Friday deal at B&H on the new Flipside 400AW II, so I bought it. It's such a great upgrade. 15 inch laptop and 10 inch tablet storage. The rear\main flap opens up all the way much easier, the tripod mounts are much better and it has a nice removeable internal pouch. Somehow it's still the same size.

[@YoSpiff]

Favorite camera bag right now is an Allen Sports fishing sling bag with a padded insert added. Holds a mirrorless with 14-150 lens, two other lenses (wideangle and 17mm). Pockets for all the other little accessories and geegaws. Has a water bottle holder and tripod straps (probably meant for a fishing rod). Has a ring near the top so I can hook a small bag for purchases or other things. Can access like any camera sling bag on the go. What I love about this is when I travel for work, the insert comes out to travel in my backback on the plane, while the slingbag packs nearly flat in my checked luggage.

[@Rocodil]

I use a normal backpack. I have two sizes, one for a day trip and and a larger one. In those camera back packs, where do you put your down jacket when it is getting warm? Usually the hiking back packs come with separate departments. I simply use individual pouches for my lenses. I carefully consider what I need for the day and that is what I bring: one camera two lenses if possible. I leave a separate camera bag at home for cables, dongles, cleaning gear and the camera plus the smaller prime lenses. The lenses are all in Tamrac pouches with their own color and easy to recognise.

[@grabtharandhishammer8251]

as a side note for your beard, its the skin drying out that makes it itchy. If you're not already using some buy a quality beard oil and use it daily. It keeps the skin moisturised and stops the itching. Keep at it. Took my 50 years to grow a decent beard after many failed attempts :)

[@marcof.9578]

Really enjoyed your video! Personally when I travel I use a Lowepro backpack for all my camera gear and my laptop. When I get to my destination I like to get around as lite as possible so I just use a normal backpack with a camera pouch/baggy for the camera! Another thing that no one talks about when you're a photographer is foot wear! It may seem strange but it's one of those items that are in fact very important! No matter where I go for my landscape photography I like to wear the ASICS Fuji Trabuco Pro. Great shoes for the outdoor environment even though they were made for trail and mountain running! One of the special features I like in them, besides comfort and water resistant, is the plate in the sole that protects your feet from sharp rocks or stones! What footwear do you choose when you go out into the mountains or more rough terrains? All the best!

[@socratesvela8285]

If you are traveling to unpopulated areas, I would say a camera bag can be useful. In a populated area, camera bag just screams thousands of dollars and you become a target. I just use a diaper bag or a $18 backpack to carry my stuff. As for that krumpler, I don't think it is available anymore. I bought one and looked to get a second one, but they had discontinued it.

[@JamesPopsysPhoto]

Ahh no - good bag that, I shall take more care of it then :)

[@Dudeitsbrian]

Hey James. Quick tip about beards. Your first one will be itchy, but you get past it and it stops bothering you.

[@nicolahguy]

Love it!

[@onthemove301]

Brave man to slag off Peak Design. But I'm glad somebody did. After many back breaking years of expensive camera bags, currently own 7 (seven)🙄, I bought an Osprey because it's better for my back. And I just added a pouch. Or two.

[@steveforde7475]

I started off with a sling shot style for my Canon 7D many years ago, big mistake nice idea but so uncomfortable fully loaded. I picked up a Retrospective 5 (that's the small one you should have had for your video) for my GX8. Ideal for a walk around town type of activity, too small for anything else. I swapped my 7D for G9 and opted for a Tenba BYOB 10. It's an insert with adjustable partitions for normal rucksacks. I prefer normal (Lowe Alpine) rucksacks as they are made for people unlike camera bags which a made for cameras, as much as I love my Lumix gear I'm more important!

[@JamesPopsysPhoto]

I hear you Steve :)

[@graemerohrlach1740]

Steve, I'm with you on the Tenba BYOB 10. I can get my EM5 Mk2, 3 pro zooms and a macro lens in it and still have plenty of room for sundry photographic items and trekking gear in a 45 litre One Planet backpack. Plenty of provision as well for water (essential in Oz) and for carrying a tripod if required. So much more comfortable than anything else I've used. A Peak Design Capture Clip completes the arrangement and means that my camera is accessible without having to always rummage around in my backpack.

[@arwo1143]

I have a 30l Everyday V1 from Peakdesign… I can fit my camera and a lens (camera with Panasonic 100-300 and either 12-60 or 60mm macro) in the bottom quarter and still have room for full size A4 folders for Uni above Putting the camera vertically (lens pointing up) gets you another lens at the bottom, 2 more if you have primes and a hell of a lot of room to spare And you still have an absolutely brilliant backpack if you take out the camera…. Do vacuum it if you use it as an everyday bag. Don’t wanna have onion skin from your last trip to the grocery store fall out when you open it on a job XD

[@GutS7u6]

I don't do mountains and wilderness. The nearest I get to that sort of stuff is some fair size country parks (with cafes and shelters and stuff). I do wander around London sometimes, so for that I use a non descript drawstring bag thing purely to hold my gear while on the train, if I stop in an eatery or if I need to use 'facilities' (it would be weird going in with a camera slung over my shoulder). It can comfortably fit my Canon 80D with the 18-135 fitted, a 50mm prime a gorillapod (usually leave that at home though) and a small bottle of water (well wrapped in a plastic bag). If I am taking a bit more gear or do end up going a bit more 'off piste' I use my lowepro flipside which is nice and comfy, back opening and as I am only shooting for pleasure, holds my meagre (but enough for me) kit. I do find (having also received a small lowepro shoulder bag as a freebie with my last camera purchase) that I do use my camera bags more for stoarage. They sit quite nicely behind my sofa with all my gear shared between them. They protect the gear well enough from my cats/daughter and keep the stuff clean and moulted cat fur free.

[@pabloechaniz8623]

My first request for a camera bag was having extra space for my things as I mainly use it mountainbiking or going outdoors I got one with 50% - 50% distribution between my things and camera gear. The lower compartment is for the gear and it also doubles as a shoulder bag because the pouch is removable. I´ve had it for two years and right now fits perfectly all my MFT gear (2 zooms, 1 fixed, 1 fisheye and the g80). I´m hoping to upgrade my zooms to the 2.8 versions the only thing that i fear is if i decide for the oly 40-150 or pana-leica 50-200 the bag will be a bit crammed though with the lumix 35-100 wouldn´t have any space problem.

[@adanjauregui2788]

Ive been looking for one like this, mind sharing what bag this is?

[@pabloechaniz8623]

@@adanjauregui2788 it is the Dörr combi pack 3 in 1 backpack

[@cristibaluta]

When i hike I use a 5L sling from PD. It fits inside my 45L backpack and when hiking i can take it out and keep it in front for quick access.

[@RobV1978]

Use beard oil and conditioner also, don't wash it every day. It'll help with the itch. And everyone should have some type of padded bag, even if it's just to protect your gear while traveling.

[@michaelmeehan9556]

I use a small(ish) Manfrotto backpack. It manages to hold my camera body (Sony Alpha @6000. A couple of lenses, my GoPro, extra batteries and chargers for all, plus a bunch of other bits and bobs. What's really great about it though James is that it has a pouch for my 15 inch laptop and at least snacks if not a lunch too. The size is super easy to deal with and it's comfortable to wear all day. I still consider myself fairly new to photography and videography but feel a backpack like the one I use is pretty indispensable. If there were a wish item, it would be that they would add a pocket to hold a decent water bottle on one side at least. Thanks for this video James... and a belated Congratulations on your marriage! Looking forward to your next video!!

[@bert9569]

Literally ordered a 'Crumpler Pouch' ... (no it's not a Carry On character) after recently watching your My camera bag history... post, not had the chance to try it. As for the beard, shape it and remove most it from your neck, if nothing else will reduce the itcharea < technical name for beard irritation, by 50%, terrific video as always fella.

[@BSHokke]

Thanks for the video. Very helpful for a beginner photographer. But I’m not a beginner beard grower. Having a long beard for 9 years now. When growing a beard there is active when it’s starts to itch. It will stop itching at a certain length. Until then use beards oil. Also go to a barber. Good luck 👊🏻

[@shkvorrel9660]

Buy a MOLLE vest. Carry your gear in amo pouches.

[@randydietmeyer5883]

All my bags have Molle webbing on them. :)

[@VerrocchioStudio]

Actually a really cool idea!

[@Annie261.]

Just ordered a molle single sling bag from eBay $21.

[@chriskearney4058]

Spot on, I’ve just bought a 45 litre Solognac Molle bag with clam shell opening. Also bought a molle pouch with it. Total cost £69. Karrimor Sabre or Thor look like they could easily accommodate camera equipment and hiking gear.

[@flol3266]

The green one is dope!

[@randydietmeyer5883]

I have a Mindshift bag myself -and never use it. It simply has no storage for all the other stuff I carry with me on a hike, like water, water filter, fire starter, tinder, basic first aid, bushcraft knives, and other EDC items. I tend to use a bag by either Maxpedition or Condor, which also have plenty of space for my photo gear.

[@mattfisher8255]

just been watching a bunch of your other videos, absolutely love them. Your comment about your green bag and your Orange jacket making you look like a traffic light, the first thing that came to mind was a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle.

[@kkaramath7104]

Hi James, I'm a little surprised that you didn't get the WANDRD PRVKE, I've had that backpack going on a year of travel and abuse and it's still going strong.

[@miguimau]

I keep my Kata bags like gold. I got a 3n1-30, a DR 467 and a 435 DL and the are light, strong and pretty, after years of use. Shame on Manfrotto , which bought and terminated Kata.

[@PolicePubliCallBox]

I got a Tenba insert, and I love it. Most camera bags are not comfortable (especially for hiking or traveling), and so I just put it in my Osprey day hiking bag and it's great. Also, when I'm flying I can just throw it in my suitcase.

[@PePdAwG6844]

so i use the ranger sling bag from hexbrand. its a great little sling i can throw my camera with a lens and one other lens in. battery charger couple extra batteries and some sd cards. a camera bag isnt needed it really just depends how much gear youre lugging around with you

[@viera996multi]

If you're a beginner, I think you should get everything that would make you more likely to get out and make photos. If you'd get out more if you had a camera bag, then sure, get a cera bag. Just don't become a gear hoarder and spend your money on thing you don't need or use.

[@pixelpeter3883]

I've been using an old Lowepro Mini Trekker backpack for years and years when travelling; not too big and can carry a lot of equipment if need be. It came out way before 'laptops' and doesn't even have a dedicated space for that, but a smaller laptop still fits in one of the large compartments on the lid. I also use one of these (coton) reporter vests with multiple pockets to stash my papers, memory cards, point-and-shoot, mobile, batteries and 2 or 3 lenses when I'm in 'shooting mode'. Carrying gear in pockets near your body will spread the load much better imo. This setup doesn't really work in foul weather though, as the vest I use isn't waterproof. In that case an additional (rain)coat is needed :-) For my day-to-day photography business I carry everything I think I will need in a ThinkTank Retrospective 30, and according to what needs to be photographed, I'll take only with me in my reporter-vest what I will directly need for this particular assigment while leaving the rest in the bag in the trunk of my car. I've stopped lugging around heavy shoulderbags for every single shoot years ago: your back won't tolerate it at some point.

[@neaorin]

Enthusiast photographer here. Etsumi camera bag / pouch. Fits a body, a standard zoom, and a wide angle pancake lens. I refuse to buy a "proper" large bag because that would tempt me to lug around extra lenses I won't use very often on holidays and whatnot.

[@strongislanduk]

Camera wrapped up in an old t-shirt and lenses in socks was my first camera bag setup

[@bfs5113]

When I started out four decades ago, I just used an Army surplus ammo pouch to hold an extra lens, if needed and wrapped it with a towel and a lens cleaning kit. My new Nikon F2A + Motor Drive was carried with a strap and I was always ready to shoot in a moment's notice, since a camera is meant to be used.

[@alexanders81]

I own a shoulder bag from ThinkTank. Retrospective *whatever*. It’s quite huge but it has room for my X-T3 with a lens mounted, a second lens and some personal stuff like wallet, a small pencil case, glasses, a tiny pouch for cables, my ereader, … in other words: for daily use. It is not made for shopping trip and what I really miss on basically every shoulder bag is the shoulder strap mounted in an angle like Crumpler does/did. So the shoulder bag is a bit inconvenient when worn across the body but never the less it’s roomy enough as long as there is no need to carry every piece of gear. I personally don't like the usual camera bags and backpacks. They are too technical, too obvious, too much focused on function, not blending in to normal street wear.

[@Halfpint71]

"It's a tripod plate, I've been looking for that!" Yeah, right. To skim across some Italian lake probably, but certainly not to use on a..............tripod! Hah, not falling for that!. I also remember that the Peak Designs bag was useless as a kite, so yeah, staying away from that one. I've got a Lowpro bag that Wifey bought me about 10 years ago that is still in great condition and fits all my gear in plus buttys and other food related goodness. Then I bought a crappy cheap £12 bag from eBay for my film photography gear, but ended up using it for work (with my camera gear in it) and it houses wipes, a hat and all my medication (No, not for the voices in my head) and several other day to day stuff. It better than the Lowpro bag and also lighter. Sorry, I always seem to write way too much. Lifestory.

[@JamesPopsysPhoto]

hahaha! :)

[@brownnoise357]

The only downside with the small camera bag I’ll be using, is no room for a 3 course dinner and a bottle of wine. Still, I suppose a bar of chocolate in the waistcoat large pockets will do. If I can ever undo the zip to get at the chocolate that is.

[@jayjoseph3479]

You listed off my exact inventory like you were in the room with me.

[@RightTurnsAndLeftovers]

WTH! Where's the kite test?!?!? I was so looking forward to some wind velocity dynamics when I saw the title to this video... kind of a let down. You really had a good niche going there James Do you find any issues with most camera bags aren't made with m4/3 smaller bodies and lenses in mind? Great point about opening at the back, I'd heard of it as being better for theft protection.

[@WhiteWulfe]

I was also surprised/saddened to not see the waterproofing test. That was a classic.

[@JamesPopsysPhoto]

Haha, thanks for sticking around so long! No problems for m43 gear as all of the bags I've used have adjustable dividers, which helps getting a drone and extra stuff in too :)

[@philippheiermann93]

Front vs Backloaders is really about balancing the pros and cons. I agree with your dirt argument, however frontloaders allow for more advanced carrying systems that let air flow between the back and the rucksack. And honestly, either it is muddy, then you wear a rainjacket anyway that can get cleaned easily or it is warm and dry and dirt does not really matter that much. At least that is my observation to far. Still pretty happy with my Jack Wolfskin Photo Pro, i think the carrying system is taken from Deuter which really shows after long hikes. Hitting the limit though how much i can add to my gear if i carry my filters as well.

[@Dahrenhorst]

Bags simply are to complicted to swap gear. So, no bag for me. I go with small pouches on the belt and/or a west with lots of big pockets. I can do that, because I shoot M43 and normaly only carry one body (Pen F) with a mounted lens (12-40mm 2.8) and second lens (45mm 1.2) with me, and sometimes an additional body (GX8) with a third lens (100-300mm). I can carry all of this in belt pouches and/or a west without any problem.

[@kiwipics]

A small canvas bag with a insert system from ebay is the ideal starter bag (and as an unobtrusive daily bag) , and then just don't go overboard on size on your first real bag (you don't need carry your whole kit) as I did with a billingham 445 way back in 1986. The 445 bag swallowed up my gear, but the size and weight did my back in. I now have seven bags (technically one isn't) ... 1x Billingham 445. 1x Crumpler (small CSC size). 1x Lowepro mini treker. 1x Large Pelli lookalike (from Maplin close down sale). 1x canvas £10 day bag with Ebay insert (most used bag) 2x Manfrotto large sling bags (for storage) FREE (1x comp win, and 1x magazine subscription freebie). PS: The Billingham has had years of abuse and hard use, but it's still in use and looks like new .... That's why it cost me a few weeks wages back in 1986.

[@LaFarishal]

I got a backpack where half the space is reserved for a daypack. I love it. I can carry everything easily and then pack my lunch and some other stuff I need.

[@garymepsted9741]

I primarily use a Billingham Hadley Pro which is ideal for my set-up: one camera with lens attached and any other items I might want to carry - laptop, etc - or pick up along the way. Great bag, stylish, waterproof and, importantly, it doesn't look like a camera bag. I've never got on with any kind of backpack. Personally, I hate them. As a street/portrait photographer I can get away with a very minimal set-up. Also the bag looks better the more worn it becomes.

[@bartcm7528]

2:30 8:35 Wonder what other random stuff got lost in the dark abyss of camera bags? Great vid, bags can be a huge waste of money if you buy them on a whim. I have a shoulder bag I barely use because its too big and uncomfortable for street (also my back hates it. very much). Now i just chuck my gear into a backpack, even without camera cube, cause it fits my style better and makes me want to shoot more P.S. Selling a big shoulder bag. Please, I need to get rid of it :D

[@judahhays189]

The beard looks good dude... keep it

[@twotone3070]

He'll be in trouble if he gets too close to some of the Velcro on those bags though.

[@creamesoda79]

Get somthing like a Lowepro Tahoe, it's about $40, has enough room for 3 or 4 full frame lenses, a full cleaning kit, spare battery, and is a useful place to store your camera equipment when not in use. It will last a new photographer a few years before they need somthing bigger.

[@justoalejandrogonzalez5097]

I remember when you use the peak design one as a kite. It is in my top 3 videos in youtube. Definitely.

[@JamesPopsysPhoto]

Thank you - how time flies! :)

[@caerphoto]

I'm so glad the kind of photography I do only needs 1 or 2 small lenses. My ThinkTank Retrospective 7 is plenty big enough for that plus some other bits (phone, keys, wallet, packet of crisps, etc.), and if I want to go even smaller and lighter, my Crumpler Proper Roady 4500.

[@willparsons32]

I think it depends on what you shoot. If you live out in a cabin in the middle of nowhere and your genre is wildlife photography, I'd say a camera bag would be less of an option than if you were living in a matropolus shooting portraits in a studio. Travelling with your gear; definitely a necessity!

[@steveschnetzler5471]

For bike trips, I use a small sling bag. Just stop, swing bag to the front, open, pull out camera, maybe change the len, take photos, then reverse process. Super quick if you are traveling with an impatient wife or friend. You can also swing it around to cary like a purse in the front if you are in areas with lots of pickpockets.

[@JamesPopsysPhoto]

Great tip Steve :) Cheers!

[@JohnsJunk]

I'm still using an old Camelbak Rim Runner 22. ~3L of water and 19L of stowage. Fits 2 full size DSLRs with an ultra wide and a tele mounted and a waterproof. It is a pain to get at gear sometimes but as it normally only has one body in it as the other is in my hand it's workable.

[@alwaysyouramanda]

I might be getting a decent camera for Christmas so this came just in time!

[@JamesPopsysPhoto]

Awesome :)

[@MarkoKoskenoja]

That was a great video about the issues trying to figure out what you need to carry your camera and other stuff. I used a 6 litre sling bag for years but I just bought a Mindshift Photocross 10 sling back that allows me to carry my new G9 with 2 lenses, an insulated piece, food and a water bottle. It's perfect for my daily hikes or backcountry ski trips with my dogs.

[@vattu420]

Jesus I had a mini attack when you started flipping the bag around with the zip open around 6:14.

[@toniereeves1677]

I use a tubu 6128 camera backpack, cost less than $80 US, tons of room, and i believe it to be built well. I use it backpacking in Glacier national park all the time and as an overnight bag.

[@JozefRaiche]

Just found your channel. I love how you just got right into the video with your intro, you had me interested in less than 10 second, great job!

[@451804]

Proraso beard oil - fits in any camera bag and makes your beard stop itching.

[@twotone3070]

Genius!

[@maggiedormer1208]

And for us ladies who don’t want huge bags can I recommend the Kipling range. A large cross body bag with a padded insert (bought separately - cheap as chips from Amazon) for camera and extra lens is ideal for, example, holidays and day trips. There are usually loads of extra zipped compartments and pockets for phones, passport etc etc. The beauty is, take the insert away and it’s an ordinary bag again. Win/win. Back packs are very comfy to carry but I find them a huge pain when you want something out of them. Wrangling it off your back, getting tangled up with the hood on your jacket, knocking everyone within 5 feet to the ground as you swing it off your back. Exhausted just thinking about it! Of course, this is only for basic kit. Works for me (most of the time).

[@SamiSerola]

I have a "bridge camera". So, I don't need a camera bag! =D I just carry my camera inside my overcoat pocket. However, I learned to slip the camera first inside a small plastic bag after I ruined one pocket camera because of the dust that easily becomes collected inside the pocket as well. And I actually damaged another pocket camera because I did not button the overcoat one day, and closed the car door carelessly... Poor camera got a bad hit between the seat and the door! But the bottom line is that I like to travel light, when shooting those bridges...

[@michaelm1]

James: Chances are you are buying gear to use that gear. Me [quickly closes my closet with 20+ lenses]: Huh?

[@WhiteWulfe]

I still want that Backlight pack myself, I just keep spending money on other things that are more important to me. I probably should get a nicer pack at some point though, that Amazon sling bag is rather annoying to try and fish gear out of. As for the beard - giving it a minute or two with the same shampoo/conditioner you use on your hair can help with the itching somewhat, and beard oil/balm can help too. Biggest issue is making it through those few days to a week where it's itchy. This is why I have a goatee that's over two fists long (can't be bothered to find a tape measure), and the cheeks get shaved regularly.

[@chryseass.5143]

I bought the Lowepro Fastpack 150 for a recent trip as my carry on and it's great. It can hold a Sony a7iii with a 28-75 lens attached plus about three more lenses and there is a separate roomy compartment for other things like a jacket, etc. There is also a bigger model, the 250. It is an extremely comfortable backpack to wear fully loaded all day even when carrying both a small laptop and a tablet. It is a very well thought out piece of kit.

[@davidposaas7350]

Very amusing video :)..... Got me thinking ... maybe I'll just use the back pack I got.

[@joas162]

I use a Peak Design shoulder bag as a pouch and as a standalone bag sometimes. But now I have so much gear that I need a real camerabag. Don't want to buy stuff I don't need, so happy to have waited until I actually needed it (inflation though..)

[@jrsanders5]

subtle comedy pure gold

[@JamesPopsysPhoto]

Cheers Jordan :)

[@ianseager9084]

I 100% hear and agree with what you are saying about back loaders. However, my £35 Amazon Basic front loader bag does the job quite nicely ta. Two bodies, 4 lenses including a big boy, extension tubes and two speedlights. Tripod and water bottle on the outside. Waterproofs and sarnies in the laptop pocket. Sorted...I just don't put it down in mud :)

[@andreasromppel6050]

I invested a lot of money in my first real camera bag in 1990, for my Nikon F4s (which I received as a wedding present - never could have afforded it back then); it was a perfect Cullmann shoulder bag which I still use from time to time because it's obviously made for eternity. Three years ago I bought the exact same Everyday backpack you have, James - but I find opening the side pockets incredibly useful. If you keep one of the straps up on your shoulder and swing the whole thing in front of you, you can get every piece of gear out in 2 seconds without even having to stop walking or putting it on the ground.

[@JamesPopsysPhoto]

I could never get the hang of it.. I am incredibly clumsy though...

[@andreasromppel6050]

@@JamesPopsysPhoto Once you mastered that move, you will look way cooler... ;-) Anyway: I always enjoy you videos - a unique mix of useful information, your sense of humour and probably also the tasteful musical choices

[@Kai-P]

I have a Tenba DNA 8 shoulder bag and it's large enough for a camera (Pana G9 or Fuji X-T3) + 2 small lenses . It has a removable inlay which can be used in other backpacks and the whole bag does also fit into my regular backpack. Usually using it when I want to go on a small photo tour before or after work. For day trips I love my Mindshift SidePath, super lightweight, nicely padded and secure camera compartment, enough daypack capacity, able to hold a tripod and water, all in perfect Mindshiftgear quality. I've also got a (black ;) ) Backlight 26L, which is a perfect backpack if I want to carry alot of my camera gear for a long time. Great versatility, super comfortable and soo much space. Just got a Peak Design Sling 3L, big enough for Fuji X-T3 and 2 additional primes, intending to use it as a hip bag especially in the summer or for quick access on events.

[@JamesPopsysPhoto]

Nice set up Kai :)

[@MagicianDerrickRose]

Buy a small bag starting out; medium bag as you grow your collection of lenses; large bag for when you buy the second camera. Keep them all and carry the smallest one for the job or project your working on. At least you’ll have a place to store all your gear safely when not in use

[@moke1310]

Camera bag is a key part for me - allows me to carry lenses, filters, laptop on holidays and trips. However, like cars there is no perfect bag that will do everything you want - it is a best compromise solution.