The Problem With Camera Bags No One Talks About.

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Not all camera bags are created equal and that's a problem we must face. While there are premium options out there, many of us fall into the trap that any camera bag is better than a good 'normal' bag. Street photographers, filmmakers and other creatives with cameras have more choices than they might think. But what is the problem and solution for today's camera bags?
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#streetphotography #camera #bag

[@GeorgeHolden]

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[@alexcortez3007]

As someone who shoots for a living, I gravitate toward roller bags which contain every single equipment I could possibly need for the shoot. I don’t worry about weight at all since I’m not carrying anything on my back and I almost always drive to the location. Plus, I’ve broken a few equipment due to accidentally dropping bags. Carrying everything in a roller is both safer and more comfortable.

[@lsmithcine2137]

yeah, i came here to say something similar. i also just implicitly trust the structure of my pelican rolling hard case more than any soft backpack. i also find that at the end of the day i have more energy for shooting because i haven't been literally carrying everything around like a pack animal.

[@danigonzalez4299]

Agreed

[@kami-gun]

that's what most pros do.

[@GregThurtle]

This is great until the venue has lots of gravel driveways 😂 Then my pelican roller becomes a liability 😂

[@rexgigout1472]

@@GregThurtle Thankfully, the Pelican 1510 does have sturdy, comfortable handles. 😉 And, when my feet get tired, I can use it as a stool or bench. 🙂 Seriously, though, it is nice to simply walk about with one lens, on one camera body, with a supple, adjustable strap that is long enough to be worn cross-body, and leave the bags and cases at home. There are times to go light, and times to bring the whole kit.

[@RhettegettBorshow]

I've just reached this point in my photographic journey this year after a couple of years of messing about with gear. My misguided thinking was that I want to take my camera everywhere, so I wanted to find a camera bag that can also function as a regular bag. This is where I was wrong. Camera backpacks are only really good for hauling camera gear, they aren't very functional beyond that. So just as I've decided not to bring a lot of lenses with me all the time I no longer need a bag that can carry all of that in an everyday scenario. That's a relief!

[@GeorgeHolden]

Great to hear!

[@USGrant21st]

I downsized to Sony A7Cii, just take one lens with it and put into my wife's purse until ready to use. That's why every photographer needs a wife for inspiration. 😅

[@elimayer193]

thats why as somebody who does video but sets all my stuff down wen on set, having a main brand camera bag makes sens for me, but for more run and gun street oriented or documentary stuff, i use a hybrid bag

[@RhettegettBorshow]

@@elimayer193 Absolutely, they are designed for work, but a lot of brands try to market themselves as lifestyle gear, which they simply aren’t

[@elimayer193]

@@RhettegettBorshow exactly, those main brand backpacks should only be used for carrying loads of gear to a set and then setting them down

[@louisrafaelcom]

Thinktank and LowePro have been my go to brands for over 15 years now - they've always stood the test of time for me and I've only changed things up to adjust the way I carry things (Rolling suitcase vs. backpack) and due to expansion of what I take with me because I've become a hybrid shooter. If you're not shooting professionally, any bag will do, but if you're shooting events and things that require quick access to different lenses, battery replacements and so on, you really shouldn't rely on a normal bag. In addition, it would be negligent of anyone to just throw $20k of equipment into a bag without proper protection between individual items.

[@SonoranAstro]

think tank is awesome! but i swear they discontinue so much rapidly

[@Stellar-Nucleosynthesis]

​@@SonoranAstroI just bought their sling bag for lighter camera sessions and I've come to find out that it was the last in my area because they discontinued it.

[@lescobrandon3047]

When i became a wedding photographer, i found a company making camera bags designed by pro photographers, Thinktankphoto. I never went with any other manufacturers.

[@xavierdjx]

I have lowepro bags for more than 20 years... and I don’t have his expensive peak design camera strap 😅😅😅

[@xXN0SK1LLZXx]

I just got a tarion satchel off amazon. 24 quid. Great padding and light as anything. Was looking at lowepro and they seem like a good budget option but my budget ain't that good ATM

[@internetquickie]

As someone who is into photography and coffee, I love the cutaway shots in the intro and yes both hobbies can be just as expensive...I chose poorly

[@GeorgeHolden]

Both expensive but both addictive

[@lidge1994]

@@GeorgeHolden One physically, the other psychologically!

[@JoshSherrill]

I think an often overlooked downside of camera bags is that they advertise that you are carrying camera gear. So depending on where you live or are traveling, it may put you at a bit higher risk of not only losing your camera gear but also your $400 backpack. Great video that really resonated with me!

[@bubblesculptor]

I had a carboard box that was packaging for case of diapers that fit my camera great, and used that in my vehicle for a while. Doesn't look like anything anyone wants to steal!

[@PerfectlyNormalHumans]

The type of thief that’s going to roll you for the belongings you are carrying doesn’t know what a camera backpack looks like and they don’t care. They will be more than happy to score a smartphone and your wallet. Whatever is in your bag is a bonus to them. Don’t wave your camera around in sketchy neighborhoods, but also don’t worry about your camera bag putting a target on you either.

[@Username-2]

⁠​⁠@@PerfectlyNormalHumansNot true at all. Snatch and grab thieves in larger cities know exactly what to look for. They’ll always pick a target with a nicer or more expensive looking bag/clothing than someone without. It’s very easy to tell a camera or gear bag apart from a cheap Nike backpack. Sure, homeless and addicts won’t know the nicer bag or care… but you’re underestimating the level of practice a thief that robs tourists all day has. They know what to look for and will walk around Times Square in groups all day just looking for marks.

[@Andrew-le3cw]

@@PerfectlyNormalHumans That's my thinking as well. Especially in my country thieves are not clued up on the different bags but opportunistic and will go for the easiest targets. The last bit is true for any country. The problem with photographers is that we make it easy for thieves by flashing things around and it's often because we aren't careful that we are targets. True is some cases we have no choice. As for the bag normal makeup bags make excellent camera bags and also keep it in your boot and not the car or else you not only lose a camera but also a window due to a meetup with a sparkplug.

[@qtrfoil]

@@Username-2 I completely agree. I cut off any tags on my bags just to blend in a little more.

[@GregInda]

I've had the same issues. But my biggest issue with camera bags is that... they are camera bags. They're specialized. They've got pockets for everything photography related, but often don't leave space for other items I need. That can be water, snacks, maps, hiking poles, first aid kit, etc. I find that outdoor bags conform better to accommodating photography kit than photography bags conforming to hiking and day to day kit. So I end up having two hiking packs. One is large for when I'm out on a long hike. One is small for small hikes and walking through cities. And then I have one photography bag from Think Tank that I consider my filing cabinet. I generally store gear in there and pull it out depending on what project I'm working on.

[@ian-robinson]

Shimoda cover the things you mention but as per usual they ain’t cheap.

[@Giles29]

They never have enough space even for the camera gear. I got a lot of use out of a fishing vest that I bought.

[@ouna2893]

Yeah. 😂 this is my dilemma. And I have kids with me, so I need to carry their snacks and drinks too. Hiking to a nice place wanting to shoot is a nightmare. Or travelling with gear plus kids. 😅

[@DDHDTV]

There are a few gems out there, which kinda make a split for all. Still they only fit stuff for a weekend away maybe, but how big would you want it? You're looking for bags with daypacks. Tneba Fulton v2 16L can be recommended, rockinga Lowepro Flipside AW350 myself, this one doesnt fit a laptop though

[@Randi-h5q]

I have the same dilemma too, when it comes to packing camera gear for expeditions, as I need space for other essentials too. Currently, I'm considering getting a 40L travel bag from decathlon and cutting strips of foam from an old yoga mat for additional padding in the bag.

[@PhotoTrekr]

First let me say that I'm as guilty as anyone of having purchased way more camera bags than I actually need. And this whole subject falls under the category of todays state of the art becoming tomorrows trash which is a pet peeve of mine. Just because something was made in the past, maybe even just last year, doesn't mean it's no longer useful today. But, as with any gear, find what works for you. And don't feel pressured to buy the latest and greatest just because it is the latest and greatest.

[@GeorgeHolden]

Agreed!

[@bimmerfan2126]

those Domke bags from 30+ years ago, still great bags

[@karmatraining]

I face a different issue: living in subtropical Australia, it rains OFTEN and it rains HARD, we get the edges of the monsoon troughs here so sometimes it will rain for 2 weeks continuously. And I'm on a bicycle. So I grabbed DECAMP watertight folding bag. It's actually designed for people who literally need to cross rivers during hikes, so it is airtight and made of really tough PVC. But it also has a laptop compartment and all that good stuff inside the watertight compartment. And obviously that's where my camera gear lives too. An absolute lifesaver.

[@danigonzalez4299]

Get a good camera bag

[@cromyjr1592]

@@danigonzalez4299and four times more expensive than what you are using now :))

[@tombaxter9108]

I'm in a similar spot. A good/solid camera/beach bag Zak Noyle RVCA camera backpack trust me on this you wont look back

[@fintux]

I guess it depends also a lot on what you photograph. I photograph in the nature. I want a bag that does not let in water (doesn't need to be waterproof, but anyways), that I can put on the ground without worrying too much of a rock happening to be there and that I can quickly get the camera out of (it is not practical to carry the camera on you in the nature as you can too easily hit something, it can throw you off balance, and a heavy lens quickly is straining your neck). So I prefer a bag that opens from the back side. I am not also that organized person, so I want to have my bag do the organization for me, so I really find the compartments coming in handy. Most of these qualities are not provided by a typical bag, but a good camera bag has these all. Perhaps if I did e.g. street photography, I would have chosen differently. But I started out with a shoulder bag, and after switching to a camera bag, I've not looked back.

[@batuhancokmar7330]

I also use camera bag/insert inside a normal backpack combination a lot. If I want more gear than usual, I put two camera inserts on top of each other and still have room for some snacks and a water bottle on top. One other "solution" for camera bags is knowing you don't even need a bag all the time. If I really want to travel light, a strap around the neck works just fine for me.

[@olekallovvild7295]

Yeaaaaaaah, that is why I purchased an insulated padded lunch bag and it works great $30.

[@LTHanlon]

I think either Stanley Kubrick or Gordon Parks carried a Leica in a lunchbag.

[@billrudersdorf4187]

I’ve used diaper bags, a Hello Kitty branded bag, a trail running bag, but hardly ever a “camera bag”.

[@maxbembel2962]

Often enough I use a regular daypack with an insert as my camera bag. However one problem remains: The camera is always at the bottom and whenever you put something else in your bag you have to reach below it to grab your gear.

[@nyc1164]

I did the same thing. But not only I carried my camera, I also had my gopro and it sits on top when I'm traveling. So I had trouble taking my camera out when ever I wanted to take pictures while traveling

[@vandalpaulius]

I recently shelled out a nice sum for Shimoda x70HD and honestly it's an amazing bag that fixed a lot of my issues with regular bags - when I'm on a trail grabbing drone or batteries or anything else it became 10 second job instead of 5 minute shuffle that makes main bag part - the one that goes on your back to roll in dirt. IMO that's the main feature of camera bags - back opening instead of front + ability to fit a camera cube at the bottom, to keep all the heavy stuff down low.

[@ck7403]

Bought the ActionX50 v2 lately. What a great bag, love the materials and how smart it is organized! Im quite sure that it's gonna last long! 😊

[@bags2743]

I have a Shimoda 30 and it, too, is the best bag I've ever had. I've tried to talk the designer into making a sling or off shoulder bag, but he's sticking to what he himself likes most. Too bad. Bet a sling would sell.

[@thomasuriarte3182]

Having a camera bag that doesn’t look like a camera bag! Very important piece of advice that a lot of photographers don’t think of very often. I ended of falling for the brevite marketing a couple of years back and got their black jumper. Love it for this purpose but I think I may even want to switch it up for a plain jansport or something comparable.

[@MSUTri]

It's nice to see all the talk about messenger bags where you just throw an organizer or small bag in, or a tiny bag with room for just a couple things. They're liberating as a photographer, to travel light and carry other things you need too. I even sometimes just carry a spare battery and hat in a musette bag! I'm surprised I haven't read any comments about Domke yet. 50 years of basically unchanged production of durable, flexible canvas bags speaks for itself, I think. I've had an F-3X for nearly 20 years, and the adaptability it has is amazing. Protection and flexible, foldable dividers where you need it, pockets that you need, and nothing you don't. I've never had the need for any other camera bag on the go, for any camera from a GR II or Rollei 35S to a D3 or even Pentax 645. An RB67 or large format camera would be a bit much though. I eventually added a Domke F-2 for storage of gear I'm not carrying, but that's it. No more bags needed.

[@ArsenijeRadenovic]

Yes, Domke is for old school pros. They are not visible now lol I love messenger bags also, especially because you can use them as everyday messenger bag with just removing the lens compartment. I my first every bigger bag was Vanguard messenger bag and I got it back in 2015. And it still perfect except the velcro part. I used it and abused it, and it can carry a lot of gear. People get hooked on getting new and shiny things...

[@PatternRecognitionMusic]

F-5XB here, just a nice, clean, well made bag that isn't cumbersome. Only thing I'd change would be the velcro.

[@justinmcdonald4822]

My first proper camera bag is the only one I need. It's built out of thick canvas, real leather, and has an interior of foam padding and what seems to be thick cotton. It wasn't expensive either! Less than $50!

[@ViewportPlaythrough]

my personal observation is that the problem is not really the bag but the mindset of bringing all of your gear in the thought that you might need them. i have seen lots of photographers carry tripods and never use them, bring huge bags filled with lenses but just use the handy zooms. bring macro lenses or wide adaptors just in case. filters just in case. flash/lighting equipment just in case. multiple bodies just in case.. for client work, sure. bring everything you have to bring and even rent in what you might need. but for non-client work?....

[@stevenmassey2276]

What an absolutely great video. I have a LowePro Tactic 450. Nice bag, but certainly limited. I fell for the "camera bag" hypnosis. I have two cameras, and am now delving into astrophotography, so something more simple is tantamount to success. Thank you for such a truly inspiring revelation!

[@malstanding]

I have had about 20 bags over the years and never thought of this. I have never been completely satisfied with any of them. Thanks for this video. I have a couple of inserts so I'm going to give this a try.

[@GeorgeHolden]

Glad to help!

[@paveltvrdy5030]

I absolutely love Fstop bags, mainly for the opening through the back and the different sized insert cubes system. This I see as the main advantage of a photo specific backpack, you just slap your backpack on the ground and there it is, all your gear easily accesible, while hard to acces for pickpockets. Invaluable for the likes of landscape photogs for example who use more gear. In saying that, when I dont need all and can work with a small backpack, Im sporting a Decathlon one with said insert :D

[@stew_redman]

This video hurts, because it's so true. I have bags made by Peak Design, Vanguard, Tenba and Benro. None of them are as well-made or as comfortable as the High Sierra (Samsonite) backpack I wear for work everyday. They also cost significantly more. It's very annoying.

[@GeorgeHolden]

Big-Camera lays traps for us all, I'm the same with so many accessories and so happy I randomly picked up my regular bag and stuck with it

[@caerphoto]

Yep, completely agree that a regular 'outdoors' bag plus maybe a soft insert is the way to go for probably most people. I don't need to carry a ton of photography stuff, but I do need to carry other things like a raincoat, food and water, keys, wallet, maybe whatever I buy that day if I visit some shops, and so on. A 30-ish litre bag is plenty for single-day outings.

[@rexypoooo]

Ever since I started shooting on a Leica M in the middle of the year, I was obsessed with finding the smallest camera bag that is both functional for quick on location access yet pleasing to look at. I settled on a genuine leather sling bag which hold two M bodies, and usually an additional medium format folder, as well as an extra M glass. And the bag is still extremely compact comparing to a standard laptop bag. But for my travel in December, I wanted something even more slim for street photography, so I started using my Tumi crossbody bag as my walk around camera bag and it was life changing. I can still hold a M3 with a collapsible lens, a Mamiya SIX, one additional M glass, and I would wear my digital M as I walk around. Other auxiliary items I kept in the bag is a battery bank, chap stick and a pro-mist filter, as well as extra roll of 120 film. It was everything I need for a day of photography, no more no less, it truly put your focus purely on taking photos than anything else.

[@steveh8658]

A TUMI bag? ... OMG! Those prices are horrendous! I have to have one... ;-)

[@youritguy1]

Love this video. I don’t have camera bag just a heavy duty backpack with similar pockets. This has been my bag for everything and I love it. So glad that I’m not the only who use a backpack as their camera bag. Great video.

[@FilmBrain]

My main camera bag is a Lowepro one with a rather unique design. It is a three way pouch, but the expanding top unzips into a regular backpack, so it's best of both worlds. Sometimes, I don't even use the camera part for gear, but just storing away items if I need to. I think I got it for £25. I always aim for sales, bargains and clearances and think of practicality to keep my spending in check.

[@chrishowell5718]

Given that Lowepro is an offshoot of Lowe Alpine, I'm not sure I'd pigeonhole them as a 'camera bag only' company in the way that George does here. I tend to use a triangle-shaped 'holster' type Lowepro bag as my main bag: big enough for my GX8 plus standard zoom plus another small lens, and because I use m43 kit any other lens I want to bring along are small enough to put in a pocket.

[@martinlemke4440]

Very nice video! I absolutely agree with you. I'm using an insert with a standard bag because it's less noticeable that I'm carrying my photo stuff around.

[@UlyssesAokiPhoto]

Hey George! Hope you're doing well. This was such a great video! I never use camera bags for similar reasons... - Camera bags look awful - When they're designed with compartments, you can't fit normal, other stuff in it - They're too expensive for what they are. Even Peak Design to me feels cheap, and they are actually flimsy. Just to name a few! As you said, just get a camera compartment with a bag you enjoy 🎉

[@GeorgeHolden]

Hey Ulysses! You too mate and thank you so much. Completely agree, the second you scale it down and get back to basics things just work so much easier. Glad to get my pedantic thoughts out into a video 😅

[@Anon54387]

@@GeorgeHolden One of the most expensive hobbies ever. Those who own and drive race vehicles are laughing across the nation right now, not to mention those who fly RC aircraft or build model train layouts. Photography is only expensive if one chooses to make it so. A kit Canon set up will do one quite well, and it is far better than the masters of the past had but they achieved great results. If Ansel Adams were alive now he'd find all this carping about gear odd to say the least.

[@joits]

Some of those camera bag's compartments can be re-arranged so that you can in fact, fit other normal stuff in it.

[@Pixnstoriz]

Totally true. The best combo is to stay light: one camera/one Lens. I like having a sling around the shoulders for an optional Lens, film, or a point and shoot camera. When not possible, a simple back pack and a cube is the best option for me too to protect my gear.

[@GeorgeHolden]

Great!

[@TheArtist441]

For general walkabout photography I honestly just take grocery bags, often double them up so it won't tare and drop my camera to the ground. Then I take the camera out when I start shooting and put it back when I'm done. No need to walk around with bags that scream out there's expensive equipment in there or otherwise draw more attention than needed! Also, those make for very inexpensive camera bags!

[@rogerbradbury9713]

Jane Bown used to turn up for portrait assignments with a couple of Olympus OM1s (I think) in a shopping bag; you are in good company.

[@drpscotland3677]

Made the mistake of using a North Face rucksack for a day out. DSLR, plus lens, plus bridge camera. When I emptied the bag later, the bridge camera screen was broken due to items not being secured in individual compartments. Cost me almost £100 to fix the camera. I'll stick with proper camera bags now, even premium branded ones. When your equipment is worth thousands, and your livelihood might depend on it, why risk using a bag not designed for photography equipment?

[@nofreewill1]

After watching this I’ll stick with the backpack I have and continue to throw my camera into my winter hat 😅

[@lovcovru]

ahaha same bro. but im using red hat for that)

[@bwc1976]

I love how you edited together clips of fancy camera gear and fancy coffee gear, they can both be expensive obsessions! And I'm also a fan of the Camp Snap, although I'd love it even more if there wasn't a half-second shutter delay. Also I still have and love my Lumix GX7.

[@El-ahrairah-lc3tg]

Sometimes I wonder why I got into photography with how much it cost, I know my wife is thrilled about it 😂 But yea I’ve had several bags I’m disappointed in. Tried sling bags, super no go and sticking to backpacks. I think the new Shimoda ticks all my boxes, I was thinking about designing my own bag for a min, might still do that

[@GeorgeHolden]

That's awesome!

[@danc3693]

It isn’t an especially affordable hobby but it becomes less expensive when one is honest with themselves about want vs. need.

[@megamastah]

Yeah, Shimoda peaks my interest as well. A cross between hiking backpack and a camera one. Pull out the divider compartment and boom, you got a standard backpack. Pricy though.

[@JikoMuskato]

I got myself a nice dedicated camera bag that was still affordable, the Flyht Pro Gorilla Camera Backpack. As far as I understand Flyht is a house brand by the music store Thomann but those can actually sell stuff for cheaper than most "big brands" by directly importing and selling. But yeah - before that I was using a Lowepro for many years until the laptop compartment zipper broke. But I also have smaller bags like the ones with shoulder straps if I prefer to carry a smaller setup.

[@jellomello124]

I did the exact same thing. Premium backpacking bag with the same peak designs insert. I can fit an A7C, 24-105, a go pro and a mavic mini 3 in the insert without any trouble. Best decision I've made. Works great for traveling.

[@GeorgeHolden]

Awesome!

[@tomwilshaw]

Amen. It feels like we’ve been down exactly the same road, I’m so guilty of having spent serious £££ on camera bags in the past, but my main issue has always been - what if I want to pack something, that’s not photography related…? Coffee making gear, a few clothes, fishing stuff… None of it really translates well to fit inside of a camera rucksack. So, like you, my go-to is now a fairly standard hiking bag, with a soft packing cube.. thing… with my camera kit in :) so liberating. Great vid man! Loved it ❤

[@JMurph2015]

I disagree. The only problems i have with my Peak Design Everyday Backpack is that its harness is not great and that it isn't _the most efficient_ at packing camera gear together. It also pads the entire shell of the bag whereas usually I only need like 60% of the bag to be padded. Apart from those issues, it's one of the nicest bags I've ever owned (and I've had a lot over the years). It uses *much* sturdier nylon fabric for the outer than almost any outdoors bag will (due to weight tbh), so I would recommend it more to my clumsy friends than some of my ultralight hiking/backpacking bags. Moreover, none of my outdoors bags have the unique side access that makes getting your camera out so easy from that bag. I do use an insert with them sometimes anyway, but it's much more of a hassle because all of Canon's new lenses are really chunky, so inserts that can hold them are also chunky, and so they tend to be quite difficult to get in and out of a normal backpack (if you can make it fit at all).

[@antonkudris]

I've owned a Peak Design bag for less than 3 years. Because while it looks gorgeous new, the quality of materials suck. It wears down really quickly. Won't ever buy again.

[@christophmuller3511]

PD is very good at making fancy clever compartments and stylish designs but their carrying systems sucks, the bags fail at being a good bag for long hikes.

[@Lukas_Seidl_1]

I had a peak design bag and while it was okay the straps and weight distribution in general just sucked when wearing it for longer periods. Everything over 1-2 hours was just a chore. I went back to an osprey bag and like it much more.

[@christophernation4793]

I was the photographer on a mad trip in the Indian Himalayas. I had a Nikon body, various lenses inc 500mm mirror and a bunch of misc bits and pieces. The whole lot were simply dumped in a canvas bag, no compartments, all banging about against each other, just a zip closure along the top. Coming down a mountain, on a sunny south facing slope covered in crotch-deep snow, a tennis court size patch detached itself and started racing downhill with me standing in the middle of it. A tree - the only one on that slope - stood with just the top part sticking out of the snow, the lowest branch only a couple of feet above the snow. By great good fortune I passed close enough to grab the branch as I rocketed, now on my back, down the mountain. The branch bent all the way round to the other side of the trunk and then whipped back. The canvas bag shot over my head, smashed into the trunk, and back into my face. The mini avalanche went racing on. My mates were very surprised to see me. The Nikon body had a small dent on the prism housing, the lenses were a bit scuffed but everythng still worked perfectly. These days I buy £20-30 canvas all-purpose shoulder bags, small for 1 camera, two lenses and medium for a bit more kit. The gear being M4/3 has transformed my camera carrying life and thus the photography. Who needs all that padding?

[@gerryphilpott9766]

Thanks, this just confirmed my decision recently to get the Gregory 20L backpack with contour backpanel as far more comfortable and fitted than any camera bag I've owned (not as young any more), and much cooler in the SoCal heat that we get some times. I either returned or sold the other packs for the very reasons you described. And mostly I'm down to a camera only or one extra small prime unless I do hikes or longer city walks. I'd like to find the smaller insert that you showed, do you have a recommendation of two where to get an inexpensive one?

[@bertramspielt]

Like most people with this passion, I also got a camera bag... And yes, it was a mistake. Now I carry my MFT since 3 years in a sort of courier bag without any brandname, equiped it with a little bag inside - like you do! Works perfect, I have my little set of gear with me, it feels good, gives faster access to the camera than a backback and is quite a safe way to wall through a city by night. Love it.

[@prizepictures1]

Nice video and with practical advice. I agree the smaller setups get more rotation. Are you big on weather proof bags? What about zippers? What are some of your deal breakers? Personally I’ve been through about 3 backpacks until I settled on the Manfrotto Street Slim. As far as smaller shoulder bags I’ve been through about 5 or 6 and decided to keep the Topo Designs Quick Pack and Tamarac Deroche 5. And finally I’ve tried about a dozen waist bags or Fanny packs and kept the 5.11 Tactical V6. I kind of enjoyed the process of finding what works for me despite the cost. I did give away or sold some of the ones that weren’t keepers. I like variety but I do have limits. YMMV. Thanks for a great video with a relevant topic.

[@GeorgeHolden]

Thanks! And I have a waterproof cover I throw over my backpack, stores nicely in a front pocket and they're cheap to replace. Better than any material a bag may use in construction!

[@invujerry]

I got into cars first. My life revolves around my hobbies. I got into cameras because of my car hobbies. But my camera hobbies directly follow my car hobby habits. So I have a camera bag from Temu, that I'm jamming a pro level camera from 10 years ago in. This is like the difference between SnapOn tool guys, and Harbor Freight guys. And dudes that use big tool carts, and tool buckets. I've got a HF bucket I drop all my sockets into.

[@imseeno]

When I first started out in this hobby, I definitely got caught up in buying a bunch of different accessories for photography, a bag included, before I even knew what I actually needed. Luckily I purchased a cheap, non major brand bag from Amazon to store all the stuff. Then after I actually got to know what my photography likes and dislikes are, I realized that having all that stuff is unnecessary. I sold my camera (Fuji X-T30), gave my lenses to my wife (cause she has the same camera body too), and I bought a more compact camera (Fuji X100V). Now, I just carry the camera in my work bag along with my folders and stuff. The camera bag I bought originally is just sitting in the closet along with the accessories I only used once or twice.

[@NL4915]

This is exactly why I got a Bellroy sling bag for my XT-5 instead of a proper camera bag (I do have the Profoto backpack for professional work gear). I want great construction, minimal size, and the ability to take everything I need with me in one bag. Another thing I would suggest is using a cheap padded insert in any regular backpack for camera gear (I have one and move it between bags depending on what I need to bring with me).

[@markielinhart]

Yup, I’ve been through the same mill George. The thing about camera bags is that that’s what they are and as you said, in the wrong part of town or on the wrong late night train you are a target. Currently I’m using a scruffy cross body messenger bag with an insert. This takes my mft camera/lens combo plus batteries, filters etc plus a wallet and other stuff. No tripod rather ibis and a steady(ish) hand or two…✌️🌻🇦🇺

[@GeorgeHolden]

So interesting you find that experience the same, thanks for sharing!

[@frankhu8692]

the main reason i got a prvke camera bag is becasue i need to do some lont term travel with my gears, i want to do carryon yet organize them, and i do not want to have a pelican case to take care of. If you are in this case, you do need a quality camera bag as it is effecient and convenient. When I settle down at a place and only need to do some street photograhy, i carry a uniqlo sling and a tiny camera and just enjoy my time. However, if you are either doing this as your job or travel from a to b, organized and well designed camera bag is a must, we have to carry multiple lenses, follow focus, imgae transmition gear, microphones, ssds, slate, nd, matte box, 60w light, and many other equipments. To have organizers for them is a must, you can buy organizers and put them in regular begs, but the fitment and space-utilization is not as great, especially when a great camera bag like prvke offered comfort and water-proofing on the same time. Those bags are not meant for hobbyists or street photographer, but for travel/ profesional photograher/ indie filmmaker & DP or anyone who needs to carry multiple tools to get their job done/ move to locations. Plase understand that there are so many different filmmakers and photographers out there, and organized and functional camera begs exist for many use cases

[@GeorgeHolden]

Exactly, hence why I own one for pro work!

[@rumrill5020]

I often go with a camera cube inside of a generic Jansport backpack.

[@GeorgeHolden]

Smart!

[@theronwolf3296]

I customized the interior of a waterproof hardcase designed for carrying test instruments etc. (available from tool supply houses). I can scramble over boulder fields, not worrying if I smack the case on a rock or drop it into a stream.

[@ErnestoValdezJr]

I think it depends on what you're doing that will determine what bag and gear to take. If you're shooting a wedding then you're probably taking a lot of gear so you need those nice roller bags that hold a lot of gear. If you just want to travel light or a having a quick lunch with a friend, you might just want to take a small camera and you can use a non-camera bag with no problem. I like my Peak Design backpack and I've had it for probably over 5 years and have put it through the wringer. When I'm out on a photoshoot, I like how easy it is to sling it to the front, open it, change lenses, close it and then sling it right back. It works for me and its efficient. I've also put my camera and lenses in non-camera bags and it works too but I find that you do have to protect it somehow. I've had gear damaged from clinking around back there. Good video and I like how you provide ideas on how to save money and be more discreet. Thank you.

[@icogicog8287]

I think your point is well taken and has merit, but, as everything else in life, with caveats. Done what you are doing (and still do it sometimes. It works but attention needs to be paid as scratching gear is quite possible (resell value going down). For long haul travel the convenience of organizing stuff is relevant. For those of us who venture in place where weather and conditions are challenging, I found the bags I use quite helpful. In urban environments I agree that one can get away with just about anything. Thank you for your thoughts!!

[@ablesentry7070]

I have a tiny, snug Lowepro bag for my Fuji APS-C, then put that in a Karrimor Taurus backpack with pockets. The internal pockets hold any filters or spare batteries. It's a low weight, low-profile package. Beside that, it makes me look like a daytripper, when matched with a fitting street "persona"... Gets the job done, all for less than £50 :)

[@jessedameron7985]

Wow. Solid points. For someone with a gimbal, mic, tripod, camera, lenses, and a rig, it's a bit heavy for me to carry in a backpack. I'm looking into lightweight roller bags. If I'm only moving it short distances, I want the ground take on the burden of weight.

[@ZakiWasik]

Wandrd Prvke is the perfect backpack for me. I use a half camera cube, so the problem with rigid camera comparments that don't allow you to use the bag for non-camera things is solved. But on the other hand it has tons of small specialised compartments for batteries, SD-cards, a lined pocket for glasses or a cellphone, separate compartments for both a laptop and an iPad, it does not look like a camera bag, but it does still have a quick access pocket to grab your camera. Even with the half camera cube, you can pack a very good amount of gear. Often I have my Sony A7 RIV, Tamron 28-75, Tamron 17-28 and Sony 70-200 F4 in that little half-cube with space to spare. Another things that is a huge plus is that my previous camera/laptop bag had the laptop compartment on the outside away from your body. This one has the laptop snug against your bag, which means the leverage is much less and with the laptop being one of the heaviest things I carry, the bag feels a lot lighter.

[@evan]

I bring my PD everyday bag when I want to bring more lenses and my mic sure, but lots of times I just head out with a much smaller PD sling that fits my A7Iv and 50mm lens. Depends on what I’m capturing but I do really make use of all the lil pockets

[@paulbarnard5267]

Very similar combination for me. Big bag when travelling, sling when I get there.

[@takiTCG]

I use a cross-body bag from the brand Finisterre. Beautiful materials (they’re a b corp that makes all sorts of outdoorsy clothes and bags from recycled fibers) and it’s the perfect size for me to carry my X-E4 with a prime attached, another prime if I feel like it, a small 16 oz water bottle, my pocket journal, kindle, sunglasses, etc. Even fits my iPad Air if I think I might need it! The removable, padded camera insert gives it the perfect amount of customization with highly functional pockets, too. If you’re looking for a low-profile day bag for a minimal camera carry but you still need some other “stuff,” I can’t recommend it enough!

[@Zlin0035]

this is why I like wandrd Prvke series, they can be both camera bag and just a normal bag, i use it for hiking when i dont even have a camera. best of both worlds.

[@Sundayinthelife]

My daily carry is a Chrome Bike Messenger bag with a padded insert or two. I usually carry one camera and a couple lenses, batteries, and sometimes filters. The chrome bag was a gift(they're very expensive) and so before that I carried a "Falcon"(off brand chrome) for many many years before it fell apart on me. Serves me well and I only use something bigger when I'm going on a more professional shoot where I need more gear. Also, I love the beautiful, cinematic buildup to a spit take. Top quality!😂

[@GeorgeHolden]

That's cool and thanks!

[@dalegreer3095]

I use a ThinkTank Retrospective 5. It's a rugged olive drab brushed canvas, it just looks like a beat up old bag. Only holds my X-T3 with lens, another lens, and my tripod head which I just kind of stuff in there. Well, it also hold a couple of filters and some lens cleaning supplies. But the point is, it's nondescript, the logo is on the side facing your body and you can barely read it anyway. That thing's almost 10 years old too, and it still looks the same as it did when I bought it!

[@MrShaft70]

I fully agree with you. An ordinary rucksack can be used in many different ways to carry a camera and lenses or even shopping for dinner. The carrying system is often much better. (e.g. from Deuter) Simply pack an extra protective bag for the camera. I think it depends on what you want to do. There is no such thing as a super rucksack. I bought my photo rucksack second-hand (peak design). And you wonder what you can buy second-hand and many things are hardly used. and for a good price. Thank you for your contribution. I love watching your videos.

[@GeorgeHolden]

There all rounder bags are always the way for me! And thanks!

[@MrGohunter]

I currently have a Billingham bag and a couple of other bags. However, a few years ago I bought a very nice canvas messenger bag, which wasn’t padded. It cost me £20. AlI did was buy some 1” thick foam plastic from the local market and for under £25, I had a very nice camera bag! Still got it!

[@COE33Beale]

Foam factory. Pick a part from Stay on the lookout for good hardshell cases, Pelican cases, or even the nice covert briefcase. And just make your own…. And if you’re carrying a lot of equipment. For portrait sessions, remote flashes, and all of that stuff. Makita makes a awesome fold up dolly.. And if you shooting on the fly, the briefcase is my personal favorite. But with pick up part from you can come up with whatever you want. That’s the wonderful thing about it.. Foam factory, it is reasonably priced.. custom sizes and width available

[@linjicakonikon7666]

I have 2 Leather Ona Prince Street bags for my Nikon Fs and Three Domke Ruggedwear F803 bags for my Canon VT Deluxe rangefinders. For my Linhof 617s Technorama and Fujica GW690 I use an old Tenba Medium Shootout backpack. Heavily but ultimate protection I've arrived at these choices after 50 years of photography. Everyone is different and as we evolve we discover that there is no one perfect camera or bag. Thankfully because I love cameras and I love bags.

[@christophontheweb]

You touch on a very valid, not often talked about aspect where optimizing for a specific purpose goes too far and decreases the overall utility of a product. Good call-out.

[@erenteker6908]

I completely agree with this video. Dedicated camera bags are darn too expensive. I have been travelling with a 3 slot shoulder bag for 3 years and I have never felt the need for more. Sometimes you feel like you want more but I am not gonna carry many lenses or lights with me so it has always sufficed for a travel/street/landscape photographer. Worst case scenario I just load the tripod or other necessities in the trung of the car.

[@Stephen.Bingham]

I keep my gear in half a dozen small bags - mainly “holster” bags. When I’m going out I grab those bags I need. Often I have one or two bags accessible by wearing them across my body, and perhaps a third bag containing equipment I use less often in a rucksack. I also often put them in the top of a large “messenger” style shoulder bag that also fits on the front of my bike. I’m not sure I’m the most fashionable of people, but it’s a very practical and flexible system (and also quite cheap)!

[@pcs9518]

I’ve had a Naneu Pro backpack I purchased almost 19 years ago in 2006 it was a brand at a local camera store that was $79.99 cheapest backpack they had. I hike with it regularly it’s stored multiple film and DSLR’s over the years along with a laptop, 5 lenses, tripod and flash. It has kept my gear safe, dry and has been very reliable it’s exceeded all my expectations for a $80 backpack.

[@Kaboom1212Gaming]

This is sort of why I went with an actual niche type of product for my camera / lens bag. I got the Top Shelf from Bevisgear which was making the rounds on the internet a while ago. The reason I got that bag is because I wanted something that would do what other bags wouldn't be able to from the design. I actually end up using the shelf part of it a LOT and with a lot of other bags I wouldn't have got that. Basically when buying for storing my kit, I made that bag a part of my kit as well, a conscious choice. Since otherwise, I kind of ask "what's the point?" many times over when looking at other bags. I suppose for individual purposes and shoots you can always do with more storage space, but you put it pretty bluntly here, there are way better bag manufacturers out there for the cost. So when I bought a bag for my camera gear, I actually bought a bag that had more functionality and worked with my workflow, rather than just being an expensive sack.

[@Cleverconveyence]

Loooove the top shelf. I appropriated some of the flexible dividers from a other bag and stuck them in it and it's incredibly versatile. I swear if they made a bag that was bigger than the 22 L and one that was smaller than the 22 L with the same mechanism, along with some dividers you can fold up and down, they would absolutely lay waste to the market. I also just bought the retrospective 7 and 5. I can pretty much fit the same amount of stuff in terms of camera and lenses, It's just that the seven has more room for other things like Samsung Galaxy tablet and accessories. I'm also adding patches and stuff to the bag to make it look more "shabby" but "cool." It allows me to bring a camera and like one modern lens or a few vintage primes and I'm good.

[@jimkay6987]

Ten years ago I picked up a large Fuel (the make) backpack at Walmart for $5.00 on close out. I had an old hard sided cooler that wore out and I took the hard case out of the cooler and fit it nicely into my backpack. That pack holds two cameras (with lenses 18-55 and 70-300) and has enough pockets for my batteries, sd cards, business cards and other things. It is the best "camera" backpack I have.

[@YummyPork]

Good advice. I've been using a Peak Design Mirrorless Mover 20 (I think) as the insert when travelling. My Fuji XT-5 with a f2 prime and the 18-55 and a spare battery fits in there and will sit nicely in the bottom of a North Face backpack I've had for years. Gives me the option of just grabbing the small bag when going out for a day.

[@Kickboxritter]

as a motorsport photographer I felt in love with the bevis gear camera bag, it's the only one they make, they started with Kickstarter and I'm really happy with it, simply because I can just swing it around to the ground and completely open the back to take things out, change lenses or whatever without having to put the bag in the ground (motocross tracks, lots of dirt you know...)

[@danekilstrup]

Your stories/videos are so spot on! You really make a compelling point for what most of us are thinking a good deal of the time, and if we’re not, well, you steer us in the right direction. Cheers for having common sense and being able to convey it to others. In a sea of nonsense you really are informative and entertaining. Thanks for all the hard work you put in!

[@GeorgeHolden]

Thank you so much!

[@grechan]

Good advice here. I carry a Wandrd Prvke 31 as my airplane carryon as i can carry my laptop, camera(s), lenses, nc headphones, etc in one solution. On arriving at my destination though I shift to a daypack + sling solution. Right now these are the Osprey Daylight or Wandrd Veer + Wandrd Detour with inflatable camera cube. Superb solution allowing me to bring a body and a lens and, as is pointed out here, take more pictures.

[@TheCreateOutdoors]

As a filmmaker and photographer, I really only use my camera bag for video as there is a lot of equipment to carry, however I have moved to waterproof cases instead. I still like to have my camera bag for when I fly though. I have thought about doing a more discrete bag like you mentioned, and I might still do that.

[@eikotehgrowingmouse]

Just picked up the PD everyday 30L...im happy, holds everything i need and my 16.5" 3k laptop... Im using it as my travel bag. I just bought a bag insert for my regular backpack when Im just roaming. I grab lowpros from the thrift store for cheap to hold extra gear. Its all about deciding its use case.

[@spaceman70]

Thank you! You've confirmed the direction I was considering - a regular backpack with a gear organizer shoved into it. I've been searching for a new camera bag but haven't found anything that really fits what I want. As you said, a bag that says Lowepro or Manfrotto kind of scream "expensive gear inside". Ironically, years ago someone suggested Billingham bags, but there's a bit of irony for paying a high price for something low-key.

[@MrVideoVagabond]

For nearly a decade I've been using an $83 Case Logic camera bag. It's sturdy, capacious and works great -- and is as good as the far-more expensive LowePro I previously owned.

[@matthiashaverland1730]

Glad to see that you found your way. I love my overpriced PD backpack back and I want to miss it for the world on my travels. And so far, my oh so obvious expensive camera bag hasn’t put me into any dangerous situations, for years…

[@trekkeruss]

My first and only bag is the Peak Design Everyday Messenger bag, which suited me for what I had at the time, just one body and two lenses. I bought it used; no way would I ever pay retail for it. I still use it, but now it is used mostly to carry overflow accessories; microphone, flash and transmitter, cleaning supply, etc. Now I use a Nanuk wheeled hard case, which I use to transport my gear from gig to gig (I do concert photography). I prefer the extra security of it, and being wheeled I don't have to struggle with the weight.

[@Crusader1089]

I have a tiny M50, and love shooting with the 20mm pancake lens. It's so small it fits in a jacket pocket. Although I love shooting on the Sigma 30mm, the pancake lens makes the camera so small, it's hard to resist.

[@alecbuxton7634]

Whatever happened to the foam lined aluminium case for the camera equipment it was my go-to choice back in the 80s and 90s that was perfect for keeping your camera equipment safe whilst carrying it around or storing it away

[@jerazi3936]

Love your thoughts of truth. I saw this video while drinking my morning coffee - and then at second 38 I suddenly laughed loudly - now everything is clean again.

[@atl_mx5]

I love that idea using a premium hiking bag with a small insert on the bottom

[@DenyTheZeitgeist]

Buying gently used is the hack for sure. Sometimes people just don’t jam with a bag and they let it go for cheap. Amazon marketplace too, returns are a steal sometimes.

[@yasso2031]

strongly agree with this honestly. I am looking into getting a bigger "camera" bag for my freelance video work since i have to bring a lot more stuff. but if i'm going out to just shoot photo's all i need is my camera and 1 maybe 2 primes that i bring in a cheap sling bag which is purely there for safety because the whole time the camera is really just in my hand.

[@michaelwalsh7846]

Your surprise at camera bag prices was funny! My answer over 30 yrs is a padded vertical bag about 30cm long with shoulder strap just wide enough to put camera with long or smaller lens in vertically with velcro closing cover for quick access, dont need lens cap, forget leather closing straps as by the time you get your camera out it will be tommorow.

[@kentan00]

I gravitated to tactical bags, or military style bags.I just throw in a cheap foam divider for the camera and lenses, whats great is most tactical bags have lots of pockets and webbing to put any small lose items and they are rugged as hell

[@LTULOfficial]

Lowepro pro tactic is the best camera bag and even better quality than those brands you named. I have had it over more than 8 years, still very sturdy. I'm not careful with the bag, so the fact that it's still doing well for so long just proves that the quality is as good as the other companies you mentioned. Quality over aesthetic

[@wk278]

Peak Designs has one of the best warranties I’ve come across in any industry. They’re expensive, but that company stands behind their product. I had one of my bags get torn on a vacation and contacted them about a repair. They couldn’t repair the tear so they sent me a brand new replacement.

[@djcolindale]

I love their bags.......really well made.

[@pokeandbeans]

Best bag I have ever owned was a vintage Domke, had it for 27 years and 6 cameras nothing fancy just a good bad with easy access and I think I am going to buy another one . The only other bag I ever really liked was the Olympus bag, for my OM-D setup soft bag and nice long strap sometimes less is better people

[@linjicakonikon7666]

Domke makes fabulous workhorse bags. Good choice 👍

[@stauffacher6638]

Many years ago your gear was huge and very heavy. I’m talking about a Nikon F2 with motor and all lenses. I used an old Tenba, and bought another one, and another. One day I needed special padding and dropped by Tenba in NYC Soho. They were so nice, specially worked for me, handmade all I needed and with a smile. I will stick to that brand for life.

[@ALWH1314]

I love camera inserts which can make any bag into camera bag, Hermes, LV…you name it.

[@andriyurenov7215]

I thank myself I have found your channel. Love your sense of humor and point of view on most things. Same thoughts on the bags. Cheers from Kyiv

[@shamanbeartwo3819]

My camera bag? Its a daypack that I found on a Seattle curb with a free sign on it. It has padded shoulder straps, a padded waistbelt, an inside slot for a laptop, and people are always amazed at how much I can get into that bag. For the actual gear, I took an old Panasonic VHS camera bag with has enough dividers/zippered pouches for me to carry my Nikon D850, two zooms, a nifty fifty, filters, cleaning kit, battery charger and extra batteries, and memory cards. I never leave the house without a big hoodie stuffed in the bottom of the bag and the little VHS bag sits right on top. There is still room for water, food, and the big tripod I take with me. This all goes into a milk crate on the back of my mountain bike and I can head off:)) Except for the tripod, I look like everyone else in my city. I keep looking at actual bags but I see the price of around $100 U.S. and always get something else for gear first like a modifier or toss that 100 towards another lens. For extra security inside, everything (including my iPad that I always take into the field) has its own bubble wrap envelope. The camera bags look great but surely I need a black mist filter or another memory card first. Someday! I had to stop this great video at the 2 minute mark to make another mocha and to see when on earth did the Mamiya RB67 go digital??????:)) I haven't see one of those since my 4x5 days and my lowly twin lens Mamiya.

[@bambix1982]

Agreed, for the most part. I still feel better having one sturdy BUT small camera bag to protect my gear. Never fancied the humongous camera bags some people lug around but then again I'm not doing this for a living. Another benefit of my bag is that it opens on the backside. I like the peace of mind that other people can't just grab stuff out of my bag, all while I still have easy access to everything when I put the bag down. Had the same little camera bag for 13 years and only recently upgraded to the newer, slightly bigger model. The RF 100-500 just didn't quite fit into the old one.

[@WritewheelUK]

I've got a large photo backpack, complete with mono- and tripod holders. It contains, quite easily, my two MFT cameras, three lenses, mic and accessories, cage, gimble (just), and you probably get the picture. If I'm not sure what I might need for the day, I put the whole thing in the boot of my car and pick once I get to my destination, putting my choice into my smaller, non-dedicated, but good quality, camera bag. I use a couple of inserts and can swap the insert easily. I am exhausted by the end of the day with the large bag, despite it being extremely comfortable, but the smaller one is a lot more convenient, and just as well made despite being a quarter of the price of the larger. I also have a fishing waistcoat. Perfect for the 'just in case' items. Thanks for the video.

[@mirdordinii5783]

I've really started to enjoy holster bags, very lightweight and functional.

[@waygone6657]

Excellent video. I've been using a common no name brand backpack with a camera insert for quite a few years now for all of the same reasons mentioned here. I'm not a pro but I travel a lot and quite often in tourist places where some bad people will hang out to take advantage of the tourists. In such cases I don't want to announce to the world that I'm carrying expensive camera gear. My typical gear is one or two full frame bodies, a 28-300, a 16-35, and a 1.4 or 1.2 50mm pro quality lenses, and a compact 15m flash. My backpack has a laptop sleeve if I need it, lots of pockets for batteries and cables a stuff and all packed up it is only half full leaving room for lunch and or light shopping. I took it to a shoe repair shop and had a sleeve sewn on the back to slide over the passenger back rest (sissy-bar) on my motorcycle if I go that way. I also had all of the seams and straps double stitched. I think I have about $75 into it. I've been through 4 high end bags so far including Lowepro and Monfrotto, They all have their plusses and minuses but my self adapted generic backpack is the best so for.

[@Cotictimmy]

My camera bag is £5.50 Cotton Traders bag from a charity shop with bunch of bubble wrap inside. It works for my big D3S, looks anonymous & it’s easy to grab the camera & shoot. Job done! 😊