Photographers have a Bag Problem

[@Spearmanmark]

For me, the perfect small-carry/discrete-metro-photowalk bags are the Patagonia Atom Sling Bag 8L or the Fjallraven High Coast Crossbody. Pair each of these with any number of small locking carabiners from REI for a bit of added security and you’re good to go. For medium-carry, the Fjallraven messenger bag with a Peak Design camera cube.

[@davidherring]

Thanks for sharing!

[@corot33]

Thank you for the video. I have followed the three bag formula for quite awhile. With my main cameras being: Sony A7c, Fuji x100v, and the Panasonic gx9. I have six bags but the three main which work very well are the Billingham compact stowaway, billingham hadley digital, and the billingham small Hadley pro. All are totally black p, waterproof and very well made. They do not look like camera bags imho and although not cheap but worth the long term investment for quality and durability.

[@davidherring]

For me, totally worth that investment. Thanks for sharing!

[@acquired.archives]

My everyday carry for my Leica M is the Billingham Hadley digital. It is compact and water resistant. It’s amazing and there is enough space for other things you would usually carry with you such as sunglasses, phone, wallet and headphones.

[@davidherring]

Thanks for sharing!

[@RandumbTech]

I’m a 3 bag guy too - small Domke shoulder bag, mind shift 26L rotation backpack, and some kind of large Tenba bag. They all serve a purpose. Great video!

[@davidherring]

Thanks for sharing!

[@DronieWalker]

1:42 “I need 3 levels of carry” It’s the long waited moment I’ve been waiting for so long. I totally understood the need for “different levels of carry” now but hope your video really are able to point out the important parts and how to split amongst. (Continue watching…

[@davidherring]

Hope this video clarifies it for you!

[@kiwipics]

It's so funny when KZbinrs say the those hilarious words "fanny pack". Just not something you'd say in the UK.

[@davidherring]

Haha God bless 🇺🇸

[@rednelob9951]

"open carry" is another unique American expression.

[@GeorgeHolden]

Don't we call them bum bags?

[@theaussiewhinger]

Yeah. "Cos, fanny means your arse over there (in the US), not your min....."

[@kiwipics]

@theaussiewhinger ... I'm in the UK 🇬🇧 .. That's why I said we don't say fannypack. Even bum bag is a terrible name.

[@revaaron]

Sounds about right. I have a 3.5l wotancraft for the mamiya 7 and a lens/film/notes. Then a Timbuk2 photo messenger for a 2-3 bodies. Finally I have a 60l public land duffel that I put in 3 different cubes (one for lenses, one for flashes/lighting, and one for bodies). working well so far.

[@davidherring]

Thanks for sharing!

[@stuartvh4562]

Hey Dave. greetings from the UK! I discovered your channel earlier today, and what a refreshing take you offer, so you have a new subscriber. This particular video is timely, as I'm passing my time here on YT following spinal surgery, so definitely thought provoking, as I consider not only what weight I carry in the future, and how I carry it, but also what gear I might trade my Canon + four lenses for, having seen your Leica Q3 43 video earlier🙂

[@davidherring]

Thank you and welcome!

[@bobbythompson901]

Great video. I do pretty close to the same thing. My work-out-of bag is still the original Domke bag, but I use the same Pelican case without the foam, and place the entire Domke inside. When Peak Design updated the small cube, I bought a bunch on closeout. I have them packed with different setups - one for audio gear, Sony lenses, Hasselblad, video gear, vintage adapted lenses, etc... Three of them fit perfectly in a Pelican 1550, also without foam. So I grab the ones I need and pack the Pelican accordingly. Working out of the car, I have a group of keyed-alike padlocks for the Pelicans, then I thread a small chain through the handles and lock it to the cargo area tie-downs in my Outback. Then toss a black blanket over them. This way you can't even see anything through the windows, The chain and locks won't stop a determined thief, but should thwart the opportunistic smash and grabbers. I also put Peak Design anchors on the cubes, and sometimes just attach an extra strap straight to the cube if I'm just going a short distance or doing something simple. If I want to use one of them in a bag, I have an old Colombia messenger that is nearly worn out, and isn't the best design, so I'm going to check out the Filson you mentioned. Thanks for showing your process.

[@davidherring]

Thanks for sharing! The small cube is really awesome. I haven’t used the new one, but I have a few of the old ones and use them all the time.

[@willhdolan]

I do absolutely have a bag problem! this is brill - really really resonate with using the right bag for the right time. It's soo tempting to keep trying to buy bags until you find the right one, but I thiiiiiiink I've probably got enough to make it work... for now at least!

[@davidherring]

I’ve been there, and since I settled into this system, I haven’t felt the need to keep looking!

[@AlanGreenberg-i8p]

Great video Dave. I do the same thing with three bags.Peak Design 10L sling, Nomatic 18L and an XL Tenba.

[@davidherring]

Thanks for sharing!

[@nachoviewfinder]

man this is so true!! I literally just got back a bag that I owned 2 years ago because it was the only bag that kinda fit the everyday lifestyle for me out of all the bags I tried since then

[@davidherring]

That’s how it goes haha

[@nachoviewfinder]

@@davidherring its a problem for sure haha

[@theronwolf3296]

Some good advice, different packs for what you intend to do. When I am anticipating bad weather, or risk of physical damage (climbing on a boulder field, for example) I have a couple of hard smaller bags (Harbor Freight similar to the Pelican) so I can concentrate on where I am going and less on protecting equipment.

[@davidherring]

Very cool

[@neklamp2431]

I have 6 photography bags and a Polo backpack from my student years. The 2 are just for storage, one is for storage while travelling small distances, 3 for everyday use based on the weight I'm willing to carry and lastly my Polo that is for travelling long distances. There is no such thing as the perfect bag. Your into was so funny and on point. We are definitely addicts!

[@davidherring]

Thanks! We are!

[@rudigerwolf9626]

Dave.. Yes indeed. That makes a lot of sense. When shooting in winter (Yosemite, Yellowstone, etc.), and you need to carry more than camera gear (jackets, gloves, hand/foot warmers, towels, etc.), and want a hip to distribute the weight more evenly, the small Atlas backpack is terrific. Midsize compartment for camera gear, and lots of space for all the other gear.

[@davidherring]

Thanks for sharing!

[@JackTse]

Thanks Dave! I finally bought my first big bag recently

[@davidherring]

Nice! What did you get?

[@theazurian2778]

Id say the billingham fits well, i use the eventer and it fits 2 lens, body, w ad200 and alot of extra stuff. Good for day to day use. But when i need to go for longer trips where i need to pack jackets i go for the billingham rucksack 25, if you know how to tie, you can use paracord and tie 2 hooks on either side to hook tripods.

[@davidherring]

Great!

[@snowhite1qazse4]

I agree with first & second bag. The 3rd bag is hard & heavy to carry for me since I am very thin shoulders. For me, I prefer backpack with side access that can carry 2 or 3 lens & body.

[@davidherring]

Yeah, I wouldn’t buy it again if I was doing it over. But it is a large bag and I use it as I described.

[@MeAMuse]

Bay Area also here! I am pretty settled with bags and agree, you need a bag system. 2 ironic things. I rarely use a bag (I love limiting myself to one camera and lens) and I don’t have a bag that holds everything. First bag size is based on holding a camera and a lens or 2 and a few things for the day (layer and a water bottle etc). I actually have 2 for this depending on whether I want a messenger or a small backpack. I then have a large backpack (Wandrd Prvke 31L) that I use for traveling. Typically that can hold a camera, 3 zoom,s a prime, and a second body. It’s such a flexible bag, carries weight ok, and is not too big to look crazy as a backpack in a city. I am going to be using it as my personal item when going to Yellowstone again this winter to take a 100-400, 200-600, 24-70, a 35mm prime and probably 2 bodies (it will be a squeeze). At a similar size I have a dedicated hiking bag that I will use to carry all the stuff I need for walking all day but can carry up to 3 lenses much more comfortably (usually take less though) for long hikes. Last bag is just a camera cube that I take on road trips to store a bunch of gear. To give you a feel of size it fit all the gear I mentioned for the Prvke fits and also my Leica, my wife’s camera and 2 lenses, my RX100, teleconverter and accessories. Of course stuff gets switched out… I have a bunch of primes, a Nikon film kit, teleconverters, etc. I have to say enjoying wildlife photography does make it harder!

[@davidherring]

Hey neighbor! Thanks for sharing! I may be heading to Yellowstone this winter, too! I love winter there. I’ll likely just bring the M though, and maybe a 135.

[@rsharma5901]

Thanks Dave - very informational! Do you think the Fjällräven is able to fit the Visoflex 2.0 on the M body as well?

[@davidherring]

I’m not sure. I find the Fjallraven to be perfect horizontally and vertically with an M + a normal sized (50, 35 lux) or smaller lens on it. Shoot me a DM on IG and I can send you a video of mine with my camera in it and you can guesstimate if it would work!

[@rsharma5901]

Thanks Dave! Appreciate the follow through! :-)

[@mwales2112]

I need to go to bags anonymous.. I have more bags then my wife has purses... As a Leica shooter with small gear a couple of years ago I finally settled on a Wotancraft Pilot 7L and 3.5L and just love them...

[@davidherring]

That’s great. They make great bags!

[@Wordsanall]

Your mid bag is basically a Bellingham Hadley Pro (size). I have had my Hadley pro for 14 years it’s incredible.

[@davidherring]

Yeah my old Filson bag is very similar to that!

[@RyanMurray87]

Thanks Dave for making this video 🙏🏼 I'm grateful for the insight on *how* to think about a bag *system* more broadly, over a specific product review (though of course the PD and Filson callouts are also that lol). Also... your "moment of empathy"-I'll call it-at the beginning was nice to see for me. Thanks again!

[@davidherring]

I shared them because I actually use them, but I hope that the philosophical point of using a system and finding the best bags for your gear is what came through!

[@Chromatomic]

Same type of system. One main bag/backpack that could hold everything for grabbing quickly or traveling and sling/fanny pack for my x100. Then I have a medium and small camera cube that I can fit into other bags, backpacks or shoulder bags if I need a larger camera or an extra lens. More than that gets too complicated. Less than that and I end up carrying too much or too little with me.

[@davidherring]

Thanks for sharing!

[@shang-hsienyang1284]

My favorite bags are from deuter. The weight are moved to my waist, and I could carry my Nikon 200mm f/2 for kilometers and not feel tired. The only catch? They don't look like photography bags.

[@davidherring]

We had a Deuter to carry our kids around when they were younger. Great bags!

[@garymc8956]

Great ideas! I’ve been using Timbuktu messenger bags with inserts and various fanny packs as slings for some time as they work great and don’t scream “Expensive Camera Here”! I wonder if you have found a good compact cube for a M with mounted lens and a spare? Would love to have something that’s well protective that I could throw in a larger bag that may contain a bunch of other stuff, as in a hiking backpack. Thanks!

[@davidherring]

The small camera cube is sometimes in my large carry with other stuff as you mentioned. Thanks for sharing!

[@joseuribe430]

I have the same filson 24hr tin bag but need the insert. I have a Ona brixton truffle bag and a domke f1. I need to get the peak design camera insert.! Thanks for sharing

[@davidherring]

It’s really the best! Love my Filson gear!

[@joseuribe430]

@ me too! Got there wool jac-shirt, wool beanie, and there canvas med size bag as well. Awesome products

[@joseuribe430]

@ i bought a carhartt jacket it and waxed it recently to help with water repelency

[@warren4261]

And I thought I was the only one with this problem and a closet full of camera bags. I love the idea of inserting a cube into a nondescript backpack so no-one knows what you're carrying.

[@davidherring]

You're among friends.

[@TheCreateOutdoors]

I'm in the process of trying to find the "right" bag, but I have come to realize one bag does not in fact fit all. My LowePro fits a lot, but it is truly cumbersome. It also isn't great for some flights.

[@davidherring]

Consider a non-camera bag.

[@chrisbogart687]

A good professional photographer friend of mine refers to her bag as her "Insecurity Bag". Photographers tend to carry not only the camera, back up camera, and all the lenses they have, plus a lot of other stuff - filters, flash, etc. I am more of a minimalist - one camera one lens. It requires you to get more creative and helps you think, focus on the subject, and not get hung up on what is in the bag. :).

[@davidherring]

That’s actually a really good point!

[@phil_aesthetics]

My midbag is a vintage Minolta bag. looks cool!

[@davidherring]

That’s cool!

[@JoeDAgostinoPhoto]

Dave. I use the same small bag. They are great. It’s my Disney bag too. Had my Hasselblad X1Dii in it for this last outing.

[@davidherring]

That’s awesome. Disney bags unite!

[@sherwin131986]

Nice shirt, Dave!

[@davidherring]

Thanks!

[@Lucaemar]

jokes on you, Im looking for a new small, a new medium and a new large bag :)

[@davidherring]

My my my how the turntables…

[@Lucaemar]

@@davidherring Also, a medium hiking bag, medium city bag.. oh no!

[@geoffreyconnor4589]

Just bought a Wotancraft 3.5L sling bag for my Leica M11 and two lenses

[@davidherring]

Great bag!

[@duncancampbell6365]

Well well well...all these camera bag fanatics...that we are. Has anybody ever thought that these videos serve the camera bag industry and generate lots of money (!?!) out of your pockets into theirs'? One thing that needs to be said is that there are LOADS of second hand bags out there, either purpose made or not. Dave demonstrates quite well that it doesn't need to be peak design, Ona Bag or even more expensive... It needs to hold camera(s) and everything else one would need. Cameras are so well made nowadays...so is there a need to carry backup gear which only takes loads of space in luggage? I have been a pro-shooter for nearly 25 years and my backup gear was NEVER necessary. I feel it in my back now and my life is much better since I ditched the backup. My cameras have never failed me...touch wood. Dave, thank you for a sensible, constructive video. To all you others out there: go get yourself a second hand bag. Save some resources and you might get some 'patina' for free with it.

[@davidherring]

I buy second hand everything typically. Very few things I own were bought new. Wise words!

[@tysonmartin-LifeOfPhys]

Great video brother

[@davidherring]

Thanks bro!

[@blende5.693]

I have definitely a big bag-problem. I love to search for bags and buy absolutely to much bags for a couple of cameras 😊

[@davidherring]

Haha yep

[@MrHaydnSir]

7:54 that's an incredible portrait

[@davidherring]

Thanks! Tripod and self timer haha

[@JeffreyDeanAnderson]

I agree us photographers have a problem with bags and straps as well.

[@davidherring]

Yeppppppp

[@phil_aesthetics]

That is basically what I have been doing, I have a backpack to travel and a mid bag to hold my extra lens and then a fanny that i used at disney lol

[@davidherring]

The fanny pack Disney crew is strong!

[@TedVynorius]

Great review…. It seems so many of us have a lot of bags… haha… new subscriber… will check out your other posts…. Thanks for sharing!

[@davidherring]

Thanks!

[@englematic]

I've been using the same think tank bag since 2015

[@davidherring]

Nice

[@TonyNomadic]

Bags and camera/wrist straps 😩

[@davidherring]

Never got into straps….yet.

[@davide88rn]

I see a bag video and I put a like ASAP

[@davidherring]

Haha

[@travelwithjustin]

Time for a new bag! 🤣

[@davidherring]

Haha

[@julesc5571]

Omg stop saying fanny 🇬🇧😂😂😂 Uniqlo sling here for x100vi, couple of different sized Billinghams for bigger stuff. Fantastic bags.

[@davidherring]

God bless America, 1776 - 2016

[@geofff6671]

Wow those Filson bags are even more expensive than Billingham.

[@davidherring]

The twill bag, as I mentioned, was bought at an estate sale. I think I paid $50 for it. The tin bag… yeah, I bought that one new. It was a daily carry work bag before I used it as a camera bag. Also, Filson stands by their products for life (lifetime repairs) and I anticipate one of my kids will someday use this bag. I’m fine with that for $350.

[@geoffreystone4849]

No we have storage problems for all the bags accumulated over the years. They go with the 5 tripods , a myriad of lenses , flashes, filters, etc. The saving grace is that therapy costs more than GAS and no where near as fun!

[@davidherring]

But therapy isn’t as fun.

[@geoffreystone4849]

I have revised the conclusion.

[@mandiworld]

Smiling through most of this video. Yep, I have several, they're either too large or too small, too femenine or too colorful..

[@davidherring]

We’ve all been there!

[@pfbentley1019]

Fjällräven Kånken No. 2 Black Hip Pack Black - $80? for a fanny pack? Yikes! Is it made from gold?

[@davidherring]

Yeah, it’s not cheap. But it’s doesn’t move on my chest, it has as lifetime warranty, and it’s made from the same canvas material most of my bags are made from.

[@ericmorales1934]

I HAVE A BAG PROBLEM 😂😂😂

[@davidherring]

We all have a bag problem haha.

[@Blue_Camera_Cat]

I feel called out wth

[@davidherring]

I have called you out! Personally!

[@stuartblink]

If you’ve having bag problems, I feel sorry for you son. I’ve got ninety nine problems but a stitch ain’t one.

[@davidherring]

Omg haha

[@MikePageKaltenberg]

Wait, acquiring bags ISN'T the end-game? What fresh heresy is this? 😢

[@davidherring]

Haha

[@Hangiinjohnny]

It’s not a problem, they are all for specific jobs

[@davidherring]

Thanks for sharing!

[@stevenwaldstein2249]

Add me to the bagaholics anonymous chapter. Way too many bags but still haven’t found a small sling bag I like a lot. For medium and large bags I use bags I bought from Shimoda or Mindshift or ThinkTANK. Thank you and take care.

[@davidherring]

Bagaholics Anonymous lol

[@sinnnanoraa]

SHIMODA, problem solved

[@davidherring]

If it works for you, great!

[@RumoHasIt]

Why are you outing me like this.

[@davidherring]

It’s what I do!

[@Stop-All-War]

• Bag inserts best, then every bag is a Camera carrier.

[@davidherring]

Absolutely!

[@erin.v.z]

I’m going to go out on a sexist limb here… this is especially true for women as a daily carry. Seven years ago I got my first Patricia Nash bag. It was a birthday gift and I still treasure it, but it was my first purse in the hundred dollar + range. Gorgeous leather with tool detailing and fit my Fuji X100T perfectly. I couldn’t go back from here. I have owned a lowepro roller bag for weddings, sling bags, even a Domke bag…. But none of these look appropriate on a night out. So i purchased some padded inserts and began a small collection of leather bags that will fit varying amounts of gear. As photographers we are often the type to look for nuanced beauty… so it just makes sense we want a bag that functions well and that we can stare at and admire 😂

[@davidherring]

@erin.v.z totally get it. That’s why I shared my friend Jenn’s bag. It’s her style, and even when she’s not carrying cameras she’s using that style of bag. I greatly care about how my bags look. I don’t like tactical or obvious camera bags. The best bags are the ones that are practical in usage and inspire you with style.

[@bryantwalley]

You said Fanny pack. Maybe that translates different in other places.

[@davidherring]

God bless America.

[@bryantwalley]

@davidherring yes brother. Indeed he has.

[@benjie_edmonson]

Great video as usual! Is the tan Filson a medium field bag?? Like most, I’m a bag whore😂

[@davidherring]

Medium Rugged Twill Field Bag! They’ve been making this one a long time, and still make it. Fantastic bag! It’s my usual go to bag.

[@JoyHopeFully]

“Last week 😳…” I felt that in my soul 😢

[@davidherring]

I’m still feeling it.