Camera backpack advice

[Travis Butler]

Yeah, I know how it is to have to sell your gear because due to injuries you can’t use them anymore. Luckily it got much better with my shattered fingers over the years and can now fully use them, without any problems. But for years I had to be careful with heavy stuff. Otherwise they got irritated and swollen-up. It took like 7 years for the swelling not happening anymore when using them with constant weight.

But luckily m43 was there to keep me company and enjoying my hobby at that time.

Yeah, I very much get it; for me, it's MG weakness in the arms and ocular MG causing both double vision and inability to keep the eye off the viewfinder completely closed.

Life's grinding the body down kinda sucks, doesn't it? ^^;;

 

[CH_CH]

I have bought or received gifted (not by brands!) many camera bags over the years...
... most of them are now stored in the cellar. A couple of them have been given away...

For me the bag must achieve its goal. So:
1- Small bag that does not look like a camera bag, it looks cool, it holds 1 camera with a small lens + 2 other (primes) or 1 + a LED light. Perfect for going around in a city, or going out with family or friends, when you dont want to be "that boomer camera guy". Dörr Kapstadt, great! it carries my S9 90% of the time.
2- Bigger bag but in the same style. Key point is to be able to carry two bodies next to each other. I dont remember the brand now, I went to a couple camera shops and I tested until I found one that held both S5ii with 20-60 and G9ii with 50-200. Killer for more serious tourism, but it does not look as nice and it can be identified as photo bag, so I have to be even more pickpocket aware.
3- Rucksack. Sorry photo rucksack manufacturers, ALL I have tried from you is garbage. So I use a decent hiking rucksack (currently from Decathlon) that has straps where I can put my camera clips and good access to the interior, which I have filled with padded compartments. I hike a lot so I need a hiking rucksack that is actually good for that hiking, or XC ski. Photo rucksack typically fail in the ergonomies of the back.

 

[Markuswelder]

For me the bag must achieve its goal. So:
1- Small bag that does not look like a camera bag, it looks cool, it holds 1 camera with a small lens + 2 other (primes) or 1 + a LED light. Perfect for going around in a city, or going out with family or friends, when you dont want to be "that boomer camera guy". Dörr Kapstadt, great! it carries my S9 90% of the time.

I used to think the same, but if someone's scoping you out, -well in my case anyway, they're going to see the camera appear if they watch me for any more than about a minute anyway. Most of the time I've got my camera in hand -not flapping around on a strap from my neck, as I'm wandering around strange cities/places, so it takes even less powers of deduction to figure out what's in the bag.
A camera is no use for getting interesting shot's of the unusual or interesting, if it's bundled safely away in a bag. I've switched back and forth between kid's school backpacks and camera bags on multi month overseas trips, yet to be mugged.
Comfort and ease of access are my main priorities now. Looks, I couldn't care less. That's for the Wife to concern herself with LoL

 

[xaviergut]

. I hike a lot so I need a hiking rucksack that is actually good for that hiking,

I still use this one for hikings:

Rotation 22L

Never miss another shot! Quickly access your camera without taking off the backpack. Simply rotate the integrated belt pack to the front of your body and your camera is at your fingertips. Built for outdoor adventure with weather resistant materials and a 10-point adjustable harness for all-day...

www.thinktankphoto.com

There are 3 sizes: 22l, 34l and 50+. I have the 34l versión with a Peak Design Capture clip and it is great to carry 2 cameras, a small one and a big one inside the rotation bag.

 

[Travis Butler]

I used to think the same, but if someone's scoping you out, -well in my case anyway, they're going to see the camera appear if they watch me for any more than about a minute anyway. Most of the time I've got my camera in hand -not flapping around on a strap from my neck, as I'm wandering around strange cities/places, so it takes even less powers of deduction to figure out what's in the bag.

The way I deal with it is using old bags I pick up at sales; I figure if the bag looks old and worn, it’s much less tempting than something shiny and new.

 

[Jonathan-Mac]

I have multiple bags but it's been many years since I bought one new rather than used. Like exercise equipment, camera bags fall into the category of people buy them and then barely use them, then sell them on years later in good-as-new condition.

 

[Markuswelder]

I still use this one for hikings:

Rotation 22L

Never miss another shot! Quickly access your camera without taking off the backpack. Simply rotate the integrated belt pack to the front of your body and your camera is at your fingertips. Built for outdoor adventure with weather resistant materials and a 10-point adjustable harness for all-day...

www.thinktankphoto.com

There are 3 sizes: 22l, 34l and 50+. I have the 34l versión with a Peak Design Capture clip and it is great to carry 2 cameras, a small one and a big one inside the rotation bag.

Pretty cool idea, but it's a big backpack to only hold a little bit of camera gear. I suppose you could try and stack stuff inside the other main compartment, but then you're back to packing lenses in sleeves etc, and dropping the bag to the ground to access them.

 

[xaviergut]

Pretty cool idea, but it's a big backpack to only hold a little bit of camera gear. I suppose you could try and stack stuff inside the other main compartment, but then you're back to packing lenses in sleeves etc, and dropping the bag to the ground to access them.

Yes, in the 34l version I was able to put 1 camera with the 24-70mm and the 14-28mm in the extra compartment of the rotation bag. But as you say, if you want to carry extra gear you have to use the main compartment. It has an extra mini bag to carry the tripod outside the bag.

 

[The Rigger]

Life's grinding the body down kinda sucks, doesn't it?

I'm constantly saying that I f I'd known it was gonna hurt this much to get this old, I'd've taken a lot better care of myself back when I was young 'n' pretty.

 

[Markuswelder]

I'm constantly saying that I f I'd known it was gonna hurt this much to get this old, I'd've taken a lot better care of myself back when I was young 'n' pretty.

It would be nice if I'd actually had any control over mine, unfortunately my worst injuries have been completely and totally of my control.