What camera bag do you suggest?

jandrewnelson · September 28, 2012

Have used Lowepro Fastback successfully for three years. The zipper on the laptop compartment is busting and I need a new bag. What kind do you suggest.

I carry one DSLR body, three lenses and typical cables, batteries, charges and such.

As I spend almost every waking day traveling, I'd like to find a good blend of backpack and camera gear bag. Doesn't have to be a BIG backpack, just a gear bag with enough space for a change of clothes.

Would like to keep it as much below $200 as possible.

Your suggestions?

Jerry
www.meesoon.smugmug.com

Art Scott · September 28, 2012

A LowePro slingbag....you do not mention which lenses and if it is just one body or two??
Sling bag is a great way to keep gear accessible and secure since you never have to remove it...
I have a ProTrekker that I bought back in 2002 and it is still going strong...but if your zipper is all
that is wrong, why not have it replaced by a local alterations person???

jandrewnelson · September 28, 2012

Thanks for the tip...but...

Slingbag isn't big enough for my travels and doesn't have a separate laptop compartment. I've talked to two people locally that do alterations and neither can fix this because of the peculiar way the zipper lays in the folds. Well, with enough money anything can be fixed. But it'll be cheaper to just buy a new one.

Thanks though!

TopCat · September 28, 2012

+1 for the LowePro Sling Bag. They come in a variety of sizes, and as Art says they preserve security of your gear because you don't need to take it off..

jandrewnelson · September 28, 2012

Again, sling bag is too small. Plus the ones I see on their website do NOT have a laptop compartment. But thanks

ziggy53 · September 28, 2012

Since you already know and like the bags, just get another Lowepro Fastpack 350* and add a compression stuff-sack to the bottom for your clothes. This has the advantage of being removable when you don't need the clothes with you at the time that you need the rest of your camera kit.

An REI Lightweight Compression Stuff Sack might be just the ticket:

http://www.rei.com/product/794957/rei-lightweight-compression-stuff-sack

This might require some minor additional connections to make it all work, but the Fastpack 350 seems to have 2 straps at the bottom front plus the bottom connection points for the backpack straps; should be easy to adapt.

*The Lowepro Video Fastpack 350 AW might be an even better idea.

jandrewnelson · September 28, 2012

ziggy53 wrote: »

Since you already know and like the bags, just get another Lowepro Fastpack 350* and add a compression stuff-sack to the bottom for your clothes. This has the advantage of being removable when you don't need the clothes with you at the time that you need the rest of your camera kit.

An REI Lightweight Compression Stuff Sack might be just the ticket:

http://www.rei.com/product/794957/rei-lightweight-compression-stuff-sack

This might require some minor additional connections to make it all work, but the Fastpack 350 seems to have 2 straps at the bottom front plus the bottom connection points for the backpack straps; should be easy to adapt.

*The Lowepro Video Fastpack 350 AW might be an even better idea.

I think you might be on to something. Thanks!

perroneford · September 29, 2012

There is a reason about 90% of the pros I know use Thinktank bags. I have three myself. Even if you don't buy one from then, look at their line. The No Questions Asked, full replacement warranty is just the tip of the iceberg.

http://www.thinktankphoto.com/

-P

jandrewnelson wrote: »

Have used Lowepro Fastback successfully for three years. The zipper on the laptop compartment is busting and I need a new bag. What kind do you suggest.

I carry one DSLR body, three lenses and typical cables, batteries, charges and such.

As I spend almost every waking day traveling, I'd like to find a good blend of backpack and camera gear bag. Doesn't have to be a BIG backpack, just a gear bag with enough space for a change of clothes.

Would like to keep it as much below $200 as possible.

Your suggestions?

Jerry
www.meesoon.smugmug.com

jandrewnelson · September 29, 2012

perroneford wrote: »

There is a reason about 90% of the pros I know use Thinktank bags. I have three myself. Even if you don't buy one from then, look at their line. The No Questions Asked, full replacement warranty is just the tip of the iceberg.

http://www.thinktankphoto.com/

-P

Thanks for the advice! I'll check out Thinktank closely.

worldrider · January 1, 2013

Lowepro has a lifetime guarantee, I believe. Call them up and tell them the zipper is failing. They'll fix or replace the bag.

I realize this is much later. What did you end up doing anyway? If you still have the bag, do call Lowepro, they've fixed two of mine in past.

jandrewnelson wrote: »

Have used Lowepro Fastback successfully for three years. The zipper on the laptop compartment is busting and I need a new bag. What kind do you suggest.

I carry one DSLR body, three lenses and typical cables, batteries, charges and such.

As I spend almost every waking day traveling, I'd like to find a good blend of backpack and camera gear bag. Doesn't have to be a BIG backpack, just a gear bag with enough space for a change of clothes.

Would like to keep it as much below $200 as possible.

Your suggestions?

Jerry
www.meesoon.smugmug.com

What camera bag do you suggest?

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