Taking camera + gear to Sth East Asia - what bag?

[chet79]

I'm going to South East Asia in June / July - Thailand, Laos and Cambodia - and was just wondering how you'd recommend I lug my dslr + lenses around. I mean, a camera bag is going to stand out like donkey's balls. Am I better off putting it inside my pack? Or maybe take a Crumpler bag, which really doesn't look like a camera bag at all.

Just thinking ahead, and I'm open to all suggestions.

Gear atm is a 30D + Sigma 17-70. I think I'll be getting a 50 1.8 and possibly a WA lens before I go.

Also, on a sidenote, what's it like lugging your camera around on your own in Sth East Asia?

[NickSimcheck]

Can you get the national geographic bag in Oz? If so, then I'd think that would be your least camera-bag-looking-camera-bag.

[chet79]

Can you get the national geographic bag in Oz? If so, then I'd think that would be your least camera-bag-looking-camera-bag.

I've never seen one, but I'm sure I could get one online. Incidentally, I just spotted one on the forums, here (http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=229672&page=2).

[kevin_c]

Even the Crumpler ones look expensive, especialy if it's new. and by now nearly everyone knows, or at least can guess, that It's being used as a camera or laptop bag.
I'd just get a shoulder bag of some sort and simply pad it out with camera bag pouches/liners etc.

[condyk]

Even the Crumpler ones look expensive, especialy if it's new. and by now nearly everyone knows, or at least can guess, that It's being used as a camera or laptop bag. I'd just get a shoulder bag of some sort and simply pad it out with camera bag pouches/liners etc.

Agreed ... when you travel it is not normally to your advantage to stand out in any obvious way IMO. You want a small bag that can be worn across the body so you can hold it to the front and in site. I did a review of such a bag here (http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=189741) and this works for me day in day out. I just got back from a trip where it was invaluable. Offers easy access and lots of flexibility with guide book in front pocket, CF's in inner pocket and spare lens and bottle of water, or whatever, in side pockets.

PS ... another thing ... when travelling I always use my handstrap and you can walkaround with the camera at your side and so far less obvious. This helps with security and also shooting on the fly. I have been through lots of Asia and main thing for me is security and convenience. Carrying camera around your neck or off the shoulder isn't secure in any area of the world IMO.

[chet79]

thanks guys. yeah the crumpler would def look like it has something expensive in it...

the nat geo bag is a great idea. haven't ever seen one around these parts though. would be able to score one online I'm sure.