What Kind of Bag Do You Prefer

[Simoli]

I bought a back pac for my gear and really like it. I see on the "show your gear" thread that there are many who use shoulder bags.

I would like to know why you chose what you have.

[snevs]

I prefer backbacks because they are a lot easier to transport. Shoulder bags always annoy me because they tend to slide, or fly around the waist.
And if you're dependent on a bike, a backpack is the best choice IMO, plus you can attach a tripod to it.
The only drawback is that it takes longer to get the camera out of the bag.

[TPG]

You forgot messenger bag. :D

[HighLife]

i have both...most like my shoulder bag since its quick access to my gear...can swap shoulders, can use just the handle.

I use my backpack when i go on long trips and want my camera gear with my laptop.

[SuzyView]

I use my shoulder bag Domke F-5X the most, the sling bag Velocity 9X.

[anjc]

I have a Canon Backpack ... and just bought a Crumpler 6 Million Dollar Home because I just wanted something for walk abouts.

[_aravena]

You forgot messenger bag. :D

That's what a shoulder bag is :p

[TPG]

That's what a shoulder bag is :p

Slingshot = shoulder bag but NOT a messenger bag. :oops:

[HighLife]

i would consider the slingshot a backpack since its mainly kept on your back.

[Perry Ge]

I dunno, I'd say that a slingshot is halfway between a backpack and a shoulder bag. I see it as a backpack.

I personally prefer backpacks, but that's because I have to trek to my landscape shoots. I really, really like shoulder bags too and will definitely pick one up one day for my photography that doesn't involve crazy hiking.

[_aravena]

i would consider the slingshot a backpack since its mainly kept on your back.

Exactly, thus the term. :D

[sneakerpimp]

holster or sling.

[HighLife]

i can see why most love the shoulder bag...ever try wearing a suit with a backpack?

[Jon]

You forgot messenger bag. :D

That's what a shoulder bag is :p

Slingshot = shoulder bag but NOT a messenger bag. :oops:Messenger bag's a subset of the broader shoulder bag classification.

i can see why most love the shoulder bag...ever try wearing a suit with a backpack?

Shoulder bag - backpacks are for carrying stuff. Shoulder bags are for using stuff.

[Kris_2020]

I prefer shoulder and backpack. Different purposes but both are great.

[Tsmith]

For just walking around I use my new Tamrac Adventure Messenger 4, while for hiking I have a customized North Face Day Pack that does the job. Storage wise I keep most of my gear in a LowePro 5 AW.

I haven't yet seen a camera designed backpack that I like.

[Big WIll]

I have a backpack for when shooting all day, i have a waist/shoulder bag for assignments out on the field, i use both when i am shooting with multiple cameras & flashes and need all my stuff.

I prefer the access of the shoulder/waist bags however they can really strain your back/shoulders after a long day.

The hassle of a backpack can mean you miss your shots because the wrong lens is on and in on your back!

[Familiaphoto]

My preference is for shoulder bags, but I use a backpack when traveling. Best bag for the job is my preference.

[timnosenzo]

Most times I use my Crumpler shoulder bags because they're easy to use & shoot out of, but for hiking I use a backpack for a stable load.

[devil350]

I've both backpack and shoulder bag.
I voted for a backpack, because it's easier to transport, and often more confortable.

Laurent.

[TheChemist]

I wear a shoulder bag flush to my upper back, messenger style. Don't have much gear to lug around so this is the way for me.

[barrelwell]

Back pack for me a Kata-103 very strong and robust,use this most of the time and also a tamrac shoulder/waist pack.

[elysium]

For everyday use/travel, I prefer a backpack. Its takes a bit longer than a shoulder bag to get my camera out but not by more than a few seconds.

Backback is more nearly organised in terms of equiptment etc and find I throw things into a shoulder bag.

I do like to keep a lockable aluminium case for long journeys or for long term storage.

[Hangbot]

I voted for the shoulder bag, but I actually use both. While the shoulder bag makes it easier to grab your camera and shoot, it can kill my shoulders after a while - whereas the backpack can carry the weight more comfortably.

Domke f-2 shoulderbag: 1 camera with lens mounted and 2 other lenses
Tenba Response Large shoulderbag: 2 cameras with lenses mounted and 2 other mid-sized lenses
Lowepro Rover AW Plus backpack: 1 camera with lens mounted and 2 other lenses and enough room leftover for a days hike
4Star skate bag w/custom camera inserts: 1 camera with lens mounted and 2 other lenses - for days when I want to shoot and not worry about people trying to rob me:D

[junji98]

everyday, urban shooting - shoulder bag
long walks/hikes - backpack

i usually use my shoulder bag more :)

[jhom]

Why settle for one or the other. The Think Tank Change Up gives me the flexibility of a shoulder bag, belt pack or chest bag. I add a Lens Changer 35 and a Chimp Cage and I have one of the most verasatile bags around.

[kevin_c]

Depends on what I'm doing:

For walking around all day at an event or for taking landscapes, a backpack.
For general shooting within a short walk of my car or whatever, a small lightweight shoulder bag.

[martinsmith]

I use a shoulder bag. I'm amazed that they are so popular. All the photogs I know use backpacks.

I hate the way a backpack make your back sweaty and they're too fiddly to get off. Having said that, backpacks are probably better for long trips as shoulder bags aren't as ergonomically friendly.

[aridan]

That's a tricky question. I prefer backpacks for the looks and ease of carrying but prefer should bags for functionality. I was in a great dilemma when I was shopping for a bag. didn't know what type of bag to go with. I didn't know what was more important: functionality or carrying. I decided that since I was looking for a specific use bag (photo), I should concentrate on functionality. Ended up getting the Crumpler 7MDH (shoulder bag) and never looked back. Yes, a backpack is easier to carry and more comfortable, but at a moment's notice if you need to pull your equipment, or need to change a lens, a shoulder bag is much easier to work with. It also gives you a more secure feeling in crowded places as not many people (if at all) will attempt to mug you with your bag secured at your side.

On the other hand, you should also weigh your needs based on function. If you like hiking a lot, definitely go with a backpack.

[bexxer]

Hey what do people think about a belt bag? I need something that doesnt give my back or shoulders grief! Plus I am female and thus have great carrying hips!!! I have seen a canon one in local Jessops but cant find anything about it on web (incl. Jessops site itself!!).

Anyone have any experience? Want to carry 2 extra lenses and be able to put at leats one of my two cameras with lense away, looks like it'll do the trick but 80 quid is a lot of money to spend on a white elephant.

[ben_r_]

I always use either a backpack or a holster bag.

[gjl711]

I don't have a category so I voted other. I like the slingshot type bags. It's a cross of a shoulder and a backpack. Very easy to carry and hold a ton of stuff.

[SYS]

Kata H-14 Holster Bag: for general events and walkaround.

Kata R-103 Backpack: for traveling, camping.

Kata T-214 Torso Bag: for hiking, bicycling, outdoors, and general events

For carrying extra gear, I just connect the Kata R-103 backpack and the T-214 torso bags together (these are parts of the Kata modular system to work together).

[Alex Rechetov]

I prefer a backpack because it stays secure on my back allowing me to move around freely and not be concerned about a bag sliding off my shoulder. It's also more comfortable to carry for long periods of time, and thus is perfect for a lot of day hikes that I do.

[Bumgardnern]

I use a shoulder bag. I like having quick access to my gear.

[Calicajun]

I'm not sure yet as to what is the perfect camera bag. I have shoulder bags, sling bag and backpacks but haven't found that one bag to do everything for me.

[JWright]

Well, lets see... I have two backpacks (and may be getting a third soon), two different belt rigs, two shoulder bags (although one is used to store my medium format Mamiya) and one Crumpler and three different generic messenger bags that could be used to carry cameras.

I most often use the Think Tank Change-Up belt pack with a couple of added pouches or the Domke F-2 shoulder bag. My wife uses the smaller of the backpacks for her camera and sometimes uses the other belt rig (a LowePro.) The large backpack (LowePro Computrekker AW Plus) is strictly for long distance travel when we want to bring everything. I'm looking at a Tamrac Adventure 9 backpack that would allow me to carry a body, a couple of lenses and accessories and have a place for my laptop. This would also be used mostly for travel and not something to pack gear around on a daily basis.

[Layyz]

for me it depends on what and where im shooting. if im shooting sport pitch site i prefer a shoulder bag for access. if im out for the day i prefer the comfort of a rucksack for a longer day. I also have a smaller bag that will just take the body and stock lens which i tend to use for adhoc shooting.

[n1as]

My backpack stays home and just stores gear.

I use the shoulder bag (Domke or Lowepro reporter bag) 70% of the time. I can carry gear and access it on the fly.

The other 30% I'm using my Think Tank holster. Open the top, slide the camera in and GO. It is the bomb for sports photography where I know I won't be changing lenses. I also absolute loved it when shooting weddings. One camera on a strap around my neck, the other in the holster, ready for me to grab and shoot.

I'm thinking about adding a few more Think Tank pieces to my belt so I can carry a lens or 2 with me. I'd probably never go back to a shoulder bag for event photography again.

[Suller]

I used to have a shoulder bag but started finding it too heavy so I have very recently moved to a backpack.
I havn't had much opertunity to use the backpack yet, what with the UK not having a summer this year. From the little I have used it it is way more comfortable but also way less conveinient.
I have now bought a waist bag to compliment the backpack (both Kata) with the intension of using it as a holding area. I tend to use my 10-22 alot of the time so that stays on the camera so I would put an appropriate lens in the waist bag so I would have the convenience of being able to switch to that one quickly. Any other option and I would have to go into the backpack.
I hav'nt tried it yet so I don't know how practical that would be.

[jdizzle]

I'm a backpack and shoulder bag type guy.

[bexxer]

I took the plunge and bought the Canon Gadget bag 10EG, primarily for the belt bag style set up on it but it also has a shoulder strap and top handle. I have a bad back and dodgy shoulder so I don't like backpacks for too long or shoulder bags, this might be the best bag for me as I can chop and change the style of carrying but mostly I see the belt type straps to be useful.
Well, I'll report back as I am about to take it on a 2 weeks road trip thru Lancashire, Lake District (Cumbria), Northumberland and North Yorkshire. Lets hope my back AND the bag hold out!

[tomsem]

I originally got a shoulder bag and found that one bag won't do it all well. I now have three.

Shoulder bag-Tamrac 5608-home base for everything and more stationary use.
Belt/Holster bag-Lowe Pro Off Trail 2-hiking and mobile use...I really like these two together
Backpack-Canon 200EG-for when the Lowe Pro isn't enough to use in combo.

I just got the backpack for our trip to Glacier NP and the Canadian rockies next summer so haven't used it yet.

[NathanJK]

I have a small domke for those "out and about might see something...might not" trips. I have a backpack for the "definitely going to see something" trips. I also now have a pelican 1650 on the way for when I shoot weddings or portrait sessions since I'm tired of taking the backpack for cameras and lenses, the domke for flashes, cords, and pocket wizards, a second backpack for weight bags, and the lightstand/umbrella bag. That gets a bit ridiculous... So yeah, I had to answer other!

[2.8orfaster]

Sling is my favorite, I have the slingshot 200.

[René Damkot]

Shoulder bag (Billingham), because I work out of the bag...

[vibin247]

I wear a shoulder bag when I carry my gear, though it does hurt the shoulder after a while. Belt-type setups are probably the best for your body, while backpacks are pretty much the answer when you need to carry everything. However, I find wearing the strap across the chest, messenger-style, suits my needs best.

[Jaetie]

i think that bagpacks are more comfortable, but they look stocky and docky.

[gjl711]

The Slingshot is a nice compromise between a backpack and a shoulder bag. It has the convenience of a shoulder bag with quick and easy access but the carryability of a backpack.

[RRitch]

I actually use both a shoulder bag, and a backpack. I used to use the Canon backpack, but I have just upgraded to the Tamrac Adventure 9. I am changing jobs so I wanted a single bag that I can carry my camera and a couple of lenses and flash as well as my laptop. I use the backpack most of the time, but I have a Lowepro NOVA 3 shoulder bag that I use some times. I usually use it for times when I am going to be walking around shooting, and only want to carry a body and a single extra lens. It is smaller and lighter than either of my backpacks and allows for quicker access. Each of the bags has a distinct advantage

Canon:
Pro:
Holds all of my camera gear
Offers decent protection

Con:
Does not hold a laptop
Kind of heavy fully loaded
Difficult to access camera quickly

Tamrac:
Pro:
Holds a laptop
Good protection
Does not look like a camera bag

Con:
Only holds 1 body
Difficult to access camera quickly
Heavy when loaded with camera and laptop

Lowepro
Pro:
Small
Lighweight
easy to access camera

Con:
Does not hold much gear
Screams "CAMERA BAG"

[Crossfire]

I have a back pack and a shoulder bag. I use the backpack most. I like it because it doesn't look like a camera bag

[Mr Stevey]

hi,

just bought a Crumpler Keystone mid-sized backpack. awesome comfortablilty, great security style access panel a the back, and plenty of other positive reviews floating around on various websites... Perhaps a little pricey for some, but hey... this is an expensive hobby!!!

oh, plus i'm an Aussie and i'm supporting my local boys who produce such great bags... have many in my cupboard!