camera + diaper bag?????

[blonde]

as some of you know, we are expecting our first child in a couple of months. besides all the very confusing decisions of which crib, stroller etc.. to buy, i also need to choose a new bag. what i am looking for is a bag that will allow me to carry my 1D or 5D, 2-3 lenses (probably 17-40, 24-70 and 85 1.8), my 580 ex flash and the usual accessories. on top of the camera gear, i need to carry your usual baby stuff like diapers, bottles etc..

i have been looking at a few reviews online but it is very hard to judge by the pics that i found. i was looking at the different lowepro rovers, Tamrac adventure 9 and other various bags that have both space for camera gear as well as space for normal everyday items.

any advice would be greatly appreciated and pics would be even better ;)

[Tapeman]

A small gym bag that you can put a small camera bag in with room for that other stuff.

Congrats.

[JWright]

Get a diaper bag large enough to carry all the BSE (baby support equipment) and your camera gear. That way you'll never have to worry about your camera gear being stolen, especially if you leave a used diaper sticking out of the top of the bag... ;)

[eeeksNYC]

funny.

I'm using a Jack Spade small messenger bag for my toddler. Diapers and juice cups with baby wipes line the bottom and sides....Camera with 24-60 mounted snugs in between...awesome.

[blonde]

i am really looking for a backpack to be honest with you.

[LIVE4SPD]

I'll just add a small tip. I have twins so our needs are slightly different but... a lot of nasty stuff goes into a diaper bag. And I'm not squimish about using (abusing) the gear on occasion, but I definately wouldn't put it into a diaper bag. You got nasty bibs going in and out, and spoons, and food containers that stickers fingers have been into so on and so forth.

The good news is you will probably have a stroller so you'll be able to bring 2 bags with you.

[Kristy]

Just speaking as a mom with experience... I have no clue about a combo diaper/camera bag...

However... I would always carry 2 separate bags.... Unless you are breastfeeding and you can just tuck a couple diapers and some wipes into your camera bag with an extra outfit...

I agree with LIVE4PSD.... Babies need their own bag for stuff... I don't think I'd mix the two. And to get a camera bag that is large enough to accomodate the baby stuff.. you'd be talking about a huge bag that would be cumbersome.. .and you'd not want to carry it around...

So my advice... Camera bag for camera... Throw the camera around your neck on the neckstrap.. but the baby stuff in a little backpack kind of diaper bag.. and pop the baby onto your body in a carrier like the Baby Bjourn.... You'll look something like a tourist on the go, or photography crazed post partum woman... one of the two, but you'll be taking some mighty fine photos of that little one for sure!

[blonde]

I'll just add a small tip. I have twins so our needs are slightly different but... a lot of nasty stuff goes into a diaper bag. And I'm not squimish about using (abusing) the gear on occasion, but I definately wouldn't put it into a diaper bag. You got nasty bibs going in and out, and spoons, and food containers that stickers fingers have been into so on and so forth.

The good news is you will probably have a stroller so you'll be able to bring 2 bags with you.

this is exactly why i looked at bags that have seperate sections for the camera and the "regular stuff"..

[LBaldwin]

Checkl out the Tamrac line they have several that may fit the bill. But I do think it's cute that you think you will have time to use your camera... lol

[blonde]

just for clarification, i am a guy (father) so i doubt that i will be doing any breast feeding ;)

[blonde]

i think that this one would be my best bet:

http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=208492

the only thing i need to do is figure out if the top part is big enough to store 2-3 diapers, wipes, 1-2 bottles and various other small things that i might need.

[spsmith]

... I would always carry 2 separate bags....

I second this motion...

Babies in various stages require different amounts of stuff. You will go through just as many different diaper bags as photographers do camera bags!! :D If you limit your self to one bag, you have absolutely no flexibility!!

Also keep in mind: since you are not responsible for the breast feeding, you do not have any 'self-contained storage devices'. You will be relying on bottles...and they leak...in your bag...when it's 95 deg. out...do you really want your camera gear stewing in that???

Shaun

[Apshiso]

JWright (above) may heve ben kidding but he is right on! I keep a diaper or a bib or even a bottle visible in/on my bag so that someone would be less likely to steal it!!

Also, Invest in ZipLock bags - I keep baby wipes (7x8" size) in them so they take up less room in my bag. - also, If you put a couple diapers in a ziplock (preferrably fresh from the package - they have less air in them) and kneel on them to squeeze the air out - then zip 'em up - they are half the size.

One last tip, Many common backpacks have 2 (separate) sections in them that are used for various reasons (sleeping bag etc) You can get a medium size backpack that will store your diaper bag AND your camera bag - and keep them both safe and dry. Plus there is room for a tripod and water bottles etc.

Have fun and good luck!

[blonde]

thanks for all the help. again, if you look at the bags i am looking at, you will see that they all have separate sections for the camera gear and the "other" stuff so leaks and mess are not really an issue.

[timnosenzo]

I have one of these:

http://products.lowepro.com/product/Rover-AW-II,2024,14.htm

Hold quite a bit of gear in the bottom, plenty of room for other stuff up top.

[blonde]

i was also looking at that one. do you think that the top is big enough for the baby stuff? (2 bottles, diapers, wipes, snacks and a bunch of other stuff)

[spsmith]

they all have separate sections for the camera gear and the "other" stuff so leaks and mess are not really an issue.

Not to be gross or anything, but I learned this the hard way: all the nice padding is kind of like a sponge...

That said, for every opinion, there is an equal and opposite opinion. So, go with your instincts and do what you feel is right!!

and, btw, congratulations!!

[timnosenzo]

i was also looking at that one. do you think that the top is big enough for the baby stuff? (2 bottles, diapers, wipes, snacks and a bunch of other stuff)

I THINK its big enough, but I don't really have any way to test it (no baby stuff around the house). I usually use this bag for hiking, and aside from the gear in the bottom, I usually have 2 large water bottles on the outside stretchy pouches (there's one on each side), then I have plenty of room inside for food, extra jacket, etc.

[SoundsGood]

we are expecting our first child in a couple of months.
Congrats! :)

[BBrat]

Congrats Snir!

Just had our first child January 29th. I went with a Domke super satchel (F-804) for future baby/photo excursions, but havent put it to the test yet?

congrats again and good luck!:)

National Geographic makes a few backpacks that may fit what you are looking for? Does Think Tank have anything that may work for you?

[4x4rock]

I used my Domke F1-X once for this purpose when I didn't want to carry 2 bags (but still kept the real diaper bag in the car just in case).

I was able to fit a 1D+24-70 and 70-200 (no hood) and a 50/1.4 in the 2-comp (plenty of room, so a flash is very accomodatable). The milk bottles and extra battery went on one side pocket and water bottle on the other. Wipes, powder in ziplock bags were in the front pockets. A few change of clothes and a couple of diapers fill up the interior plus some snacks, chips, etc...

It was very heavy.

This was for a 2.5 yr and a 2 months old.

One thing I like about the Domke is if it gets milk spill, it will just soak it up and then I can wash it later.

[red hot sheep]

Lowepro Fastpack 350?

[sevillafox]

Maybe this could do some double duty. Bottle pockets are on the outside.

http://store.babycenter.com/product/baby+carriers+-+gear/diaper+bags/diaper+backpack+active.do?asc=false

OR

http://store.babycenter.com/product/baby+carriers+-+gear/diaper+bags/dadgear+backpack.do?asc=false

[ed rader]

congratulations on the child, Snir. i'm sure you'll find an appropriate bag :D.

ed rader

[blonde]

i think that i am just going to drag the wife for a day trip in NY and "accidentally" walk into B&H.. i need to play with a few of the bags before i make a decision because i already have WAY too many bags and the last thing i want is to buy another one that i don't need...

and thanks for all the kind words guys!!!!

[ed rader]

i think that i am just going to drag the wife for a day trip in NY and "accidentally" walk into B&H.. i need to play with a few of the bags before i make a decision because i already have WAY too many bags and the last thing i want is to buy another one that i don't need...

and thanks for all the kind words guys!!!!

one of my best friends is expecting his first child no later than tomorrow evening. i'm on standby to do some available light shots of the little guy at the hospital...and i'm really quite excited ;).

ed rader

[blonde]

my advice Ed, take the flash with you. most rooms are VERY dark and from talking to a few doctors, the flash has no affect and doesn't really bother the baby.

[kitacanon]

I'm a bagaholic myself...I've one of those coolers, in a smaller size...
my larger go-to bag is this...
http://images.netshops.com/mgen/digimarc.ms?img=master:BOB024.jpg&h=300&w=300

I've got 30D/300mm (MF Nikkor) in it along with a 200, 135, 85 in the main cabin (there are two padded pockets for the smaller lenses...guess they were for formula in glass)...and 50 and 24-85 in the front pocket (or a 350D/24-85 instead)...well padded and a solid base with hard rubber pads...

http://www.diaperbags.com/diaper-bags/solids/diaper-bags/solids/eddiebauerdiaperbagmedinahobo.cfm?source=gbase&tid=BOB024&gbid=Eddie_Bauer_Diaper_Bag_Medina_Hobo
and
$25 at Target...
http://www.target.com/gp/detail.html/602-8531713-5372606?ASIN=B000E1TQ00&AFID=Froogle&LNM=B000E1TQ00|Eddie_Bauer_Medina_HoboDiaper_Bag_B lack_GrayMini&ci_src=14110944&ci_sku=B000E1TQ00&ref=tgt_adv_XSG10001

Just thought I'd post the inside of this diaper bag....don't know why there'd be such nice padding on the sides (I did add a bit of 3/4" egg-crate sponge to the base), unless the parents threw the baby in with the diapers...
The lenses in the outside pocket are in perfect fitting compact PnS cam bags...
http://img401.imageshack.us/img401/6357/diabggj8.jpg

The only issue I have with diaper bags is that the top zipper seals to the top only with velcro at the end, and so I wrap the pull cord around the shoulder strap base and secure it with a carabiner to the two outside zippers so THEY can't be opened either without effort...I've heard too many stories among travelers of gear stealthily removed from bags...

http://img90.imageshack.us/img90/7613/diabgbg7.jpg

[ed rader]

my advice Ed, take the flash with you. most rooms are VERY dark and from talking to a few doctors, the flash has no affect and doesn't really bother the baby.

i just got off the phone.....his son was born at 12:45 a.m. today after 18 hours of labor :D.

if he survived that a little flash can't hurt ;)!

ed rader

[muscleflex]

congratulations! as you've mentioned already - best bet is a backpack in case you need to carry the baby. and a backpack makes pushing the crib easier.
i have the tamrac adventure 7 and it fits the bill. the 9 should have plenty of room for nappies in case you want to go light and store baby stuff in with your gear. (the top compartment can have the baby stuff)

[muscleflex]

i just got off the phone.....his son was born at 12:45 a.m. today after 18 hours of labor :D.

if he survived that a little flash can't hurt ;)!

ed rader

wow!!! BIG congrats!!!!!

[nutsnbolts]

Here is what I do. I don't know if it really answers your question but we do international travelling, as well as, domestic travelling so when it comes time to figure out what to bring, this is our answer.

For starters, I use whatever bag I need to use for my gear. I carry those items as I usually do at any given point on our trip. Along with that, I do attach or sling my tripod with me. These things become carry-on's.

My wife, who does use my XTI from time to time, I will also carry with me. So converting bag to do both (diaper bag and camera bag) is not an option. I carry two bodies and the necessary lens and "items" for my gear.

My wife on the other hand, instead of bringing a purse, we purchased THIS (KELTY TC 3.0 (http://www.kelty.com/kelty/kids.php?type=&cat=48&ref=&id=340)).

It has a detachable diaper bag and the backpack itself is a carrier (eliminates the stroller) and also doubles as a backpack. Technically, you can put in inserts and use it as a camera bag if you are really that desperate. This bag is amazing for the fact that the carrier collapses and "hides" away where when it is converted into a backpack, you can't tell it's a carrier! A godsend!

So....

I carry my camera gear/tripod.
My wife carries this bag.

Both are light enough to switch around, she carries my gear, or I carry the backpack (TC 3.0)

As I have stated, we travel internationally and domestically and we found this to be the most efficient way to travel. There are even stroller versions of this...we may attempt it but our son is getting older (almost 2 years). Soon, I'll make him carry my tripod...

Once again, congratulations!

[jacobsen1]

Snir, when's your due date?
We just had our baby 3/2/2008...

but it depends on what you feel you need to bring with you. A small changing pad, a small thing with a few wipes and 2~3 diapers and a change of clothes will fit in almost any bag you already own if you subtract one lens from a full photo load. All this stuff is teeny tiny, especially when they first arrive.

Here's my bag:
http://www.newschoolofphotography.com/wp-content/gallery/zoo-york-bag/B5DA0705.jpg
it's a DIY messenger.
I can easily fit anything I need for him in there with my camera gear.
Especially if I use the front and side pockets which I don't use for camera gear since they're unpadded and not too secure.

Also, I have a crumpler famous wine bar the same inserts slide into. I can have all my photo gear in there buried under ANYTHING I could need for a day (it's a large backpack) plus I can put some lens cases on the waist strap if I think I'll need access to some quick lens changes.
http://www.newschoolofphotography.com/wp-content/gallery/bags/76618915.jpg
http://www.newschoolofphotography.com/wp-content/gallery/bags/76620569.jpg

check out my blog for baby details:
www.benjacobsen.com

http://www.benjacobsen.com/wp-content/gallery/pad2008/IMG_5705.jpg

[nutsnbolts]

Snir, when's your due date?
We just had our baby 3/2/2008...

but it depends on what you feel you need to bring with you. A small changing pad, a small thing with a few wipes and 2~3 diapers and a change of clothes will fit in almost any bag you already own if you subtract one lens from a full photo load. All this stuff is teeny tiny, especially when they first arrive.


CONGRATULATIONS!

[jacobsen1]

thanks!

It's my first week back at work. It sucks because I miss him already.
But at least I now leave right on time and race home. :lol:

[blonde]

Snir, when's your due date?
We just had our baby 3/2/2008...

but it depends on what you feel you need to bring with you. A small changing pad, a small thing with a few wipes and 2~3 diapers and a change of clothes will fit in almost any bag you already own if you subtract one lens from a full photo load. All this stuff is teeny tiny, especially when they first arrive.

Here's my bag:
http://www.newschoolofphotography.com/wp-content/gallery/zoo-york-bag/B5DA0705.jpg
it's a DIY messenger.
I can easily fit anything I need for him in there with my camera gear.
Especially if I use the front and side pockets which I don't use for camera gear since they're unpadded and not too secure.

Also, I have a crumpler famous wine bar the same inserts slide into. I can have all my photo gear in there buried under ANYTHING I could need for a day (it's a large backpack) plus I can put some lens cases on the waist strap if I think I'll need access to some quick lens changes.
http://www.newschoolofphotography.com/wp-content/gallery/bags/76618915.jpg
http://www.newschoolofphotography.com/wp-content/gallery/bags/76620569.jpg

check out my blog for baby details:
www.benjacobsen.com (http://www.benjacobsen.com)

http://www.benjacobsen.com/wp-content/gallery/pad2008/IMG_5705.jpg

wow, congrats Ben!!!! ours is due at the end of May :) i will see if i can reconfigure my 7 million home bag before i add another bag.

btw, he is adorable!!!!!! how is Nikki doing?

[20DNewbie]

.... or photography crazed post partum woman....

The funniest thing I've read all day!

Congrats Snir!

What about that TT Rotation 360 you did a review on?

If it isn't big enough check out the Dakine backpacks (http://www.dakine.com/snowboard/packs/photo/), they've got a separate little jobber called the Camera Block that'll fit inside them.

[blonde]

i think that the TT rotation is a bit of a overkill but again, i will try it out.

[nutsnbolts]

i think that the TT rotation is a bit of a overkill but again, i will try it out.


TT 360 won't work. I know that for a fact. The amount of baby "gear" you will need will take up the room for your camera gear.

[blonde]

yeah i was thinking the same thing since the bottom part is really small and the upper part will be used by the camera gear.

[nutsnbolts]

yeah i was thinking the same thing since the bottom part is really small and the upper part will be used by the camera gear.

What are you leaning towards? Backpack or shoulderbag?

[blonde]

backpacks and right now the Tamrac Adventure 9 is in the lead :)

[20DNewbie]

Do you have any backpacks be they regular or photo already?

Just curious, figure the block alone is only $40+/- as opposed to $125. Lol, now I'm thinking of getting one again.

Edit: Nevermind, it's only five inches deep so no 1 series or gripped 5D.

[jacobsen1]

btw, he is adorable!!!!!! how is Nikki doing?

Thanks and "OK"... Sore nipples and a sore bottom to be honest, but still loving every second of it. :)

What exactly are you planing on bring with you in this bag? Are we talking quick trip out, or long day trek somewhere?

3 diapers, a changing pad, some wipes, and a change of clothes or even two will fit in the space of a 70-200... :lol: At least the way I pack they will. I'm sure once we get out of newborn diapers it'll be a different story though.

[blonde]

right now i am mostly thinking about a walk in the park or a day in the mall. and i know that in the beginning everything is so tiny that it can easily fit in the space of one large lens BUT i also know from experience with my nephew that once they are a bit bigger, you need a lot more space for their stuff.

[jacobsen1]

more space yes, but a lot more? I'd argue you're taking too much crap with you/them. Make your wife carry it just once and she'll change her mind what you really need to bring. But it will also come down to how much camera gear you need for where you're going. I can pick and choose and still work with what I have.

But the backpack I posted above is a cavern for when I need it.

[blonde]

i am not saying that i will fill it up all the time but i would rather have empty space than no space (i learned that from experience).

[jacobsen1]

yeah, agreed. That's why I bought that crumpler backpack... When we go places (specifically marathons) I always bring the camera in a camera bag, then get 20lbs of crap given to me to carry since I'm watching and have a bag already... So it's very convenient to have a bag that can take all that crap as well as my camera gear and still function. If it's just me I love small bags because it keeps me from buying crap I don't really need when I'm out. with the wife no such luck, I just get stuck carrying it anyway... :lol:

But my point was realistically, the space your 70-200 or 100-400 takes now... yeah, that space is pretty close to the minimum you'd need for testing now. Unless you want to borrow some diapers. :lol: I'll send you one slightly used for free. ;)

[Trisha418]

maybe one of those bags that you can put the laptop in but instead of the laptop, the diapers, bottles, etc... can go in there. How long do you think you'll be out at any given period of time shooting with a baby. Only because chances are you may have a stroller along with you most of the time and thats where a diaper bag can go and have your camera bag on your back. Also, if you have the baby without a stroller and you arent going to be gone that long shooting, you can always just take the bare necessities with you..one or two diapers wipes and one bottle and leave the rest in the car. Just relax andthink about what you mostly shoot and where and think about how you can utilize other ways of having the baby gear with you, that way, youre not spending another 100 bucks + on a camera bag. I have four kids and think about having another one,and wouldnt buy another bag if it were me, because I know how much that stroller comes in handy. Unless you're out hiking throught the woods for an entire day shooting, you'll most likely find that you don't need as much as you originally thought you would. But, I love your new parent anxiety, it's always cute to me to see that! Good Luck

[blonde]

But, I love your new parent anxiety, it's always cute to me to see that! Good Luck

thanks :) it's either new parent anxiety or i am just looking for reasons to buy more bags ;)

[Jon]

thanks :) it's either new parent anxiety or i am just looking for reasons to buy more bags ;)
Well, we know the answer to that one!
:{)#

[foty89]

Well, first, congratulations. I was in the same situation and I got the Lowepro Rover AW. It has worked pretty well for the purpose. It is not the biggest camera bag, but it has sliploc loops for added storage options. The top compartment is a bit small for a full blown diaper bag, but if you pack well and use ziplock bags, it does fine. I have used this bag on day trips to the San Diego Zoo, Wild Animal Park, Sea World, Disneyland, San Diego County Fair, Grand Canyon, Bryce Canyon, Zion, Snow Canyon, Red Rock Canyon and the boneyard in Tucson, to name a few. Safe to say, it works well.

[foty89]

To clarify my post above, I have the Rover PLUS AW, which is a bit bigger than the standard Rover.