New bag advice - w/rain cover for 7D, 1 lens + flash?

[stateman]

Hey guys - I value your collective wisdom (despite blaming you all for fueling my nonstop gear buying):

Looking for a small, comfortable day bag that is completely waterproof to carry just my 7D (no grip), either 24L or 50L mounted hood reversed, + flash or a second lens. I know that I can bring a plastic bag to cover any bag if a storm passed by, but I'd like something a bit more built-in like a rain cover or the bag itself being AW.

Any ideas?

Have a Domke F-4AF which I really like, but too big for these purposes, and not sure if the Domke canvas or ruggedwear is truly all-weather in other sizes?

[Jon]

"Completely waterproof" says the LowePro Dry Zone or a Pelican. If you mean relatively secure against rain, the Ruggedwear, if properly maintained, should stand up (closed, and not overstuffed) to most weather you'd want to be out in. The F5XB is a good size for what you want, and can be worn either as a shoulder or a waist bag. For that matter, I use the straight canvas Domkes in light to moderate rain; if it gets bad, I pull a plastic bag over the top or sling it under my coat.

[stateman]

Thanks Jon...I guess 'completely waterproof' was more than i truly meant - protect my gear in a surprise rain is what i need.

I'll check for a F-5xb in ruggedwear and see how it fits for me.

[SuzyView]

I've taken my F-5XB all over the place, in the rain, in the snow, to HI in the sun . . . .

Great bag. It does not come with a rain cover, but it doesn't need it. You already know how compact the Domke bags can be. It carry my 5D2 with 24-70 and it's perfect.

[Hobbes330i]

Lowepro Slingshot 100 or 200 AW has a pullout cover.

Completely waterproof? Plan on going swimming with your gear? :lol:

[czeglin]

The ThinkTank Urban Disguise line has stowable rain covers. I have a UD30 which holds my camera with lens attached, upright flash, and a medium water bottle. So you can probably get away with the UD20 (http://www.thinktankphoto.com/products/urban-disguise-20-shoulder-bag.aspx) if you don't care about the water bottle.

[plasticmotif]

I'd vote for a kata 3n1-20 or 20. They look nice with their rain covers.

http://www.carmans.com/ebay/images/3N110MAIN.jpg

[stateman]

Lowepro Slingshot 100 or 200 AW has a pullout cover.

Completely waterproof? Plan on going swimming with your gear? :lol:


Yeah, i exaggerated a bit :)...but having been caught in storms, and spending most of my effort keeping the rain off the babies rather than the gear...

Good suggestions by folks - I just wish there were more stores nearby to check 'em out in person. Might have to wait till my next trip to NYC in a few weeks and drop in on B&H. The Kata and TTs look nice, but so far the size of the F-5xb is what I initially had in mind.

[SuzyView]

I have spare rain covers from the Kata bags I have, so if in a pinch, I just use those for the F-5XB. I know, it's like mixing orange juice with apple juice, but it works. :)

[plasticmotif]

I have spare rain covers from the Kata bags I have, so if in a pinch, I just use those for the F-5XB. I know, it's like mixing orange juice with apple juice, but it works. :)

I love my Kata Bags. They are a pleasure to use.

[static808]

check the kata dt-213. its very comfortable to use and will easily fit your gear.

[stateman]

Lots of interesting designs on the Kata site...very unique looking...hope I can see some of these in person at b&h or similar. Have never tried a sling design before.

Thanks again for the continued ideas...the list to try continues to grow...

[stateman]

Just ordered the Domke F-5xb - Beach Camera (via Amazon) had the black canvas for $40, free shipping. Not sure why it's so much cheaper than the other colors, and I'm a little tire of black cam bags...but cheaper is good

Thanks for all the advice folks - really looking forward to small, light day bag. Will carry a plastic bag in the bottom for the heavy unexpected rains...