Urban Gear Carrying

[rcf22]

So I will be visiting Istanbul in a couple of weeks. I am leery about carrying around an obvious camera bag in a city of 14 million. Any suggestions on being a little more discreet in densely populated areas like this? Don't need extra attention and trouble because of my equipment.

[dvfedele]

I'd recommend the lowepro flipside backpacks. Just got back from Serbia and got one for this purpose. It's nice because it opens from the back so no one can get into it without your knowledge. Plus there are different sizes available to fit your needs and they're made rather well...good luck!

[mouettus]

if at least they weren't so ugly! haha

I'm not there for a fashion show but I certainly want my stuff to look good...

[shomat]

A lot of Domke messenger bags make it look as though you're carrying nothing more than a boring set of papers or a book.

[brianwong83]

I agree, Domkes are great, I have a couple lowpros and katas and 1 Domke, I use the Domke on about 70% of my travels for its relative anonymity versus the other more obvious Cam bags. I got the F-3x I think. There are a lot of other Domkes that could fit your need depending on your preference.

I should also say that I cut off the Domke logos so it looks like a completely plain bag.

[shomat]

I have the F-803 (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/592387-REG/Domke_701_83A_F_803_Waxwear_Camera_Satchel.html). Everyone is always surprised when they realize it's a camera bag. With creativity I can fit a camera and 4 lenses inside.

[mlam86]

I would suggest Crumpler's "Million Dollar Home" line of messenger bags.
I personally have a 5 Million Dollar Home for when I'm strolling around the city, and a 6 Million Dollar Home for storing all my gear. Most people are really unaware that the Million Dollar Home line of bags are camera bags until I pull out the camera!

The 5 Million Dollar Home is not very large in size, but good enough to carry a dSLR camera (without grip) w/ extra 2 lenses (or 1 lens + flash unit) and basic accessories. If you're looking for more room to carry more lenses and other accessories, try looking at the 6 Million Dollar Home.

Have fun on your trip!

[theextremist04]

Yeah, but Crumpler bags are about the worst ever if you're trying to stay unnoticed. I have two of their bags and one only comes in shades of bright- mine happens to be obnoxious red.

[mlam86]

You can get...Black

[theextremist04]

They still draw attention.

[gisk]

Don't know if they'll be out in time, but you could check out the Think Tank Retrospective bags.