Camera bags: Backpacks vs. Shoulder Bags

[fetching]

I am looking around for a new camera bag to buy to store my XT, several lenses and some accessories.

While I like the idea of a backpack that allows me to distribute weight across my back, holds a tripod strapped onto the outside and keeps my stuff out of the way when I am shooting or walking, I've also heard some bad things about them such as:

-gear hard to access without taking bag off.

-bags that open accidentally and gear falls out.


it seems like a shoulder bag solves those issues, but unless you sling the bag around to sit on your back, it's going to weigh down one shoulder. i think even with it slung around, the weight still won't be equally distributed.

while i can see myself reaching for my camera while walking and wearing a bag, and not wanting to stop to access the contents, i can't see myself making any big lens changes or anything.

any thoughts on which is a better style? or a specific bag that might address all these needs?

[Jon]

Domke (and a couple of the others) makes a backpack strap for their bags (a separate add-on) so when you're not going to be working from it you can sling it over both shoulders. Not as good as a regular backpack for that, but miles better for working from in the field! I only use a backpack camera bag (or backpack with camera gear inside) if I'm doing a significant hike. Oherwise it's my Domke bags.

[toyguru]

You are asking the eternal question of what is the better bag! Everyone has this delemma when it comes to the camera carrying needs. I currently have 2 shoulder bags and one LowePro backpack. I'm going to order a shoulder bag (Tamrac Velocity 9) just to help complete my set of indecision!

The backpack is nice if you just want to carry everything and don't want to leave anything behind. When I walk around with it I usually have my camera around my neck with the lens I'm going to be using the most that day and I keep my back-up camera in the pack. I would also have my tripod, other camera gear, water bottle, snack (sometimes lunch) and other things (kitchen sink) in the pack if I'm going to be walking around the whole day. I also use the bag to store my equipment when I'm not using it for extended periods of time (hasn't happened yet). I have never had anything fall out of the backpack before, but I also make sure that the straps are secure before I put it on my back.

I use my shoulder bags with my backpack. I'll load my shoulder bag on location with the contents from the backpack with the gear I feel I need and leave the backpack in the car. This way if I need anything else I can go back to the car to get what I need. I like the shoulder bags because they are smaller and it's easier to get things out and in when changing lenses. I still like carrying the backpack more because of wieght distribution especially on long hikes. The shoulder bag that I have, even though it is well padded on the strap, feels as if it digs into my shoulder on long hikes even if I switch shoulders.

I think that the choice of bag is going to depend on individual likes as well as the type of gear you plan on carrying. You might have to do what everyone else does..... buy a bunch of different bags and try them all out!!:D

I am convinced that finding the Holy Grail would be easier than finding the perfect photo bag!

[Mitcon]

I prefer to use a backpack myself, I hike for most of the type of shooting I do carrying about 20kg +. That would give me alot of pain if just on one shoulder. I wear a photog vest for all the little bits you might want to grab without having to take the backpack off.

[lostdoggy]

Tamrac Velocity is in between a shoulder bag and a backpack. Its a sling type pack that resemble a messenger bag nd it can be swivel while to the front or access and also comes with a wait strap for better weight distribution on long hikes. The short end is that accessing a lens in the bottom is a little more work. I currently use the velocity 9 and it fits one long lens and three normal size lenses and a flash. My tripod comes with a bag but since I don't normally carry my tripod I stick my monopod on the side loop and secure it with a velcro wire strap. Best of all it doesn't look like a camera bag and I don't have to put it down to get to my gears and shoot. can seem to trust passerby.

[Fooboy]

I think you will probably end up getting both! I know I did as it is nice to have the right bag for the right situation.

I have a Rover AW 2 backpack and it isn't too bad to get stuff out of. Used it on a holiday around Europe. As the bottom part is the camera storage you can get things out by just taking off one shoulder and swinging the bag to the front. I didn't have any problems with it opening or anything like that.

Another option which you have not listed is to use a belt pack type setup. My brother uses this with his 300D. A camera pouch and 2 lens pouches on either side. He wears it around his waist and it is easy to get to and comfortable. I'm thinking of going to a similar setup, but it does limit how much you can take.

[robertwgross]

If you have to carry 30-40 pounds worth of gear, then the backpack is the way to go. It is the only way to distribute that much weight over your body comfortably. Unfortunately, you have to take it all off to extract your camera for a quick shoot.

If I am carrying only 10 pounds worth of gear, then I carry it in a canvas shopping bag over one shoulder. It is much quicker for access, but it looks like hell.

I had to do a 16-mile trek to shoot some petroglyphs, so I used a large waist pack to carry normal hiking stuff (food, water, jacket) and then I used the shoulder bag to carry the camera gear (for quick access).

There is no perfect solution.

---Bob Gross---

[Lester Wareham]

I am looking around for a new camera bag to buy to store my XT, several lenses and some accessories.

While I like the idea of a backpack that allows me to distribute weight across my back, holds a tripod strapped onto the outside and keeps my stuff out of the way when I am shooting or walking, I've also heard some bad things about them such as:

-gear hard to access without taking bag off.

-bags that open accidentally and gear falls out.


it seems like a shoulder bag solves those issues, but unless you sling the bag around to sit on your back, it's going to weigh down one shoulder. i think even with it slung around, the weight still won't be equally distributed.

while i can see myself reaching for my camera while walking and wearing a bag, and not wanting to stop to access the contents, i can't see myself making any big lens changes or anything.

any thoughts on which is a better style? or a specific bag that might address all these needs?

I have used a waist bag for quite a few years. It has an integral waist belt and I attach a shoulder strap.



When I am walking the belt is done up and the shoulder strap over my left shoulder. The weight of the bag is comfortable and well balanced riding on my hips.



When I need access I undo the belt and instantly have a shoulder bag.



This is OK for strolls around the countryside. For serious hill and mountain walking you need a backpack. What I have done in the past is attach this bag to the bottom of a frame pack with two karabiners and then I have the packs bag section for warmer clothing layers and waterproofs etc.



The bag was made by Camera Care Systems but they no longer produce it.



I would say the nearest equivalent would be a Lowprow AW reporter with their waist belt attached.

[pehabe]

what you are looking is maybe Lowepro Trim Trekker... it is a backpack which has opening on the top, not like the other backpack... Unfortunately Lowepro stop selling this model.
My reason is also the same as you. I do not like the backpack opening.

cheers...

[hjoli]

I have a few different bags. I have the Canon Gadgets bag, the new Canon Backpack (which I *love*) and another top/bottom backpack (which I despise with a passion!)

I don't like the top/bottom because it is just too hard to get at your stuff. It does keep everything well protected, just not good enough access, also once as I was trying to get something out of it that was stuck, I tugged a bit too hard and the bag went tumbling down a steep bank. All I managed to loose was a lens cap, but I guess my point is it is just too much work to get your camera out of when you see that shot.

Now the Canon backpack on the other hand is great! I can carry my tripod, jacket, water bottle, 2 SLR's, G2, flash, 2 medium lenses and a giant 75-300 USM, all of my film, filters, CF cards, accessories and everything and have great access to it all. I can have the camera out and snapping picutres in seconds. This has proved to be the best birthday present my husband has ever bought me. (Now I just need to convince him that I *need* a Rebel XT for Christmas!)

I just use the gadgets bag when it isn't practical to use the backpack. But I wouldn't trade it for another, I can still fit alot of gear into that little bag. All of my bags we have gotten from B&H Photo.

[lostdoggy]

The problem with backpack for everyday use is the ease of access. You have to remove it from your shoulder in order to get to the gears. Slings dont have that restiction. You would just swing the bag to the front and open the bag. The intregal belt strap helps you during long walks.

[fetching]

i went out this weekend and looked at several bags from Lowepro, Tamrac and Crumpler.

I really liked the Lowepro Mini Trekker AW (backpack) and the Lowepro Nova 4 or 5 (shoulder bag).


Having trouble deciding which one I want. i like the nova 4 better than the nova 5, but i think the nova 5 is a better size to grow with.

the mini trekker is really nice, period.

btw, i saw some crumpler photo back packs and while they have great colors and a very nice look to them, they are awkward and hard to get in to. the zipper and opening for them is attached to the wall that sits next to your back, and i think it's actually behind the straps so you have to take it completely off to open. that might be safer to keep gear from falling out, but just too hard to access.

i also found the tamrac velocity bags comfortable but hard to access anything but the top most layer of gear.

[CyberDyneSystems]

Backpacks are inconveinient and cumbersome. they are not handy at all to work out of either on the gorund or on your back.

They do however fill a certain role.. but if you only get one.. get a shoulder bag which you can actually work out of.

If you see a need for a backpack for hiking or travelling.. then they would make sense.

[napolar]

This past weekend my wife and I took a trip up to Chicago. I do not have that much gear, as you can see from my list below, but after walking up & down Michigan Ave. on Friday, my sholder was KILLING me. I am very much interested in this thread as I am now planning on getting a backpack type case. Now after reading this thread, I'm not sure that they would have worked either. I want something where I can get to my stuff, have it fairly secure, but have no problem carrying it around all day long. I thought that the answer was the mini-trecker. Anyone who has this one let me know if it will meet my requirements. Thanks

[fetching]

I thought that the answer was the mini-trecker.

i looked at those (the AW model) and really liked them. well made and plenty of room for a fair amount of stuff.

i'm fairly torn about which to buy, the mini trekker or the nova 5. i think i may end up with the back pack over the shoulder bag just because i can wear a backpack over one shoulder if i want (to increase comfort and safety, i actually will slide the pack on as if i were wearing it on the front of my body, but leave one strap loose. i have a small shoulder camera bag that i've owned for years and is in amazing shape that will hold a camera and a few lenses.

in other words, the backpack can function a bit like a shoulder bag but the shoulder bag can never be a backpack.

[Jon]

in other words, the backpack can function a bit like a shoulder bag but the shoulder bag can never be a backpack.

Seen the Domke Backpack Straps (http://www.tiffen.com/domkecat35.htm)? I've been using them for years . . .

[MinisterStanley]

I just got my 20D and 580EX. In the next couple of weeks, I'm going to purchase a couple more lenses. I'm going to get a couple of different bags. One if going to be a backpack for when I travel. I always end up with a camera bag and a my laptop case. The backpack will give me only one carry on instead of two. Then I'm going to look for a regular bag for when I'm carrying my camera, but no laptop.

[SidW]

I have the Lowe Pro Mini Trekker AW. I can get most of my gear in it (except the film camera). It is fairly comfortable to carry and there is no way it could open accidentally. You do have to take it off your back to get your gear out. It is very well built and I'm very happy with it.
Hope this helps.
Cheers
Sid

[fetching]

Seen the Domke Backpack Straps (http://www.tiffen.com/domkecat35.htm)? I've been using them for years . . .

interesting! thanks for the link. :)

[Merlin Driver]

What do you all think about the LowePro water proof backpack's? I have a 20D, 10-22, 17-85, 70-200 and a 100-400 and will be packing them into airshows, etc. I like the ideal about water tight as there is a ton of dust in Midland, Texas as well as a few others and would like to keep water and dust out of the picture.

Thanks for your time,

Lynn

[Moccatino]

I'm just about to try out a Lowepro mini trecker and I have a Crumpler shoulder bag, I'll let you know how I get on

[carlito]

I have been using a shoulder bag for a while but on my honey moon, I went to Mont Tremblant, Quebec and after carying all my stuff in a shoulder bag, my shoulder was killing me at night. Sure the convenience of the quick access was nice but not comfortable at all. When I came back, I went to get a Tamrac Expedition 7. Yes it's big. But after a few outings I realized it was so much more comfortable..

But then again, personal choice!

:)

[Wilt]

I have the Lowepro Stealh Reporter 200 AW for my 20D with 17-85mm, accessories, 1.4 II convertor, and an additional lens. I supplment its internal capacity with Lowepro addons that are designed to hang on the exterior via special attachment straps (such as a lens pouch sized almost perfectly for my 10-22mm with hood, or a pouch for a wireless remote transmitter and receiver). I have a Lowepro padded belt that can be inserted thru straps on the back of the Steath Reporter to offload some weight from shoulder to hips, and which also has more attachment points for more accessories. I have a Lowepro lens pouch sized almost perfectly for my 70-200mm f/4L, which I hang from the Lowepro belt opposite the Strealth Reporter as a counterbalance, when I want to bring it along (it stays at home at times). Basic bag 11Lx7Wx8H, lens pouch for 10-22 adds 4" along L dimension. Advantage of the detachable lens pouches is that I can selective add/remove pouches based on shooting needs of the day, and there is a lot of room on the Lowepro padded belt to add even more!
I have also travelled around Chile on sabattical with a daypack with medium format SLR system (much heavier than DSLR system!), using sleeping groundpads cut into custom sizes and inserted into Domke bag dividers so subdivide. Easy enough to sling over one shoulder for easier access, or over both shoulders for hiking. One thing that is a nuisance about that is if it cannot stand upright when you put it on the ground to fish something out...so keep that in mind when selecting a photo backpack...convenience of fishing things out!

[BearLeeAlive]

In my reasearch for the perfect bag I have finally come to a solution. Pick one of the 10 different ones I have in the closet that suits whatever the situation is. (I don't actually have these 10 bags yet, but it seems I will need them)

I do own a Lowepro Rover AW II that is great for hiking/climbing. Just last weekend my son and I climbed Devils Head, a local mountain. It was great, I took all the gear I wanted in the bottom compartment (also stuffed some goves and misc. in there too) and in the upper I carried my food, water and a jacket. On the outside went our climbing rope under the strapping (I forwent a tripod on this trip as there were a few technical climbing sections). I have a smaller toploading case that I have rigged to attach to the shoulder straps of my pack (as well as my large pack) to keep the camera handier if needed. The only real complaint about this pack is the mesh side pockets. They should be reinforced better to hold a 1 litre water bottle, they are quite soft and the bottle falls out easily when tossed about though they do work well for other stuff.

I use an old shoulder bag that really needs to be replaced. I plan on getting a Crumpler bag (or similar) that will hold what I would need for tripping around locally. I actually might end up getting 2 bags, one that holds hordes and one that hoolds a minimal ammout that I might need (sometimes light is best, especially if being a tourist and having to carry my wifes shopping as well).

Oh shoot, what if I am not near my closet when I need that perfect bag for the day..............

[tsinvest]

I bought the Lowepro Rezo 140 aw and was quite happy with it until I bought 2 more lenses - not enough room. So, I was within the 30 day return policy and exchanged it for the Lowepro Trekker 100 backpack, which is great. HOWEVER, now I missed the compactness of the 140, especially for minor outings where I may only need one additional lens - SO what do I do - back to Best Buy the following day and I just picked up another LP Rezo 140 (great little lightweight bag). To sum it up I now have the Trekkor 100 and the Rezo 140 and am very happy with my carrying options. It appears that bags are like lenses - You need more than one, and you need the right one for the job.

Good luck, Tom S.

Rebel XT, 18-55mm EFS USM, EF 55-200 USM II, EF 50mm f1.8 II, Lowepro Trekker 100, Lowepro Rezo 140 AW, Canon Powershot S400

[Az2Africa]

As everyone has said, it depends on what you are doing and whether you need to get off a fast shot. I'm headed to Uganda on Oct 1st to do some Gorilla tracking and will travel with the expensive stuff in a Pelican 1510 roller carry on. Once the trekking starts, the gear needed that day will go into a LowePro Mini Trekker. I find a backpack is the only way to avoid lots of pain on long treks. However if just walking about town looking for chance shots, I use a hip slinger like the Crumpler.

[SkipD]

What do you all think about the LowePro water proof backpack's? I have a 20D, 10-22, 17-85, 70-200 and a 100-400 and will be packing them into airshows, etc. I like the ideal about water tight as there is a ton of dust in Midland, Texas as well as a few others and would like to keep water and dust out of the picture.Check out the Lowepro Stealth Reporter 650 AW. I keep three big L lenses in mine, with the 20D body (with grip mounted) attached to any one of the lenses. In the case, the hoods are always mounted to my 16-35 and 24-70 in the normal (for-use) position, and reversed on the 70-200 2.8 IS. All the lenses are very easily removed from the case - just pull them straight up. You might have to store the two smaller lenses in one vertical "tube" that the 70-200 or 100-400 would fully occupy, but you could easily get all that equipment in there.

The case does have a weatherproof cover that can be pulled over the case if needed. The shoulder strap has a very excellent pad to provide needed comfort when hauling a lot of weight around.

[Lovetosnap]

I just ordered the Lowepro SlingShot 200 AW which looks like a back pack and a shoulder bag. Traveling to England in a week so I will see how it works.
http://lowepro.com/Products/Sling_Bags/Designed_for_Digital/SlingShot_200_AW.aspx

I have a D20 with 5 lens 420ex flash.

[nosquare2003]

[font=Arial][size=3]I would say the nearest equivalent would be a Lowprow AW reporter with their waist belt attached.

Yes, you can put the Lowepro S&F series belt, and shoulder harness on their S&F shoulder bags. And it's a bag which is a shoulder bag and a backpack at the same time. With the support of its waist belt, a backpack can be changed to a shoulder bag without taking it down. And I really love this design.

[Bob_A]

I have a Lowepro Micro Trekker 100 that has worked well for me. I can carry my 20D with 24-70 2.8L plus hood, 70-200 f4L, 420EX, filters, batteries, CF Cards ... with some pocket room left over. It's just a smidge smaller than what would be perfect for me since I can't fit my 1.4X extender and hood for my 70-200 f4L. I might keep it for using on vacation where I don't want to carry so much gear anyway, and get a slightly larger version as my main bag.

The backpack style bag is pretty comfortable if you are doing a lot of walking. My only concern is the way it opens, and I've had nightmares about tossing it over my shoulder in a hurry without zipping it up.

[Ronald S. Jr.]

I can't say enough good things about my Lowepro Computrekker Plus AW. Granted, it was almost $200. However, I fit everything I need in there with room to spare. It has extra clips that go perpendicular to the main zippers to make sure it never opens and spills your fortune in gear all over the pavement! I keep all of my things in my signature, a Elan 7E, my filter packs, dozens of extra batteries, my laptop, extra hoods, my 20 AND 80 gig flashtrax players, the car charger for them, my battery chargers, etc. I keep that ALL in there. Best part? It's not much bigger than your average (adult) backpack. I can't suggest anything else with more confidence! It's got a ton of padding, the straps NEVER cut into your shoulders, and your back never hurts. it has cross-buckles so that the straps don't fall off your shoulders, and somehow it's insulated in a way that I can leave it, fully packed, and completely zipped up, in the car, all day in the blistering heat, and when I go back out, hours later, it's cool as a cucumber. explain THAT! I love that bag. ^_^

[longshot]

I have a Naneu Pro "military style" backpack. The alpha model is the large. They also have a messenger style bag as well.

When I carry my pack I amusually on foot fro many miles and or hours. It works great for me. Best thing is it has many packets and space to put other things besides your camera gear in it.

They are not very expensive and so far appear to be very well built.
These bags are not carried in mqny stores but easily found on the internet.

http://www.naneupro.com.

[DxHatchback]

i absolutely hate my shoulder bag

not once but twice have i dropped the bag and the entire contents

i severly damaged my kits lens and 75-300, as well as my battery grip

luckily the camera was unharmed

backpacks maybe more of a hassle to take off to get gear, but they are much more convenient

when i was shooting penn state's pep rally friday night i just took my backpack i use for class to carry my gear

i find it much easier to shoot with a backpack on my bag than with a shoulder bag

[Jon]

i absolutely hate my shoulder bag

not once but twice have i dropped the bag and the entire contents

i severly damaged my kits lens and 75-300, as well as my battery grip

luckily the camera was unharmed

backpacks maybe more of a hassle to take off to get gear, but they are much more convenient

when i was shooting penn state's pep rally friday night i just took my backpack i use for class to carry my gear

i find it much easier to shoot with a backpack on my bag than with a shoulder bag
A shoulder bag with a good shoulder pad (try Domke's shoulder pad (http://www.tiffen.com/displayproduct.html?tablename=domke&itemnum=725-310)) won't slip off - at least I haven't had a problem in the last hmmmty hmmm years I've been using Domke bags, including running the length of a flight line or working through a crowd at a parade.

[DxHatchback]

A shoulder bag with a good shoulder pad (try Domke's shoulder pad (http://www.tiffen.com/displayproduct.html?tablename=domke&itemnum=725-310)) won't slip off - at least I haven't had a problem in the last hmmmty hmmm years I've been using Domke bags, including running the length of a flight line or working through a crowd at a parade.

nah, sorry for the misunderstanding

mine never slipped off, i actually just dropped it

i have the canon 200dg, which is very cumbersome

[Jon]

If you haven't dropped your backpack yet, you've been lucky. Get some closed-cell foam and make an extra bottom layer for it.

[Nidz]

I purchased a lowerpro shoulder bag. The only problem is that it will fit the camera with the stock lens on it and also 1 other lens but my 3rd lens fits in tightly only just.. so measure up all of what will go inside before you go buying.

[BearLeeAlive]

I just ordered the Lowepro SlingShot 200 AW which looks like a back pack and a shoulder bag. Traveling to England in a week so I will see how it works.
http://lowepro.com/Products/Sling_Bags/Designed_for_Digital/SlingShot_200_AW.aspx

I have a D20 with 5 lens 420ex flash.

This does look like an interesting option for carrying about. I love my Lowpro Rover II AW for hiking and climbing but it is not as practical for general street use.

It would be great to get your opions of this bag after you have had time to try it out.

[MDJAK]

I think one point you all are missing is there is obviously a conspiracy by bag manufacturers to never make the perfect bag.

As someone above said, they reach into their imaginary closet and pick a bag from the ten they have for the situation at hand.

That's what the bag makers want; they want us to buy one of each type.

I have a backpack, a Lowepro that I recently took to Hawaii, along with my Stinkpad in the outer pocket. The damn thing weighed over 50 pounds, well north of 50 pounds. It was a real bitch to carry.

I packed my Velocity 9 slingbag in my luggage, stuffed with clothes.

When I got to the hotel, each day I decided what I wanted to take out with me that particular day and stuffed it into the backpack.

[Jon]

I think one point you all are missing is there is obviously a conspiracy by bag manufacturers to never make the perfect bag.

Nonsense - I maintain that Domke makes the perfect bag. That's why I have (counts) 5 of them! And each one's perfect for a different situation (and that's not counting the backpacks).
;{)#

[rabidmoose171]

Nonsense - I maintain that Domke makes the perfect bag. That's why I have (counts) 5 of them! And each one's perfect for a different situation (and that's not counting the backpacks).
;{)#

But there is no one bag perfect for all situations, this is what i think he was saying.

[Moccatino]

This does look like an interesting option for carrying about. I love my Lowpro Rover II AW for hiking and climbing but it is not as practical for general street use.

It would be great to get your opions of this bag after you have had time to try it out.
I'm lovin' my Lowpro back pac as I can get all of my meager equipment as well as a jacket and sarnies! I haven't droped it yet, probably as it's not heavy.....yet

350d
Sigma 18-55 / 80-200
Canon 50 / 100-300
2x 1gig cards
1 x buttie box