A thread for those that like to roll their own, as it were.
I prefer messenger-style camera bags, and have recently begun to prefer Timbuk2
messengers as my daily bag. When they released the Snoop Camera Messenger not too long ago, I was intrigued, but the more I looked the less I liked some of their features. Particularly the fact that the tripod straps are permanently attached to the bottom of the bag (meaning if the tripod is attached you can't set the bag down, and if the tripod isn't attached you have straps dangling to catch on stuff,) but also the fact that only 2 sizes are available with limited colors, and the fact that the insert has a lid, a feature I find annoying inside a bag.
So I set out to build my own camera messenger with removable tripod straps out of a Timbuk2 bag. It was an excellent excuse for a new custom Timbuk2 Classic Messengerbag, in this case in a "Small" size since I am a small person. The particular feature I needed on the custom bag was the ability to add "reflector tails" which means an extra buckle receptor is sewn on the bottom of the bag. (Note - reflector tails are not available on an "Xtra Small" custom messenger, or on any non-custom messenger as far as I can tell.)
In addition, I needed a good camera insert (I picked the Tenba PP12 insert) along with some 1" black nylon webbing, and spare snap-on buckles (4 "snap-in" buckles, and 2 additional receptors.)
The last of the pieces arrived today, so without further rambling, onto the bag!
The Timbuk2 Small Classic Messenger, as designed by Timbuk2:
Creating a custom Timbuk2 Camera Messenger
by Meghan A, on FlickrThe messenger plus parts: Tenba PP12 insert
(supposedly these come with dividers now, mine didn't so I used some spare Crumpler dividers,) a roll of 1" black nylon webbing, and additional clips (you'll note the even number of each type, I counted wrong when I ordered. Oops!) I ordered the clips from the replacement parts section at Timbuk2 when I ordered my bag, to be sure they would fit the clips on the bag:
Creating a custom Timbuk2 Camera Messenger
by Meghan A, on FlickrThe Tenba PP12 insert fits perfectly into the interior of the Small Classic Messenger with just a bit of room at each end, and just loosely enough to slip a tablet, iPad, or slim notebook (we're talking 11" MacBook Air slim) into the slash pocket at the back. In a larger messenger, obviously you could get more stuff outside the insert, or a larger laptop:
Creating a custom Timbuk2 Camera Messenger
by Meghan A, on FlickrThe PP12 in my messenger bag has room for my 100-400mm L lens, 60D with 24-105mm L attached (not shown) and my 16-35mm L lens. Tucked between the ends of the insert and the messenger, I can fit my glasses case, my wallet, a 430EX flash, and a folding filter wallet. Spare memory cards and batteries, chapstick, keys, etc go in various front and internal zip pockets. If I really want to pack lots, I can fit one more lens, in a Zing lens bag, across the top of the other lenses:
Creating a custom Timbuk2 Camera Messenger
by Meghan A, on FlickrWith the bag loaded up, I threaded about 12" of nylon webbing through the spare clips to make removable tripod straps. They're shown here without the receptor clip sewn into the center yet, a trip to my mom's this weekend will take care of that little detail.
Creating a custom Timbuk2 Camera Messenger
by Meghan A, on FlickrAnd here is the tripod strapped onto the front of the bag. This would actually work better with a larger tripod, mine is a bit to short to be truly snug in the straps. One of the biggest reasons for the lower clips (the ones provided by ordering the receptor tails) is that the tripod is fully attached to the bottom 2 clips, which are attached directly to the bag. The 3rd set of clips allows for opening and closing the bag flap without worrying about the tripod detaching:
Creating a custom Timbuk2 Camera Messenger
by Meghan A, on FlickrAnd there you have it, my custom camera bag, with optional tripod straps. With the straps, it's a great "do anything" camera bag. Without the straps, it's a great stealth camera bag. And for those days I'm just walking to work and taking non-camera gear, I can just remove the insert and have a regular messenger bag, then put my camera inside in it's own nylon sleeve.
For those who need more space, more gear, or just a larger bag, simply move up the Timbuk2 scale as needed. You could (and I have) also do this with a custom Laptop Messenger from Timbuk2, giving you a more protective sleeve at the back for a laptop, and they are sized internally such that you don't lose so much space the insert doesn't fit.
(Cross-posted from my blog because, well, nobody actually reads my blog.
)
