Suggestion for a camera bag that doubles as a regular bag?

I usually carry a North Face backpack to work. Been doing that for a long time. I just don't like brief cases, or anything similar.

Well, it's time to replace the dingy looking one I currently have with a new one and I thought maybe it would be cool to get a camera bag that can double as a bag I bring to work.

I would favor a backpack but would entertain getting a shoulder bag if it does the job.

Actually, I should say a regular bag that can double as a camera bag, b/c I'd be mostly using it as a bag for work, not photography.

Any ideas?

How about just buying the inserts and making them fit whatever bag you like? You put them in when you want it to be a camera bag and take them out to use it for everyday. Or do you carry your gear every day?

Skrim17 wrote in post #13602463
How about just buying the inserts and making them fit whatever bag you like? You put them in when you want it to be a camera bag and take them out to use it for everyday. Or do you carry your gear every day?

I hardly ever carry my gear!

It was just a thought. My wife was going to buy me a replacement backpack.
The budget is something like $200. So I was thinking why not buy a camera bag that can double as a regular bag for that price!

Then again, I don't know. I was kind of getting a little sick and tired of carrying a backpack to work. I just turned 40. Maybe it's time to "upgrade" to something more 40ish.

I'm saving up for a Billingham bag myself. I guess it will depend on the amount of gear you choose to carry around but one possible solution is to get a 30$ Messenger Canvas bag from Amazon and some 20$ inserts.

As for backpacks I have no idea, I use a lowepro fastpack 250 and it served me well when I had my T1I but recently the cheap zipper for it broke.

Bond_Savingsbond wrote in post #13602494
I'm saving up for a Billingham bag myself. I guess it will depend on the amount of gear you choose to carry around but one possible solution is to get a 30$ Messenger Canvas bag from Amazon and some 20$ inserts.

As for backpacks I have no idea, I use a lowepro fastpack 250 and it served me well when I had my T1I but recently the cheap zipper for it broke.

The price isn't really an issue. As I mentioned before, budget is around $200. I want something that doesn't scream camera bag.

As for gear, probably a 5D2 and maybe 2 to 3 primes and a 580EXII. That's about it.

Again this would be for work. It'd be nice to be able to put some camera gear in there before I go to work when I feel like taking some pics after work or during lunch.

Nick, take a look at the Domke bags. I'm no expert on which one will fit how much gear (Jon would be able to dial you in on that), but they're pretty low-profile and could double as a regular bag with the internal dividers removed. I just bought one of the "Ruggedwear" versions and really like the look, but they have several different colors available.

I have a Domke bag. Probably not what I am looking for.
I'll have to maybe check out the Crumpler bags.

Take a look at Timbuk2 bags. I think I say this in pretty much any "what bag should I get" thread that I answer, but I really like my Timbuk2 bags for the ease of swapping between camera bag/non-camera bag/mixed use.

The Snoop is their official camera bag, it's basically the Classic Messenger with a few modifications (tripod straps, rain-proof corners, clear interior front pocket) and inserts. Alternately, you could get a stock or custom Classic Messenger (or laptop messenger) then buy the Snoop inserts separately to go with it.

Whoops, I just realized you said backpack, not shoulder/messenger bag. Reading comprehension fail! Well, Timbuk2 also make a few backpacks so I'll just post this anyway and yo can take a look.

Not sure if there's an REI outdoor equipment store near you, but if there is they usually carry Timbuk2 so you could see them in person.

The Tenba messenger seems to do exactly what you are looking for?

There are the Think Tank Urban Disguise series which are really nice and don't look like Camera bags.

I just got a Gura Gear Chobe that would do this for me but alas my 17"MBP will not fit into the laptop spot as I had hoped.

The bag is unique and much better looking than I thought it would be too.
It is designed to carry a Laptop,iPad and E Reader as well as all other crap for work and could easily carry a 5D and lenses too when not expanded and then when expanded can carry a giant load of gear too.

I am even thinking of replacing the 17" MBP with a 15"?

What about a camera insert for an existing back pack? Something like the f-stop icu.

Adjustable velcro type Inserts are recommended. They are flexible and doubles up as regular bags.

Thanks for the suggestions. I'll check them out!

meglet wrote in post #13602752
Take a look at Timbuk2 bags. I think I say this in pretty much any "what bag should I get" thread that I answer, but I really like my Timbuk2 bags for the ease of swapping between camera bag/non-camera bag/mixed use.

The Snoop is their official camera bag, it's basically the Classic Messenger with a few modifications (tripod straps, rain-proof corners, clear interior front pocket) and inserts. Alternately, you could get a stock or custom Classic Messenger (or laptop messenger) then buy the Snoop inserts separately to go with it.

Whoops, I just realized you said backpack, not shoulder/messenger bag. Reading comprehension fail! Well, Timbuk2 also make a few backpacks so I'll just post this anyway and yo can take a look.

Not sure if there's an REI outdoor equipment store near you, but if there is they usually carry Timbuk2 so you could see them in person.

I just checked out the Timbuk2 website. Lots of potential. Going to try to configure some bags!