Looking for a new bag.

Hi guys,

I currently use a Lowepro 400 aw flipside bag for all my gear, its a perfect size and style for me and my use, one thing thats really bugging me as anyone who has this bag will know, is that when you open the back compartment to get to all your gear, the flap keeps flipping back and closing because the zips dont go down far enough each side to let the flap stay open.

I can deal with this usually but its just annoying me. What im looking for is a bag almost the same but one that does stay open, im not a fan of the other Lowepro models where the camera is in a compartment that you can just pull out the camera.

I dont mind spending a fair bit on a decent bag at all, just some suggestions for a backpack style bag thats pretty good.

Thanks in advance

Derek have you seen the little Flipside Sport AW? I have the 15L...It has worked for me. I'll try it on and see if it might do the same thing.
Think Tank makes beautiful bags; Tenba does too...and I think has a rear-entry backpack.
You live in Scotland...I don't know what equipment is marketed there.
Backpack? Shoulder bag? (Billingham?)

Why don't you just tuck in the flap between the bag and your waist

2mnycars - Thank's for the comment's. The Lowepro sport is a little small for my taste and needs. I should be ok being in Scotland, i can easily get stuff delivered, Im in no rush.

Lannes - I dont use the bag that way very often, I totally agree i should just tuck it in if i use it that way, it's just that i use the bag more on the ground so its kinda annoying.

I know there is a whole bag thread on here, I am currently away working on an oil rig and the internet is painfully slow, ill maybe try and start going through them one page at a time.

Thanks for taking the time to reply

If you use it on the ground mostly and don't mind not being able to access your gear with the bag actually on you, the f-stop Guru is fantastic, and I just checked for you, the back flap does stay open when you place the bag on the ground.

Maybe, you could sew a small velcro strip (the hook side) to the top of the bag flap, and the then a strip with the loops to the bottom of the bag, so when you folded the flap over it would stay open held by the velcro

Sirrith wrote in post #15185533
If you use it on the ground mostly and don't mind not being able to access your gear with the bag actually on you, the f-stop Guru is fantastic, and I just checked for you, the back flap does stay open when you place the bag on the ground.

I like that bag, looks perfect, Ive also found that the Vanguard Skyborne 51 fits my needs, so i can narrow it down between the 2 bags. Considering i couldnt find one for ages.

lannes wrote in post #15187817
Maybe, you could sew a small velcro strip (the hook side) to the top of the bag flap, and the then a strip with the loops to the bottom of the bag, so when you folded the flap over it would stay open held by the velcro

Thats not a bad idea actually. I feel though, the flap is that strong it would force itself back regardless, maybe i could devise a hook system onto it. Thanks for the idea, it certainly got me thinking.

dexy101 wrote in post #15188292
I like that bag, looks perfect, Ive also found that the Vanguard Skyborne 51 fits my needs, so i can narrow it down between the 2 bags. Considering i couldnt find one for ages.

I'm definitely biased toward the Guru (I love f stop bags, I've got 2 now) so do take my views with a pinch of salt. However, one thing I notice straightaway with the Vanguard is that it seems a lot like your typical "box with straps" camera bag. The guy does say it is very comfortable though. The Guru has something more; an internal aluminium frame for rigidity. The Vanguard is also quite a bit heavier than the Guru with a medium pro ICU fitted (6.06lbs vs 3.83lbs) which just reinforces my impression of it as a camera box rather than a bag.

The main reason I would recommend another bag over the Guru would be price. However, the Vanguard costs the same as a Guru with ICU, so in this case it seemingly has no advantages whatsoever (besides perhaps availability).

Excellent, thanks for that Sirrith, it is something i will look at when deciding.

Quick edit, i just viewed your Fstop review, im pretty sure ill head that route.

dexy101 wrote in post #15189554
Excellent, thanks for that Sirrith, it is something i will look at when deciding.

Quick edit, i just viewed your Fstop review, im pretty sure ill head that route.

Do let us know what your choice is in the end and what you think of the bag (whichever) when you get it. More reviews, however short, are always helpful for prospective buyers

I will for sure, hopefully i can decide soon.

Hmm the availability of the F-Stop is making it hard to get the guru. Ill have to re-think it.

dexy101 wrote in post #15193267
Hmm the availability of the F-Stop is making it hard to get the guru. Ill have to re-think it.

The f stop site is showing that stock is available in the EU, just not in the US?

Sirrith wrote in post #15193386
The f stop site is showing that stock is available in the EU, just not in the US?

Yeah i seem to have trouble ordering it from the pc I am on at the moment, once I get home I shall try again.

dexy101 wrote in post #15194822
Yeah i seem to have trouble ordering it from the pc I am on at the moment, once I get home I shall try again.

If you still have trouble with it, try just emailing them or use the online chat, they're quite helpful I've found