Need suggestions for a small bag for traveling to Europe

So I'm going to Italy later in June and am looking for a nice smaller bag to carry just the 5d2, 16-35L and 70-200L as well as batteries, cards, etc. Hoping to stay <$150

I'm open to both shoulder bags like this one
http://www.bhphotovide​o.com …ro_Messenger_Ba​g_180.html

Or backpacks like this one
http://www.bhphotovide​o.com …ngShot_202_AW_C​amera.html

I'm worried about the size of the 70-200 in both of those bags, but if I've already got a winner in one of those I'd love to know that as well. Any help would be appreciated!

If you like messenger bags, check out the Tenba Messenger. The small size should carry all the gear you described. And it comes in your choice of 6 colors. I have 3 and they work very well for me.

http://www.bhphotovide​o.com …_Messenger_Bag_​Small.html

Thinktank retrospective would be my first choice

Thanks to you both! I know this is entirely personal, but has anyone experienced issues with having all the weight on just one shoulder?

SamHunter wrote in post #15978853
has anyone experienced issues with having all the weight on just one shoulder?

Yes, but most often I would have my camera out or I just keep switching shoulders. I find shooting out of a backpack annoying but your right it is a personal decision.

SamHunter wrote in post #15978853
Thanks to you both! I know this is entirely personal, but has anyone experienced issues with having all the weight on just one shoulder?

Like Tom said, I also carry my camera out of the bag when shooting. The bag will contain an additional lens or two, plus some personal gear and a water bottle, so it's not that heavy. The padded strap on the Tenba works very well for absorbing the pressure. Nevertheless, I will also switch shoulders or wear the bag across my chest.

I used to carry a backpack, but found it awkward and less useful than a shoulder bag you can just reach into and grab stuff. But that's just me. You'll have to determine what works best for you.

I picked this up last week for my trip to Italy in a few weeks. I love this bag for the portability and easy access. I have a 5D3, 17-40, 24-105, and 50 f1.8 and it all fits in very nicely. Good size pouches to hold the batteries, cards, etc.

http://www.amazon.com …rds=Lowepro+Sli​ngshot+202

F-stop Smoky Mountain? All that will fit pretty nice and it's a good looking bag!

I have used a multitude of bags from many different manufacturers.

A backpack is O.K. for traveling with gear but, I find it cumbersome with which to shoot.

I use a Domke photo vest and a Domke F2 camera bag.

I am in love with the Domke bag but, have modified it a bit:

1. I added a Domke U.S. Post Office Pad to the strap. This pad makes carrying the bag a lot easier and more pleasant...
http://www.amazon.com …ce-Shoulder/dp/B00009R86L

2. I switched the Domke straps at the front of the bag to Trigger Snaps which are easier to attach and detach...

IMAGE LINK: http://rpcrowe.smugmug​.com …263687&k=nRhxQ7​j&lb=1&s=A

After an hour or so my shoulder gets sore so I just switch sides and I'm good to go. I find it 10 times easier and quicker for a messenger bag then a backpack. I have the Crumpler 6MDH and I love it. But I also do not have a 5D or 70-200f2.8. But I do carry my 60D with 17-50, 70-200F4L, 430exii, rocket blower, 2 sets of AA batteries, lens cleaner, memory cards, cables and charger easily in there.

Dear Sam,

Bags… always a personal choice and it depends on how you are travelling once there, planned activities and photo applications, etc.; but here are a few possible suggestions-

Lowepro Pro Runner 200:
http://www.bhphotovide​o.com …EU_Pro_Runner_2​00_AW.html (capacity: 520 cubic inch)
-if have a lot of walking or hiking and want compact yet enduring; nicely handles your specified camera, lenses etc. (front pocket for personal items: such as jacket, I-Pad or small laptop, snack or lunch), water bottle on side. It’s a great little bag (I have the very popular predecessor Lowepro Micro-Trekker).
or

Think Tank Speed Freak V2.0:
http://www.thinktankph​oto.com/products/speed​-freak-v2.aspx (capacity: 505 cubic inch)
- for endurance (no shoulder/neck issues as it has a retractable waist belt (to alleviate shoulder weight, that frequently afflicts most shoulder bags after 2-4+hours of use) and I find this to be a true 12+ hours/day shooting bag even without a Domke Postal pad (which I find helpful on my larger TT Speed Racer bag).

or
Think Tank City Walker 20:
http://www.thinktankph​oto.com …/citywalker-20-black.aspx (capacity: 600 cubic inch)
-light weight and “scruchable”/compactab​le for travel.

or
Think Tank Retrospective Series (say Retrospective 10 capacity: 684 cubic inch):
http://www.thinktankph​oto.com …ve.aspx?sortBy=​TopSellers
-however a bit heavier and I find the material a bit stiff/bulky when I considered it when product was first introduced. [this one I haven’t owned]

Sounds like an exciting trip, have fun!


Mary
P.S. Not to bulk or weigh you down, but may want to also take your fast 35L lens for dim-lit interiors (such as any churches, or buildings etc, that may not permit speedlights).
While some like the sling-style bag, which I thought was a good style in theory – when I owned a Lowepro Sling bag about 6 yrs ago found it bulky. But again bags are such a personal choice.

When I went to Italy I used my Domke F-3x ruggedwear, with my 5D, 24-105, 35L, 50, and 85. extra batteries etc... That worked really well for me. I also have a 100-400 which is a similar size might be a tad shorter than the 70-200 but that fits in my F-3x just fine. If you are only taking those two lens then you should be fine for weight specially if you are using one.

Hope you find the right bag.

Sam.
I just picked up the Lowepro Pro Messenger 180 AW myself. I can carry a 7D Gripped with a 70-200 f/2.8 L IS II attached along with a 17-55, additional smaller lens, Canon 600 EX-RT and ST E3 Transmitter. So far very comfortable.

Domke F3x is my vote. A 70-200 will be a tight fit in anything but the main compartment but it'll work. Once it's broken in it almost becomes an extension of you and especially with a shoulder pad you won't feel it at all with just one lens in it. (assuming your body and other lens are out taking pics)

Wow, thanks for the suggestions everyone!