Maxpedition making camera bags, looking for input

Perhaps some of you are familiar with this company that makes packs and pouches for outdoor and military use. I've got several of their pouches for carrying Speedlights, water bottles and small items such as batteries. All of their stuff is triple stitched, made of heavy Cordura and is just about bombproof.

A couple of years ago I emailed them and suggested they put together a line for photographers; apparently, hundreds of photographers asked for the same thing. I just got an email the other day saying that they were putting together such a line and asking for what I thought were the essentials of a good camera bag.

If you're interested, email them and ask for that questionnaire. They're looking for suggestions.

I have one of their laptop bags and I like its organization - I've become a fan of lots of smaller pockets.

The bag market is already pretty crowded and they won't compete on price, so I wonder what they could bring that isn't already out there.

How about posting the link?

I have a Maxpedition Colossus I use for travel in difficult places

Takes my D300S with grip and 18-200vr plus Sony RX100-2

Dave

plus two Glocks and two blades. ߘ

tandemhearts wrote in post #17696795
I have one of their laptop bags and I like its organization - I've become a fan of lots of smaller pockets.

The bag market is already pretty crowded and they won't compete on price, so I wonder what they could bring that isn't already out there.

Lots of MOLLE attachment points.

It is true that the market is glutted, especially in low end non-pro offerings, but they make very high quality gear. I think there is more room in the high end for bags that perform and last... rugged gear that can last years in tough conditions.

tvphotog wrote in post #17697069
Lots of MOLLE attachment points.

Maybe. I love 'em but I just looked a new shoulder bag and companies like LowePro and Tamrac seem to have moved away from their SlipLock and MAS side attachment points on bags. They still have belts and such, but bags seem a bit more streamlined. I love customization, but I'm beginning to think that the market doesn't.

tandemhearts wrote in post #17697164
Maybe. I love 'em but I just looked a new shoulder bag and companies like LowePro and Tamrac seem to have moved away from their SlipLock and MAS side attachment points on bags. They still have belts and such, but bags seem a bit more streamlined. I love customization, but I'm beginning to think that the market doesn't.

Maxpedition has a completely customizable philosophy, so here's a chance to have input. Here's the link;

http://www.icontact-archive.com …qDVPnlLNGaptTKz​QUteK5?w=4

This is awesome!! I love Maxpedition gear!! I currently use one of their versipacks for a speed rig. I carry my 70-200 F4L and a goddox 860 in the main compartment, then I have a bottle holder attached to the molle on the side with a second lens (either 17-50 or my 85mm) Then I keep my flash triggers in the front compartment. Then I have a single point rifle sling attached to a black rapid loop on my camera with a third lens attached. Both of these slung cross body and its pretty comfortable to shoot events, or any other type of photography that requires lots of movement with this setup. Sometimes I will also throw my carbon fiber tripod in there to.

If you guys want pictures of this setup let me know, but that versipack works great as a fast easy access camera back for just the essentials. This setup has been getting lot more use than my big lowepro bag.

Filled out the survey. I'm actually in the market for a new backpack. My dogs got ahold of my Lowepro Video Fastpack 350AW, which otherwise has served me extremely well. Although, since I've started shooting video at events, I could use something a little bit larger. I have a wishlist at BH right now that has 12 camera bags in it. The top four bags on my list are:

Tenba - Shootout Backpack (24L)
Manfrotto - Pro Backpack 50
Lowepro - ProTactic 450 AW
Tamrac - Professional Series: Anvil 23

I think Maxpedition could definitely compete among these bags in the $200-$300 price range. Personally, I think they should aim squarely at the Lowepro ProTactic concept or possibly try to improve on Domke shoulder bags (which are outstanding, but a little thin on modern features).

To me the ideal bag would have the following features:
-Quick access to at least one body with lens mounted
-Customizable for multiple gear setups (secure internal dividers are a must)
-Internal pockets for organization of small items
-Small external pockets for quick access to memory cards, pens, filters, etc.
-Able to be used as a carry on bag on major airlines
-Able to carry a 13-15" laptop
-Usable for hiking (removable waist belt, comfortable/adjustable straps)
-Durable/wear resistant
-Able to carry a standard size tripod comfortably (doesn't stick a foot over the bag)
-Include a rain cover

I love Maxpedition as much as everyone and have several of their bags for some other hobbies.

But holy crap they take a long time from announcement to delivery so I have a hard time getting motivated to send them suggestions.