What Kind of Bag Do You Prefer

For just walking around I use my new Tamrac Adventure Messenger 4, while for hiking I have a customized North Face Day Pack that does the job. Storage wise I keep most of my gear in a LowePro 5 AW.

I haven't yet seen a camera designed backpack that I like.

I have a backpack for when shooting all day, i have a waist/shoulder bag for assignments out on the field, i use both when i am shooting with multiple cameras & flashes and need all my stuff.

I prefer the access of the shoulder/waist bags however they can really strain your back/shoulders after a long day.

The hassle of a backpack can mean you miss your shots because the wrong lens is on and in on your back!

My preference is for shoulder bags, but I use a backpack when traveling. Best bag for the job is my preference.

Most times I use my Crumpler shoulder bags because they're easy to use & shoot out of, but for hiking I use a backpack for a stable load.

I've both backpack and shoulder bag.
I voted for a backpack, because it's easier to transport, and often more confortable.

Laurent.

I wear a shoulder bag flush to my upper back, messenger style. Don't have much gear to lug around so this is the way for me.

Back pack for me a Kata-103 very strong and robust,use this most of the time and also a tamrac shoulder/waist pack.

For everyday use/travel, I prefer a backpack. Its takes a bit longer than a shoulder bag to get my camera out but not by more than a few seconds.

Backback is more nearly organised in terms of equiptment etc and find I throw things into a shoulder bag.

I do like to keep a lockable aluminium case for long journeys or for long term storage.

I voted for the shoulder bag, but I actually use both. While the shoulder bag makes it easier to grab your camera and shoot, it can kill my shoulders after a while - whereas the backpack can carry the weight more comfortably.

Domke f-2 shoulderbag: 1 camera with lens mounted and 2 other lenses
Tenba Response Large shoulderbag: 2 cameras with lenses mounted and 2 other mid-sized lenses
Lowepro Rover AW Plus backpack: 1 camera with lens mounted and 2 other lenses and enough room leftover for a days hike
4Star skate bag w/custom camera inserts: 1 camera with lens mounted and 2 other lenses - for days when I want to shoot and not worry about people trying to rob me

everyday, urban shooting - shoulder bag
long walks/hikes - backpack

i usually use my shoulder bag more

Why settle for one or the other. The Think Tank Change Up gives me the flexibility of a shoulder bag, belt pack or chest bag. I add a Lens Changer 35 and a Chimp Cage and I have one of the most verasatile bags around.

Depends on what I'm doing:

For walking around all day at an event or for taking landscapes, a backpack.
For general shooting within a short walk of my car or whatever, a small lightweight shoulder bag.

I use a shoulder bag. I'm amazed that they are so popular. All the photogs I know use backpacks.

I hate the way a backpack make your back sweaty and they're too fiddly to get off. Having said that, backpacks are probably better for long trips as shoulder bags aren't as ergonomically friendly.

That's a tricky question. I prefer backpacks for the looks and ease of carrying but prefer should bags for functionality. I was in a great dilemma when I was shopping for a bag. didn't know what type of bag to go with. I didn't know what was more important: functionality or carrying. I decided that since I was looking for a specific use bag (photo), I should concentrate on functionality. Ended up getting the Crumpler 7MDH (shoulder bag) and never looked back. Yes, a backpack is easier to carry and more comfortable, but at a moment's notice if you need to pull your equipment, or need to change a lens, a shoulder bag is much easier to work with. It also gives you a more secure feeling in crowded places as not many people (if at all) will attempt to mug you with your bag secured at your side.

On the other hand, you should also weigh your needs based on function. If you like hiking a lot, definitely go with a backpack.

Hey what do people think about a belt bag? I need something that doesnt give my back or shoulders grief! Plus I am female and thus have great carrying hips!!! I have seen a canon one in local Jessops but cant find anything about it on web (incl. Jessops site itself!!).

Anyone have any experience? Want to carry 2 extra lenses and be able to put at leats one of my two cameras with lense away, looks like it'll do the trick but 80 quid is a lot of money to spend on a white elephant.