DIY: DSLR Backpack [Grip'd DSLR, +2 Lens, Flash, ETC]

I have been reading many different DIY bags. From using the Domke inserts, fiberglass, and other cheap items. Being new to Photography, I wasn't sure if I wanted to spend 100+ On Camera bags. Plus being a poor student. I needed to use as much of my resources as possible.

In this process....
I have decided to make my own DIY backpack with some overkill padding. The total price was roughly $25-30 plus the value of the bookbag, I used a bookbag I have owned since I was in middle school. The total price of the DIY could be done for $20, maybe even less!


The bookbag I used seemed to have many features that I expensive bags have. Here are the features of my bookbag:
-2 bottom straps that can be used to hold a tripod
-2 Long outer pockets for small items.
-Belt and chest strap
-Hard backing
-Comfy shoulder pads

What you need:
-Poly/High Density Foam [2x22x22 is what I got for $8] I would recommend getting 1.5in foam instead of 2, I couldnt find any at Michaels tho =(
-Felt [36x36 is what I used, $3]
-Glue Gun + Plenty of Glue Sticks [Should have some if not, they're around $5]
-Bookbag
-Cardboard from around the house, There should be some in the recycling bin

That is the BARE requirement to have this done. I used "Loft Battling" Which was $6, It wasn't necessary, but I already cut mine so I couldnt return it.

Tools Needed:
-Scissors
-Sharp Blade
-Ruler
-Patience

1) Measure the bottom of the bookbag. Mine was 12x6.5
-Cut the foam smaller to the size of the bottom. Mine was 11.5x6
-Cut a piece of felt to cover the top side and sides of the foam.
-Glue the felt onto the foam.
-This is your base. Since mine is 2in There is plenty of protection from falling and vibration.

2) Measure the backside of the bookbag.
-A trick would be to measure the other diameter of the whole bag and trim the felt till its perfect, Some overlaping with the sides of the bag is fine.
-My bookbag has a hard backing already, but for soft backing, 1in foam + felt should would just as well.

Glue the side of the bottom pc to the backing. Should be like this " L " from a side view

3) Measure 1x1x12 and cut it out of the foam, you will need two of these.
-Measure the felt to cover three sides, top and bottom of the foam.
-Glue the felt onto the foam
-Glue outer left and right of the backing

[For SLRs with GRIP]
4) Measure your "carry lens" I measured 6in to accommodate the 55-250 I will soon purchase. [6x3x2]
-Again, cover three sides, top and bottom with the felt.
-Locate the middle of your backing and glue it the middle, the top part should be parallel in height with the peices you glued on #3

[For SLRs without GRIP]
4A) Measure your "carry lens" Cut a pc of cardboard/battling to accommodate its length.
-Cover the top with felt
-Locate the middle of your backing and glue it the middle, the top part should be parallel in height with the peices you glued on #3

5) Measure from the outer edges of the pieces in #3 [Mine was 11.5x6]
-Cut out a piece of cardboard/battling to that width and around 3-6inches depending on the size of your backpack
-Cover with felt
-Glue ontop of #3 and #4
-The top part should be parallel with the top of #3 and #4

You should now have two pockets for your extra lens.
-Cut a piece of foam that is slightly bigger than the hole. These will be fillers if you use some short lens.

OPTIONAL:
6) Measure from the top of your base to the bottom of #5
-Create a triangle out of your foam [2]
-Cover with felt
-Glue onto the sides, These will create more support for your bottom and help keep the bookbag steady when laying on the ground.

OPTIONAL:
7) Find an opening between the front layers of your backpack. I found a small slit in one of the pockets inside the backpack.
-Insert foam to give your backpack protection when it decides to fall forward.
-If you can't find an opening. Measure the front of the backpack and create something similar to the backing in the earlier stages.

This is my final product as of now. I have plenty of room in the bottom for other accesories such as a flash, more lens, and many others!

Before we go to the pictures, They suck.

Here They are:

The Backpack:

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More Pics

Backpack with padding fully enclosed:

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Cool!

Need some gear in there to get an idea. Not too bad of an idea though.