DOMKE F3-X Alternative?

Hi guys. What would be a good alternative for the popular DOMKE F-3X bag? I love the look, size and configuration but don't like how poorly padded it is. Is there a bag that is really similar to it but perhaps made by a different brand?

Nope. There's nothing like a Domke. And if you want all kinds of padding, put it in the outside pockets. But you don't need to pamper your gear. You need to use it. And padding doesn't help with that.

I'm with Jon on this! I have Pelican hard cases to protect my gear while I transport it, but for carrying it while shooting, there is nothing like a Domke!

Is it the internal or external dimensions you like? You can't add a bunch of padding without either increasing the outside or decreasing the inside.

I'm also with Jon on this. I had the same concerns you do until I received my F-2. No looking back now.

I have 3 Domkes now and I'm sure I'll be getting more. Darn you Jon!

The reality is that while padding is great on paper it doesn't do much for a bag you want to work out of. I started with bags like Crumplers which are fine bags but I quickly realized that the padding just adds weight and makes getting gear in and out more difficult. The simplicity of a Domke is one of it's strongest features.

pixel_junkie wrote in post #7909370
Hi guys. What would be a good alternative for the popular DOMKE F-3X bag? I love the look, size and configuration but don't like how poorly padded it is. Is there a bag that is really similar to it but perhaps made by a different brand?

If you need padding, the F-4AF is very similar in size and has the inserts. I really like mine.

the J3 is the larger version of the F-3X, i got a J3 and haven't touched my F-3X in months.

Familiaphoto wrote in post #7910110
The reality is that while padding is great on paper it doesn't do much for a bag you want to work out of. I started with bags like Crumplers which are fine bags but I quickly realized that the padding just adds weight and makes getting gear in and out more difficult. The simplicity of a Domke is one of it's strongest features.

+1

I started with the 7MDH, sold it for those very reasons and picked up my F3-X for that very reason.

I need the padding, guys. I don't just walk around when I bring my gear. I ride stuff, climb, jump, run ...

pixel_junkie wrote in post #7915233
I need the padding, guys. I don't just walk around when I bring my gear. I ride stuff, climb, jump, run ...

In all seriousness, if you are that active then are you sure that a soft case is going to offer enough protection?

What are my options? Can't bring a Pelican case ...

That's about it. I do the same and carry minimal in my 5MDH. Since I'm doing all that can't carry it all. Done with a camelback, slingbag, w/e I can makeshift at the time as a camera bag. You don't need padding unless you're throwing the bag against stuff.

pixel_junkie wrote in post #7915233
I need the padding, guys. I don't just walk around when I bring my gear. I ride stuff, climb, jump, run ...

In that case I'd be thinking about lens and equipment cases and a belt/suspension system for them.

pixel_junkie wrote in post #7915793
What are my options? Can't bring a Pelican case ...

You're on the right track. A rigid or semi-rigid box to absorb external impacts and some padding inside to keep the gear from bouncing around inside. Doesn't have to be as thick and heavy as a pelican, could be an unlined canvas bag like a Domke with an open top "box" filling the main compartment made of something like 1/16" Kydex. Get a sleeping pad from a camping or surplus store, cut it up and glue it to the inside of the box to provide padding.

I don't recall ever seeing a shoulder bag that offered any real impact protection. The padding is too simply soft and I believe it is there more to provide an image of protection rather than any real benefit. Kinda like airport security pre-9/11.

I don't do rock climbing and photography at the same time so Domke bags are perfect for me.