Small, Low Profile Bag

I'm looking for a small low profile bag for an up coming backpacking trip.

It needs to be able to hold an un-gripped 5D MKII, a 17-40, a 50mm 1.8 and an 135mm 2.0.

I was looking at something like the shootsac, though I don't know if the Neoprene would hold up. I liked the shootsac because it was very thin and had just enough space for what I wanted to carry.

It will be warn while wearing a large back pack. And I would like it to have a removable strap if possible, as I could replace it to fit better with the backpack.

If anyone has any ideas for an alternative or DIY's of something they made for similar requirements your insist would be much appreciated!

The Thinktank UD30 could work for you. I keep my ungripped 5Dm2 + 24-105, 135mm 2 and 580exII flash in there and it is slim, lightweight and highly durable.
In a pinch, it is slim enough even with the gear to stow in my backpack.

Yes, the UD30 fits that gear well with little to spare and the bag's not huge by a long shot. I bought one the other day even though it is no longer being produced, favoring it over the UD35 v2.0 that felt like a suitcase hanging off of me. There is also the Lowepro Exchange Messenger that is kind of Shootsac-like, but in more durable material. Very little padding, though. The Messenger weighs in very light by the same token. Another idea is doing a belt and pouches approach, but they will wind up in an array all around you, and you'll look totally loaded down between that and the backpack. But - the weight will be handled well.

Lowepro exchange messenger $30
Thinktank Urban Disguise 30 $150
Domke F-803 $110
Crumpler 5 Million Dollar Home $82
Shootsac $180
Kata DB-453 $50
Lowepro Classified 200AW $150
Think Tank Retrospective 10 $150

These seem to be what I have found that would suit me best.

And looking at the prices, I really do like the Exchange messenger bag, except that it doesn't have a removable strap!

Next up is the Kata, which is considerable thicker but does have a removable strap.....

I did consider the belt pack, though there may be times where I don't have the Backpack with me, and I would prefer NOT to look like I'm headed out to shout a sports event with carrying my gear.

Thanks for the leads on those bags though.
This is going to be more difficult than I thought.

Removable strap is imperative for what?


My nit about the Messenger is lack of a carry handle.

How about the Think Tank Retrospective 10, it sells for $150.

Removable strap so I can replace it with something more suitable for carrying with a backpack. I would like something that I can actually tie into the backpack harness system. This would allow to both allow me to carry a strap when its by itself as well as hook it into the backpack for ease of access and comfort.

That's specialized and unique. Look at stuff from Kinesis, some products all about hooking together in various ways.

Though it is a kind of specialized application, a removable strap isn't that unheard of. The Thinktank, Shootsac, Kata, and Classified 200 on my list all have removable straps and so do most camera bags I have come across.

Thank you snj, I will add that bag to the list as well.

You are going to have a daypack anyway, why not just put the camera and lenses in pouches to put in your pack or wear a waist pouch? Something like the Lowepro

http://www.amazon.com …TF8&qid=1297428​963&sr=8-2

All those straps just get in the way.

http://www.mec.ca …older_id=253437​4302888570

I will be wearing something very similar to this for most of my 15 day journey. A Belt pack will not fit over a belt.....

I'm well aware of what I want, it's just the issue of finding something that will fit the bill.
As well, if I choose to keep it after the trip, I doubt I would have any use for a belt pack or belt system.\

But thank you for the idea.

I don't go for the waist packs either, just wanted to throw that out there as I know some people love that system.

If you are considering the Shootsac bags, what is your budget?

At the moment the budget is what ever works best. I would like to keep it as low as possible, but I'm not going to skimp and get something I'm going to hate for 15 days.

I took a look at the Lowepro Exchange Messenger today in a local store. I wasn't impressed at all. Seemed to have OK construction though it was very flimsy. Might last for casual use but for on a 2 week endless use type trip I doubt it would hold up well.

I went out to a local equipment store to check out some other things and decided to look a little harder at the bags.

I first took a look at the Kata DB-453, but found it didn't have any inserts nor did it have the proper material to allow me to use my other inserts or pads. Besides that it couldn't comfortably carry the gear.

Next up was the UD 30, which I liked, and I own the UD60. My main issue was that I couldn't leave the bag open for quick access as it only has a zipper and no over lapping flap.

They had just sold their last Domke F-803, so I didn't get to take a look at it.

I then took a look at the Retrospective 10, and feel in love. Besides the lack of removable strap it is a great bag! The design and look of it is great, and like all ThinkTank gear it is very well built.

I purchased the bag, and believe it will be the one I will be taking with me. It's a little larger than I needed and may be on the bulky side, but I feel it will get the job done, and I will be able to return home and continue to get a good amount of use out of it during smaller assignments or when I need a quick bag for a flash and a few lenses.

Thanks for all the insight and advice offered!

But the strap is not removable. What gives?