Fargo911 said:
I have grown to find really annoying is that the zippers don't unzip all the way down, so things that are in the bottom part of the bag can be difficult to get in and out.

I think this is intentional so your brand new D800 does not fall out when the bag is is "flipped"

Heart stopper, day when my water fell out and crashed to the rocks below, I though it was my 70 -200

one thing I would like, is lock on the waist strap, similar to the spider Holster

sevencrossing said:
Just bought the Flipside 400AW
A lot of thought has gone into the design this bag

I've been using the Flipside 400AW for a while, and have generally liked it. The one major thing that I have grown to find really annoying is that the zippers don't unzip all the way down, so things that are in the bottom part of the bag can be difficult to get in and out.

For multiday backpacking and hiking/bushwhacking I've settled on two Clik Elite bags and one of their chest holders. I'm very happy with the quality of this company's equipment and think their designs are generally smart and useful. Here are a few thoughts about them:

-Obscura. This is large technical daypack with a good suspension and a number of useful features. I've been using this for day outings for almost a year. It has a padded side pouch at the bottom and a sleeve at the top designed for camera equipment. The only issue with this pack is that it is designed for consumer gear, which means I've had to modify how I use it vs. the marketing. The side pouch is too small for my D800 (and it was a tight fit with my D7000), so I use it to carry a lens (usually the largest on hand, either a 16-35 or 80-200). I can carry a couple smaller lenses in the top and a body with a medium sized lens will also fit. I've recently started carrying a camera and a lens with one of their chest carriers and I've added a lens pouch to the hipbelt. With this system I can access the camera/lens and two more lenses without removing the pack. There's plenty of room for food/extra clothes/equipment compartment. For the last couple months I've carried this on more than a dozen outings with the following gear and have been happy. Typical: D800, 3/4 lenses (usually the 16-35, 24-85, 100 macro, and 80-200), Gitzo traveler, a few filters, remote shutter release.

-Contrejour 40. This is a larger technical pack with a full rear entry compartment that will hold several pieces of equipment and has a side entry opening that is large enough for pro equipment. I have used this on weekend trips with a camera/2 or 3 lenses (drop the 80-200)/tripod and all the backpacking equipment I need for a weekend. I also used this for a weeklong hut-to-hut trip in the Maritime Alps. This pack is very sturdy and useful as a camera pack or backpacking pack. It is heavy due to the extra padding/camera related components, so I'm not using it for an upcoming 10 day Sierras trip where I will carry my camera and one lens.

Thank you for all your recommendations!

I'll take a look soon.

spraynpray said:

I really don't like backpacks so maybe the flipside is worth a look.

Do at least have a look

The big down side of back packs, is you have to take them off to get at your gear
slings partly solve this issue, but they are not as comfortable as a proper back pack
and leave you exposed to pickpockets
the Flipside has very elegantly solved this problem
I can even get at my gear with out getting off my bike

Good side bag: +1 for the Lowepro Nova AW200. If you don't need the larger capacity, the AW170 is very good too. Carry on compatible, easily carried/accessed, comfortable and has water proof cover.

I really don't like backpacks so maybe the flipside is worth a look.

I use a TENBA Shootout Rolling Backpack, Large, which will hold the 400mm f/2.8 on a large body. Even with a 1.4 extender it will fit inside. When transporting and planning on the TC-20EIII, I attach the extender to the lens, and carry the body in a separate compartment. The nice part of this bag, other than the rolling feature, good around the house, is it is an excellent backpack with multiple straps. At my age, when my venue requires carrying the bag a distance, the weight of about thirty pounds (14 Kg) goes easily on my back.

The TENBA also will hold two pro bodies with long lenses, and five or more additional lenses. Nice accessory pockets, which one can access from inside or out. And, tripod attachment system to carry a very large tripod as necessary. Of course, I use the tripod as my walking stick.

Now that all you young folks are laughing....your time will come....ha, ha, ha. I do love the Tenba as it protects and allows a nice way to get the equipment around without straining. But for the simple shoot when using a shoulder bag, that Nova 200 AW really looks nice, especially the fact it is useable with the rain cover on it.

Chrisjhood said:
The incase dslr pro pack is amazing...

I have been looking at that - really good looking pack. I like InCase's minimalist outside design.

The incase dslr pro pack is amazing, enough room to carry everything you would need on a hike in the wilderness somewhere or around town. Great functionality with lots of slots for computer, iPad, and of course all your lenses and camera with serrate access for your camera and lenses. Highly recommend it.

Just bought the Flipside 400AW
A lot of thought has gone into the design this bag

it will hold
full frame DSL ( with or with out battery pack)
70-200 f 2.8
24- 120 f4
16-35-f4
(all with lens hood in shooting mode and will allow any of the above lens to carried attached to the camera)
+sb 900
+waterproof jacket
+water bottle ( on outside)

other features

weatherproof
Has straps for a tripod
The main compartment cannot easily be opened by pickpocket
all contents can be access with out taking it off
and as with all Lowepro products very well made
Similar size and as comfortable as. a large day pack

Really depends how you want to use it. Personally I'm not a fan of most Kata bags due how they hold or the lack there of my gear. But I can almost say that about every camera bag out there. I have heard good words about the Bumblebee series. They seem well made (at the higher end) like most companies.

I struggle with bags non-stop. Never find one that covers all the uses I have or want to have.

Thinktank Urban Disguise 40:
Just got this bag and I'm really liking it. More professional looking, compact, and it holds a ton of gear - and I mean a ton. It has places where you can stash everything but it's design isn't restrictive to only particular items. If that makes since. Really well made as well. Wedding load: 70-200, 105vr, 50mm,85mm,SB900, D800, flash meter L-358, extra batteries, % accessories. And I could have added yet a second body and probably 1 more lens or flash. And it doesn't look like it is bulging. Quickly becoming my 2nd favorite bag. Don't like, too professional looking for casual & pulling gear over zippers.

Marmot Flathead waste pack w/ Padded single lens inserts (Domke/tamrac/etc):
Go to this over and over. It has a shoulder strap and you can tuck the waste belt into the side. hold 3 lenses (105 & 70-300vr largest size) and a couple of water bottles or lenses on the outside. I like it since if my shoulder gets sore, I can uese the waste belt to take the load off. My primary walk around pack for primes or with a wide angle and 70-300VR. I have loaded it with: 12-24, 28-70, 70-300, 35 1.8, 50 1.4, and small accessories (batteries/cloths) with my d300. I wouldn't suggest it, but it can be done.

InCase Sling Pack CL58032:
Good for light kit and for taking a small amount of gear to friends, or short walks (<5miles/8km). Body, 3 lenses, flash, couple of batteries. Nice looking, compact, well built, no-nonsense bag. Dividers are in set places so it really limits the bag.

Lowepro 35092 Primus AW:
Great long hiking pack or even weekend away pack. Distributes loads well. Never had the "side" open up at all. Bottom will hold 1 long lens, 2-3 small/medium lenses. Top section (what I love) can fit a ton of photo gear (loose) or a full change of clothes. There is an outside "open" pouch along the back that can hold easily, a coat, blanket, laptop (in a sleeve.) I have used this for many over-nighters and long day hikes with a ton of gear and it felt great. They are larger though and the waste belt can not be "tucked away" but holds the load as good as my large hiking only pack.

Lowepro Rover (CompuRover)/Lowepro DryZone Rover:
Have both, love both. DryZone is a waterproof bag and the compuRover has a computer slot (do not have that one just the older non-computer one). (Same for both;) Holds the most gear out of any bag I have had. Really deceiving from it's looks. I can fit 6 lenses (70-200 and under) in the bottom and anything I want in the top which fits even an Orbis ring flash (which I love to use)! They only thing is the sholder pads are not as good as the Primus, but still way beyond cheap packs. I mostly use the Rover to take a bunch of gear for extended weekends (non hiking) as I can get anything I want in the bag. I picked up a barley used dry zone version for winter so I can set & sit the bag in snow. That version also can have a water pouch as well.

Domke:
There is something about Domke bags that just work really well. Light padding but sufficient, configurable with inserts to no end, rugged and they just work. They look like they wouldn't but I like them over any shoulder bag I have ever had. Thing I like the most - can get to gear easily, not scraping over zippers. Casual looking.

F2:
Classic bag. Outside: 2 pockets that large enough to hold a folded SB900 or small body. Two pockets under main flap: pens, batteries, cloth, flash light, narrow items. Main compartment I use a quad insert in the middle with 4 lenses (50&35 stacked) and two bodies. If I'm visiting family for an extended weekend this is what I take when I need less than a back pack but more than a small bag.

F-5xc:
2nd most used bag. Slim and can hold DSLR with a prime or up to 105vr and two additional lenses. It has a unique bottom zip opening (with catches on the sides) that allow you to split the bag in half and get to the bottom. I create a sideways "T" divide with a long (full bag) on one side (fits 105/Sb900), split the bag in top/bottom with a dslr and prime on top (sideways) with two primes (35/50/851.8D) on the bottom. Holds about the same amount (lenses) as the InCase Sling Pack but much smaller.

F-5xz waxware:
Daily bag. I carry my X100 with two bottles of water, notepad, and pens most days. I have fit a D300 & Prime in it as well. Smaller than the F-xc and a bit narrower but great as a daily bag. I have carried this every day for 2-years and, I don't want to really admit it, but is a man purse for walk around/haphazard shooting.

Wow - more than I planned on writing but I guess that is how I wish others would explain their uses for bags.

Does anyone have any experience with Kata backpacks? I just found out they have a massive collection of backpacks.

I'd like to fit a D7000-sized camera (gotta think for the future you know!), a 105mm macro, 35mm 1.8 and a 18-135. Maybe some extra room for expansion? :D

Thanks.

I've looked into Lowepro bags, I'm not too much of a fan of the side loading thing- I'm paranoid that I'd forget to zip it up and have it slide out the side.

I have a backpack form Lowe that I carry everything in but I'm looking for a smaller bag for the below items. It needs to have a wide shoulder strap for comfort and a handle as well. I also like canvas bags.

1. D200(3), 18-200 on the camera body (3), 11-16 (3), room for batteries 2, extra CF cards, Polarizing filter and ND filters.
2. No
3. Netbook or iPad
4. Yes
5. Big pockets to separate lenses and small pockets for batteries etc.
6. 40-50
7. 4
8. 5
9. 5

Post your drawings!

1) D3s, 14-24, 24-70, 70-200, Lastolite tri grip reflector, SB900 with pocket wizard attached, light weight tripod and spare CF cards and batteries. I would consider all these items essential if going on the mystery shoot you propose. (you don't say whether 1 or 3 is more or less likely).
2) No
3) Yes
4) Yes
5) Smaller
6) As I'm 40 I choose the 30-40 age bracket!!! :-)
7) depends on question 4, but rain protection is very important.
8) very
9) very
As others have said, be sure to come back to your "design team" if your product goes to market. We expect a discount! :-)

I just want to clarify my answers in my thoughts based on a "mystery shoot" (1= have on me at all times, 2= probably carry but not always, 3= only if I am feeling froggy that day). I have other equipment but nothing that I would want to carry for 6 hr in a messanger style bag.

1. D700 (1), 16-35VR (1), 50 1.4D (1), 70-200VRII (1), SB-700 (2), 16 2.8 fisheye (2), 1.7 TC (2), 200 micro (3), 24 PC-E (3) -this is in order of importance except for the feeling froggy items, that could vary depending on mood. (Note: this is all Nikon equipment)
2. No
3. I would carry an Asus EEE Slate, probably closer to 13" laptop than an Ipad
4. I would hope the outside is water resistant, but don't worry about the inside too much
5. Big pockets, maybe have an organizer that you could insert if you needed small pockets
6. 30-40

The remaining questions I will answer with 5 being most important and zero the least important
7. 3 this could vary with my answer to question #4, if not water resistant then a 4
8. 5
9. 3 unless you have to close the bag to move it so nothing falls out, then I would have to rate this a 5

1. D5000 with 18-200 (3), 105 VR (3), 12-24 (2), 35 (1), SB400 (2)
2. No
3. Neither, don't own one atm
4. No
5. Mix of both. I like pockets large enough for my bigger lenses so I don't have to stuff them in, but I don't want stuff sliding and banging together.
6. 20-30
7. 3
8. 5
9. 5

1. D90 w/grip or D4, 50mm f/1.4, 16-35mmVR , 24-120mmVR, 70-200mmVR, teleconverters 1.4x and 2.0x, SB800 flash, all would be taken on a "mystery shoot" and a Manfrotto tripod w/small head.
2. No
3. 17" Macbook Pro... do not have an iPad (may be the only person in the world in this shape)
4. Needs to be water-resistant
5. Big pockets
6. I love this... 50+++
7. 5 Must have rain cover
8. 3 I will usually have a camera on and ready at all times. Changes can be anticipated and made slowly and not in a hurry. Old people just do not move fast.
9. 3 The security of the closure is more important than the ease of getting it open.

Hope all this helps... And the water bottle holder on the outside.... yes, a lot of work is done in Hell where we need lots of water. Actually 140 degrees F was the hottest I worked in. In reality, I would not play the "mystery shoot" game. Unless a client wanted to sit and chat about what they wanted I would suggest they find another individual to work with.

Ms. Tommie Lauer

1. Nikon D700 w MB-D10 grip (1), Panasonic GF2 w/14mm F2.5 attached (2), Nikon 24-70mm F2.8 (1), Nikon AF-S 50mm F1.8G (2), Nikon AF-S 300mm F4D (2), TC14E 1.4x (2), SB-800 (3), Filters (1), Spare battery (1), Cable Release (1), At least two spare CF cards (1)
2. No
3. iPad/Tablet at the most
4. Yes
5. Mix, some big, some small
6. 20-30
7. 5
8. 5
9. 4

I'm also in favour of a water bottle holder, and put it somewhere that can be accessed without taking the bag off!

I really like the water bottle idea spraynpray. I always put a bottle in the front pouch (or the empty lens slot). Great idea :D

1. D90 with battery grip (3), 10-24(3), 50 (3), 18-105 (3), 70-300(3), flash - SB400 (3), gray card, filters, manual, lens blower, cloth, remote release.
2. No
3. Yes
4. Yes - exterior should be rain-proof (covered zips)
5. Mixture of sizes for accessories from filters up to water bottle for long days.
6. 50+
7. 5 if Q4 not possible. Rain proof exterior preferable.
8. 5
9. 5

Please share your finished design with us!

1. D90 with battery grip (3), 10-24(3), 50 (3), 18-105 (3), 70-300(3), flash - SB400 (3), gray card, filters, manual, lens blower, cloth, remote release.
2. No
3. Yes
4. Yes - exterior should be rain-proof (covered zips)
5. Mixture of sizes for accessories up to water bottle for long days.
6. 50+
7. 5 if Q4 not possible. Rain proof exterior preferable.
8. 5
9. 5

Please share your finished design with us!

1. D90 with Grip (3), 24-70mm 2.8 (3), 50mm 1.4G (3), F5 (3), SB-700 (2), SB-600 (2), brick of film (3)

2. No

3. Yes, 15" MacBook Pro

4. No, I would rather the outside of the bag be water resistant

5. A mix of both, big for film and small for all the extras I need

6. 20-30

7. 5

8. 4

9. 5

#1 - My bag that rides with me at work (all over NJ so every day for me is a possible mystery shoot!) contains: D7000 w/ MB-D11, SB-700, 20mm f/2.8, 24mm f/1.4G, DX 35mm f/1.8G, 50mm f/1.8D, and 70-200mm f/2.8 VR1. *sometimes* the 24mm is swapped with a Tokina 12-24mm, but they are almost the exact same dimensions.

#2 - No

#3 - No

#4 - I look for water resistant in anything I get camera-related

#5 - Big pockets - I'd rather take more capacity for given external dimensions than better organization

#6 - 20-30

#7 - 4 if it's just a day pack

#8 - 3

#9 - 3

Given the way I squish all the stuff mentioned in #1 into a small shoulder bag I can't say I find ease of removing stuff the most important thing... if it comes out easy that means I haven't squished the fullest capacity out of the bag yet. :P

Hmm

#1(based on what I already stuff in my bag which is a big tarmac)

D7000/D90 or D200(often both)/N80 10.5mm, 14-24mm, 28-70mm, 80-200mm, 50mm, 18-70mm (leave it out of my smaller bag) Sb900(or Sb700) (I've carried this and a bit more for 12 hrs straight)

#2 Not really

#3 No as I don't own one

#4 Yes absolutely inside(easy to clean as mine fills with dirt)and outside(rain/splash)

#5 A few big pockets (Flash, film, batteries) and a few small (Memory cards, cash & Id)"edit" a pouch or pocket for water

#6 20-30 (may explain how I carry 4 bodies and 4 2.8's)

#7 about a 4

#8 around a 10?

#9 ditto #8

Good luck :D

35mm - 3, 50mm - 3, 85mm - 3, 24-70mm - 2, 70-200mm - 2, 70-300mm - 2, Other (please list), 105vr - 3, 24-120 vr - 2, 12-24mm - 3 - zero (would not carry) the rest

2. No
3. Nope - book or iPad
4. No - bottom 1" of the bag is Imp. though
5. big pockets - slim pocket for notebook (Paper) on outside is important for me
6. 30-40
7. 0
8. 5
9. 5

Just a note - 4" wide - Need to be able to hold a D300 sized camera. To many are way two narrow. :)