Another Bag Thread

200 It is then! I Like to see a happy ending...
Hope the LBA Stays in remission

I thought I'd re-open this thread as previously I mentioned that the ideal hiking/camera bag didn't exist and whilst I haven't changed my mind completely I've certainly found the best one so far.

I've just bought a used Lowepro Primus AW & it's very close to being the perfect hiking/camera backpack. Whilst other bags, my Tamrac included, have too small a space for personal gear the Primus has both an internal storage area which is a reasonable size but also has a very large external pocket that can accomodate a fleece/waterproof - the camera section is also pretty good with flap access to the body too

http://products.lowepro.com/product/Primus-AW,1995,14.htm

If you can find one in the UK it's well worth considering

Simon

I own more bags than lenses (which is sad from any point you look at it) and since this turned into a nice bag appreciation thread I wanted to come in to agree with OP. Barring bags that cost 160 pounds which I don't own I can safely say that so far the stealth reporter is by far the most versatile bag out there just for it's shear capacity and (odd at first glance) proportions - it's quite tall for its size and so fits my compact tripod standing up! Not really stealthy, it's pretty obvious it's a camera bag, but extremely comfy (silly amounts of padding) to wear for extended periods which is really what is most important in a bag for me. Also robust and padded enough to use it for travel.

Wouldn't rate the smaller versions high as the bulkiness to room ratio is poor in them. For smaller setups I recommend Tamrac, velocity (discontinued?) and rally as you get the most capacity at that size (at the cost of safety and comfort but I like the compromise point).

I'm quite interested to find out why people are happy to pay 160 pounds for a Billingham. Just feature wise seems on par with bags half the price so what's the premium for? I wish I had a photography store here so I could see one in the flesh to find out. Maybe I'm missing out.

Wish there was an edit button. Replace stealth reporter with classified in the previous post. I owned both a stealth reporter and classified (I gave the stealth reporter to a friend after getting a tamrac for a small bag). Unfortunately I've mixed up the names. I laughed but it's rather embarrassing. To my defence lowepro has two dozen bag series going.

Quality, traditional materials, hand made. Inside, the padded dividers are vert high tech and thick. They really do absorb shock and protect the contents - most other bags are nowhere near as good in this respect. Zips are heavy duty, seams are double stitched, fitments are solid brass and leather, and the bag material is waterproof.