Does such a bag exist?

WobblyGoblin · 2010-06-10T10:53:26+0100

Hi all Just wondering if people have any recommendations for kit bags. I'm after something to use as a kit carrier and also general purpose rucksack for when I'm on holiday or out walking. I put together a list of things I'm looking for and things that would be nice to have: Must-haves: - Space for kit (GX20, Sigma 100-300, walkaround lens, 1 other lens or flash, plus some accessories such as filters and spare batteries) - Separate space for sundry stuff (layers, water, book, binoculars etc) - Easy access to kit, or at least the camera (I'm thinking of those side access or separate openings) Nice-to-haves: - Tripod/monopod holder - Some pockets for organising sundry bits (like the filters and memory cards) - Potential space for other kit (e.g. another couple of lenses/flash) - Something that doesn't scream 'camera kit' to deter thieves Preferably I'd like it to be big enough for me to keep the camera and big Sigma lense attached and readily accessible. Again, I'm thinking of something like the Lowepro bags with side access but one wide enough to accomodate that lens. I don't take a laptop with me so a laptop compartment isn't needed. Does anyone have anything to recommend? I'm planning on taking a trip to Jacobs at lunch to have a look at their range and may also try Calumet. Jessops have an appalling range, I've discovered. Cheers, WG

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matwhittingto... matwhittington

1474 posts
17 years
West London,
UK

Posted 10/06/2010 - 20:18 Link

It is a lot - too much really (and heavy!:shock so it's rare I end up with that much on my back, and that is using both compartments for lenses. When I do use the upper compartment for camera kit I normally just leave the lenses (the pentax ones at least) in their soft pouches and they seem to be fine. The only thing which does worry me is the lens hood on the Sigma 100-300. The sigma case is too big to go in the bag so the lens gets carried without, and the hood on that lens doesn't feel as robust as any of the pentax lens hoods so I worry about cracking it... but I pack everything in pretty carefully and so far haven't had any damage. If I just use the lower compartment I can fit in the camera with a big lens on plus two smaller lenses in the bottom, or three extra lenses if the camera has a smaller lens on it...

Regards

Mat W

My Flickr: link

Anvh Anvh

10412 posts
18 years
Dordrecht,
the Netherlands

Posted 10/06/2010 - 20:30 Link

Thank you Matt that was informative.
I've seen the Primus AW in the store but it looked too small to me so I was surprised you could fit all that in, now I'm thinking I might have make a wrong discussion.
I've bought a huge shoulder bag, everything I own fits in it plus all the cables and If I want I can lay a set of cloths on top off it for the weekend but it's so heavy on your shoulder

Stefan

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matwhittingto... matwhittington

1474 posts
17 years
West London,
UK

Posted 10/06/2010 - 20:39 - Helpful Comment Link

The Primus AW is heavy when it's full but I guess the load is spread a bit more with it. It also has to be packed a bit like a 3D jigsaw puzzle if it's going to be full of camera kit as all of the spaces between the lenses need to be filled to get everything in (and I use the outside pocket sometimes on the opposite side to the side-access) - once it's on it's pretty comfy (I cycle a lot with mine on too) although it can lead to a sweaty back on a moderately warm day.

Regards

Mat W

My Flickr: link

WobblyGoblin WobblyGoblin

306 posts
17 years

Posted 11/06/2010 - 10:22 Link

Cheers Mat - brilliant to get such detailed info.

The Primus seems to be worth a serious look. I think this and the Versapack look favourites. Not been able to see the Kata or Tamrac that Edmuad mentioned but I'll see if I can track them down too.

You will only prise my 43Ltd from my cold, dead hands...

edumad edumad

787 posts
18 years
Portugal

Posted 11/06/2010 - 11:40 Link

Kata:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8YF_Vj-l6vs
Tamrac:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KyStLX_N4dg

The kata has smaller versions 3n1-10 and 3n1-20.
The Tamrac has a smaller version, the Aero 75.

TWAPSI Blog

stevo stevo

112 posts
20 years
UK (bottom left-ish)

Posted 13/06/2010 - 22:00 Link

Have a look at the Kata 465/466/467 rucksacks.

layingback layingback

274 posts
16 years

Posted 14/06/2010 - 11:02 Link

stevo wrote:
Have a look at the Kata 465/466/467 rucksacks.

Kata bags do appear to be good protection for the weight, this comes - and this may be seen as good or bad depending on your sensibilities - from Kata's expertise in developing body armour and technical gear for the Israeli military forces.

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