camera bag

[zmikers]

Ok, here's my situation. I love backpacking and I love photography. I own a canon 400d, rebel xti in N. America, canon kiss is Japan. My problem is my camera bag. I often trek for weeks on end but am sick to death of my bulky camera bag. Does anyone know of a comfortable, bag that won't get in the way of my 70L backback with enough room to hold an slr with 2 lenses. Oh ya, as I am going to Northern China, Russia and Siberia next it should be fairly weather proof too. Thanks for the help everybody and sorry about this novel LOL.

[Riley]

i use a Billingham camera bag, which is a khaki shoulder bag
they are weatherproofed and very strong, but i warn you a tad expensive
i like it because it doesnt look like a camera bag (theft) so i dont have to beat the crap out of another thief

mine is a fairly mininmal model holding 2 bodies and 2 lenses + accessories
but there are various layouts and designs
Hadley are a similar/cheaper brand

Riley

[RichNY]

i use a Billingham camera bag, which is a khaki shoulder bag they are weatherproofed and very strong, but i warn you a tad expensive i like it because it doesnt look like a camera bag (theft) so i dont have to beat the crap out of another thief


The Billingham's are beautiful bags. While they don't scream camera bag, they do scream take me just for the bag- and don't forget to take the wallet from the bloke carrying it. And his watch :) A top of the line bag- just not an inner city bag.

The Billy's are a bit on the heavy side even before you load them up but if you are looking to arrive somewhere with your gear in style, I can think of no finer bag! (It is the male camera equivalent to carrying a top of the line designer handbag- they look that masculine and sylish)

[zmikers]

I was looking at the Lowepro 70/75 AW toploader. It looks nice and compact with shoulder strap or it can be used as a chest pack. The chest pack idea will definately keep it out of the way of my back pack and it looks all weather as well. The quick access looks good too. Any thoughts on this bag anybody...........

[JMWallace]

Take a look at the LowePro Slingshot 100 or the bigger 200. It is designed to be carried on the back then slide around to the front for access to your gear. I have the 200 and REALLY like it.

My thought is that even though it is meant to be on the back, since it slides around to the front, you could just keep it up front so as not to interfere with you backpack. Might help to balance out the front/back weight...maybe make it a little easier on your back too.

It does have a rain jacket that can be pulled out too.

Take a look: http://www.lowepro.com/Products/Sling_Bags/All_Weather_Cover/SlingShot_100_AW.aspx

At least in the US, it is pretty inexpensive. I got my 200 for under $70.

[zmikers]

That looks like a great bag. Cheers for the advice. Now, living in Taiwan, I need to find a decent supplier for a reasonable price. Maybe I'll just wait until I go back home for a visit. :)

[TNB]

I was looking at the Lowepro 70/75 AW toploader. It looks nice and compact with shoulder strap or it can be used as a chest pack. The chest pack idea will definately keep it out of the way of my back pack and it looks all weather as well. The quick access looks good too. Any thoughts on this bag anybody...........
I use the Toploader 75 AW as my primary bag; however, I have yet to use it strapped to the front of my chest (or stomach). See the following thread for what I keep loaded in it:

http://www.dcresource.com/forums/showthread.php?t=25203