Camera Bags for out and about.

[Matt W.]

I'm slowly getting myself into the habit of taking my camera every where I go. My photographer friends suggest that trying to capture good photos of the kids and everyday life will build my skills so when I am out and about I'll both know my camera better and better understand just what it takes to get a good photo. I'm looking for a good over the shoulder bag I can throw a camera and a few odds and ends in for everyday use. What are you all using?

Thanks!

 

[OR Archer]

Aron suggested this site to me for camera pouches and bags. They have some really nice products. A little spendy but very nice stuff.

http://clikelite.com/

 

[colonel00]

What do you anticipate carrying with you? If I have time tomorrow I will try to break out all my stuff and give a run down of what I have.

 

[Matt W.]

I'm not sure! Camera, maybe one lens, and room for a few odds and ends. ?? Still trying to figure this out as I go.
I checked out the link. Some interesting bags there. Thanks!

 

[tuffcity]

I've been using an earlier version of this ( http://store.lowepro.com/sling-bags/slingshot-102-aw ) the Lowepro AW 102 for a number of years and it's been a good rig. I have a Nikon DSLR with a 18-200, keep some filters, extra batteries, charger, cards, lens cleaners and few other odds and ends in it. I like it because its easy to grab and go for a day out, can strap it to the outside of a pack if you have to.

RC

 

[charvey9]

When I used to lug a full size DSLR around, I put a D ring through one of the tabs for the camera strap on the body and used a single point tactical sling.

http://www.condoroutdoor.com/Condor-US1001-009.aspx

 

[trdhunter]

Colonel- Looking forward to what your system consists of. I am looking at a good way to carry my DSLR. I like the look of the Clikelite packs, but I want to create a system that I can take my spotter, tripod, photo gear, water bladder, and some food. I have been messing around with my BT2, but I need a way to pad my camera and also have somewhat easy access to camera.

 

[bbrown]

My wife has the same one tuffcity has linked and she loves it. Just enough room but still light and compact. Has some cool features like a built in rain fly and the waist belt makes it nice if you need it more secure if you need to scramble up a hill or something.

 

[Aron Snyder]

 

[Aron Snyder]

I use that (Clik Elite chest rig) as a protective case as well. I can buckle/attach it to my pack, stuff it inside or use it on my chest.

There's a sling I use from time to time that is something like the one listed above. It works the same way as my sling did for my M4 when I was kicking down doors.

I haven't found a "do all" system that is perfect, but the one in the photo (for a DSLR) works best out of anything I've tried.

The CLik Elite in the photo also has a belt loop and will work on just about any pack. So if I need to keep my binoculars on my chest, I can have my DSLR on my belt.

 

[Matt W.]

I've been inspired in my research. Thanks guys! I found this bag on sale at REI.
http://www.rei.com/product/860240/mountainsmith-descent-camera-chest-pack
Seems like a good way to go for around town and casual use. I might try it out.

Aron, I like what you did for when out in the field and the ability to rotate it from chest to waist.

 

[colonel00]

I didn't get a chance to dig out my stuff but here are some links and internet pics of some of what I have.

I have some Mountainsmith stuff. I really like these little guys as they are great for a camera and a couple lenses. What I like the most is they will fit down in another bag that doesn't scream "Hey I'm a bag with expensive camera equipment in it". I have read where some will even carry their cameras around in diaper bags as nobody is going to steal a diaper bag.

http://www.amazon.com/Mountainsmith-10-81064-01-Kit-Cube-Black/dp/B0038WBYY8

If I am going Ultralight with just the camera, I like to use the Capture Camera Clip system. Either on the shoulder strap of a backpack or on your belt, this works quite well and the camera is instantly ready for quick shots. I have confidence in the clip system holding the camera but I usually have one of their Leashes on the camera and around my neck as a backup just in case.

https://peakdesign.com/store/capture

Finally, I promise to get some pictures or a video together but I have found that I can carry just about everything I would ever want in this backpack which is really pretty cheap for what it is at $40 at Sam's. I used one in my travels this year and it worked out great. You will see it better once I get some visuals but here is a list of what all I can carry at one time (off the top of my head):

Laptop and accessories
Tablet
Goal Zero solar charger and accessories
Tripod with two heads
GoPro in a "hard" case with a bunch of accessories and batteries.
Video camera and DSLR lens(es) in a similar "hard" case
DSLR (if I don't have it attached via the Capture Camera clip)
Small pouch with cables, batteries, SD cards, etc.
Front pocket is full of travel adapters, chargers, cables, wall plugs, etc.

Basically I guess this would be my Techie Bug Out Bag. With everything packed up, I am ready for anything. Sadly, it probably runs close to 40lbs though

http://www.samsclub.com/sams/swissgear-scansmart-laptop-backpack/prod1790976.ip

Oh, and I've been meaning to try it out but I bet you cold find a way to make an Alaskan Guide Creations bino pack work for a camera too. I will see if I can test that out too.