What’s Your Preference?

Trav-man · #1 (**permalink**) 05-13-2008, 03:44 PM

I love all the camera bag reviews on the forums, but I am looking for a camera bag that doesn't scream "I have an expensive camera inside me! Steal me!" I would prefer a backpack with room for extra stuff for when I travel, but would also consider a messenger bag style that offers the same added space for misc. stuff. I looked at the Tamrac Adventure bags (which offer the extra space), but I was wondering if anyone knows of other bag that aren't obviously camera bags.

Thanks.

indigoboo · #2 (**permalink**) 05-13-2008, 04:00 PM

I have a LowePro CompuDayPack, and I LOVE it. I got it because I was looking for a combination backpack/camera bag for taking a photography class. It looks like a regular backpack to me and not a camera bag. It will very comfortably hold a laptop computer, (or a notebook and a textbook in my case), plus my DSLR, two lenses, external flash. There is room for much more camera gear, but that is all I have for now.

dmvp · #3 (**permalink**) 05-13-2008, 04:34 PM

I think the Crumpler million dollar series bags are fairly inconspicuous. Maybe check them out.

vandergus · #4 (**permalink**) 05-13-2008, 09:43 PM

Check out Domke bags. Generally bland, unassuming canvas. I have the Reporter's Satchel that pretty much looks like every other satchel out there.

inkista · #5 (**permalink**) 05-13-2008, 11:48 PM

When I wanna go incognito, I just throw a Zing around my camera & lens, stuff a second lens in a padded lens case, and then pop them into a regular backpack or bag (usually a timbuk2 Metro).

The Lowprowe Compudaypack was too bulky for me, (also the Crumpler $6M --not to mention that damn velcro screams every time you try to take something out of it). I usually use a Kata Sensitivity V, but it's a high-tech James Bond backpack, no mistake.

Your best bet for looking like not-a-camera-bag is probably to use a non-camera bag, and kit it out either with padded cases & covers for individual items, or with a padded insert.

lputman · #6 (**permalink**) 05-14-2008, 02:02 AM

I just purchased this SLR & Computer Backpack . I got it from Sports Authority online for about $30 bucks less. I've consolidated my work laptop and camera into one bag and I love it. So I always have my camera with me.

klew · #7 (**permalink**) 05-14-2008, 05:20 AM

The problem is the name is usually noticeable on the bag. If I see Lowepro, Targus, Case Logic, I know it's holding a camera or some other tech item that is valuable enough to warrant its own carry-bag. I don't yet have a DSLR to protect, but I'm looking towards a Crumpler or a Timbuk2 that I'll rig myself.

oldwolf · #8 (**permalink**) 05-14-2008, 01:43 PM

what about sewing one yourself? i've never done it but my sister told me she was going to do it for her gear.

Major_Small · #9 (**permalink**) 05-14-2008, 04:23 PM

I just use a regular backpack, and a hoodie for padding inside. There's been times where I've considered tailoring it to put in dividers and stuff, but haven't yet. This isn't very scalable - it's not very good for carrying around a lot of gear, but it works for my purposes.

JMS · #10 (**permalink**) 05-16-2008, 12:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by inkista

Your best bet for looking like not-a-camera-bag is probably to use a non-camera bag, and kit it out either with padded cases & covers for individual items, or with a padded insert.

I agree with this. So many people want "non camera bag looking camera bags" that it's just as easy to spot the "non" bags as it is to spot the "real" bags. Even Crumplers are getting recognizable.

If you don't want it to look like a camera bag, your best bet is not to use one. Maybe visit an outdoors store, such as REI, pick up something you like and add dividers to it?