iamacellist

I know . . . I'm better off looking for a unicorn than the "perfect" bag. Don't tell me it depends on what gear I want to carry, where I'm going to carry it and all the parameters that go into making the decision. I need a bag to hold my camera (Nikon D5500), 2 or 3 lenses (18-300 zoom and a prime or two), a shotgun mic, a flash, a 13" laptop, a compartment for some personal needs (a jacket/sweater, snacks, a toothbrush), it needs to work as a carry-on and be TSA-friendly. I have narrowed to 3 bags, and I'm wondering if any of you own any of the three, and might give me your pros and cons and tell me whether or not you would buy the bag again.

Pelican S130--I like the hard shells on the camera and laptop compartments--seems very protective. It would appear the bag meets all my other criteria. It's not cheap, but I'm not opposed to an investment if it's worth it.

Lowepro Fastpack BP 250 AW II--Again, seems to meet the criteria and I like that you can access the camera without taking the pack off completely.

Manfrotto Advanced Travel Backpack--I saw this at a local camera shop. While it seems like it would do the job, I wasn't overly impressed. Of course, that might have had more to do with the fact that they seemed completely uninterested in assisting me at the store. Not the best shopping experience.

thanks in advance for your thoughts
james

RichardTaylor Loc: Sydney, Australia

I have an older Lowepro Fastpack 200 (I don't carry a laptop) and it is a good bag.

TriX Loc: Raleigh, NC

Before you buy the Lowepro, go to a store and make sure the camera/lens combination that you are planning on placing in the side pouch will fit. It's a very nice bag (you can purchase as a sling or backpack), but their online configuration tool ("will my camera fit?") is inaccurate, at least for this bag. It confirmed that my 5D3 with 70-200 will fit, and it will not, causing me to ask Lowepro for a return/exchange. This is not resolved yet (and I'm assuming, based on their reputation, that they will do something to make this right), but as of now, I'd advise caution regarding what will actually fit without physically testing.

iamacellist

Good to know! Thanks!

BHC Loc: Strawberry Valley, JF, USA

It doesn't exist!

jcboy3

I have a lot of bags, because there is no one "perfect" bag, just a lot of good bags that can carry what you need for a given purpose.

My main bag is the LowePro Mini Trekker, which will hold inside a travel tripod, several lenses, two bodies, and assorted accessories (for micro four thirds kit).

But for quick overnight travel, I have the Mountainsmith Borealis (new version), which is just hitting the carry on bag size limits. It won't hold a tripod inside the bag, but has good attachment for one on the outside (on the side, which is better in crowds). Camera gear in the lower compartment, laptop slot, and clothing/toiletries in the upper compartment. I pull the padded insert out, and use a LowePro Omni Sport bag plus an accessories bag to carry the camera gear in the lower compartment. I use this bag for weekend jaunts to New York City.

I also love the LowePro Omni series bags, because they fit inside matching Pelican cases. Or I just throw them into regular backpacks. On most camera bags, the upper compartments are over padded for to carry clothing/toiletries.

Jerrin1 Loc: Wolverhampton, England

LowePro AW500 - it's the biz. Take a look, if you haven't already done so.

billt1970 Loc: Gambrills, Maryland

As others have noted, there is no universal best choice; it's a very personal thing for all photographers.

I just bought the Manfrotto Advanced Travel Backpack and am VERY happy with it.

Good luck in your choice.

Best Regards,

BT

par4fore Loc: Bay Shore N.Y.

Tenba!

Wanderer2 Loc: Colorado Rocky Mountains

I've also been shopping for a large bag and am considering the one below. It's a backpack bag, Evercase brand.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00WQTLB0G/ref=ox_sc_sfl_title_18?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=A2L77EE7U53NWQ

nimbushopper Loc: Tampa, FL

I have a half dozen bags but use the Domke F2 the most!

(Download)

mborn Loc: Massachusetts

I agree I also have a large collection of bags from Think Tank and Guru Gear. depending on what I am going to shoot or where I am traveling to determines which bag i utilize

saintsrest44

Consider the new line of bags from Peak Design. I have the original shoulder bag. It holds 2 bodies with lenses attached, and has room for a flash or another lens. It also has plenty of storage for cords, chargers, lens cleaners, brushes, spare batteries etc., along with an easily assessable slot for a small laptop or pad. Peak Design has added a new group of backpacks and smaller bags as well. The interiors can be configured in many ways since the sleeves are designed to bend and fold many directions. The bag is also water resistant, meets all National and International standards for carry on luggage and is compatible with all of the Peak Design strap systems which are also excellent. The only drawback I note is that the bags are not lockable.

GENorkus Loc: Washington Twp, Michigan

Just get one that fits what you think you'll haul around.

Over the years I've tried a bunch and found that anything reliable that holds what is needed works well. You get used to any brand or look elsewhere. True, I've got many years but seem as though the straps are first to go. Since then I've started using metal "quick links" and not caring about the "pretty" that many insist on. (I've weighed my packing and it varies around 15 pounds.)

Morning Star Loc: West coast, North of the 49th N.

OK, I won't tell you that "it depends."
I will tell you that the "perfect bag" for camera gear does not exist! That is the reason that many of us have quite a lot of money invested in bags. If I consider all the bags I remember buying, I could have bought quite a decent prime lens for that money!
I ended up with two bags, both are the messenger type. Since we mostly travel by car, it isn't a problem to have two bags. One bag holds things like battery charger, the camera's manual, the lens(es) I don't think I'll be using during the next few hours or that day. The other bag holds the camera, spare battery, lenspen, lens, extra cards, remote cable, spare lens caps and body cap.
And since I am not being paid for advertising the name of the bag's manufacturer, I covered that with a small Canadian flag, bought in the dollar store! Am now looking for similar sized provincial flags...