Mark7829 Loc: Calfornia

This is a difficult question. You really want one bag to meet all of your needs. But this is not possible. You will likely get many bags for different situations.

For walk-around I like the Stealth Reporter D400 AW. Well made, big zippers and rain fly.

For hiking, Rotation 180 by Mindshift. It is really innovative, two part back pack with the lower part that swings around to access your gear and swings back when done. Extremely well made, big zippers, heavy padding, and rain fly including room for a hydrator bag.

Another backpack that can even handle a 500 mm is LowPro 500 AW or 400 is excellent as well.

Last one is the Thinktank Air International V20. This is a roll around bag/case that meets airline upper compartment maximums. It has security cables and locks, excellent hardware, big zippers, etc.

Besides cameras and lenses, you will need room for filters, wipes, cleaners, chargers, batteries, jackets, gloves, ipad, tissues, etc.

Good luck

RiverNan Loc: Eastern Pa

as with clothes I pack as light as possible...
for day tripping I carry my camera with one lens attached, and one other lens. I have an extra battery with me.
I made a small cushy thing with bottom and four sides no top...it fits into a standard leather size purse.
I really like this set up (don't know your gender) as I am not advertising a big camera bag.
When Traveling over a period of time....I use the same exact set up....laptop, charger, electric converters, and power supplies go in my carry on luggage around clothing. Purse with everything in it slips into my backpack with whatever else I can jam in there so when I go through terminals ect...I have only two appropriate sized carry ons.

admittedly I might have to do a little laundry while on vacation for more than a week but I would rather this then loose a piece of luggage. Besides, with todays availability for easy access to your bank almost anywhere I figure if I need something I can buy it. good luck

lukan Loc: Chicago, IL

I've had this same issue, not emptying the bag completely, and then wondering where the heck that thing is (SD card, filter, that other battery). So, good point, Jerry.

lukan Loc: Chicago, IL

I've been toying with two bags: one would be a larger roller, to be able to carry almost all if not all of my gear; and then a day bag, that holds just enough for whatever I intend on shooting just that day. If it's the Oly, I'll take 3 lenses; if its the FF Sony, I'll only take 2 (I only have 2). But I'll take all my stuff on a trip, if I can!

jeep_daddy Loc: Prescott AZ

Well, I use the Canon shoulder bag that was really popular a few years ago for just my speedlites. I have 3 speedlites, brackets, a small diffuser, cords, a lot of batteries, Sekonic meter, some cold shoes and a few other lighting related items.

I have a Tamrac Expedition 7 that almost all of my camera bodies and smaller lenses fit into quite nicely. I can also fit my netbook computer, wallet of filters, chargers, batteries for my cameras, memory cards, lens cleaning products with a Rocket blower and some tools to adjust my tripod, extra Swiss Arca plates, cords, other misc items. All together I've got 4 lenses ranging from a 10-22 to a 70-200, and 2 camera bodies. It also carried a 100-400 but I recently sold it. But now I have room for another lens which will probably be a 16-35 some day.

I have 2 backpacks by LowePro for my long lenses. One is the early Lens Trekker AW600 and the other is the newer (larger) Lens Trekker AW600 II. These are specifically for my 300 and 500mm lenses. They fit the lens and one body and they each have a little pouch for cleaning kit, mem cards and spare batteries.

Then I have a Tamrac Expedition 3 that I use when I need something small just to carry one or two extra lenses while I'm on a walk. This is small (almost too small) but it limits me so that I don't carry too much.

So I was wrong. I actually have 5 bags and I use them all but not all the time. The Expedition 7 is very heavy when it is loaded with gear. I never carry it on my back. I cant because I have a bad back and it could cause serious injury. So I usually just store my gear in it and remove gear as I need it. I also use a dolly to move it from the house to car and back most of the time so I don't hurt my back.

Now I've got to get one more for travel to the Galapagos. I'm still waiting to see what airline we are booked with from here to Ecuador because it seems that each airline company has it's own rules on how heavy and large your carry on luggage can be. I will not check my camera gear on any plane - period.

Harvey Loc: Pioneer, CA

I have 2 bags - one that came with my 350d Canon Rebel- small - holds 1 camera the 18-55 & 100-300 plus a few accessories.
A larger one I bought on sale from Amazon that holds almost thing in my kit along with one camera body with the exception of my 4 way macro rail and a refecter - tripod straps on the side. Damn it is heavy.

boberic Loc: Quiet Corner, Connecticut. Ex long Islander

I would prefer a very well put together 30 year old woman.

lukan Loc: Chicago, IL

If I'm going full bore, I think I've gotta get wheels. Then, I can schlep the entire (or majority of my) rig and parcel it up per my needs, into a smaller "day bag". I greatly appreciate all the ideas you've shared with me through your experiences, and the backpack idea isn't "out" at all. For the price, I could make that my third option, for hiking, let's say.

SharpShooter Loc: NorCal

Davet, my bigger LowPro is called a Compu Trekker. It's no longer made. It was probably their first pack that would take a laptop, hence the Compu. I have seen them used on ocassion at places like KEH and eBay. If you do a search, you'd probably see one, then could compare them to the new models. A 400 is probably bigger.
Let me know if you need more info. ;-)
SS

SharpShooter Loc: NorCal

Bo, I have one of those, but she refuses to carry any of my gear. But, even empty handed, she is still worth taking along!!:lol:
SS

Davet Loc: Fort Myers, Florida

Thanks, I found one on B&H and it is cheaper than the 400. Is it comfortable on long hikes?

lukan Loc: Chicago, IL

Now you're talking my language.
Got any names and (model) numbers for me? :-D

RiverNan Loc: Eastern Pa

I guess that clears up the gender issue...

Phil Miller

L.L. Bean backpacks. Inexpensive, many pockets.

mossgate Loc: Phoenix, AZ

I came across this interesting tripod attachment for a backpacks.....made for smaller tripods. If you don't want to carry a tripod separately.....some come with their own shoulder strapped bag.....this looks like an interesting solution. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UhJv6VHzZjQ