Please recommend a Camera Bag for easy carrying.

[Keith Tapscott]

I might be upgrading my Camera kit soon and would like an idea of which Camera-Bag to choose. It must be able to hold:

A Walker Titan 5x7 XL with a 4x5 reducing back.
Three or more lenses.
A 35mm SLR or D-SLR. The latter for a quick check of subject.
A light-meter.
A Kodak Readyload holder and film-sheet boxes.
Some 5x7 DDS`s.
Other bits and pieces, e.g; Filters etc and be able to attach my 055 tripod to it.

Any suggestions are welcome.

[PAUL O]

Hi Keith. The equipment you list is screaming out for a backpack - otherwise the weight is likely to prove troublesome with one shoulder The Lowepro Pro Trekker would manage the gear you mention with a bit of room to spare too.

[Keith Tapscott]

Hi Keith. The equipment you list is screaming out for a backpack - otherwise the weight is likely to prove troublesome with one shoulder The Lowepro Pro Trekker would manage the gear you mention with a bit of room to spare too.

Thanks Paul, any particular one?
I will probably have to buy one of the largest in the range or one from a rival manufacturer.

[PAUL O]

Hi Keith. Lowepro currently manufacture the Pro Trekker and Super Trekker AW packs as their largest offerings. The "Pro Trekker" is a bit smaller and lighter than the Super Trekker - the Super is massive and heavy when empty! Search the Lowpero web site for specs. An alternative pack would be something in the Tamrac or Tenba ranges.

[Tim Myers]

Keith,

I've recently been looking at the Kata 502, I'm not quite sure that it meets my needs, but you may well have some luck with it. It's definately lighter than the equivalently sized LowePro (the Pro-Trekker) and due to the way it's constructed it may have more storage (depending on the gear you're carrying).

They certainly look well built, and feel comfortable on-the-back. Calumet stock them.

[SteveH]

Hi Keith,

I use a LowPro Nature Trekker; this takes my MPP plus 4 lenses, meter, filters polaroid back etc but not the DDS or film; for this I use another small case strapped to the back. I also carry my Manfrotto 055 separately cos its bl**dy heavy!


Steve

[Keith Tapscott]

Keith,

I've recently been looking at the Kata 502, I'm not quite sure that it meets my needs, but you may well have some luck with it. It's definately lighter than the equivalently sized LowePro (the Pro-Trekker) and due to the way it's constructed it may have more storage (depending on the gear you're carrying).

They certainly look well built, and feel comfortable on-the-back. Calumet stock them.

Hi Tim,

An interesting design and certainly one for my shortlist.

Thanks for the link.

[Keith Tapscott]

Hi Keith,

I use a LowPro Nature Trekker; this takes my MPP plus 4 lenses, meter, filters polaroid back etc but not the DDS or film; for this I use another small case strapped to the back. I also carry my Manfrotto 055 separately cos its bl**dy heavy!


Steve

Hi Steve,

The LowePro bags seem to be very popular on the forum so I will check these out as well.
The 055 probably is a touch on the heavy side, but is a lot lighter than my other tripod, the 058 with 229 Pan & Tilt head which I now only use indoors or in a studio along with an Auto-Dolly.

Cheers,

Keith.

[Keith Tapscott]

The Super-Trekker AW II looks impressive, but must be fairly hefty without the Camera kit. Also, quite expensive, so I will check out the opposition for a similar specification.

[Charles Twist]

Hello Keith
I have "only" got a 5x4 kit, but it's still sizeable. I use a second-hand rucksack of the old tubular aluminium variety. They're very light, very cheap on ebay (mine was 8 quid or something) and very rugged. The frame means it can carry a serious load without sagging or doing your back harm (around 15kg in my case). The inside is not designed for cameras but that can be gotten around with a little DIY. This further allows you to attach the tripod on the bag in a sensible place: not the side or the back (what stupid places for such a heavy item! Have the designers ever done any hiking? One wonders...), but the top, where the load is easiest to bear. Water-tightness is poor but that's never been a big problem (since it drains away as quickly as it penetrates it ). Let's face it: how often do you walk for several hours in the pouring rain? Also a number of the iron eyelets are disintegrating after countless hours by (or in) the North Sea.
You have a lot fewer of the gadgets, sorry features, that come with the expensive bags, but it does the job well. Just my opinion.
Charles

[Keith Tapscott]

Hello Keith
I have "only" got a 5x4 kit, but it's still sizeable. I use a second-hand rucksack of the old tubular aluminium variety. They're very light, very cheap on ebay (mine was 8 quid or something) and very rugged. The frame means it can carry a serious load without sagging or doing your back harm (around 15kg in my case). The inside is not designed for cameras but that can be gotten around with a little DIY. This further allows you to attach the tripod on the bag in a sensible place: not the side or the back (what stupid places for such a heavy item! Have the designers ever done any hiking? One wonders...), but the top, where the load is easiest to bear. Water-tightness is poor but that's never been a big problem (since it drains away as quickly as it penetrates it ). Let's face it: how often do you walk for several hours in the pouring rain? Also a number of the iron eyelets are disintegrating after countless hours by (or in) the North Sea.
You have a lot fewer of the gadgets, sorry features, that come with the expensive bags, but it does the job well. Just my opinion.
Charles

Thanks for the idea Charles,

I`m glad that bag works for you. It is an inexpensive alternative and it`s good to read a reply suggesting alternatives to what many people perceive as grossly over-priced accessories.

[Keith Tapscott]

I have been offered a second-hand LowePro Super-Trekker for a reasonable price, so thanks to everyone who has replied to this thread.