All my "real" camera bags are pretty crappy nylon/canvas jobs, second hand stuff. I have 3 or 4 but they're mostly for storage of my camera gear at home. When I go out to shoot my leather saddlebag backpack is my chosen camera bag, or my purse is if I am packing really light.
When it comes down to it I only really like those really old, real leather camera bags that look like a 60's era photojournalist trekked over half the planet with them. You know the heavy cow hide kind with heavy duty zipper or rawhide strips, and the heavy kind of bronze fittings/buckles that they don't really make anymore, tons of pockets for stuff.
My backpack is as close as I've actually ever been to having one of my own, but it works. Same basic idea. It's got tons of handy pockets, it's waterproof, naturally thick enough that if my lenses are in their cases they're basically padded, more than big enough that I could pack a camera, a few lenses etc, and still have enough room for 2-3 days worth of clothes if I had to go there.
Yeah, I could go there and have. I'm a woman who knows how to pack VERY light. My idea of full supplies for a week in Europe would actually fit in that backpack and maybe a light tote or larger sling bag purse, seriously. I don't travel and check in with suitcases usually. When it comes to things other than my camera gear I'm more of a buy it as you need it and trash it as you go kind of vacationer. If it all weighs more than 20lbs, and can't fit under my seat on a plane? Something has to go. I always figure unless I am remote Tibet or something they likely have drugstores with shampoo, underwear, and extra socks where I am going, you know?
I feel I only need ONE camera bag actually, but unfortunately I've never found the equivalent of my backpack in a modern camera bag so I just make do with whatever works. Ideally I'd like my backpack with 2 sets of straps so I can use it more as a messenger type bag sometimes, a bit bigger and with even more in the way of pockets and even more padding in the lining for those. I like the old saddlebag leather bit. It really works for me, and my backpack is harder to slash because of the way
it's made, but I'd still like that look and so forth with more locks, and maybe some steel in some good places as well as the thick leather.
One thing about carrying it though. No one tends to mess with me while I am carrying it. I've never had anyone even try to go for it. I also wear an old leather jacket very like, and a hat to keep the sun off that's made like it. Good heavy walking boots, usually jeans, good knife hidden in my boot.
I'm not that big, and I am a woman besides but there's something about that outfit and bag that makes people back off. I guess that's a good thing, but if any of you all ever see a woman walking around with what looks like a saddle bag looking vaguely like a female, Indiana Jones type with a Pentax stuck in front of her face somewhere, likely it will be me....
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oliceman:
