Billingham, Benro, Manfrotto, Peak Design, Peli, Tenba, Vanguard… I’ve tried them all. Yet I’ve never owned a regular, dedicated, ‘go to’ camera bag.
Why? Well, because, having reviewed photographic equipment for the past 25 years, the kit I’m using on any given day can be radically different in terms of size, shape and weight. And the same is true if what I’m testing is an actual camera bag.
If pushed, my preference is a small rucksack. One that can be slung over my shoulder, worn on my back, or moved to my front if I’m taking photographs shoulder-to-shoulder with others in a bazaar where pickpockets might be operating.
In such circumstances I don’t want to in any way resemble a ‘professional’ photographer.
I’ve been waved away by stallholders in busy tourist spots when I’ve been spotted. Some vendors even place a ‘no photography’ sign amongst their goods – a camera crossed out, Ghostbusters-style.
So, aside from the security aspect, I don’t want the bag I’m using to draw attention by looking like it contains a truckload of photographic kit.
Nothing too obvious
Bags and pouches bought when I was younger and more naïve routinely followed the shape and form of the cameras they were meant to house.
But now the trend is thankfully for something a little less obvious. I also like the backpack-style camera bag in which a travel tripod and laptop can additionally stashed. My other choice would be a messenger bag, resembling something a bicycle courier might use, and to which most folks would not give a second glance.
While there is no perfect camera bag, in my opinion, when it comes to shape and form, opting for one that offers waterproofed fabric is always worth it. A water bottle I’ve shoved into a webbed pocket can accidentally leak. Plus, there’s been many times I’ve placed a bag at my feet to quickly grab a shot, only to retrieve it and find the bottom of the bag’s damp.
Another aspect I always consider is compliance with airline carry-on restrictions, meaning a bag that can be stowed overhead. Like most photographers, I’ve had to explain to boarding gate staff on busier flights the reason I don’t want my bag taken to the hold is because it’s housing wreckable camera equipment.
Naturally there’s always a trade-off between weight and the protection provided. I’d rather go for a lighter pack and wrap my kit in additional bubble wrap or pouches, than have a heavy bag to start with that has my back aching before any kit’s added. Packs that have wheels at the bottom and can be turned into roller bags if it gets too much are a good compromise. But again, not ideal if I want to be ‘hands free’ to use my camera.
So, while some may come close, I don’t think anyone’s cracked the perfect camera bag yet. And that’s because, as a photographer, I’m also undergoing constant evolution.
Related reading
- Why the Uniqlo crossbody bag is perfect for street photographers
- Cheap camera bag vs expensive camera bag – should you pay more?
- Camera backpack vs shoulder bag – the right choice could save your life
The views expressed in this column are not necessarily those of Amateur Photographer magazine or Kelsey Media Limited. If you have an opinion you’d like to share on this topic, or any other photography related subject, email: ap.ed@kelsey.co.uk