5 bags for 2010

Black friday is just around the corner, so just in time is my round up of the bags I've used this year. As I have said before most photographers are unconcerned with the camera that they are using, bags though get us worked up. Here are 5 bags I have used A Lot this year...

 

Small Courierware camera bag ($165 from Courierware here)

Last year the Courierware Superdeluxe messenger bag headed the list. This year I start with their camera bag. It is still the best made bag I've ever seen. After 3 months of dragging it through the Paris Catacombs it still looks new. The velcro is perfect, stitching all in place, nylon still waterproof. There is a removable closed cell foam ring with dividers and foam on the bottom to protect the cameras. I usually leave the outer ring in the hotel room when I'm shooting and use a billingham insert to keep cameras and lenses seperated. Even with the foam padding inside it still wraps around my body nicely.

There are inside and outside pockets for cf cards, batteries and plane tickets. I don't know where they get their nylon but it just doesn't show wear. It is also hand stitched in Vermont. I've got the small, DAH uses a medium.

 

Domke F-6 Little Bit Smaller Ruggedwear bag ($105 from Amazon here)

Here is my little bag of choice. When I only need my 5d mk II  and lens this bag is great. The waxed cotton canvas is water resistant and the bag doesn't scream PHOTOGRAPHER. It is also so light that I can always squeeze it into my checked baggage. The bag weighs almost nothing. It comes with Domke's great non slip shoulder strap.

 

 

Pelican 1514/1510 roller Carry On with dividers ($150 from B&H here)

I've broken more camera equipement getting on and off planes than just about any other place. I'm serious, I can treck across the Tsingy in Magagascar and the cameras are just fine, but on the commuter flight to Washington DC I get cracked LCDs. Enter the Pelican 1510. I can put 2 5D MK IIs, lenses, batteries, chargers and flashes in this case and roll it onto the plane. I don't worry about gate checking this one. The wheels save my back. In the field I can reconfigure it to carry a small light kit.

 

 

Lowepro Street and Field series lens cases (from $12 B&H here)

I like the Lowepro lens cases and pouches. In my luggage they protect equipement and drives then in the field I can put them on a belt and have lenses and extra batteries handy. They are for specific situations, like when you are hanging over a waterfall and a camera bag isn't the thing to be fishing equipment out of.

 

 

 

Tenba Roadie Rolling Grip Case ($226 from BH here)

Carrying tripods and lightstands is always hard. Until recently I carried everything in an old Patagonia roller bag. That bag has finally worn out so what to carry my increasingly heavy grip equipment in? The Roadies are great, they can be carried like a regular roller bag or with a leash they will follow you around the airport like a dog. A wrap around zipper lets me get into the whole bag. The 36" is good for tripods and small stands. The 48" fits my big Avenger boom stand.

 

So that is my list, what is yours? I've heard good things about the sling bag from Blackhawk and the Osprey Astro. Anyone tried those?

 

Stephen Alvarez

Sewanee, TN

Comments

[Stephen Alvarez]

Ira I've not tried the blackhawk stuff because it looks so military, it does look well made though.

[Ira Bllock]

Of course Dave Harvey and I have the Osprey Astro and Blackhawk sling bag. Those and the Courierware Bags are our favorites for this year. I like the Astro as it has water bottle holders and also a zip option on top so you don't have to undo the velcro. I sent Dave to Blackhawk outside the Norfolk Airport, and he thought it was like a military camp - but he loves the bag. By the way, i also use the Tenba Roadie 48" for my large lightstands. Hey, let's see what bags we can find for 2011!!