Which Gadget Bag/s do you use?

[Not4wood]

Now that I have my first DSLR Nikon D80 w/several memory cards but only the one kit lens. I was looking around at what to carry it in. I've seen several things that are offered and I'm starting to lean towards the backpack style for comfort for local and travel/adventures. But I'm not 100% positive yet.

Questions:

Which do you use?
Which do you wish you had instead?

Or......

If you new then, what you know now - Which one would you get?

and I think the last should be:

What do you use it for?

Since we are all over the place as far as equipment and intent goes, I thought this last one would be a real zinger. :cool:

[GaryK]

Hi

At the present time I am using a backpack style as well. No sure how much I like it but I definately like it more than my older "bag" style.

It is a little warm for hiking and cycling and such but I can't think of an alternative that gives hands free carrying.
I did have a big accident with mine due to carelessness but it may be something to look at when buying yours.
I had the bag on my kitchen counter and was darting out of the house. Grabbed tha bag, slung it over my shoulder and the camera fell out. I didn't have it zipped up even though the flap was closed. Broke my lens but the camera seems ok.
A quick closing clasp for the flap may have helped.. something to look into.
If this will be your first bag then maybe it won't be an issue. My first one was a top loader so nothing would fall out unless I turned it upside down.. so just slopiness on my part.:)

[Wendy]

Hi ...

I have a Lowepro All Weather Shoulder Bag type and I love it. I had several other types before but this one just suits me. Its big enough to take all my things but looks OK if I am going to something like a wedding ... I guess being female means that is a little more important to me :D:D

Wendy

[Chuck S.]

I use a Lowepro backpack, Model MicroTrekker 200, for my Canon 30D and lenses. There are so many choices....

[Not4wood]

Thanks all.

I was positive that at least some of you would be using the Tamarac Bags. I haven't heard of the Lowepro but I will check it out.

I know its still early and I'm sure we will have a lot more input. I will be using it for travel and dont want it to really look like a camera bag. I think I forgot to mention that in my first post. LOL

When we travel, we've been doing the bus tours and were allowd to have a shoulder bag with us on the bus as well as the cases underneath. I figured that I can also put some clothes and other things as well inside this besides the camera. I have seen some of the ads mention that it can also hold a laptop. I would rather use the space for other things and I'm curious to see what others do as well.

[Chuck S.]

Mark, Lowepro is pretty big and has a terrific variety. Here's a link to their website:

Lowepro (http://www.lowepro.com/)

They're also available at Wolf/Ritz camera stores, which is where I purchased mine.

[GaryK]

Chuck

I think you have the same one as I do. It holds just the right amount of gear for me, even if they do fall out.:rolleyes:


Mark

I have had a look at the notebook ones as well, not convinced I would use it. The part against your back would be hard as a laptop.:)
It really is a toss up.If you are an avid photographer, then likely, there is not a one size fits every situation bag.

[Larop]

I use the Lowpro stealth reporter. It's a fairly big gear bag with plenty of room and many extras including pouches, weather cover, ditty bags and a zipper opening in the top flap so you can grab and go. I had a Lowepro back pack bag that I used with my medium format gear before I switched to digital I found it easier to carry but clumsy to get gear out of. I was always having to put it on the ground and then finding whatever the bag was on on my back after I carried it again.

I carry my D-80 w/28--70 lens, Sb-800, Simga 70-200, Sekonic L-358 and tons of gadgets and an occasional 3rd lens and my various manuals and still have room left. The wide shoulder strap makes it relatively comfortable to carry and the semi soft sides allow you to cram into small places when you have to.

http://www.lowepro.com/Products/Shoulder_Bags/quick/Stealth_Reporter_650_AW.aspx

[GaryK]

Hi Larop

Do you find you are constantly "digging" for stuff. I had a similar bag, mind you 25+ years old, and that was why I got my new bag. Well that, and cycling was a bit tricky.
It wasn't the "reporter" kind, more of a shoulder bag (Tamrac). I just found I was always taking stuff out to find things on the bottom.:confused:

[Chuck S.]

Gary, your comment about digging deep into the gadget bag prompted me to go to my closet and dig out the two gadget bags in there filled with gear from my film days (Honeywell Spotmatic F, Canon A-1 and Canon EOS Elan). Some treasures emerged, including some still usable batteries (camera and AA), a LensPen cleaner, some cords, and - best of all - a perfectly serviceable Vivitar 283 flash!

I should root around more often.....:o

[GaryK]

Chuck

Cool. Don't ya love it when stuff like that happens?

Along those same surprise lines. My dad gave my son an old camera that he brought over with him from Germany some 50 odd yeas ago. (something like "dacora")
Anyway, it still had some film in it, I just took it in today to see if there was anything on it. Old 120 b/w. I should find out by the end of next week.:)

[JulieM]

Chuck

Cool. Don't ya love it when stuff like that happens?

Along those same surprise lines. My dad gave my son an old camera that he brought over with him from Germany some 50 odd yeas ago. (something like "dacora")
Anyway, it still had some film in it, I just took it in today to see if there was anything on it. Old 120 b/w. I should find out by the end of next week.:)

Gary, if you get any usable pics, you must post them!

[Chuck S.]

Chuck

Cool. Don't ya love it when stuff like that happens?

Along those same surprise lines. My dad gave my son an old camera that he brought over with him from Germany some 50 odd yeas ago. (something like "dacora")
Anyway, it still had some film in it, I just took it in today to see if there was anything on it. Old 120 b/w. I should find out by the end of next week.:)

Gary, a little light reading for you....

Dacora Cameras (http://www.camerapedia.org/wiki/Dacora)

Good luck on developing the film!

[Rachel]

I have the Lowepro backpack bag. I did have a shoulder bag and it was to much with carrying a camera around the neck and it on your shoulder. I do like the backpack one. I use it for my Nikon D80, 18-135mm lens and filters and now I am going to be putting in a 70-300mm VR lens. Just got that lens today.

[Larop]

Gary,

I think digging in camera gear bags is the nature of the beast. My Lowepro has plenty of pockets, nooks and crannys, but, when you're in hurry you inevitably throw things in that find their way to the bottom to be forgotten until the next spring cleaning. Actually, it's a big enough bag to where if I make an effort to keep it organized I always have extra room and even when I do just throw things in I can usually find them easily. I particularly like the zippered top flap when traveling. It makes it super easy to grab the camera out of the bag. I also use neoprene lens hood boots so I don't have to worry about where my lens cap went.

L

[Not4wood]

Thanks all, I just checked it out and I'll take a look at the Camera shop near me. I just saw it on the list, again. Seems "KenMar Camera" shows up everywhere. LOL

Wonder why Tamarac Backpacks haven't been mentioned? They seem like a lot of roomy space, easy to get into and also they have this system of storing your batteries and mem cards so you can easily spot whats newly charged and ready to go. Or the cards that are full and are ready to be uploaded to the puter.

I also just looked at the Decora Site. Did anybody click the link to see some of the pics of the old cameras? Really cool stuff.

[lsweeney]

I have a couple of Tamrac bags and several of their accessory pieces which attach to the straps.

I have the Pro 5 model which is taller than it is wide. I use it occasionally if I am taking a couple of cameras as well as accessories. More often than not, it is packed in the truck where I can get to the extras but I don't carry all of it.

Generally I carry one of their sling packs...the Velocity series, I think. It's smaller than other bags which is why I love it. It will carry across my back for biking and also carries comfortably across a hip.

The accessory pieces are really more bulk than I like, however, they've come in prettty handy a time or two.

[GaryK]

Mark

No idea why the Tamarac stuff is not as popular.. maybe it is a bit more expensive??
My first bag is a Tamarac and it has travelled and lasted for 25 years.

[Chuck S.]

Here's a link to the Tamrac website:

Tamrac (http://www.tamrac.com/)

I have two Tamrac bags - both model 5692. That's a tiny bag that can be worn on the belt for a digital point&shoot....:)

[lexcell]

Hey Everyone,
Great input....I guess I'm a better photographer than forum user...I thought I had email notification set up to let me know when you were posting and missed this great dialog. I wondered why it was so slow yesterday. :)

Anyway, I have several backpacks...that's the only way to go for my purposes...it frees up both my hands so I can carry even more "stuff" or just so I can be free when I need to. The downside to a backpack is that you have to take it off and set it down to access the gear inside but that is worth it for the freedom of movement when out hiking, biking, wandering around and going through airports.

Next, if you travel alot by plane, you want a bag that will fit in any overhead...even the small commuter planes.

Mark, you mentioned putting your clothing and extra stuff in it as well...I, personally, don't recommend this because you will end up with a pretty big bag and once you are at your destination and have unpacked your clothes, you will have a bag larger than you may want to carry around with you everywhere.

I have been through more bags in my lifetime than I count and have had shoulder bags, fanny packs and, as I mentioned before, all my bags are currently backpacks.

I have:
-LowePro Mini Trekker for trips when photography is not my primary purpose...It holds 1-2 bodies, 4-5 lenses, a flash, batteries, CF card wallets and a few misc other items. It can really hold quite a bit for a smaller backpack.
-Moose Peterson MP-3 which can hold my 200-400mm on the body plus all the equipment listed for the LowePro
-Moose Peterson MP-1 which I use when I carry my 600mm instead of the 200-400mm plus all the equipment listed above...whew, it is heavy when fully loaded...40 + lbs

Any one of my backpacks can fit in the overhead of even the small commuter planes which is a biggie to me. I DO NOT WANT TO GIVE UP POSSESSION OF MY EQUIPMENT WHEN TRAVELLING...both for security and for the safety of my gear...I've watched those gorillas dressed like humans throw luggage around.

Some bags are so padded that it seems like you could drop them off the Empire State building and nothing would be damaged but, that really adds to the bulk and weight of the bag. I like a little padding to keep things fro knocking against each other and then I am pretty careful with how I handle my bag.

OK, it's 6:00am and I haven't had my coffee yet so forgive any typos.

[lexcell]

One last thing....buy a bag that gives you some room to grow. If you buy a bag that perfectly fits everything you have where do you put that new lens, flash, etc that you know you are going to buy in the near future???

[Chuck S.]

One last thing....buy a bag that gives you some room to grow. If you buy a bag that perfectly fits everything you have where do you put that new lens, flash, etc that you know you are going to buy in the near future???

Now, Laurie.....you're not being helpful....we buy too much already!!:D

[gaseavey]

I have a Tamrac velocity sling bag that I find has a lot of utility and not some of the drawbacks of a back pack.
It is top load so less chance of things falling out and you can access your camera without having to set it down.
It has a waist strap for hikking etc.
As long as you plan ahead for what you want it to hold and buy the correct size to accomidate that equipment it is good.

[JulieM]

Does anyone have any problem with getting in places with a backpack as camera bag? I'm asking because the National Gallery of Art here in Ottawa has a rule against backpacks (not cameras themselves). If you want to enter with a camera, they make you check the backpack. Makes for a very sore neck after a day of carrying your camera on your neck, not to mention having to leave your other equipment (lenses, etc...) at a coat check. I haven't tested this but I assume a shoulder or handheld camera bag would be okay because it doesn't fit into their backback restriction.

I'd be interested in knowing if others have had this problem with backpacks...

[lexcell]

Julie,
The National Gallery of Art is not the only place that has rules against backpacks...

A small camera bag may get by but, a larger one will probably fall under the backpack rules too.

One problem with backpacks is that you become larger than normal in an area that you can't see so, you can easily bump into things when you are moving around.

[Chuck S.]

Julie,
The National Gallery of Art is not the only place that has rules against backpacks...

A small camera bag may get by but, a larger one will probably fall under the backpack rules too.

One problem with backpacks is that you become larger than normal in an area that you can't see so, you can easily bump into things when you are moving around.

That's a situation where it's nice to have a unobtrusive point & shoot alternative....

[RonH]

I use a LowePro Sling Bag. I got the Sling Shot 200AW. It comes in three different sizes and is rated as an all weather bag with a built in stowable wet weather cover. You carry it like a messager shoulder bag. One nice feature is you can rotate it to your chest to access stuff without removing it. Comes in handy for those quick field lens changes so you don't have to set anything down. It has external mounting points and water bottle pouch. If you want a smaller unit go to the 100AW.

I have jammed in my 200:
KM5D w/18-70
11-18 Wide
70-300 Zoom
50 prime
400 Tele
7500 DX flash
Small pair of binoculars
Water bottle
All sorts of cords, remote release
Misc Chips, AA batteries, all the usual goodies.

[GaryK]

Julie,
One problem is that you become larger than normal in an area that you can't see so, you can easily bump into things when you are moving around.

This is how I read it.:eek::D

[GaryK]

Ron

Would the sling bag be any good for cycling..moutain biking in particular.
Or would it likely wing around in front?

[Chuck S.]

This is how I read it.:eek::D

Regrettably, I've become larger than normal even without a backpack....:o

[Chuck S.]

Ron

Would the sling bag be any good for cycling..moutain biking in particular.
Or would it likely wing around in front?

Even if it didn't come off, it seems to me that your weight balance would be shifted to one side. That might take some getting used to. And if you fell toward the unbalanced side.....arrgh....

[JulieM]

Gary, I have the Lowepro Sling pack and it has an extra strap which goes from the main cross shoulder strap and attaches to the pack on the other side of your body. Hard to explain but you can see it on view #9 here (http://www.lowepro.com/Products/Sling_Bags/Designed_for_Digital/SlingShot_100_AW.aspx). The second strap secures the pack so it doesn't fling itself forward as you bend from the waist. As Chuck says, I don't know how practical it would be for cycling, especially long rides.

[JulieM]

Regrettably, I've become larger than normal even without a backpack....:o

You guys are funny! One of the times I tried to get into the museum with my small sling pack (which doesn't have two shoulder straps like a backpack but is carried in that "blindspot" behind me), a guy with a huge backpack was exiting the museum. When I pointed that out to the security guard who was in the process of refusing me entry, she said he was media. So, apparently the press is innately more aware of their enlargened rears and therefore pose no threat to the collections... :D

[GaryK]

Thanks

From the #9 picture it looks like it might be ok. I'd have to give it a whirl.
I'm not a huge cyclist, mostly just around town and some in local ravines or conservation areas. Not that I need a new bag but ... you know.:D

[JulieM]

Not that I need a new bag but ... you know.:D

Yes, Gary, it probably is time for a new bag. That sequined number of yours really isn't appropriate for daytime.... :D:D

[GaryK]

Dang

I walked right into that one.:D:D

Good one Julie.

[Elemobe]

I have a Lowepro Orion Trekker. I actually got it free when I subscribed to a photography magazine. I was not expecting much but was pleasantly surprised, it is really good quality, backpack style and suits me fine.

Nice colours as well (also important for us girls:D)

[pixlbandit]

Well, I've added a Tamron 5684 Digital Zoom 4 holster style bag to my holiday wish list. I finally got a chance to check which bags that fit my camera and which have the ergonomics I need. Nothing like taking a short round person and adding another 6+ inches of projection at the widest point of the body to make things more difficult--right at chair back and stuff on a table height. I am tired of my small, but boxy, bag that is beginning to show obvious abrasion at those sticking out points. The Tamron is meant a shoulder bag, but I intend to wear it sling. (Shoulder bags bounce against my hip when walking and fall off my shoulder. :eek: Sigh; youze guys widdout pear-shaped bodies goddit ezee for schleppin' stuff.) :)

[RonH]

Gary I don't have any problems with the bag moving unless I initiate it. It does have a waist band which I rarely use. The shoulder strap is wide and padded and since it runs across your chest there is enough friction to keep it in place. Especially the smaller 100.

My 200 is pretty good sized but I always carry to much stuff. Maybe I should get a 100 and switch depending on the shoot. Hmmmmmmm Santa now has another request to consider.

[GeoR]

Thanks

From the #9 picture it looks like it might be ok. I'd have to give it a whirl.
I'm not a huge cyclist, mostly just around town and some in local ravines or conservation areas. Not that I need a new bag but ... you know.:D

Bad enough to have cyclists ridding around yapping on cell phones. Now Gary snapping pictures off a cycle. When will the insanity end? By the way any good pictures of the ground rushing up to meet you? :D

[GaryK]

I never take pictures while riding.. there is always enough time for that during the drive to the location. It's funny how much the lens distorts distances.:D:D

On a side note..we have a new Vistek (camera store) opening not far from my plac. so now I will have a closer place to have a look at those sling bags.

[bayhli]

Am I the only one who went for looks !! :D Crumpler bags all the way for me. They don't look like camera bags, lovely neutral colours.... they look more like a tote bag.

I have the 5 & 7 Million Dollar Home, which are shoulder bags with a carry handle. The 7 Million holds my camera with 17-85 attached, 70-200, 100mm, flash and all the supplies. If I carry my camera the 100-400 will fit in there as well. I also save a slot for wallet, glasses etc. Front compartment for my manual and notebook, batteries. Kind of a heavy carry when loaded but then they all are. These bags are extremely well padded and as Laurie said that probably means some extra weight.

Which is why I have the 5-Million (I actually started out with this one). It will carry 2 lens or 1 extra with the camera plus attached lens, and the extras. Perfect walking around bag.

I did wish I had a backpack as well this summer, to be hands-free. Trouble is to find one small enough for a petite which will still hold all that I need.

[lexcell]

Pat,
Crumpler bags are very stylish as well as utilitarian.
You might want to look at the LowePro Mini Trekker. It's small and can hold alot of equipment.

[GaryK]

Am I the only one who went for looks !! :D


Pat

My sequined number is a bit small and a tad too shiney for out in the woods. For formal engagements though, it is perfect.:D

[bayhli]

...but you'd look soooo good Gary! The reflection off the bag would probably raise heck with the camera's metering anyway. :D

I wondered about that Mini Trekker Laurie, thanks for the tip. I'll have to have a look at it when I get to the city next.

Lucky you Gary having a Vistek in the vicinity. I just ordered a couple of Canon cameras for my grandkids for Xmas this morning. Pretty good price I thought. The cameras are on order but their delivery time is really good up to me so not too worried.

[Whiplash-GT]

I use the Lowepro Commercial..

but hey, saves me a tow if the car ever breaks down :)

GaryK, are you referring to the new Vistek that opened in 'sauga?
I met the owner the other night at an awards thingy here in Oakville

[Edmund]

I use a Tamarac shoulder bag to carry my gear for just around town etc. Then I have a self modified Kelty day backpack that I use for day hikes etc in the mountains when hiking. It will hold my camera, a couple of lenses, flash, filters, extra camera gear and I strap my tripod on the side and have my personnel gear inside (Wool sweater, rain gear,compass,snacks,extra socks,etc, etc. This works out fine for me. I like it better then a dedicated camera pack as I always take a lot of extra gear in case the weather turns sour.
Eddie

[GaryK]

Whiplash

On Mavis??? If so that's the one.

I must have read the site wrong or got the dates mixed with something else.:o I was thinking Dec 3 opening.:confused:

Been yet??

[RonH]

Mark,
What did you finally decide to go with?

[Not4wood]

Mark,
What did you finally decide to go with?

I had the oportunity to hold in my hands a Tamarac Adventure 6 and 7 in the photo store when I got my IOne Calibration tool. If I can get it in another color instead of Camo I will buy it. Even the 6 is big enough for me, with room to put emergency shirts and stuff in the top compartment. I just can't make up my mind if I want whats good now or leave a little room and buy a bigger bag, the Adventure 7 in case a buy a lens. But I think the real difference is the 6 can hold two lenses but one body. The 7 can hold two bodies which of course I really dont need.

I will be getting it by the end of the year with some money that I have put away :þ

[lexcell]

I'd buy a bag that is a bit bigger than you need. You always end up with either another lens or accessory that you want to take along. Give yourself some room to grow.
Unless, the bag is for a very specific purpose..."I am going riding and all I need is..... (specific camera/ lens combo)"

[Not4wood]

Today's the day! This afternoon, I purchased my Tamrac Adventure 7 Backpack. What a beautiful thing this is!!! Feels good when I have all my stuff in it and of course I still have some room. I like the fact that I have room for my mem cards and batteries for both new waiting to be used and also a place to keep the used stuff. Enough Room for 5 nice size lens or anything else that you might want to put into this backpack.

Knowing that I was headed for the Camera Store, I dug out my old tripod and I was thinking of trying to get a Ball Head for it. Well, that didn't work out too good. My old standby tripod didn't have changeable heads (too old, about 30 years). Soooooooooo, I bought a Manfroto, (holy shiteeee, the Gitzo is expensive LOL) with a Manfroto Ball Head and it comes with a quick release. Very nice, and its light weight. Now I'm a really happy camper with a new camera, new backpack and also room to grow. A new Tripod and head to boot. Nothing wrong with this Christmas LOL

[kensphoto]

I like the back pack style, I have two Expeditions 3 and 5. When I want to travel light I use the 3, when I need a lot of gear I use the 5. They can be carried like a regular bag or as a back pack. I especially like the ease with which I can access all the items in the bag. I have had several bags over the years and like the back packs best of all.

:)

[robpendragon]

I just ordered the Lowepro Slingshot AW 200. I can't wait!:D I have a shoulder bag & a camera backpack but I keep getting new stuff & I'm running out of room:rolleyes:

[Not4wood]

On our last vacation I had used a backpack for my stuff. Including a small P&S, charger, binoculars, travel alarm, sunglasses, a couple of extra shirts and socks ;) and a few others as well. I really liked the idea of putting my camera into this and it was always by my side anyway. The backpack idea came from a bus tour several years ago, when from the flight someone on the bus had a suitcase lost in traveling thru an airport (airline fault). They had a couple of extra things including toiletries to hold them over for a couple of days while they straightened things out. Ever since then, I always have a backpack with me when I travel. So this to me was a natural. Plenty of room, and of course protection for the camera.

I looked at the Expedition packs and I liked them but I also wanted the ability to put more into it then camera equipment as well so the Adventure packs fit me better I guess. To each his own, thats why Tamrac and Lowepro make so many options. :eek:

[Chuck S.]

I just ordered the Lowepro Slingshot AW 200. I can't wait!:D I have a shoulder bag & a camera backpack but I keep getting new stuff & I'm running out of room:rolleyes:

Rob, I just got the AW 300. It's a little big....may have to trade down for the AW 200. But I stumbled into a deal on amazon.com that I couldn't let go. The bag was $119 marked down to $78 less another 15%: bottom line was $67, no tax or shipping. As they say in parts of NY and NJ: it was an offer I couldn't refuse....:D

[robpendragon]

Rob, I just got the AW 300. It's a little big....may have to trade down for the AW 200. But I stumbled into a deal on amazon.com that I couldn't let go. The bag was $119 marked down to $78 less another 15%: bottom line was $67, no tax or shipping. As they say in parts of NY and NJ: it was an offer I couldn't refuse....:D

I looked at the 300 & it just seemed huge & I got the 200 for $67.00 on Amazon like you mentioned!:cool::cool:

[budman101]

I have been using a Tamarac Adventure 9 bag for the past several months. It has literally been all over the US with me. The backpack style makes it easy to carry even loaded down will all my gear (four lenses, 2 camera bodies, flash, batteries etc.). If I pack carefully enough I can even fit my digital camcorder in the bag. The laptop section of the bag is made for a laptop. Its more of a thin slit in the side of the bag. When packing my 17" laptop there is no room for anything else in that compartment. If you leave the laptop home, the compartment is too narrow to fit much else in, except for some magazines. The computer power supply and any other photo accessories fit nicely in the top compartment or in the mesh side pockets. I would recommend getting it in the gray fabric. I looks like any other big backpack. Not something that screams "expensive gear inside". One last thing...before you go on a trip lug the bag around your house loaded with all the gear you think you need. I bet you will reconsider leaving some of the stuff at home after a bit.

[mrod]

I have been using a Tamarac Adventure 9 bag for the past several months. It has literally been all over the US with me. The backpack style makes it easy to carry even loaded down will all my gear (four lenses, 2 camera bodies, flash, batteries etc.)...


Thanks for the description. I looked this one up online--quick question--how much padding is there on the bottom? This picture (http://www.tamrac.com/5549_open_lrg.htm) makes it look like there isn't much between the camera/lens and the ground. Knowing me, I'd forget, set it down a little too hard, and be very sad for awhile...

Mike

[budman101]

It's got about 1/4" of padding at the bottom. Also, it feels like there is a hard plastic plate down there too, these are the anchor points for the tripod strap. Its usually not the impact of a bag falling that causes damage. Rather most damage is caused by the unprotected stuff in the bag banging into each other. If the gear inside is tightly packed and separated by dividers it can take a decent fall.

[mrod]

It's got about 1/4" of padding at the bottom. Also, it feels like there is a hard plastic plate down there too, these are the anchor points for the tripod strap. Its usually not the impact of a bag falling that causes damage. Rather most damage is caused by the unprotected stuff in the bag banging into each other. If the gear inside is tightly packed and separated by dividers it can take a decent fall.

Thanks for the info. I think I'll head to a camera store and try out a bunch. My sister-in-law just bought a sling backpack style bag and likes it a lot. I think I just need to try 'em out and make my decision.

Cool avatar, by the way!

Mike

[budman101]

I have a smaller sling Lowepro and I don't like it half as much as my backpack. Unless its worn with the strap across the chest it's not even comfortable to carry. With a backpack style its easy to carry a bag on just one shoulder. The sling types want to fall off unless they are worn as intended. Given a choice I would rather take a traditional camera bag over the sling type.
Thanks for the comment on the avatar. That's me bringing up the rear. It was taken with my old Minolta 7i. I mounted the camera on a tripod and used the self timer and the high speed shutter function. The clouds were PS'd in.

[lowbone]

I have been looking for the magic bag for years. If I carried the same thing every time I went out it would be easy but I don't. I go out some days with only a camera and some days I look like a camera store. I have several bags depending on the situation