Camera Bags, Oh My

I decided I needed a new bag / backpack to store and carry my camera gear. I've learned over the years, there is no such thing as the "perfect" camera bag. I've used a lunch box, my purse, a Jo Tote Bag and a Tamrac Velocity 7 sling bag - each serves a little different purpose.

For example, around town, I carry my camera in my purse, a medium sized Coach Tote:


When I need more than one lens, I use the sling bag - the first "real" camera bag I purchased. It's been to China, Scotland, London and Italy with me:

Unfortunately, it's a little old and worn. It only fits the camera and one additional lens - OK for a day trip, but not if I want to carry more.

The Jo Tote - I've brought it on the plane with me, and it fits my laptop, too. The only problem - with all my gear in it, it's really heavy and somewhat awkward to carry for long distances. I think I tweaked my shoulder when I brought it to Vegas last November.

So, I decided to add a backpack type bag to my collection. I don't care that it won't be fashionable. I need functional and ergonomic, something I can take with me on a plane with all my gear, plus a laptop.

I narrowed down my choices to the Lowepro 250 Fastpack, the larger Lowepro 350 Fastpack (recommended by a friend) and the Kata 3N1 22 Sling Backpack. I ordered all three bags from Amazon and they arrived on Monday.

Right away, I could tell the 350 Fastpack was too big for me. I didn't even take it out of its wrapper. So, we're down to the 250 Fastpack and the Kata:


As much as I wanted to like the Kata, I couldn't get past the styling. And it didn't fit my camera (kind of the point of a new camera bag).

One bag too big, one bag too small. The last one, just right. With a little room to grow.