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Camera Bags for Travel and Shooting
A photography backpack with its thick padding, dividers for lenses, etc is a necessity for protecting fragile photographic equipment during travel. For that purpose, I have three or four different packs, with the LowePro DryZone 200 being my most frequently used pack for traveling, because it protects against dust/dirt and can be made waterproof. But such packs are bulky and heavy, and overkill for most shooting situations (except perhaps a rafting trip).
For every kind of shooting, like hiking up Mt Dana or in Yosemite, my all-time favorite daypack for photography is the North Face Recon. It works equally well “around town”, or just a great way to keep your gear handy.
The North Face Recon can easily accommodate a moderately large photographic kit. It has:
- A mesh stash pocket on each side. Use one for a tripod and the other for a water bottle).
- A large outside stash pocket on the top (jacket, etc);
- A large and medium zippered compartment;
- A small sealed zippered compartment;
- A waist belt and various compression straps.
I still have the original version, which weighs 18 ounces. The current model weighs 35 ounces (992 grams). I prefer the earlier version (shown above, no longer available), which weighed about 25% less. However, the current model offers thicker padding and more durable construction, so the extra 8 ounces or so are probably worth it.
Carries a 4X5 view camera kit
A few years ago, I used the Recon to carry a 4X5 kit: a Linhof Technikardan 4X5 view camera, six lenses, 4X5 sheet film and holders, filters, Gitzo G1325 tripod, water bottle etc. Neoprene pouches mitigate any concerns about items damaging each other, and cut down bulk considerably over a photo backpack. The Recon can easily accommodate two large DSLR bodies, several lenses, a tripod with head, filters, etc.
Carry-on bag
The Recon is also an excellent second carry-on bag for airline travel; I carry a main photo backpack onboard an aircraft (the LowePro DryZone 200), with the Recon taking an extra camera body and lenses that don’t fit into the main pack, personal sundries, etc.
At $79, it’s a must-have item for photographers who don’t want to carry a pack that weighs 6 pounds when empty. And it’s more comfortable too! I simply never leave on a photo shoot without it. And unlike a photo backpack, it’s versatility doesn’t end with photography.
Protecting lenses in the pack
Since lenses, cameras, etc just go “loose” into the pack, you need to protect them. I use lens pouches for the job, like those from Zing Designs.
