Tuesday, April 30, 2013

Expanding universe...

Chewie has a bigger ride...
When I got the iPad, it was initially for work purposes, but it was so much better for web-surfing than the Kindle Fire that once I had the Kindle app installed on the iPad, the Kindle Fire started getting left at home.

This created a problem, in that the 5.11 PUSH pack that I had bought specifically for toting the Kindle Fire was too small to easily hold the iPad. It fit, but barely. So I ended up getting a bigger Maxpedition Gearslinger to be my new tactical purse.

But the Gearslinger had more room in it! This meant that I could carry a DSLR in there, too! And a bigger flashlight for... well, I don't know, but a bigger flashlight! And I could finally get a LifeProof case for my iPad, which totally wouldn't fit in the smaller bag.

I'm digging the LifeProof, which appears to be waterproof, drop-proof, practically bomb-proof, and generally TamProof.

I am thinking, however, that a smaller dedicated camera bag that is nonetheless capable of holding a DSLR and an extra lens or two might be in order for trips to the zoo or cycling the Monon or what-have-you. I dunno... I'm open to thoughts and suggestions.

15 comments:

BGMiller said...

Look at some of the padded pouches from Maxpedition. You can attach it to the Sitka for days when you want the cargo capacity or just use a strap when you don't.

BGM

Les Jones said...

I use a ThinkTank Airport for my biggish camera bag. I bought it because I had read good things and I found a good price on eBay. It's well-designed and the quality is mighty good. No regrets.

For my small bag - camera, a second not too big lens, and a few pockets for doodads - I'm using a video camera bag I bought at a yard sale for 10 bucks ages ago. Whatever works.

Fred said...

I've got a tacticool Molle covered camera case from Hazard 4 that I use for the D40 and a couple lenses. Only downside is that it really only holds the D40, Speedlight, and a couple lenses unless you put on another pouch, but hey, that's what Molle is for.

Tam said...

Fred,

I cannot tell a lie: Hazard 4's Photo-Recon has me drooling.

Jon said...

I'm still fighting device consolidation, to some extent. I have a Nook for reading ebooks, though I have the app on my iPhone and laptop. I have a nice little Nikon point-n-shoot digital camera, though I can also take pictures with the iPhone and send them anywhere, including the laptop. I have to keep the laptop for blogging and email, and... since these old fat fingers just don't do well on tiny keypads and touchscreens.

Jennifer said...

I have one of these

Love it. The buckles are branded Rock Lockster which makes me giggle too

Will Brown said...

Just go ahead and get it over with; we all know where this is going to end up.

Mike_C said...

I'm a big fan of Think Tank products overall. They tend to be well thought out and intelligently designed by folks who know how photographers actually work. Materials are good and construction is robust. This spring I drove by their Santa Rosa, CA headquarters, but unfortunately (and contrary to fond childhood myth about toy companies and the like) there was not a pile of free cosmetic rejects in the back. The Hazard is pretty tacticool, but personally I've never been a fan of sling bags.

For SLR + 1 to 2 lens only carry I've been happy with LowePro Off Trail bags (lens holders can be detached when not wanted).

global village idiot said...

You're only a few rationalizing steps away from a Medium ALICE at this point, Tam.

gvi

Anonymous said...

Add the camera pouch to the back of the gear slinger via one of those velcro and fastex buckle PAL's panel kits.

Tam said...

Well, I meant a smaller pack capable of carrying the camera when I don't feel like lugging the whole Sitka all day.

Sevesteen said...

I use this from CaseLogic:


http://www.caselogic.com/en-us/us/products/camera-cases/slr-camera-bags/medium-slr-camera-bag-_-slrc_-_202_-_black

Holds my DSLR with 55-300 zoom attached, with room for 2 more lenses of equal or slightly larger size, plus a front pouch for batteries or filters. Tapered and rounded, about as un-bulky as possible with that capacity.

Ken said...

I have a ThinkTank Urban Disguise 40, which is probably a little bigger than you're looking for (I carry a body, mid-zoom, tele zoom, small prime, and a speedlight in it), but I can definitely recommend their products. High quality, adjustable to fit what you've got. Also, they have several product lines that don't look at all like camera bags, so you don't have to walk down the street with a bag that screams "I'm full of expensive things, please try to steal me".

Larry said...

I am for some reason reminded of a video I once saw on the evolution of the Bradley Fighting Vehicle...

Woodman said...

These are awesome. Or at least look awesome and the reviews are awesome.

http://www.saddlebackleather.com/Front-Pocket-Backpack?sc=8&category=301407

Each of them made of as few pieces of cow as possible, triple stitched, and wear beautifully.

Getting something from this guy is on my list if I ever do anything worth buying myself something kick ass. I lean more towards the satchel, but the BRC might carry one of the backpacks better.