retro bag for travel

[Herr Barnack]

Advertisement (gone after registration)

@hepcat,

The Mongo Versipack looks like an interesting non-traditional alternative to Domke, Billingham, etc.  I have a couple of Maxpedition packs and they are just indestructible; they are versatile and can easily be adapted to photography applications. 

 

To the O/P, here is another bag worth considering.  While it will not accommodate your laptop, it will carry an M camera with a lens attached and 2-3 other M lenses.  I have this bag and it is my go to bag for 1 body and an extra lens on hot days when you want a light colored bag for keeping your kit from overheating:

http://www.amazon.com/5-11-Magazine-Capacity-4-Banger-Sandstone/dp/B00CYBZHH4/ref=sr_1_1?s=sports-and-fitness&ie=UTF8&qid=1448859195&sr=1-1&keywords=5.11+four+banger

[Advertisement]

The Leica Q3 is available for pre-order at B&H Photo Video and Adorama

[rramesh]

There is nothing conspicuous the moment you take an expensive camera out of any well camouflaged bag.

 

Best to match your bag colour to that of your clothes. Well-used canvas is often the least conspicuous. 

[Guest]

Thieves tend to follow a target. I was once robbed of everything in Cannes France, except my short and a T-shirt. All my luggage and camera equippement. Police said I probably was followed from the station. I just use my Billingham bag now, very worn and 7 years old , used every day. I have to replace it shortly because it's not waterproof anymore. The next one will be conspicues for a while...

Can't you just re-waterproof the Billingham?

[menos I M6]

I dont know know the fight forum for this question but I will be traveling to Costa Rica in a few weeks with my Leica M Monochrom, lenses, computer (MBP 15") and ipad and I was wondering if anyone knew of a good retro bag that could house all that and not be conspicuous.  Was hoping to get some ideas from you fine people.  

I find carrying a messenger bag/ shoulder bag/ sling for prolonged time (like when traveling) a camera bag, which also hold a 15" computer and accessories too uncomfortable.

I usually carry two M bodies and 2-4 lenses total + accessories.

When carrying additional a MacBookPro, maybe even with it's charger, I now use a bag pack.

 

From the few models I have been trough two Camelback models stood out: Camelbak HAWG and Camelbak Mule (the Mule being much larger in total capacity if needed).

The issue with these Camelbaks is that carrying them on one strap or even in front of your body when in crowded areas is really awkward (straps slipping) - they really are perfectly designed for carrying heavy loads on your back).

For such travel, I'd take one of these packs for hauling over a messenger bag any day.

 

Much more important are good hiking boots and the very best socks you can afford to buy btw.

 

Thieves tend to follow a target. I was once robbed of everything in Cannes France, except my short and a T-shirt. All my luggage and camera equippement. Police said I probably was followed from the station. I just use my Billingham bag now, very worn and 7 years old , used every day. I have to replace it shortly because it's not waterproof anymore. The next one will be conspicues for a while...

Impregnate the old bag - they are made for that, not being waterproof any longer is no reason to discard.

One reason these Billingham bags are so high priced is the materials being designed to withstand years and years and many cycles of cleaning and re-impregnating them.

[Soden]

I have a 2008 Hadley Pro. I didn't know you had to water proof it. It gets wet frequently and the contents stays dry. There are three layers of fabric and it was my understanding that the water proofing came from the middle layer. Yes the outer layer absorbs water, but in the case of my bag it does not transfer inside.

 

As far as theft goes, most common theft is because the target is unobservant. I figure if my bag is not attached to me, it gone and act accordingly. Paying attention does help. I have seen in restaurants, hotel lobbies where a person puts their bag down for just a second and it was gone. Pool side is an another place to have bags snatched.

 

Fancy or cheap it does not matter. Backpack or shoulder bag both are equal targets.

 

However old beat up bags seem to be less of a target if you are dressed to match. Thieves scope you out, then your bag. Even though your bag is the target you are the obstacle.

 

However you can't prevent all thefts, so insurance is important. Many household insurance policies can or do include coverage.

[Paulus]

I find carrying a messenger bag/ shoulder bag/ sling for prolonged time (like when traveling) a camera bag, which also hold a 15" computer and accessories too uncomfortable.

I usually carry two M bodies and 2-4 lenses total + accessories.

When carrying additional a MacBookPro, maybe even with it's charger, I now use a bag pack.

 

From the few models I have been trough two Camelback models stood out: Camelbak HAWG and Camelbak Mule (the Mule being much larger in total capacity if needed).

The issue with these Camelbaks is that carrying them on one strap or even in front of your body when in crowded areas is really awkward (straps slipping) - they really are perfectly designed for carrying heavy loads on your back).

For such travel, I'd take one of these packs for hauling over a messenger bag any day.

 

Much more important are good hiking boots and the very best socks you can afford to buy btw.

 

Impregnate the old bag - they are made for that, not being waterproof any longer is no reason to discard.

One reason these Billingham bags are so high priced is the materials being designed to withstand years and years and many cycles of cleaning and re-impregnating them.

you cannot impregnate pieces of the bag which are gone, because of wear and tear...It was already used when I bought it 7 years ago.