Cameras and backpacks

I like your approach, except for the Civita daypack; it may attract thieves instead of thwarting them. Others may have a better solution, but, when I am not shooting, I carry my camera, an extra lens and a polarizer for each in a Swiss Army-style messenger bag. I also carry a guidebook and a few other personal items, but nothing that would damage the camera. The camera is reasonably protected and the bag is inconspicuous. I use the messenger bag precisely because it is inconspicuous, unlike a regular camera bag, and unlike Rick's Civita bag which. I think, is too colorful and too attractive. In other words, I see it as a walking advertisement to thieves. Of course, when the camera is out in the open, no bag offers protection against thieves. Don't pass up a chance to take once-in-a-lifetime photos, but always be aware of who is around you. I assume you are doing that anyway.

Fletcher,

I assume you're referring to a Daypack for carrying your dSLR when you're out touring? As you "shoot - a lot", you may find a Daypack is not a very practical solution, as you'd be taking the Camera in and out of the pack frequently.

I normally just carry my dSLR out in the open, although as inconspicuously as possible. That way it's ready for immediate use.

If you do want to use a Daypack, you might check out the Appenzell Pack, the LowePro Camera bags or some of the PacSafe products.

Cheers!

We put our cameras in a full-size, padded backpack. As you said, it's not a camera backpack so it does not advertise the fact that there are cameras in it. We just bought it at a sports store. It's one of our carry-on bags on the airplane. Europeans often carry backpacks, so we don't stand out as much.

I generally carry my DSLR camera in a black Civita backpack that I've had for many years. For a while, I put the camera case inside the bag but it was awkward to get to the camera. Then I tried to go without the camera case and ran into the same problem you did - the camera dug into my back. My solution was extremely low-tech: I store my camera inside a knit cap (like for skiing) in the bag. It provides enough padding to keep both the camera and my back happy, it's lightweight and I got to keep my backpack.

I'm positive there are better solutions than the one I'm using but thought I throw that one out there for you.

I use a Tamrac Adventure 7 camera backpack that carries a full size SLR, extra lens, cards, and battery, in the lower section and my personal stuff in the upper section. Works well in the air and getting to our destination but is a pain when sightseeing and I want to change lenses. So this past fall I had a local leather dealer/fabricator make a custom fanny pack, for me a belly bag because I belt it in front, that has just room for two lenses. The one I am taking off and the one I am putting on. Individual flaps held closed with Velcro. Now I can change lenses on the move and in very little time.

I also carry around a full DSLR- but I have two methods. 1. I use a CRUMPLER brand bag which is very discrete (unelss you get a crazy color). I like the 3 or 4 Million Dollar bag for cameras. Odd names! But its just a bit bigger than the Camera so it can be used over the shoulder or packed away safe in back pack. 2. I also carry around my Northface Day Pac - 20L. Looks like a regular back pack but I too use it for Carry On and stick the Cam and Crumpler shoulder bag inside. Both work for me. Id also recommend a PacSafe Camera Strap. Or at least remove the one that says CANON or NIKON on it - no need to advertise more than usual! If you want an RS bag - try the shoulder Veloce or APpenzell with some padding or go to REI and check out a Northface on sale.

Fletcher,

I agree with Ken. If you are out and "shooting a lot," then it would be helpful to have simple, easy access to your camera and not have to take a backpack off and dig out your camera each time you want to take a photo.

For me, the Lowepro shoulder bags have been perfect for this; they are over-the-shoulder camera bags that house a DSLR with an attached lens, plus other lenses if you want, plus some other small pockets to hold miscellaneous items (the amount you can carry and the number of pockets depends upon the size, obviously). But the fact that they are a small, compact, portable size, plus having easy camera access makes it perfect for me.

If you're set on having a backpack, I would also recommend checking out Lowepro's sling bags. These are essentially backpacks that can hold your camera and when you need access to the camera, you can swing your bag around in front of you and get it, so you essentially don't have to take off your backpack. Again, quick, easy access, plus you can have room to put other things such as guide books, etc. Of course, I'm not sure if this is too close to the "regular camera backpack" that you don't want to take...

If you're strictly looking at Rick Steves bags, then I may suggest looking at the Appenzell backpack, which has some padding unlike the Civita or Pocket Pack.

But, again, I'd take a look at some of the Lowepro bags as they each also have a weather cover to pull over the bag so your camera equipment won't get wet/ damaged. Even some of their "regular camera backpacks" have an area to store the camera, then a larger main compartment to store anything else, which can be very handy...

Just some ideas.. but good luck on finding what you are looking for!

I second the recommendation of a Pac Safe bag. I used one in Italy a couple of years ago and it was very comfortable.