DSLR Bag with lots of room for random non-camera stuff
 

Hi guys,
I had a question about SLR camera bags: I only have a gripped XTi, one main walk-around lense (Tamron 17-50) and a nifty fifty atm. In the future I'd like to get wide angle. Currently I have a Kata 3n1-20 which I think would be a good size for all that, but doesn't have room for much else.

I'm going to Japan and was wondering if there's a bag out there that isn't exclusive to camera gear (besides a small pocket to carry random things), that can carry my camera and still have room for a sweater and lunch and such. I thought it would be more useful not only for going for weekend trips around Japan, but also I could use it as a carry-on bag on the plane while still being able to carry more than just camera stuff and some small minor things.

I'm kind of struggling to explain this, hopefully someone could lead me in the right direction if there is such a thing.

Thanks in advance.

are you looking for a backpack? or like sling bag, or like a messenger type bag?

dont bother with a sling bag. it's tiresome and u'll never use it. Buy a tamrac adventure series, or a tamrac 3385 if you want the 'sling' opening but with dual straps. I got this one after selling my sling.

Oh sorry I forgot to mention I'd prefer backback. Yeah I agree slings aren't very comfortable and it's not necessarily easier to get to the camera.

It seems the bigger the bag, the more compartments for camera stuff, but I guess what I want is a big empty compartment as well as a smaller section for my camera stuff.

I bought the f-stop Tilopa for the reason of having a bag to hold camera gear, but as well as my hiking equipment, and straps to hold a tripod.
http://fstopgear.com/index.php?optio...ain&Itemid=201

if you are looking for a less expensive options, I would recommend the Tamrac Adventure series or Aerospeed series. http://www.tamrac.com/welcome.htm It's is under the daypack section.

Thanks guys I'll take a look at those Tamracs

Dakine Sequence or Mission Photo bags.

We have the Crumpler and Lowepro bags at work...can't remember the names though. I'll check tomorrow. :)

I have a crumpler bag myself... different names from what they have here in NA, i bought mine in the UK...

basically a messenger bag. I don't always carry around enough accessories to fill the bag, so I can carry an umbrella, or squeeze in a jacket and stuff over top stuff...

Just remembered:
Crumpler Sinking Barge
Crumpler Customary Barge
Lowepro Fastpack 350

I recently sold my Tamrac Adventure 7 for a Lowepro Fastpack 250- much more space up top and a lot easier access to my gear. Recently used on an airplane and definitely fits under the seat, although a bit of a squeeze depending on the airline.

The difference between the 200 and the 250 is the laptop compartment- so if you don't plan on lugging around a laptop the Fastpack 200 would be a great choice.

I have the Mission Photo and there isn't much space to put anything large like a sweater in if you have the camera block in the bag.

I currently use the kata 123-go-30, it has room for approx 6 lens although that is a little enthusiastic especially if u have lens hoods, But i only have 4 lenses i use the other lens compartments to put filters. I carry the charger in the side pocket along with a remote shutter and the top compartment is big enough to store my 580exII with a lightsphere along with a lens cloth and digi blower, so it's pretty huge and should easily store a sweater

Normally I just use a crumpler side bag though as you can store a flash (without lightsphere) and 2-3 lenses along with the original camera one as well as filters and chargers,

Hey guys thanks very much for all the input! I appreciate it.

I prefer backpack myself. Its so much easier to sneak in and out of military installations when on spy missions when your tripod isnt jabbing yourself in the leg or arm, or being stuck carrying it.