There is a possible condition that most photographers have. Other than gear acquisition.

That is the number of bags we covet then own.

Picking a bag for your camera gear is not only personal, but situation specific. I’ll go through a variety of choices here, and know that, with one exception, I have personally used.

*The Peak Design Everyday Sling 10 L

*Street Slim

*Lowepro ProActic 3 series

*SKB hard case with a ThinkTank backpack insert

*Think Tank StreetWalker V2.0

*Grams(28)camera Sling

*PD Slide Lite 

*BlackRapid Dual

*Spider Lite Hand Strap.

First up is the everyday carry. The Peak Design Sling 10 L

This is my perfect street photography camera bag.

I can put 2 bodies, 2 lenses, enough batteries, media cards, phone chargers, and extra bits, for a good day of walkabout.
The build is solid with perfectly designing adjustable inserts, enough pockets and straps to carry what you need.
One thing I particularly love about this bag is the fact that it opens TO my body, as opposed opening away. In other words, i can look down and see what I need to get out of the bag, while “shielding” the contents from those around me with the lid.

Being in a city, I like it for security and convenience. I can unzip, grab the camera, and put it back in the bag fast. And like the first part of getting the camera, the lid of the bag covers the camera upon insertion.
Plus, it has a more rigid build. Not stiff, as it can fold down for packing in a suitcase but defined. There is a handle that allows it to be slid over a suitcase metal handle for easier stacking

My usual is a body, with one lens attached, and an extra lens for street. Although, I can easily add a second body. if need be.

Bonuses are the loops on the corners to add Peak Design fasteners, to add straps for holding a tripod.

Then for a full tilt, mobile content carry all, we have a generic looking Manfrotto bag, called the Street Slim
This one doesn’t scream camera bag, so discreet, and has all the pockets and interiors shelves you may need to carry your phone cage, microphones, gimbal, stand, lights, batteries, and a laptop or tablet.

As a backpack, it has the room to carry all you may need to shoot a day of content, and, of course, an exterior pocket for a water bottle or travel tripod.

for the interior, yes, it can handle a mirrorless system, but I feel this is best for mobile gear carry.

you can also slip it over a suitcase handle for transport.

 

There is one bag I have used that is really the best for a more formal affair as it is leather, with a refined look, and a smaller size. Grams(28)camera Sling
With this I use a smaller camera like a Fuji X100V, enough batts, cards, and room to stash things I would carry on my person, but a cleaner look when not wanting to bulk up the suit.

And now for the more formal situation.

The best for this is the Grams 28 photo bag. This is not the bag to overload. Its functional, and almost more than that, it fits perfectly with your suit, cocktail wear, or other evening attire. Personally, I fit a Fuji 100V, a Godox T130 pro, batts, cards, Anker battery, cable, and any credentials I may need.

Certain events don’t require the whole toolbox. And sometimes your gear bag needs to blend to the event.

There is a great Black Friday sale on these right now. And although specific in use, a great addition to your bag options.

Then we have the travel bags.
When I go to an event like a trade show out of town, the SKB hard case with a ThinkTank backpack insert is the call.

As things can get knocked around in transit, even if never leaving your side, you still may toss it in the overhead, in the back of taxi, etc. you know your gear is protected. So hard protective case, with the advantage of pack once, and then just grab the backpack when you reach your destination.

To be fair, I usually take some items out once I’m in a hotel, as I travel with more than I may need. Always be prepared!

Also, in the space between the bag, and the outer shell, I add a small light, or media card case.

On a local basis, the big case for full tilt gear is the Think Tank StreetWalker V2.0. With wheels and an option to use as a backpack, you can’t go wrong. Great for city shoots, as I’ve carried this on my back, then switched to wheels when I got closer to the gig. Yes, there is a handle that rises up for the wheeled transpo, and a zippered flap covers it when not needed.

Plus it has so many pockets, side and front,  so you can carry all of your needed bits and pieces

 

A new entry into the backpack category is the Lowepro ProActic 3 series and this looks like a solid choice with 2 sizes available 350 and 450.
They are on series 3 now so the series 2 is getting discounted!

Still, there is a reason they updated so you may want to go with the latest version. Just saw savings of $130 on BH fro the latest. Link here

Lowepro has been a solid brand forever, and always delivered quality goods.you can see the options here as you can carry a ton of stuff ( 2 tripods?), and use it as a sling bag. Personally, I feel that if you can get your needed gear into a smaller bag, save you back, and get the right size.
This was the one that I do not have personal experience with, and if I do, I’ll share a real world review.

One thing I would suggest if you are buying the bag for yourself, is gather the gear you want to carry in it, and either go to a brick and mortar camera store, or make sure you can do a return. Then put your gear into the bag and make sure it’s the size you want.

Yes, this is why I have a bunch of bags. Like every photographer I know!
The right tool for the job.

On the straps:

For single strap I’d go with the Peak Design newest design, the Form Rope strap. Available in a few different lengths. Not adjustable.

You can go with the adjustable PD Slide Lite 

 

Available in 3 main sizes,  this line is adjustable. Strong, Solid, and looks great. Utilizing their proprietary hook system, you can’t go wrong.

For 2 camera shoots, the BlackRapid Dual is still the champion. And it’s versatile enough remove one side for a single crossbody strap.

The best wrist straps I’ve ever user used and that sit on each camera is the Spider Lite Hand Strap. I keep it on even when I use the Black Rapid Dual Strap.

Like most things in the gift guide, a real-world usage is important for any recco.

One thing I always carry in what ever bag I’m using is a Baggu bag. Packs super small and is always a great item to carry the extras you pick up.

Food? Samples? Separate clothing?

A perfect stocking stiffer!

Tags: @grams28, @peakdesign, @photoinducedholidaygiftguide, @spiderprohandstrap, #baggu, #camerabag, #camerastrap, #holidaygiftguide, #skb, #wriststrap, lowepro, Manfrotto, photography, ThinkTank