Back pack or shoulder bag?

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matthew_rk

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Matthew
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I am about to make my first splurge after the initial camera + kit lens and need a bigger bag, I've been getting on with the Lowepro Nova Micro so far which is great but I find it a little cumbersome to carry around, probably because its so light weight and gets knocked and dragged off my shoulder in crowds etc, so I have to keep propping the strap back up my shoulder and tucking it behind me when I walk by people.

I am looking at a Crumpler Half Photo (Turkish Shower) (http://crumpler.co.uk/?product=Half...ails&product_id=TUSH-001&size=&ignore_color=1) which is a back pack or a mid sized Crumpler New Delhi (http://crumpler.co.uk/?product=New_Delhi_230&page=details&product_line=948), the shoulder bag.

I think the back pack will be overall easier to carry, and more comfortable, with space for other bits too, but I am worried that it'll be very slow and awkward to get the camera out, where as with shoulder bags I find them more cumbersome to carry around. Although I mostly take pics of landscapes at the moment so that doesn't require the most speed, but it might be awkward trying to get the camera out if there's nothing to put the backpack on..

I live in Dorset, there's always something to take a photo of so I have been trying to take my camera around with me a lot, other than that it'll be short trips or entire days out, taking photos wherever I see something "worthy".

So I was just wondering what everyone else's thoughts were on this? It's probably a personal preference and I'll get there in the end, but it doesn't hurt to ask people with prior experience :)

Also if anyone has the above bags and cares to share their thoughts, please go ahead. Any photos with an object for comparable size would be great too as I'm finding it hard to judge the size of the bags.

Thanks in advance.
Matthew
 
If I'm going out with friends, dressed up or say going to a wedding, I'd use a shoulder camera bag.......when I'm on my bike I use a back pack and if I was hiking I would put the camera in a back pack.
Sometimes when there are things to photograph while cycling I take the camera out of the backpack and have the camera around my neck, I'm not too worried as it's not expensive digital gear.
 
matthew_rk said:
probably because its so light weight and gets knocked and dragged off my shoulder in crowds etc, so I have to keep propping the strap back up my shoulder and tucking it behind me when I walk by people.
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Put the strap over your head. Then your bag can't be pulled off and you will be able to carry more weight without it becoming uncomfortable.
 
i prefer shoulder bags, partly because i have a deep loathing for backpacks, and especially the selfish *******s who insist on wearing them in shops and the like. The other reason is I have big shoulders, and find them very comfortable to carry.
 
I've got the Crumpler Daily i find it easier to use than my rucksack for easy access and it has the 2nd cross strap for stabilizing the bag when i'm on the bike so it works well for me but i guess it's all down to personal choice!

Only problem is fully loaded it weighs a ton and although the second strap helps distribute the weight a bit i can't carry as much gear comfortably as i can in my Lowe Pro rucksack but i do prefer having fast access to my kit so just try to scale my gear down to what i actually need!
 
matthew_rk said:
but I find it a little cumbersome to carry around, probably because its so light weight and gets knocked and dragged off my shoulder in crowds etc, so I have to keep propping the strap back up my shoulder and tucking it behind me when I walk by people.
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Would agree with "excalibur2", each has it's own merits depending on what your doing. I have both and even now, never have the "right" bag always :lol:

Why not, as has been mentioned, put the strap over your head, so it doesn't get knocked off your shoulder.

There are the newer type of backpack - Lowepro Slingshot for example, that allows you to wear as a backpack, but you just spin it round to gain access to your camera - not sure if Crumpler do a similar type :shrug:
 
The crumpler bags can be found cheaper through UK distribution. But their website has the best pictures.

I have the lowepro Orion Trekker II
This is similar to the half photo you linked to. One advantage of the lowepro that I see, is that it has a zip, and a clip.
For me, for normal use, both the zip and clip are done up. If I am going around a park, and I need frequent access to the kit, I use the clip only. This makes access very quick. Also, if you have someone helpful with you, they can access the kit without you needing to take the bag off, BUT, this couldn't be done without your knowledge. You can get items in and out on your own without having to put the bag down, but it is easier to put it down.
If the bag should come open whilst you are wearing it, the construction means that items will not fall out. With the crumpler, I am not sure that this is the case. It is difficult to tell from the photo, but I reckon that if things didn't fall out, then it could be used to take things out of whilst walking as well.
Unfortunately, the top part of the lowepro doesn't fit a lot of large items in it. A book, a magazine (corners folded) and a water bottle will fill it. The lowepro will also not fit a laptop. I can fit a 400d, +5 lenses (just), or 4 lenses if the 400d has one on.

However, I quite like the crumpler ones, I am just about to order one of the larger ones, as their bigger series allow quick access as well, whereas for some reason the lowepros do not seem to.
 
andyred said:
There are the newer type of backpack - Lowepro Slingshot for example, that allows you to wear as a backpack, but you just spin it round to gain access to your camera
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Certainly worth a look if you can't get a shoulder bag to work.

Many people love them but I found my Slingshot awkward as soon as I got any weight in it. So, try before you buy.
 
Thanks for the responses all.

I've never really liked wearing bags with the strap across the body, I don't really know why but there you go!

I didn't even think about it, so I guess that goes someway to answer my own question about what bag I should get. I've also picked up that the smaller shoulder bags can come across as a "man bag", since they don't look like camera bags. Not entirely sure I like that!

As someone else mentioned, the Crumplers are *way* cheaper if you shop around a bit with other UK suppliers.

So as of now I am heading towards the Half Photo, but that may still be subject to a last minute change at checkout! ;)

Either way I'll take photos and post a review here on the forums when I get it.
 
Well I ordered the big cheese today. Website said that the order went through ok, is meant to be next day delivery, and I requested notice if it were not available for delivery.
Fingers crossed, it will arrive tomorrow and I'll let you know how it gets on.
 
coldpenguin said:
Well I ordered the big cheese today. Website said that the order went through ok, is meant to be next day delivery, and I requested notice if it were not available for delivery.
Fingers crossed, it will arrive tomorrow and I'll let you know how it gets on.
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Cool, I placed my order for the Turkish Shower in Nickel/Lime.. no next day delivery though, hope its here by the weekend!
 
Hehe, which colour did you go for? The Anthracite looks nice.. I like the bright crumplers, I'm just not brave enough to get one just incase, especially since they're quite spendy.
 
I like shoulder bags, but always carry them cross the body. I can't stand the feel and the Hunched look on one shoulder. They are far quicker to use than back packs.
 
lazaroonie said:
i prefer shoulder bags, partly because i have a deep loathing for backpacks, and especially the selfish *******s who insist on wearing them in shops and the like. The other reason is I have big shoulders,
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All the better for carrying around that big chip on.

I carry all my gear in a backpak, far too much gear and too heavy, I leave the hand and shoulder bags for the wife :lol:
 
Don't forget bootsales and charity shops, you are not carrying the crown jewels so choose a backpack or shoulder bag for say two cameras and three extra lenses plus room for bits and pieces.
I picked up an excellent £40 (new) tough backpack that has pockets for books etc for £3 in a charity shop.....so what it was for a computer or/and books, but good enough to hold my camera gear (the pockets keep the gear seperated), pump, maps, rag, compass, mobile etc
The pump and large rag (handy in case your hands get dirty) go in the front pocket next to my back to help the problem of your back sweating.
 
Hmm, wish my server was working, so I could upload a picture. I don't think SWMBO is going to be happy.
It would turn out, that the Espresso/light Grey, might be a translation error.
Graus and Grun are relatively close.....
It is more of a mustard green colour! :eek:
One of the perils of shopping online....
It only just fits the kit I want as well. That is a bit concerning. This was one of their largest backpacks I think.
 
Mine hasn't even been dispatched yet, hope its dispatched today as I want it for the weekend!

It looked like there was tons of space in the one you ordered? I'll get my sunglasses ready for when you upload some pics ;)
 
My second attempt to get the bag, this time from an amazon marketplace seller failed too, they didn't actually have it in stock either (drop shippers suck!).

So partly out of desperation as I wanted a bag for the weekend, I've now ordered a Crumpler Muffin Top 7500. It's a shoulder bag, I'll see how I get on.. Guaranteed delivery tomorrow morning, and direct from amazon this time. Ordered the Expresso coloured one. Good review here: http://www.talkphotography.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=106182

I actually still have the Crumpler Turkish Shower on order too, a 3rd attempt. I can't get hold of the seller to ask if they really have it in stock or not. That'll likely get cancelled, worse case scenario I end up with two bags :s
 
PerfectSpeed said:
All the better for carrying around that big chip on.

I carry all my gear in a backpak, far too much gear and too heavy, I leave the hand and shoulder bags for the wife :lol:
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I would not dream of carting about a full kit, I do not even use my largest shoulder bag... it is just a store.

Then again I know what situation I am going to before I start out.
 
I have just got myself my camera back pack. I can't remember the make but it has lots of pockets and it looks like a normal back pack. Great for security.
 
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