Ideas for a homemade camera bag for backpacking?

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Itti

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Itti
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I am going backpacking later this year and I want to take my DSLR with me to get some travel shots. Obviously, I don't want it to get nicked, so I don't want to take it in a proper camera bag that says "hey, mug me!". I've heard lots of advice about putting it in a messenger bag or whatever so that it doesn't stand out when you're not using it but most of the bags I had are not very well padded and I would be terrified of dropping it and breaking everything.

Anyone got any ideas for some kind of solution that's not a camera bag and won't make me/my camera stand out, but nevertheless will protect it from drops and bashes?
 
Reedsnapper does one that looks more like a rucksack than a camera backpack. I have the older one that he did and it's brilliant, get loads of stuff in it!
 
Use a proper backpack and buy some bubblewrap bags to put your camera in? :)
 
I used a camping mat, duct tape and super glue to make some pouches / cases for my lenses, wasn't too bothered about my camera though - these go straight into my normal hand bags.

I wasn't bothered too much about the camera because truth be told, how often do you actually drop your bag? I do have a camping mat case large enough for my camera, but I found it more hastle that it is worth (IMO!)
 
From experience I find messenger bags very uncomfortable when travelling. Generally carrying camera gear plus a bottle of water, extra layer of clothing all soon add up and is very uncomfortable when not spread evenly (for me).

I have never been able to find the padding sold separately, so you can either make them fairly easily or buy another bag to take them from.

The best thing though is to be aware, thief's and the like pray on the vulnerable and just being sensible and awake to your surroundings.
 
I was recently given a finnish army bag, if you lined some of the pockets of one with padding it'd be perfect! (I'm gonna do that with mine)
 
Thanks for the input guys, I've been busy with exams so only just been able to read it. Gembob's camping mat idea sounds good. Also curious about the one you mentioned wontolla, do you know where it came from?

Also I should clarify that I'll have a "proper" backpack for carrying all my stuff and I'm not too worried about my camera when it's in that because there'll be clothes and things for padding. This is more for a sort of "day bag" when I'm out and about. But I'm not taking a camera bag inside a day bag inside a backpack :P

How often do I drop my bag? Well I guess it's not dropping it but dumping it unceremoniously on the ground I'm worrying about - I have a bit of a tendency to do that!
 
I do like the look of those wraps as well. They look a bit hard to get in and out of though, and like I said this is for when I've got my camera out and about with me, not for when it's packed away not being used.
 
What about crumpler bags? don't look like the classic camera bag loads of different ones in different sizes, if your looking for somthing to store in your rucksack then grab one of the new delhi with the photo pouch inside and just take the pouch with you, probably not great as a day bag due to the lack of handles but will protect your kit perfectly.
 
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