Camera bag advice

[TonyW]

Looking for a new bag that is easy to carry and access, back packs can be a bit of a pain unless you need them for trecking. I need to accomodate my OM1 with 12-100 plus 100-400 and 8-25, been looking at the Lowepro ProTactic MG 160 AW11 Messenger bag. On paper it 'should' fit, does anyone have any experience of this bag? I live a long long way from any stores - nearest Wex is nearly 6 hours away! so trying is not an option. Thanks, Tony

[Mazdaman]

Hi Tony

Just a thought with you being so far from WEX maybe order from Amazon at least you can return the bag if not suitable

Think there is a link through this site to amazon which as I understand provides a commision to the e group funds

Bag is available with or without the bottle pouch

Lowepro ProTactic MG 160 AW II Mirrorless and DSLR Messenger - with QuickShelf Divider System - LP37266-PWW, Black & LP37182-PWW, ProTactic Bottle Pouch Modular Accessory https://amzn.eu/d/g5Hem1P

[blackfox]

I’ve had and still have a variety of bags from small to large cheap to expensive .. my most used two are a lowepro holster type that takes the camera plus 300 mm f4 and has a few other small pockets .. the next one is a cheap Chinese back pack from e.bay that takes a few lenses and camera dead light cost about £12 used and just does the job .
My ethos is to travel light so prefer camera + 300 lens and 1.4 t.c in a jacket pocket .that usually does me

[Tram]

How about a Billingham Hadley Pro like the one below?
Comes with an insert like this https://billingham.co.uk/products/pa...-original-2020
Waterproof, easy to access, zipped pocket on the back and can survive almost any sort of rough treatment


I'm going to sell this soon, bit big for my stuff now and I use the Small Pro most of the time.
I do have an older Hadley if the need arises for a larger bag, but the one in excellent condition will be going.
If its of interest let me know and i'll put it in the classifieds with the usual donation to the forum.
Don't worry, it will be about half of the £257 retail price

[Darkroom]

I've bought cars cheaper than Billingham's ! 😀

[Tram]

Bet they didn’t last as long though

[TonyW]

How about a Billingham Hadley Pro like the one below?
Comes with an insert like this https://billingham.co.uk/products/pa...-original-2020
Waterproof, easy to access, zipped pocket on the back and can survive almost any sort of rough treatment


I'm going to sell this soon, bit big for my stuff now and I use the Small Pro most of the time.
I do have an older Hadley if the need arises for a larger bag, but the one in excellent condition will be going.
If its of interest let me know and i'll put it in the classifieds with the usual donation to the forum.
Don't worry, it will be about half of the £257 retail price

Thanks, I had a Billingham years ago when I had full frame Canon kit. Just did not get on with it, found it big, heavy and uncomfortable to carry - just my personal experience, I know they are very popular and very well made.

I think the Lowepro I was considering is a none starter, as far as I can see from all of the on-line images/descriptions, there is no zipper round the top. Not much use at keeping dust a thieving fingers out! Back to drawing board!

[blackfox]

Tamrac do a pretty comprehensive range of shoulder bags . The largest being the pro12 worth looking on evil bay . They are extremely well made

[Bobblejack]

I have Tamrac bags and really like them. Pro 8 is great for storage, and a couple of Apache bags which are really excellent and hard-wearing which i use to carry kit around; large or small depending on what is required.

[peak4]

I often use a 7day shop shoulder bag, no longer marketed, but based on a National Geographic one.

This looks similar, and is the nearest I've spotted, but never seen on to hold

[moggi1964]

I took my wife's Troop Canvas Messenger bag when she replaced it. I applied some wax to it, put a BYOB 10 insert in it and it is my daily carry bag.

I had an unused sunsniper strap that I cannibalised for the padded shoulder padding which adds a little bit of grip and comfort.

[Tram]

My wife has the genuine National Geographic version, she used it as an everyday bag for work.
It was very hard wearing and well made albeit heavy even when empty, it came originally with a zipped padded insert for a camera.
She also has the matching Tote bag and a smaller bag that was I assume designed to take a compact camera.

[Darkroom]

Looking for a new bag that is easy to carry and access, back packs can be a bit of a pain unless you need them for trecking. I need to accomodate my OM1 with 12-100 plus 100-400 and 8-25, been looking at the Lowepro ProTactic MG 160 AW11 Messenger bag. On paper it 'should' fit, does anyone have any experience of this bag? I live a long long way from any stores - nearest Wex is nearly 6 hours away! so trying is not an option. Thanks, Tony

I guess it depends on what you wish to pay. When a bag has a name and a reputation, that is what you pay for. We have a local indoor market and believe it or not, they have bags of all sizes and shapes, Most on offer are less than £10 and very well made, no doubt of Chinese origins. If you are lucky you can find one that suits all your needs. Most towns have similar markets and if the makers Name and Posing Factor isn't too important these outlets are well worth a look.

7 Day Shop used to have a fabulous selection of bags and camera gear but seems to be slowly going on a downwards slope, something to do with changes in VAT laws.

Good luck in your search.

[Keith-369]

7 Day Shop used to be amazing and stocked some great gear at good prices, inks, their own brand of printing paper (which was really good) and numerous other gems. They do appear to have lost their way, for some reason, over the past few years and seem to be selling novelty things more than decent electrical/photography gear.