Camera bags are like pizza, everyone likes something different. I’ve tried 3 or 4 flavors and found that I currently like Ape Cases. For around $40 you get yourself a case that has room enough for 6 lenses, 2 camera bodies, and random extra hardware.  The case is also water resistant and has plenty zippers and snaps to close the main compartment. I’ve been giving this the road test for over a year and it has held up quit well. No broken zippers or snaps and all the netting and Velcro still works great.

I originally started out with one of those big Lowepro Backpacks, but I soon realized that a backpack doesn’t really work well for me. I now carry 2 of these Ape Cases, one for audio and miscellaneous gear, the other for lenses Cameras and batteries.  The lowepro Backpack probably had more space but by the time I loaded it all up, I found myself having to unpack it to get to random bits i needed that had settled to the bottom of the pack. I also find that having 2 smaller bags, makes me think more about what equipment I really need to bring with me.

After more then a year of use, I’m still very happy with this bag. The price is right the build is good and the inside is brightly colored yellow. Those are all pluses in my opinion.

A point of caution I will mention if you’re in the market for a bag, is that a huge bag that holds all of your lenses and gear might seem like a good idea. But if you stop and think about it, you might consider the fact that all of your equipment is in one place. That means if the bag is lost, stolen, dropped, or ripped open while in transport, you’ve effectively reset your camera equipment list of things to buy.  Also, if your collection is large enough, you’ll end up lugging around a 30 or 40 pound bag of camera gear.

I’ve always felt like traveling with the minimum makes me think more creatively about the equipment I have. Plus less time spent loading and unloading will give you more time to do what you came to do in the first place, film.


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