topic Re: So many camera bags, really is seven to many. What are you using? in Gear Guide

So many camera bags, really is seven to many. What are you using?

March411 — Thu, 29 Jan 2026 01:12:28 GMT

How many bags or cases do you own? Is this a photographers second most collected item.

The reason I ask, I still searching. With all these bags I still don’t have one for travel that I can fit a mounted body and the RF200-800mm lens in, plus another body and two travel lenses. Now I still need room for accessories……

The WANDRD PRVKE Backpack (Black, 41L) comes close but I’m still searching. I want something I can wear, carry on the plane and that fits in the overhead.

The challenge, when I carry the WANDRD I have to pack a messenger bag and inserts in my checked bag for road trips once we get to a destination. A 41L bag is just too much to haul around on every day on vacation.

I guess I could settle and bring the RF100-500mm but I hate giving up range!

I do use the smaller messenger bags locally; the different sizes are used when I need to expand or contract the gear I carry.

Here’s what I currently own:

WANDRD PRVKE Backpack (Black, 41L) and the PRVKE Camera Cube Pro Deep (19.1L)
Lowepro LP37142, Nova 200 AW II Messenger Case
McKinnon Camera Messenger 13L
NOMATIC McKinnon Camera Sling 8L
MOSISO Large Camera Backpack
RAINSMORE Messenger Bag with insert
JAEP Large - Waxed Memory Canvas Weather Resistant Camera Backpack

Re: So many camera bags, really is seven to many. What are you using?

SignifDigits — Thu, 29 Jan 2026 13:10:14 GMT

I see no problem with however many bags you think you need or want and I think judging or belittling others usually is based in their own fears and/or insecurity.

My current inventory:

Think Tank Photo Walker Pro
Think Tank Photo Turnpike
Think Tank Mirrorless Mover 30
Teneba Axis V2 4L Sling
MOSISO Large Camera Backpack (ok for the price for us both I guess?)
JJC "Extra Large Thick Camera Len Case Bag for Canon 200-800..."
And a lot of Canon and other lens sleeves
Vanguard (and others) tripods came in bags

And I use a Camelback as a bag as well. I tried to love Deneba, but just didn't, especially compared to Think Tank. I bought a Pelican Aegis checked bag to put some of the above bags into if I check in a bag with gear and have a rider on my home insurance policy (very inexpensive at $75 a year) to cover it in case of damage or loss while travelling.

Next we'll be taking about straps or something, won't we? 🙂

Re: So many camera bags, really is seven to many. What are you using?

shadowsports — Thu, 29 Jan 2026 15:52:46 GMT

Greetings,

Thankfully I've down sized. I'm mostly a LowePro guy.

Hip holster TLZ 75 AW II

250AW II sling backpack

Protactic 450 AW II full backpack

Canon 100 EG

If the weather is nice, I usually use a Black Rapids Sports Breathe carry strap or BR wrist strap. My cameras never come out of a bag without some level of retention. Something that keeps my camera and lens attached to me.

Re: So many camera bags, really is seven to many. What are you using?

SignifDigits — Thu, 29 Jan 2026 18:27:05 GMT

I have no complaints with my US-made OP/TECH Utility Strap Sling and their Super Classic Combo Camera Strap Kit for shoulder straps. The Kit also has an ok wrist strap. I notice the Canon CPS strap is OP/TECH. I like the SmallRig wrist straps (as I'm not 100% trusting anyone's plastic pressure clip with gear on a shoulder strap) and will be trying a SmallRig R50V leather enclosure soon. These are pretty solid budget-friendly brands for me.

I were a daily pro I'd definitely switch to Black Rapid as a baseline shoulder carry. I know some love Peak Design. I can see loving their connectors, but I didn't see a strap wide enough to suit me. I have thought of just getting some Peak Design connectors and seeing if I could replace the OP/TECH clips. But I've gotten used to using either just a wrist strap or a shoulder strap with wrist strap backup, so I feel pretty secure as-is.

Have any of you modified any of this stuff to better work for you? If so, how?

Re: So many camera bags, really is seven to many. What are you using?

justadude — Fri, 30 Jan 2026 15:58:36 GMT

Seven is not too many if they are all full... or all except one actually. Between bags and metal padded cases I own nine, plus one I keep empty. I keep an empty shoulder bag that is just barely big enough for one body and two lenses, plus either three batteries, or three rolls of film. This is my grab and go lightweight bag which I love when I don't want to fill the back of the car with gear when I go out (No, I'm not telling you where I park - lol).

I know next paragraph doesn't help you Marc, but it might for anyone else reading along that might be interested. But... have you called and talked to the guys at B&H? When I was looking for a specific size case last year for some gear, they were very helpful. The salesgirl even grabbed a few different bags, and the gear I mentioned, and did a test fit, then called me back with two options. The one I picked was perfect.

While I really like and use the LowePro soft cases, and Quandary metal cases (good for accessories) my favorite brand is the Ape Case Pro series shoulder bags. I can carry two bodies, 6 lenses (one being the RF 100-400mm) and the EF RF adapter on the inside alone, and camera manuals, business cards and other passes and paperwork in the top inside pouch... plus with the two outside pouches to hold chargers, 10 batteries, rocket blower, lens pens and cleaning cloth, and remotes, and a folding grey card (helps with infrared WB).

Re: So many camera bags, really is seven to many. What are you using?

justadude — Fri, 30 Jan 2026 16:06:29 GMT

"I usually use a Black Rapids Sports Breathe carry strap or BR wrist strap."

While I have, and love the original BR basic strap (they now call it the 10 Year Anniversary strap, but I bought it 20 years ago - so maybe it's pre-historic), but I have never tried their wrist strap. My old off brand wrist strap is getting worn. What are your thoughts on the BR one as far as comfort and fit? Asking because I have owned a few very uncomfortable ones over the years, as well as loose fitting.

Re: So many camera bags, really is seven to many. What are you using?

March411 — Fri, 30 Jan 2026 17:29:36 GMT

Funny that I did the same exact thing Gary and that's how I ended up with the WANDRD PRVKE Backpack and the PRVKE Camera Cube Pro Deep insert. I called BH Photo and gave the the equipment I wanted to load and I got a call back two hours later with the recommendation.

They were even honest enough to tell me that the R5 with the RF200-800mm was a tight squeeze. And they were correct, it's tight. I'm looking for one more bag with just a little more leg room 😁

Re: So many camera bags, really is seven to many. What are you using?

shadowsports — Fri, 30 Jan 2026 18:13:45 GMT

Hi Gary,

I use the BR wrist strap and let the camera dangle with a RF 15-35 or 24-70 mounted. When I have a 70-200, 100-500 or 200-800 (rarely) mounted, I use the wrist strap on the body and use the lens foot as a carry handle. It's actually pretty comfortable. Even for several hours or all day carry. No chance for drop is the premise. I've seen persons at event or weddings have their camera knocked out of their hands when walking around or maneuvering through crowds. They are looking right and walking left and wham there's a collision.

Re: So many camera bags, really is seven to many. What are you using?

shadowsports — Fri, 30 Jan 2026 18:16:24 GMT

Marc,

Please keep us updated when possible. Carrying the 200-800 is challenging for sure.

Re: So many camera bags, really is seven to many. What are you using?

justadude — Fri, 30 Jan 2026 19:49:13 GMT

Thank you, Rick! This is what I was hoping to hear. I need to put this on my short list of things I want to get soon.

Re: So many camera bags, really is seven to many. What are you using?

MrWalleye73 — Mon, 09 Feb 2026 19:36:07 GMT

Hi Guys,

The BR wrist strap, how adjustable is it? I can't recall the one I have now, but it doesn't "open" wide enough for my big hand. It's a real chore to get off and on. Once on, it cinches down okay for the wrist. Thanksssssssssss

Re: So many camera bags, really is seven to many. What are you using?

TomRamsey — Tue, 10 Feb 2026 00:49:31 GMT

I own too many really.

ThinkTank Turnstyle 10 sling bag which fits a Pentax KP and three small lenses
Thinktank Turnstyle 5, which is smaller and I used for a Sony a6000 that I no longer have, I can put a Pentax with a small lens if I need to use it.
Thinktank Digital Holster 30 v2, got this to use with Pentax K-3III with 300 lens and tc with hood attached, I was hoping this would work for the R6II and 200-800, but does not because of the tripod foot and the hood would not fit either. ThinkTank now has a larger model that B&H says is a perfect fit, but looking at the specs that would be with the hood reversed.
Tamrac messenger bag that sits unused
LoweproEdit 140, I use occasionally to to haul on camera and attached small lens
Lowepro Nova Sport 17L sitting unused
Lowepro Nova Sport 35L sitting unused (I stored lenses in this before I had dry cabinets)
Ruggard Alpine 600 backpack I bought this for the combination of the R6 II and the RF200-800, It fits the kit with the hood attached, as it sits kind of suspended inside, and I feel it is well protected. There is an additional platform (I don't have it installed) that can sit at the top, I have carried another camera and small lens at the top once, but you have to secure it and take care of it when you open the bag otherwise, at least the way I have it configured. I pretty much have it configured to only carry this combination, which work for me. Usually I am only carrying it in the backseat to get to where I am traveling. I have hiked with it one time and it was good for that with the structured shoulder straps and belt, and could easily carry my large Artcise tripod. I have it configured this way, and there is a lot of extra space in it. Could I do it differently to carry more? I'm not really sure because this works for me. Of course part of the difficulty of fitting the lens is the non removable tripod foot, which I have fixed somewhat sideways for easier insertion into the bag.

Re: So many camera bags, really is seven to many. What are you using?

justadude — Tue, 10 Feb 2026 14:24:47 GMT

I like the look of the Rugged Alpine 600 bag. It looks well designed for large lenses.

With all of the unused bags, why not sell them on Marketplace, or see what they are worth in trade at a local camera shop? I'm sure others would find use for them. I've both bought and sold used bags over the years through all three of our local camera stores. Even one of my old small bags that didn't look like it was worth much, one shop traded me last year for 4 rolls of film, which was better than letting it collect more dust.

Re: So many camera bags, really is seven to many. What are you using?

TomRamsey — Tue, 10 Feb 2026 14:39:58 GMT

I’ve never thought of the Marketplace even though I’ve sold some tools on there before. Unfortunately there are no camera stores around here. The Lowepro bags are pretty cheap, I may try that or just donate them. As little as I’ve used the holster bag I should try to sell it. It almost has to be local with the prices of shipping large items these days. Thanks for good suggestions.

Re: So many camera bags, really is seven to many. What are you using?

SignifDigits — Tue, 10 Feb 2026 14:40:27 GMT

@TomRamsey Thanks for sharing about the Rugged Alpine 600. Last October on our trip to the Everglades I only took the R6M2 and 200-800 with me. I used the Camelback Cloud Walker 18 and flipped the hood, put on a filter and dust cap and carried the whole rig there when it wasn't in my hands. I was very carful setting it down, of course. For me I was very happy how it worked as a lightweight storage/backpack solution. Plus I had water hands-free when needed, and that Camel back is my go-to hiking companion.

Re: So many camera bags, really is seven to many. What are you using?

SignifDigits — Tue, 10 Feb 2026 14:41:47 GMT

Any camera clubs close to you? FaceBook has a couple near me.

Re: So many camera bags, really is seven to many. What are you using?

TomRamsey — Tue, 10 Feb 2026 17:59:03 GMT

That is an awesome solution