The Search for the Perfect Camera Bag

Remember yesterday? When I was talking about my cute Kipling camera bag? That is getting too small for my needs? I had a reader leave me a comment at the end of that post that inspired me to go on an all-out-internet hunt.

Laura said, "Speaking of bags, I'm in the market and would love some suggestions on where to start. I probably don't need one as big as what you're going to need for all your lenses etc, but do you have a brand or anything you can suggest?"

And so began the search for the most fabulous bags out there. I had way too much fun. And found so many bags that I would love to own. Why is it that I find something new I just *have* to own on a nearly daily basis?! After all my searching, I finally came up with my personal list of 9 favorites.

First, the criteria: I want a bag that has personality, preferrably with a shoulder strap (I love to sling my bag across my back), easy access to camera and lenses, durable, with plenty of room for all my gear I'm lugging around. And if it could somehow be super duper light so I'm not breakin' my back doing all that lugging.

So here you go:

1. Isn't this the cutest bag ever?! It's called the Bowler Camera Bag and it is made by Acme. I love the color ... and since my D700 is roughly the weight of a bowling ball, this would be ideal (ha ha ha). The only problem is the size. All it would fit is one camera with lens attached. {sob}. I'm going to have to pass. But if any of you want to snatch it up, it is on sale right now for only $24.52 at Amazon

2. Domke F-803 Waxwear Camera Satchel Shoulder Bag. Super happy that it can be purchased at both B&H and Amazon I love the rugged look to this one. Plus, like many of these bags, it doesn't scream "I have a camera!". Comes with seven compartments. I could fill those up in a hurry!

3. The Kelly Moore Bag. Find it {here}. Isn't this pink fun? This is definitely a bag for a mom with a camera. I love that it has pockets everywhere ~ a must with me, as I like to tote not only my camera -- but my wallet, my keys, a cell phone (not that it is ever charged, mind you), and my squeaky toys (to make kids and grown-ups smile) all in one bag.

4. I stumbled across this bag while searching on Etsy and instantly fell in love with the fabric. Very "me". But it can also be customized with dozens of other fabric choices. I love the boxy look, the sturdy shoulder strap and how roomy it appears. It is made by XcessRize Designs and can be snatched up at {this} link.

5. I love the lime-green interior of this cute bag from Epiphanie. Water-resistant (my current bag has been soaked before which has scared me half to death. I think I would like something that could repel water!). Stylish. Lots of padding inside and lots of room. Multiple ways to move the velcro-panels around inside to customize the bag just how you like it. I also have an ulterior motive for posting about this bag ~ Epiphanie is having a giveaway on their blog for a Canon 5D Mark II OR a $2500 gift certificate to Southwest Airlines. I'm absolutely content with my Nikon, but I would love to win that gift certificate!

6. The Shootsac by Jessica Claire is called the "fastest changing lens bag". It is not intended to hold your camera, but to give you lightning fast access to your lenses while shooting. It is made out of neoprene, which would be fabulous, and there are dozens of different cover options. What I am even more excited about, however, is that Jessica has just announced a new bag called the Tote and Shoot on her blog. The accessibility of the shootsac, but large enough and sturdy enough to hold your camera too. Sweet.

My last three bags are all made by the same company: jill-e designs ... I just couldn't decide between them ... (I have always had a hard time picking "favorites"!).

7. I'm quite positive if I bought the Jack brown messenger bag, I could convince my husband to carry all my gear. I love the simplicity of this bag, the beautiful color (I've always loved brown leather), and all the great pockets. Even one for a laptop. Not that I have one yet. But if I DID, then I could carry it, and that would be fabulous. Oh I really, really love this one. Definitely leaning towards it. It's just a bit pricey.

8. How cute is this yellow one?! Also by jill-e. It even comes with a matching pouch. It is made out of nylon, so it definitely has the durability and weather-proofing I am looking for. But I'm worried it's on the small side for my needs. It would probably only fit my camera and 2 lenses, which is the same size as my current bag.

9. A better solution might be this black, medium-sized bag by jill-e. This one would hold a camera with attached lens, two additional lenses, plus a flash. Still not all my gear, but maybe I don't really want to take it all with me everytime anyway! I love the classic black, the stitching, and the look of this bag. Simple and beautiful.

Want to buy any of these jill-e bags? Find them through this link!



Or you can also find them at Amazon. Click these links to find
Jack
the super cute yellowone,
or the blackone!

So there you go ... 9 fabulous bags. I'm sure I'm missing someone great ones out there ... so if you know of any more, please let me know! Now to decide which one I *have* to have ...