The "Invisible" Photographer

[DigiFilm]

Searched a bit thru this thread to see if this has been asked before...but it's getting late.

Does anyone use or know of a bag that doesn't look like a "camera bag"? Back pack or sling bag/pack type is my preference...shoulder bags are a pain....literally.

[dtscds]

You might want to look at Crumpler bags. I think it is crumplerbags.com or something similar. They are not the cheapest but they don't look like the standard camera bag either. I think they are supposed to be pretty strong/durable.

[DigiFilm]

LOL @ Crumpler ...nice lunch bags!!

Let me try this again. I've had some sleep now.

When in the city, I usually tote my camera and a small amount of other gear around in a standard non-descript student type back pack, for reasons that I probably don't need to go into, if you, the reader of this post, are also a city dweller. (I also refrain from using the standard brand name "steal me" neckstraps whenever possible)

It's starting to wear thin and needs to be replaced. I was curious if any of you here also use other types of bags to "cloak" the fact that you are carrying around $1000 + of photo gear, from the curious eyes of urban guerilla's and other useless ner-do-wells that would like none other than to relieve you of your burdensome load.

I'm trying to get some examples that would have padding and some degree of weather resistance.

Thanks in advance.

[TxManx]

I like the lowepro AW300 - it doesn't look like a 'camera' bag - just a normal 'sling' bag...

The LowePro logo is unobtrusive and doesn't scream 'photo gear'...and you can remove the label altogether...

If you're looking for totally unobtrusive - check out some of the backpacks with the swiss emblem on them...they provide a lot of padding, and if you add foam inserts and such, it should provide you enough protection.

I do the same thing (above) with my Camelbak...

[David_3]

Might take a look at one of Moose Peterson's bags. This link shows how much gear they can hold, and you can buy them directly off of his site. They're not cheap, though.

[Epona]

I have a Crumpler 6 Million Dollar Home. It doesn't really look like a camera bag. Especially when I have my son with me, people probably assume it's a diaper bag.

[L Stegall]

I think the Crumpler bags look like a great option for a city bag that doesn't scream CAMERA BAG. I'm just about to order one for that reason.

[Abel]

i agree with the consensus on Crumpler bags... they dont look like camera bags...

i love my ThinkTank Glass Taxi... its a minimal backpack with plenty of room. it certainly does not look like a typical large camera backpack which is one of the reasons i like it so much. its top notch when it comes to durability and craftsmanship...

[Daniel Bates]

Think Tank released the Urban Disguise bags for exactly that purpose. They're pretty cool...

[JPalmer]

The urban disguise bags are amazing...

But I know a guy in Fort Worth who literally carries a diaper bag (But with a full arrangement of Domke padded inserts) with his camera gear.

I mean seriously..what ner-do-well would steal a SpongeBob diaper bag?

[L Stegall]

A SpongeBob fanatic ner-do-well, perhaps?

[andyz]

While the diaper bag idea isn't bad, if there is no baby around it makes you look very out of place. Depending on what you're shooting, say a powerplant, airport, lake that provides drinking water, you may find yourself being questioned by astute authorities.

[DigiFilm]

Originally Posted by TxManx

I like the lowepro AW300 - it doesn't look like a 'camera' bag - just a normal 'sling' bag...

The LowePro logo is unobtrusive and doesn't scream 'photo gear'...and you can remove the label altogether...

If you're looking for totally unobtrusive - check out some of the backpacks with the swiss emblem on them...they provide a lot of padding, and if you add foam inserts and such, it should provide you enough protection.

I do the same thing (above) with my Camelbak...

I've looked at the the LowePro sling bags online, but haven't seen them IRL yet. Same goes for the Kata sling bags. I've definitely thought about these, and the Swiss brand as well.

A thought occurred to me after I posted, while driving to work ...I wondered if it would work to take a holster/top loader/smaller shoulder type camera bag and fit it inside an "incognito", no-name back pack. As a light walk around, this might work., and any extra lenses could be fitted in individual cases inside as well. Maybe that's a bit much, though.

[DigiFilm]

Originally Posted by David_3

Might take a look at one of Moose Peterson's bags. This link shows how much gear they can hold, and you can buy them directly off of his site. They're not cheap, though.

WoW!! Moose didn't carry much around, did he?

Thanks for the link to his site, (it should make for interesting reading later) but I wouldn't be carrying anywhere near that much gear around with me!

Maybe if I had a Sherpa....

[DigiFilm]

Originally Posted by Daniel Bates

Think Tank released the Urban Disguise bags for exactly that purpose. They're pretty cool...

The 30 and below won't take a camera w/ a grip attached, and the 40 and up are way too large for my purposes. Outside of that, yes they are quite nice.

EDIT: The 30 and below won't take a camera w/ a grip AND a lens attached. As far as I could tell anyway.