I have been lazily searching for a new bag. My current Manhattan Portage bag is nearly four years old and is developing a whole in the bottom. I've been to their store, to the Crumpler, this Ask Metafliter thread, and to a couple general bag shops but I can't find what I want. Granted, I'm being quite picky, but I want the best possible bag.
My biggest issue is that I want to be carrying around my Digital Rebel on a regular basis. When I bring it with me now, I have the camera in a small bag that fits into the main bag, which seems bulkier than it needs to be. On top of my camera I also have an iPod, 2-3 magazines, a book, a notebook, my NFT, my lunch and my GBA. I want something that will provide adequate protection for all of these things, but still be comfortable.
The key, really, is something that can double as a camera bag and a messenger bag. You'd think that Crumpler would have something like this, but they really don't.
Anyone have any ideas? I realize this is a lofty request, so if you have a recommendation for a more general bag, that would be helpful as well.
05/07/04 6:36 PM
I don't have any ideas, but if you find anything good, I'd like to hear about it also.
05/07/04 6:43 PM
Have you checked out Manhattan Portage?
05/07/04 6:46 PM
oh my god i dont even know what an NFT or a GBA is. Or books. what are those? don't you carry your make-up too?
05/07/04 11:48 PM
Matt: Your suggestion made me realize that I mistyped a link. My current bag is Manhattan Portage and it's falling apart. I think I'm going to check them out again though.
05/08/04 9:53 AM
you should try mountain equipment co-op. it's canadaian which is good news for you on the $$$ side of things. they have lots listed under packs, and i think everything has a lifetime warranty.
http://www.mec.ca/Main/explore.jsp?FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=365153&bmUID=1084024249017
take care
05/08/04 12:54 PM
I got a great carry-all bag from Mandarina Duck while I was in London. It had a padded waterproof bottom, nice protective sub-sections for camera and phone (though smaller models work best), and is still holding up well. Plus it seems like many of their bags (US and UK) are sized to hold A4 paper so larger books and notepads aren't a problem.
In the states I've seen them at Urban Outfitters and some higher-end bag stores but you can check out their website and see if there is anything near you.
http://www.mandarinaduck.com/eng/
Otherwise Triple 5 Soul makes nice bags with tons of storage space.
http://www.triple5soul.com/shop/style.asp?Style=SX-B524&Rec=7575&Category=5
05/08/04 1:20 PM
Yeah what is an NFT or GBA? Please explain
05/08/04 4:56 PM
Sorry for the cryptic acronyms.
GBA = Gameboy Advance
NFT = Not For Tourists
The first one you've likely heard of, the second one is a city guide that is more focuses on residents rather than tourists, hence the name.
05/08/04 8:49 PM
If you'e still looking at bags then check out tibag. Bought one a few months ago and love it. I will admit at time when I want to carry more that one book with my laptop it can seem small. But on most days it is the perfect laptop bag. And the price is very nice $40.
http://my2cents.biz/tibagusa/
05/10/04 2:05 PM
Tom Bihn makes great bags. They're a little expensive and they out of stock right now on a lot of them due to that tag controversy, but you can't beat the quality.
www.tombihn.com
05/12/04 8:08 AM
i'm suprised that you didn't find anything at crumpler - i've been covetting their bags for a while, and it seems perfect for you given their line of camera bags - they've had a lot out of stock in the store recently, but if you haven't checked out their catalog online, i'd highly recommend it.
05/13/04 1:00 PM
I would never use anything other than a timbuk 2 bag. design yr own bag at http://www.timbuk2.com. i swear by them and i carry as much junk if not more than you. they sell separate padded accessories that attach nicely to the shoulder strap, for phones, etc... and they hold up really well. even if you don't buy one, it's fun to play with their bag builder app. just a personal preference, if you do get one, get the "ballistic" fabric. holds up better. they're not cheap, but worth the cash. also a nice bag builder app is at http://www.freitag.ch , where you can build yr one of a kind bag from recycled truck tarps. also super fun, but not cheap.
08/04/04 1:40 AM
go with the FREITAG its the best! i am a opera singer and travel lots......have every bag ..trust me you will be the envy of all........have fun
08/06/04 9:48 PM
Samsonite