Is there a good looking camera bag anywhere in the world??

[sixlovelylies]

The Think Tank Retrospective lineup has functionality and a bit of fashion. Their new 7 bag can carry an iPad as well.

[KurtStevens]

I have the domke j-2 and it looks pretty good.  Bigger bag but I think they make a bit smaller one.  Shoulder bag with tons of room.

[jabbott]

If price is not an issue as you've said, why not commission a designer (or group of designers) to design and fabricate the perfectly aesthetic and functional camera bag?  I'm sure you wouldn't be the only customer if the resulting bag were successful at achieving both objectives.   

[Cannon Man]

Thanks for your Suggestions! I'm suprised how many different ones you guys have found and that i'm not the only one looking for a good bag.
I guess there are good bags out there and the world is not so grim as i thought.

I liked the incase ari marcopoulos the most! I'm pretty sure i'll end up with that.
I also liked Domke F-831 bag, Thinktank retrospective, Crumpler karachi outpost, Tenba small messenger.

[Halfrack]

Not sure I want to put it out there, but I have Chrome Niko, and it may match up for you.  Only thing is the iPad - it'll fit, but it's not designed to fit in there.

http://www.chromebagsstore.com/bags/utility-bags/niko.html

[jVillaPhoto]

The Think Tank Retrospective series are just awesome!

[Mikedurg]

This is what you want.
http://fstopgear.com/en/guru

Get a shallow icu and you can lay the 1dx flat with no lens if you don't want the pack to be "boxy"

[Bruce Photography]

I know this bag fails the "good looking" test, but I am really in love with this bag the Sling-O-Match 30 sling camera bag.  It is one tough bag with industrial type zippers and well thought out straps with heavy padding for long carries as well as various bag handles for easy pick up.  I carry a Nikon D800E with vertical grip and L bracket, 14-24, 24-70, 70-200 and a 300 with extender.  This is the first PRO bag that I really like.  Since it is just a simple rectangle, it easily fits in behind the drivers seat.  Before you knock it, try one out and look at the detail that went into the design of zippers, flaps, straps and inside multiple level dividers.  It may not look good but it is designed for hard service.  I forgot - it also can carry a laptop, field monitor, or tablet.

http://www.thinktankphoto.com/categories/sling-bags/sling-o-matic.aspx

[myone]

myone,  this is exactly the direction I was thinking of going too.  What brand of insert do you use. I was thinking either the f-stop medium or the crumpler Haven Lg

bklein61:

I am using the Mountain Smith Kit Cube
http://www.mountainsmith.com/products.asp?productId=290&categoryId=13&subCategoryId=29&subCategory2Id=0
It has a storm cover with drawstring, perfect for double protection from water.

As noted by a forum member earlier, the Guru F-Stop is another great choice but you are paying a lot more money for a heavier 2.6 lb backpack. When traveling, the lighter the better.
http://fstopgear.com/en/guru

I am using the Northface Angstrom 30. This little 33 liter pack has a lot of storage. It is built with very lightweight material, weight 1+ lb and has an internal pouch for TNF water bladder/laptop/ipad, etc. The materials are very durable, sealed zipper for complete water proof. Also the backpack itself is waterproof, and comes with a water resistant jacket in case you need it. My last trip to Asia ran into many days with heavy downpour. I was on waterproof jacket without umbrellas and the backpack was exposed to heavy rain all the time. I did not even have to use the included water proof jacked that is tucked into the side water bottle pouch.
http://www.thenorthface.com/catalog/sc-gear/equipment-technical-packs/angstrom-30_2.html?from=subCat&variationId=JK3&cm_mmc=Google-_-ProductListingAds-_-Product_Terms-_-The%20North%20Face%20Angstrom%2030%20Pack%20Tnf%20Black%20OS

The backpack is also built with breathable back support material, chest strap to load even the weight, as well as waist straps. One neat thing is that the waist strap can be tucked/hidden inside the back support panel if not needed.

The Mountain Smith insert is wide enough that I can just rest my 40D + 24-70 with hood attached on top of it. The dividers are strong enough to let the camera+lens rest on top of it side way with a good amount of "collapse" to secure it from moving around.

It worked well for my last trip and will be using the pack and insert again this year for my 3 weeks in Asia. This time, I will also bring my Crumpler 6 Million Dollar bag for more city friendly.

[friedmud]

I've been using a Burton bag like this one:

http://www.burton.com/mens-focus-pack-%5B30l%5D/280812,default,pd.html?start=22&cgid=mens-packs

Been traveling all over the world with it and I love it.  Originally got it for skiing with my camera gear... but now I use it as my main travel bag.  It has tons of room.  Doesn't look like a photo gear bag.  Has tons of padding and fits tightly (because it's made to be worn while snowboarding / skiing).  Fits a 15" Macbook Pro with an iPad and is really just a rockin' bag...

[the-ninth]

Hi Guys,

I second the suggestions of NG and Billingham. I use the older version of the Medium NG backpack, which is really great for traveling. Enough space for my camera gear and lot's of space left for other stuff. For short trips or street photography I use the Billingham Hadley Pro, which I find really functional and good-looking.

Cheers, Robert

[Brendon]

Kelly Moore bags are very nice.  Considering they really do look and can function like a normal leather hand or messenger bag, the prices are lower than what you would pay for designer bags.  Some friends of mine have the "Thirst Relief Bag" and love it.  Benefits a good cause too ;-)

http://kellymoorebag.com/full.html/

[charlesa]

Going through the thread I notice each poster noted a different bag or brand altogether... speaks volumes that the much sought after camera bag does not exist as yet!

[Z]

Domke.

If you're concerned about 'padding' and your gear getting knocked... then not Domke.

[birtembuk]

I swear only by Kata bags, love 'em and their yellow padding. Got a bunch of different sizes and purposes. Just check their website.