Topic: Which bag should I get?

[jeromejello]

I went the backpack route.  After a couple weeks researching I finally made a decision and the bag arrived last night.  It's a Targus Pulse (model #RG0315c - Targus bags with RG in the model # incorporate some Rakgear components) and the best deal I found on it was at buy.com for $30.04 w/free shipping.  It has a built-in sleeve for a laptop which I am using to hold the case which contains my mics.  It has several other sections and many pockets including one that holds a jb3 perfectly.  The 14.5"x11"x18.25" dimensions give plenty of room.  It also has thick padded, ergonomic shoulder straps and a waist strap for distributing the load.

The Targus website has basic info, and there's a review here.

If you want to go a little bigger, check out the Targus Matrix, model RG0322.  I also considered:
Ultimate Direction 'Freelance'
REI Alpine pack (3100 cu and currently at REI Outlet for $34.93)
Lowepro EX1300.  Others here say if you're buying a Lowepro, get it from Photococan - an eBay store.

I believe the original Mountainsmith Cairn and Blaze have been discontinued and replaced with the Cairn II and Blaze II.  I couldn't tell you the differences, but Campmor carries them.

in regards to your targus bag... i noticed you said that models with the RG incorporate some rakgear tech... the website says its a 'soft rack'... what the hell is that... i was looking for a RG for a while and saw a few of these, but never made the plunge b/c of the soft rack... i figured i needed a hard rack. 

fwiw, i grabbed an immaculate rakgear off of ebay for 35 shipped.

[OFOTD]

I use the Lowepro Nova 5 AW bag.  The Nova 4 was just a little too small.  Maybe if I had some actives it would be better.

A thread with pics of my setup is here:
http://taperssection.com/index.php?topic=42962.0

I always found that most backpack setups seemed to always end up being a mess for me.  I can be setup in 5 minutes flat and broken down in damn near the same time.  The Nova 5 is well laid out.  Not as obvious as a backpack (been turned away at a venue with a 'no backpacks' policy but let in with the nova 5.  )

Another advantage is the rain fly that is built-in.

For mic storage I use these plastic boxes that I lined with some extra foam.  Got them at the Container Store for like $4.

[F.O.Bean]

check out www.sierratradingpost.com for an assortment of really nice backpacks mostly 40% off

I got a Kelty Redwing last summer for 40-50 bucks, the bag is retailed for 100 its nice and padded and has some nice pockets and is really durable, i walked into coventry 10 miles w/ it, was pretty comfortable minus the 100+ pounds of taping gear/clothes/shoes i had in it

[hzgone]

I just bought this Mountainsmith Camera Pack. It is awesome. I can close it all up in the rain. It has waterproof zippers, and a V3 viewing window on the top.




DON’T LEAVE THAT EXTRA LENS OR BODY AT HOME; THE BEEFY SUSPENSION SYSTEM ON THIS PACK LETS YOU CARRY IT ALL IN ALL-DAY COMFORT.

FEATURES
• Main panel access • Padded interior compartments for camera gear organization • Simple waistbelt • Top access to SLR caseLeash point for tripod attachment • Large bottom storage area • Airmesh back panel • Side mesh pockets • 2 large front pockets • Side and bottom compression straps • Tuck-away Rain Cover

CONSTRUCTION
• Polyethelene framesheet • 420d Velocity material • Padded waistbelt • Urethane coated zippers • Soft Tricot lining • Hypalon pull-tabs

BEST FIT: MULTIPLE SLR BODIES + LENSES, ACCESSORIES AND GEAR

 

   

This bag looks pretty sweet.  If i were getting a new bag i would look into this one.

[ScottT]

in regards to your targus bag... i noticed you said that models with the RG incorporate some rakgear tech... the website says its a 'soft rack'... what the hell is that... i was looking for a RG for a while and saw a few of these, but never made the plunge b/c of the soft rack... i figured i needed a hard rack. 

fwiw, i grabbed an immaculate rakgear off of ebay for 35 shipped.

The soft rack is nothing at all like the 'real' rakgear racks.    It's more of a divider for folders/files (or in my case, cables).  I'm considering picking up the Target shelves for an easier layout, but I'm cool with everything the way it is for now.  I'm a pack rat and like to bring EVERYTHING I could possible need plus extras in case someone else forgets something.

[willndmb]

can someone give me an idea on what size bag to get?
i see the most common is the Nova 5 but also see lots use the 4

i have akg391 (which i have to figure out how i am going to store/carry those)
UA-5
JB3
Bumblebee VR Box
Walmart battery
15' star quad straight xlr
2 VR cables 18"
Optical cable--prob getting the 3m one
windtech shockmounts
duct tape
minimag light
SVU-x incoming with 3' cable

i have always pref bagpacks and see some of the camera backpacks look nice
i quess my main "problem" is that i am not sure how i will set up the ua5 in any bag and keep things organized
thanks a lot

[Dutchman1101]

i have akg391 (which i have to figure out how i am going to store/carry those)

Pelican 1060. These thins are awesome. I would definitely add some foam to the top though. Good luck on a good bag.

[F.O.Bean]

i have akg391 (which i have to figure out how i am going to store/carry those)

Pelican 1060. These thins are awesome. I would definitely add some foam to the top though. Good luck on a good bag.

[Kyle]

i have akg391 (which i have to figure out how i am going to store/carry those)

Pelican 1060. These thins are awesome. I would definitely add some foam to the top though. Good luck on a good bag.

beat me to it
That's right - don't forget the top foam

[terrapinj]

you may want to look at the 1050, I have the 1060, its much deeper than I need for my c4s. You should be able to get by with the 1050, my buddy uses it with some ADK SC-Ts just fine. Double check with your mic specs, but you should be ok with the 1050 and be able to save some space. YMMV

[willndmb]

can the top foam be bought at cases4less too or did you guys just get that at a arts and craft store or something?
thanks

[F.O.Bean]

can the top foam be bought at cases4less too or did you guys just get that at a arts and craft store or something?
thanks

arts store/crafts store

i believe i have 2 x .5" pieces, so a 1inch piece would be ideal!

[spreadheadtom]

I just bought this Mountainsmith Camera Pack. It is awesome. I can close it all up in the rain. It has waterproof zippers, and a V3 viewing window on the top.

Are the dividers configurable to form different sized compartments?
Any chance you're willing to snap and post a few pics of the bag with your gear inside, showing each compartment / pocket?

I've had difficulty finding any pics online other than the standard Mountainsmith ones, which aren't very helpful (they don't even show where the window resides).  I'm starting to schlep around 2 full sets of gear.  No, really...I am.  My Mountainsmith Blaze simply won't fit it all.  And while it all fits in my RakGear KickFlip, I'd like a bag with slightly more divisions / pockets for storing gear.  As it is, the KF really only has two big, main compartments so I'm not able to organize my gear very well, it's all just kinda chucked in. 

They can be made to fit everything nice. I definately did some customizing. I will take some photo's, and post them.

post the pics of this...please!

[willndmb]

can the top foam be bought at cases4less too or did you guys just get that at a arts and craft store or something?
thanks

arts store/crafts store

i believe i have 2 x .5" pieces, so a 1inch piece would be ideal!

+t

[jdh263]

Here's my gear in a targus rackgear

ua-5, wal-mart battery, svu-1, box for mics and windscreens, 15 ft xlr's, headphones, jb3, rca>1/8", optical cable

middle pocket is a md recorder and md's, rca > 1/8" and a minimag

very front pocket is the t-bar and shockmounts