Not sure if I’m the only one, but from the first time I had more than 1 lens, I struggled to find the perfect combination of something to carry my gear around in.  I wanted: a ‘bag’, just to hold the stuff, protection, convenience, accessibility, and affordability.

So, my first bag ended up being a ‘Domke’ styled canvas bag.  That served me well and reasonably until my gear outgrew it.  I needed more space and better protection as I’m not known to be overly cautious while lugging the gear around outdoors.  I was lucky that I worked for a couple of years at what I considered the best photography store in Ottawa at the time.  That gave me the opportunity to save and see various better options.

I settled on the Lowepro Magnum!  Now this thing was awesome.  I could easily carry a couple bodies and 2 or 3 lenses, plus additional accessories.  It had a great padded strap and well padded exterior and interior.  As well it was somewhat water resistant.  I have no complaints with that bag, as a shoulder bag, and still have it to this day and sometimes use it.  However, I started to get tired of having so much weight hanging off on one side, constantly having to switch shoulders for relief.  Not only that, but it kind of made you walk like the hunchback of Notre-Dame, trying to balance the weight.

Hmm, what else could be better.  Ah ha, I then discovered Photo vests.  Oh my gosh, this was a godsend.  I purchased myself a very good model that had pretty well all the options and pockets I was looking for.  Wow, I could now carry several lenses and quite a few accessories evenly distributed. If I needed to switch out a lens, it was right there.  I didn’t have to put a bag down, open it, get the lens.  I could simply reach into the pocket and pull it out.  I certainly couldn’t carry everything, but most things I needed on that excursion and I was happy with it for quite a few years…….but, things can always be better.

As I got older, I was still looking for something more comfortable, but still offered all the things I demanded.  Eureka!  I discovered Lowepro’s modular street and field system.  This comprised of a heavy duty ‘vest’ with shoulder pads AND importantly, a padded waistbelt, just like on a packsack.  The vest and belt system had tons of loop attachment locations.  Here, one could attach a slew of available pouches and gadgets.  Similar to a molle system on military tactical vests (which could also work).  The pouches are available in various sizes to accommodate most lenses, even up to my 400mm.  So I picked up what I needed and can now carry at least 3 extra lenses and a body.  The system is super comfortable and balanced, not only that, but many of the pouches also come with their own built in poncho for rain!

To this day I still use this system, one could even make a couple different ones for different shooting set-ups, like one for macro, another for wildlife.  I also of course have a couple of larger backpack style Lowepro packs for transportation, whether it’s in a plane, car, or hiking, but nothing beats the versatility and comfort of that modular system.

http://www.lowepro.com/sfseries

Happy trekking and shooting.