Picking a travel camera bag is hard. But I did it. 

We aren’t photographers, we are all camera bag enthusiasts.

Hi Omar, oooh I love this video and like your bag! I have a hard core obsession with bags of all kinds.... Last year I hunted for weeks for a travel bag that would fit under the seat of a plane. I got extremely frustrated in my search because I can no longer carry heavy gear on my back and I had a hard time finding non-back pack travel gear. I'm also 5'2" so with a lot of gear in a backpack, I literally look like I'm strapped to a rocket and you could tip me over easily! So, I ended up getting a cube for my gear which I tuck into a rolling bag that can go under the seat of the plane. It's great because I can also pack in my iPad Pro and a few toiletries. However, if I don't feel like using that or if it's a smaller trip, I use my Tenba Solstice Sling 10L. I love Tenba products - they are SMART! I can fit my Fujifilm X-H2S, my 500mm lens, my smaller X-T30ii, another smaller couple of primes and there's a front pocket for my phone, some cables and a side pocket for a water bottle. The rest of my stuff is checked on a bag in the belly of the plane. Have a fun trip!

Hi Omar! The never ending quest for the perfect camera bag. I am embarrassed as to the number of bags that I have.😅 I recently chose to use an old back pack from LL Bean that was designed by Photograpgher Bob Krist about 30 years ago. It is in great shape & because of the materials that were used in the construction of the bag & the thoughtful design layout, it still works flawlessly. There are so many designs & choices for photographers to choose from. Cheers.😊

Currently have a think tank airport express and a mind shift backlight 26l. I also have a few older think tank bags laying around that have served me well. I do have one of those peak design slings that I think is a 6L if I’m just heading over it with a Fuji and maybe an extra lens.

I'm disappointed in myself for watching another 10 minutes of bag review. But I still have tears in my eyes watching Omar 'transition' away the waist belt. Video win!

That is a lot of gear to take on a trip! I aways umm and ahh over what I will take but more often than not settle on the trio of 14mm 2.8, 35mm 1.4 & the 55-200mm for my Fujifilm XT20. I have always flirted with the idea of getting either the 16-55 or 16-80mm and reducing the kit to just two lenses for travel. But some of my favourite photos I have taken (and the only two I have ever printed) have been with the 14mm.

Oh yes, we all love a bag. Personally I am a lover of LowePro. This was another great Omar presentation and I assume that bag comes with a free body-building course?

If you put the word "Camera" in front of the word "backpack" it automatically triples in price.

Remember that a green bag makes it harder for rescue workers to find your body. Then again you have that cute whistle. BTW that whistle sounds just like the mating call of pythons!

Omar, you are a natural comedian, in addition to being a great persenter on camera topics.

I put a large mirrorless core unit (ICU) inside the Shimoda 25L. Yes, it does fits! Spec wise they say you need a 30L or larger. Website even state explicit warning. However, secret sauce is to unzip the top pouch, remove it entirely and insert the core unit (ICU) from the top instead of the usual back panel. Went to Costa Rica with Sony A7RV + 70-200 & 200-600. All of that fits in the large mirrorless core unit (ICU). Bonus was this 25L also fits under the airline seat as a personal item!

Wondering why in today's market with all the knowledge, experience and technology that we have camera companies still put out 100's on bags a year. Why can't we get it right? LOL

Taking off that Velcro strap was super easy…😂. I enjoyed the video.

I considered the Shimoda and the wandrd before setting my eyes on a much cheaper option, the pgytech onemo 2. For the same volume I have way more space to fit my gear for landscape photography trips: Z7II 14-24s, sigma35mm1.4 art, 50mm 1.8s, tamron 100-400, ftz adapter, 2 filters for the 14-24 , batteries, charger, 16 ‘’ laptop, charger, usb external drive. And a tripod on the side. The bag can extend to put clothes or a gimbal. And it comes with a small handbag for a drone or a small camera and lens.

Do you know the Adorama Links for the gear used in this video?

I travel with an Osprey non-camera backpack that has 2 wheels and can be pulled. It comes with a front-detachable daypack that can even be worn on the chest, with the backpack on the back, so it’s super versatile. For the trip I pull my extra socks over my lenses, wrap my bodies, and mix it in with clothing as buffer. At my destination I use the daypack only, or the small "personal item" Peak Design sling bag that holds my travel documents, etc., my small Fuji with pancake and a tele. This has basically been my setup for 10+ years. Unfortunately, zippers and stickiness of plasticized parts are becoming an issue, but I’ll never buy bags with useless bulky padding. For everything your bag holds, Omar, I think it’s huge.

Where can I get the "I Shoot RAW" T-Shirts?

Thanks for the review, Omar. I have the Shimoda Explore v2 25 Backpack and it has been a back-saver! As you pointed out, the backpack has many features that are designed with comfort and ease of use in mind. And the bag's zippers are waterproof and tough so you can be confident your gear will be protected in all weather conditions. Also, a great 1- to 3-day travel bag.

I'm very much into one bag traveling. If I wasn't also a photographer, I could probably go anywhere for however long with a 25l EDC backpack. But given my rather expensive and cumbersome hobby, I tried at least 15 different bags and the only one that is (barely) carry-on size and can fit all my camera gear, my drone and all other travel stuff (toiletries, tech, clothing, laptop) is the PD 45l travel backpack with a medium camera cube inside. I wish the straps had a little more padding, but other than that I love the bag - features, access, materials, zipper feel. And btw not checking a bag is about the freedom of getting to the airport 30 min before your flight leaves, about not having to wait by the carousel to pick up your bag, about not having your stuff delayed/lost; it's not about the cost, because I've spent way more on small & light versions of everyday items, on jackets that pack inside a pocket, on shoes that pack smaller than my dopp kit and weigh 1lb/pair, on all merino wool clothing so it's as light/compact as possible, than I would have ever spent on checking bags. But yeah I can basically live out of this one backpack for 7-14 days (depending on climate), or even indefinitely with access to a washing machine.

I also have a Tenba messenger bag that I use for portrait shoots. Mine is the DNA 15 Slim messenger. I've had it for over 5 years and it still looks new. As for backpacks, I've been just putting a cube into one of my normal backpacks and that's been working for a few year now. Nothing fancy, but it gets the job done.

Thank you for the video , I'm using for years the LowePro 450 AWII BagPack, which is great for my system including Nikon Z7, Nikon S trinity + filters, cleaner set, and few more stuff.

I too had many bags, and still can't find the "perfect" bag. But my most trusted and used bag is the Lowepro Flipside Trek BP 450 AW Backpack. Same idea of two compartments, one for camera equipment and an upper one for miscelanious items as your Shimoda bag, but I think Lowepro did it first. This is the bag that goes out with me in deep snow and -30 C degrees, and also when hiking in the summer months. It has survived everything. Rain, mud, gravel, sand, snow ... And it has kept my gear safe at all times.

I like sling bags, but I've found that they hurt my shoulder over time. A backpack distributes the weight evenly over both shoulders and over the hips if a waist strap is available.

The only word that you will ever need in Costa Rica: PURA VIDA!!

I use a Tenba Fulton V2 16L bag for travel. It is similar to this bag with the rear camera access. What I really like about the Fulton is that the top of the bag has an expandable roll top design. I carried a Sony a7iv with Tamron 35-150mm on the camera, 3 lenses and a flash in the camera section and used the top to carry non-camera stuff ie.. jacket and also had an x-pro3 with a 23mm f/2. When the jacket comes out the bag rolls down to a smaller design. I bought the all weather one.

Very good choice Omar, I have exactly the same bag!

$350 for a backpack? seriously?

My most recent camera bag is the "TASMANIAN TIGER TT Modular 30 Camera Pack" with a molle system to attach stuff to the outside (and inside too). And for traveling there's an additional "Mindshift GEAR BackLight 18L Daypack" here too. I used a Lowepro LP37177-PWW Protactic Rucksack 450 AW II earlier (also with a molle system, but a sparse one) but always hated the round hardtop which wouldn't open easily. Tasmanian Tiger (TT) stuff is used professionally by police and other groups and thus is rugged. Mindshift/Thinktank produce good stuff too, but the TT stuff is even better IMHO.

In the past few years I’ve been traveling with the Peak Design 10L sling bag. It’s light, easy to fit under the seat, and has a surprising amount of space. The big advantage, however, is that it forces me to make choices. I only have one body (Fuji XT5) and when I had a bigger bag, I would toss in just about every lens I own, “just in case”. Of course, most of them just sat in the bag and became more weight to carry around. Now I have to do a little more thinking about where I’m going and my expectations for the trip, which I think has resulted in better photos. Looking forward to the Costa Rica pictures, Omar. I’ll be there in October for the first time and already planning for which two (maybe three) lenses to take.

Go Shimoda! I love their bags.

Campagnon.... It's a German made camera bag and it is far better quality than anything listed here guys. If you haven't used one then check them out on their website No I'm not sponsored by them but I do use one and they are brilliant.

Big trips I take my Nomatic McKinnon camera bag (25 liters), plus my McKinnon Sling (8 liter). I also have a Tumi Alpha bravo search backpack, is just it for just easy trips to Orlando!

you call them zipper pulls, yes I LIKE, im a BAG GUY

Check out the Cosyspeed Camslinger. Maybe an option for Portrait shooting.

Thank you! Your videos brought me a lot of joy and fun, and has helped me throughout the years, oh and the camera bag stuff was nice too. I use Wandrd bag packs

Be sure to put cameras, lenses in ziplock bags with silica gel desiccant (not the "salt" type). Humidity is crazy there and fogging is an issue. Carry way more lens cleaning cloths than you think you’ll need.

For street or on-the-run photography.... I'm thinking of just putting my three different lenses into my pockets. Well, one would be mounted ...

Anyone have any bag recommendations for camera gear (X-T4, 16-80 and 100-400) as well as enough clothes for a weekend away - ideally one bag for a ryanair flight etc haha . Thanks

Weird, tried commenting like 3 times and the comment just disappeared. Anyway, good choice. The Shimoda is a great bag.

Thanks for another great photography video. By chance did you consider the lowepro protactic bp 450 at all?

hello thank you for the complete video. Do you think that the fuji xt3 with the lens 150-600 on it would fit in it?

I ended up with the Warndrd PRVKE bags (yes, bags 'cause you can't have too many apparently). Three different sizes (had to get the largest when I got the Z9 because she is so dang big). Zippers are annoying; the pull string always seems to be in the wrong location for ease of pulling. Just. Annoying. They are not perfect, but waist straps are easy to install or remove (no fighting velcro) and the top is a roll top so super easy to add stuff to the top of the back. I think they ware a bit cheaper than Shimoda (you're paying for fewer vowels). Not a fan of the dividers in the cases, Shimoda seems easier to use, Wandrd seems thicker and perhaps more protective. I like to store and pack my camera body WITH a lens attached and it seems most bags fit things better if you separate everything unless you go with really large bags. Will these be my last bags? I doubt it. :P

I would die within one hour because of this heavy backpack full of Nikon stuff 😅

looks like an awesome bag...steep price though for sure. looking for a travel bag that I can also fit laptop in. tough finding the perfect bag.

I drop of WD40 on the zippers will make a huge difference..

On travel I only use a Peakdesign 3L bag with a Leica Q3 and a spare battery in it. Period. The Nikon stuff and lenses stay at home.

my doggie did not like the whistle lol

Costa Rica huh…..? Watch out for the Fer-De-Lance and Bushmaster….🐍

Not a fan of backpack style bags, preferring a sling. But then I never lig a ton of gear when I travel, just a body and a couple of lenses. And the sling bag allows me to access lenses without taking off the bag, which it's hard to do with the backpack.

Very nice green bag, I want it! you going to WWPI in Vegas this year? It would super cool to meet you.....

Why Costa Rica? lol, go to the real jungle in South America

Thank you, Omar, for sharing this, I found the woman bag for me...going to Costa Rica soon too

My problem is my Hohem MT-2. I don't want to break it down to fit in a case etc; but i dont want to lug in a giant backpack.😮

Great vlog again Omar! I like 😂 One point of concern though is your 400mm on the bottom. Not sure if it's a good idea to put the whole weight of your bag pack on the lens. I'm sure you're not going to carry it all the time 😮

I like. Mine is a Lowepro ProTactic 450. I like its rigidity and padding. Lots of space. Pretty comfortable walking around, just not the lightest bag out there.

Hi omar if you have only 7kg hand carry on plane. How can i carry all the camera gears if exceed more than 7kg. Thanks 🙏 😊

You forgot to fit the kitchen sink in the bag… 🥸🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

Hi Omar. Great video. One thing I’m having trouble figuring out. Is the side access the same on both sides or just one side? I like to access my camera on my right side while wearing it on my right shoulder so it needs to be on the left when facing the front of the bag and a lot of bags have it on the right.

Omar, can i ask if you're jewish? Ive got no concrete reason to think so, but your sense of humor and mannerisms remind me so much of my Jewish family members, these videos make me feel like an uncle of mine pulled me aside at a shabbat dinner to gab about camera gear Or it could just be because youre from the Tri State area, everyone here is a little bit jewish 😂

Is this the 35l bag? I'm getting a z8 soon and was looking into Shimoda also...

It doesn't look like a camera bag however they'll see who is carrying it ;-)

I have this bag but I want to sell it. I find I cannot get all my camera gear in the large unit. I prefer the Gura Gear bag to fit all my bigger wildlife lenses

Still in shock that you left Team Fuji and moved to Nikon. 😊

Love my Shimoda backpack! Top notch quality and it's comfortable.

i've been using my bilingham hadley for 5 years now

I don’t miss a day a week kislux This show..

That bag has to be too big to use as a personal item with your carry on? What kind of flight are you on, cargo? 🤣

Shimoda line of products are fantastic. They are topnotch all around and Ian Millar is a cool guy. I have traveled quite a bit with Shimoda products and currently use the Action X 50L as my primary. However, when traveling I use their roller bag and store the "shell" in the check luggage, works perfectly and saves my back or at the least keeps me from being annoyed during travel. You'll love traveling with that bag. I always enjoy your videos and find myself laughing quite often! Thanks for what you do Omar!

I have this in black, great choice! I use a tenba BYOB bag instead of shimoda's cube. I turn it vertically & open the flap, so I can still access my apsc-sized gear from the side opening of the bag. And can easily remove it and use it as a shoulder bag during long sessions. Please don't put the 400mm in the bottom; there's no padding! And sometimes water seeps in from the front half pocket zipper, especially when it rains a lot. The 400mm would be separated from the front pocket by a very thin material. But apart from the front pocket zipper, all the other zippers are water resistant; hence the lack of 'smoothness.' The top compartment where you put the lens in the beginning has the water resistant zipper; less chances of moisture.

Nice bag but it very much looks like a camera bag.

im 2mins in the video and bro done turn into a comedian 😂

kislux versace bag is so cute

Shimoda bags are heavy.

Been using a Shimoda Action X50 bag for a couple of years. My only gripe is the ICU - the dividers are just far too rigid to allow a perfect set-up. So I too have been using dividers from another (Lowepro) bag

The comment that said we are just camera bag enthusiasts just HITS. So so true. And Omar, this entire video, I was saying to myself, "He's totally right. Yep! Exactly! Oh man, absolutely. I get it. AGREED!" Talk about gaslighting haha. But yes, I too settled on the Shimoda Explore V2 ;)

Seeing the Nikon stuff you've already stored inside the backpack, I guess that trip is not for holidays, right ?

Is that the 30l or 35l?

what led light is it?

Hey! I had that Messenger Mini years ago! My first messenger camera bag, I believe. Tenba isn't available in our country anymore but I loved their rolling camera bag! They even sent me a free replacement (a newer version too) when the one I bought had a problem.

You're probably built different. However, if I had to carry that bag on my shoulders all day on a mere walking trip in London, I would, without hesitation, take the X-T5 with a 16-80mm instead and capture what I can... Thanks for the new video, Omar! Looking forward to seeing your photos from Costa Rica.

I have many different bags like most but recently bought the NYA-EVO and it’s also modular

Of course I’m watching another camera bag video, because like a handbag, you can’t pick just one and you’ll never find the perfect one. ;) Thank you for this video! You’re amazing and I watch ALL of your videos! I’m a short girl-type (5’4”) and everything out there that’s cool is made for guys (boo), but I just got a WANDRD bag (PRVKE Lite) and it did well (carrying an X-T5 and three lenses, plus other accessories. Cheers and Thank you soooo much for all the GREAT content!!

I just ordered the Shimoda Urban Explore for all the same reasons you detailed, I just wanted the EVER SO SLIGHTLY more "everyday carry" focus. I really only watched your video for some confirmation bias goodness

kay, I’ve always scratched my head about the obsession around the kislux book totes and their practicality, but this one is adorable!! Congratulations

I have ThinkTank Retro Backpack. Almost identical design. PS Omar, you would have made an excellent school teacher but lucky us. Those poor damn kids though.

I went for the 30L version and my sony 100-400 fits in just right as well as my a7r5 + tamron 28-200 + sony 20mm 1.8. FYI.

Omg…new subscriber here…love the content but you also made me laugh so hard “kill the Velcro “…no more coffee drinking during Omar videos! Binging next….

$300-$400?! Lol

Yo Omar where the XT20 at ?? Just kidding. Great video Omar.

Really great review. I have a bunch of different bags for different purposes. Oddly enough, I keep going back to one of the cheapest bags I own. Its an amazon basics bag. Its worked out to be my favorite multipurpose camera bag. It fits under airplane seats and I usually have my Apache 5800 (harbor freight version of the pelican 1510) as my carry on with supplemental gear . I definitely would take the amazon basics bag into a Costa Rican rain forest though. I would use the Lowepro Dry Zone that another photographer gifted to me somewhat recently. I kind of feel like doing a bunch of "whats in my bag" videos with some fellow photographers and videographers. My amazon bag is definitely a blivet . Have fun in Costa Rica and don't try to pet the murder kitties.

My first trip to Costa Rica was so long ago that the digital camera I took was the Kodak DC200 complete with 4MB Compact Flash card. lol Backpack not required.

Nice classy video Omar. The quality on that Shimoda bag looks stunning! How does she feel when heavily loaded? Does the weight distribution feel even? Is the fabric weather-resistant? Personally I like to travel light. The Manfrotto Street Slim Backpack is the largest of my collection. I also have two shoulder bags and a hip pouch for even smaller setups. Glad to know I am not the only one who is big on zippers!

WHen out shooting with my XT-5 I carry a Peak Design Sling. If shooting an event where I need to change less, a Think Tank retro bag, which is very close to your messenger style is what I use. I can also add my XE-1 IR converted camera in there. For traveling, I use a Shimoda 2 30L with a large mirrorless insert. I always check my luggage, and that's where my Manfroto travel tripod lives.

OHHH looks like you got the Ulanzi BP09. I just got one as well as I was trying to find a replacement for my 18year old Lowepro AW Trekker II. I also bought the Think Tank streetwalker 2.0 for something a little smaller than the Ulanzi that doesnt hold a laptop. I tried the Peak design Zip 15 and 20L and they are straight crap when it comes to holding gear and keeping it secure. I sent them back real quick. I was throwing around the idea of that Mckinnon 25L bag but it cost 4x as much as the Ulanzi and I think this Ulanzi bag might be better. I have a bunch of messanger style bags as well for when I just want to have a few items and not my whole kit

I have the 25L in black. It's really nice, but just a tad smallish. I think the 30L would be just right for gear, but look goofy as an everyday carry bag for other things.

I have a lot of bags, but if I were to go to Costa Rica I would take my Wandrd The Prvke 21-Liter, and not only because it’s also green, but it fits very well. It is a bit smaller than yours, but I also have less gear :) would love to see your Costa Rica shots.

I love watching bag videos. Even though I have my bags that I love. I pray that every video is NOT the perfect bag, so I don’t have to spend money. I’m glad this bag doesn’t fit my needs. Lol

I just picked up the Lowepro Adventura BP 300 III Backpack from B&H. I got it for a few reasons: 1) Beefy zippers, 2) it's more of a backpack size, rather than my current bag, which could double as a studio apartment, and 3) Lowepro is trying to reduce the carbon/climate footprint with this series, and I want to support that. It also has some cool features that seem to be standard on a lot of bags these days (lotta velcro).

In preparation for an Africa trip this spring I needed a bag to hold my 17" laptop, camera gear & some items I'd need on the 20+ hour flight that would qualify as an airline carry on. I purchased the Shimoda Action X30 V2 and loved it but it was bit too small for all my gear. I exchanged it for a Mindshift Backlight 36L that fits my needs which has more usable space in the camera compartment & easily fits the laptop. In this case size matters.

I like to travel with just one bag for everything. Recently I got the 30L Aer travel pack and it fits all my clothes and stuff. Then I carry a small sling.