Camera Bag Guide

Shoulder bags, sometimes called messenger bags, are worn just like holsters but can be much larger. They greatly vary in size, from ones designed to hold a single camera plus a few accessories, to ones designed to hold two professional DSLR cameras, accessories, plenty of lenses and a laptop computer. Shoulder bags have much more compartments than holsters and their interior can be reorganized by moving padded dividers. They are designed to carry numerous pieces of equipment together but keep them from damaging each other.

Shoulder bags can carry large amounts of gear, including multiple cameras and lenses. Some of these can also attach a tripod to their exterior, usually underneath the main compartment. Just like holsters and belt packs, shoulder bags keep gear accessible and within sight at all times.

Shoulder bags can open in different ways. A large flap which covers the top and one side of the bag is the most common way. That flap normally includes pockets for small items. Other ways include a zipper along the outer-upper edge or in the middle of the bag's top-side. While the gear is always accessible, bags which open on the upper-outer edge with no flap on the zipper's side are ideal to work with gear (change lenses, install filters, swap batteries, etc).

The main disadvantages of shoulder bags are that they distribute weight unevenly and that they can hinder mobility. Since shoulder bags can get quite heavy and must be supported by a single shoulder strap, they can become quite tiring after a long day's use. Also, because they are bulky and dangle from only one shoulder, these bags become cumbersome for most activities other than walking. They are truly bothersome during climbing, even if only a ladder.

A personal favorite is the Lowepro Rezo series which come in several sizes, all with rain-protection covers. The Rezo bags are perfect to work with gear since they are designed to open away from the wearer. The largest such bag, the Rezo 190, can accommodate one DSLR and 4 extra medium-sized lenses. This model is still small enough to count as a personal item for boarding a plane with a carry-on too.

Lowepro Rezo 160 AW

For those interested, the largest shoulder bag found that still counts (barely) as a personal item is the Lowepro Nova 200. If worn backwards, working with gear is easy but the bag becomes awkward to open.

Advantages

• Can be loaded with lots of gear.
• Camera remains easily accessible.
• Bag is visible while being worn.
• May count as a personal item which can be brought in addition to one piece of carry-on on most flights.

Disadvantages

• A lot of weight on one shoulder.
• Dangles during moderate activity.
• Cumbersome when good mobility is required
• May be too large to count as a personal item.