*mythical* adj.: based on or told of in traditional stories; lacking factual basis or historical validity; “mythical centaurs”; “the fabulous unicorn”
That pretty much describes the bag I’m looking for. I don’t even know what I want. I guess I figured I’d know it when I saw it. Well… I didn’t see it. Even after spending over an hour and a half opening every bag in the camera store and fighting of the roaches that had taken residence in them (apparently, no ones looked that far back before now and the roaches weren’t too happy about me being the first).
So I think the best plan of action will be to modify (hopefully in a modular, adjustable, removable fashion) an existing non-camera bag to suit my needs as they arise. A messenger bag with a third-leg (so it can be used as a back pack) with lots of pouches and pockets is probably the best course of action here. Then I can line certain pockets in foam for lenses, or attach velcro/snaps to the inside of the bag to hold separate padded containers securely in place. Then I can either buy or build little the padded containers. I still need to come up with a solution for the camera body(ies) themselves. Sure, I could just wrap it in a towel and toss it in the bag, but I’d like it to be a little more reachable and I’d really like to be able to leave a lens attached.
So, later today, I’ll probably go to one of those outdoorsy stores (skateboards, snowboards, bikes, and the like) and see what kind of “urban bag” (I guess that’s what the kids call them these days) I can get myself into. Then, I’ll work out the details of how to protect the gear inside the bag. I’ve always wanted a purse (no really!) but was just too manly to carry it. So this solves that problem. I’ve already got a Lowepro bag devoted to camera stuff (very heavy, not easy to walk with in the streets, etc) that I can use when I need to lug a lot of stuff (which I don’t currently have thanks to the bastards that stole my camera bag). I just need a daypack of sorts that I can carry around all the time (since leaving the camera in the car is no longer an option thanks to the assholes who stole my camera). If it’s too heavy to carry with me, and I can’t leave it in the car, I’ll leave it at home which means I won’t be shooting.