tell a friend about this article
 
 

	Introduction
	Bags by type
	Bags by use
	Bags by brand
	What to look for
»	Choosing size
	Carry-on restrictions

You may by now have a bag type you like by its use, but what size is next. Let's concentrate on the required volume for your present equipment, adding some slack for expansion.
 

The compact Velocity 9 Pro Sling Pak easily accommodates from a D70 to a D2X + stuff

For simplification purposes, lets say here that in terms of sizes they come in "small", "medium", "large" and "huge".

Forget about the small one, although you may want to have a small bag just to carry and protect a body with a lens, and a couple of rolls, you will soon find out this is not "the serious" bag as soon as you want to add anything; and you will.

The best one to have first is a probably a "medium" one, and later maybe a "large" bag for photo trips. Seldom a huge one, unless you are a weight lifter or can hire sherpas and pack mules. I used to load and carry almost everything I had, usually returning without having touched half of the stuff and with a backache, confirming Murphy's Law on bags: "The more you carry, the less you use".

SMALL	Typical small bags take from one small 35mm SLR body with one small lens to a motorized body with two lenses (one medium, one small), a couple of rolls of film and speedlight.
.
MEDIUM	As defined here, medium bags can take from one small or large 35mm SLR body or with power winder, one medium lens, two small lenses and a speedlight; to two large bodies one large lens, one medium and three small lenses with speedlight, some film and accessories.
.
LARGE	Should hold from two large bodies, one large lens, two medium and two small lenses with speedlight; to two large bodies with two large lenses, two medium and two small ones with speed light, film and accessories.
.
HUGE	Capable of carrying three to four large bodies, 5 to 7 lenses, speedlight, film and accessories. Huge bags are commonly used to carry both 35mm and medium format systems. These are not carry-on bags for air travel.
.