A recommendation for modifications to get the 'perfect' camera bag

[weishengg]

*p.s. not too sure if this should be in the newbies corner, moderators, please move if inappropriate*

hi, i know there's no 'perfect' camera bag, but i'm sure some bros managed to do some modification to get them as close to 'perfect' as possible?
I did a fair amount of research at camera bags, looked at pictures, and tried them out in camera stores. only thing i couldn't do was to carry them with a full load around for a while to test comfort.

here are some features i'm looking out for in a camera bag, and i know its a lot to ask for in a bag. But no harm trying to find the best right?

1. can carry a maximum miscellaneous load of:
   water bottle (size of a 70-200 f4 lens. dont mind putting inside camera compartment, or outside in a adaptor pouch)
   A5 notebook
   Travel guide
   Maps
   Documents
   1 pen + 1 Marker
   iPod + earphone
2. can carry a maximum camera load of:
   DSLR + Battery grip (Sony A300)
   10-20mm wideangle lens
   70-210mm f4 telephoto lens
   18-70mm kit lens
   50mm f1.7 small prime lens
   1 blower
   1 microfibre cloth
   1 lenspen
   3 extra CF cards
   4 extra AA batteries
   1 extra DSLR battery
   i don't use additional filters and lens hood, so its alright
   
3. bag must be able to be waterproof-ed! damn the crumplers!
4. no backpacks. i travel backpacking style, and cannot stand carrying another camera backpack in front of my torso its quite close to impossible to whip out the camera too
5. a small little bit of space for shopping, to put some keychains, chocolate bars, etc...
6. main purpose for travelling, so hopefully it is not overly bulky (weight doesn't matter, its the loaded volume) and doesnt scream camera bag too much
7. bag must have those "sliplock" or attachment loops to add lens pouch or waterbottle pouch or additional casings
8. pricing must be reasonable la...the domkes are a little to far-reaching in this aspect...

I narrowed down a few choices, but have some nitty bitty things about them
1) Lowepro Stealth Reporter D400
- don't know if i can put in my B5 notebook AND a travel book
-a little too fat, screams camera bag!

2) Crumpler 7mdh
- my impression is that the furry paddings will be difficult to wash and clear them of dust/dirt. seems like it would trap those leaves and small twigs very easily
- not really waterproof. don't think its suitable for places with water or sand/dust
- doesnt come with a "stabilizer strap" to keep it from bouncing on your body when you walk/run/move

3) Tamrac System 6
- paddings seems a bit soft and thin
- many negative reviews about the "lens gate system"
- doesnt have attachment loops!!!!! ARGH!!!!


i'm actually inclined towards the Tamrac system 6. But does anyone have any idea how to mod an attachment strap and a stabilizer strap onto it?
any bros/sis with some advice out there?

 

[jfoo]

the best way is to visit a well stocked and friendly shop who would let your gear into the bag to try.

 

[chris667198]

Maybe this one.

Tenba Pro Traveller II series bag
Tenba P-655 Pro-Traveler II Shoulder Gear
Tenba P-675 Pro-Traveler II Shoulder Gear
Tenba P-695 Pro-Traveler II Shoulder Gear

http://www.tincheungcamera.com.hk/home.php?cPath=35&sort=&filter_id=38

I'm planning to own this.
Tenba P-655 Pro-Traveler II Shoulder Gear
catalog #: 638-403
outside Dimensions: 17.5W x 10.5H x 11D in 44W x 27H x 28D cm
Inside Dimensions: 13.25W x 7H x 7.5D in 34W x 18H x 19D cm
Weight: 3.8 lbs 1.7 kg
capacity: 2 SLR bodies, 4 lenses, flash & accessories

 

[weishengg]

wow even more options now. looks good.
any brick & mortar shop in singapore carrying them?

Maybe this one.

Tenba Pro Traveller II series bag
Tenba P-655 Pro-Traveler II Shoulder Gear
Tenba P-675 Pro-Traveler II Shoulder Gear
Tenba P-695 Pro-Traveler II Shoulder Gear

http://www.tincheungcamera.com.hk/home.php?cPath=35&sort=&filter_id=38

I'm planning to own this.
Tenba P-655 Pro-Traveler II Shoulder Gear
catalog #: 638-403
outside Dimensions: 17.5W x 10.5H x 11D in 44W x 27H x 28D cm
Inside Dimensions: 13.25W x 7H x 7.5D in 34W x 18H x 19D cm
Weight: 3.8 lbs 1.7 kg
capacity: 2 SLR bodies, 4 lenses, flash & accessories

 

[jfoo]

wow even more options now. looks good.
any brick & mortar shop in singapore carrying them?

CP use to carry tenba but not sure if they still do. call them and check.

 

[weishengg]

cool, thanks for the heads up on the Tenba.
was actually just wondering if anybody did some modification to make their bags the 'perfect' camera bag.
maybe like sewing on an external bottle pouch.... diy a stabilizer strap etc...

 

[calebk]

Actually, the Crumplers are waterproof. Did you know that?

 

[weishengg]

Actually, the Crumplers are waterproof. Did you know that?

well the material is probably waterproof, but the way the flap closes makes me feel uneasy about it. seems like if your not careful about it or if your lens+body combo is a little too long, you could create a gapping hole on the flap.

how true is that?
i think i would feel much more 'safer' with a zipper around the opening.

 

[chris667198]

Just in case you miss the catalog. Here is the link

 

[iRaphael]

im using the stealth reporter d400.

it's a real nice and spacey bag for me. i got lots of space to put junk here and there. LOL. and i can attach a bottle bag from lowepro on the outside if i don't feel like putting it inside.

 

[weishengg]

oh almost forgot about this thread of mine that i started
by the way, i ended up getting the newer version of the Crumpler 7mdh.
Realized that the way they redesigned the flap this time makes it much more weather resistant than the older one.
And the buckles and velcros are much improved too!

realized that it is big enough to put all that i want to put into it, and has 4 sliplocks for me to add additional compartments like waterbottle pouch if i need to.
i also managed to d.i.y. a stabilizer strap using a strap with one end hooked onto on of the sliplock strap and the other end hooked onto the bag's main strap buckle.

walas, its everything i wanted and more!
only with that the crumpler velcro could have been "stickier"

thanks to all for the advices anyway!
thread closed in peace!