Guide to Selecting a Camera Bag for Outdoor Shoots

If you take outdoor photographs, you have needs in a good camera bag that are very different from what you’ll need inside a studio. Here are the things to look for in you perfect camera bag for outdoor shoots…

No Velcro near animals ~
There are a lot of really nice looking camera bags that, upon closer inspection, have pockets that close with Velcro-type hook-and-loop tapes. That seems like a good idea at first, because they’re quite strong and will leave you feeling secure that your gear won’t fall out. But if you’re planning on doing any wildlife photography, you’ll soon discover that those are actually a very poor choice for your camera bag. The loud tearing sound they make will startle the animals! How many times have you come across the perfect perfect shot, only to realize that the lens or filter you need is in the pocket of your bag? Will you you be able to get it out without the ‘riiiiiippppppppp!’ of Velcro? No way.

Good bottom padding ~
Your camera bag is going to get set down in all kinds of places. To protect your camera and other gear from the jolt of being set down, make sure your camera bag has plenty of padding on the bottom. Side padding is important to, as it’s likely to get bumped around quite a bit danging from your shoulder, but the bottom is going to take the brunt of it, so don’t skimp there.

Comfortable strap ~
For a serious photographer, this bag is going to be your constant companion. Don’t settle for a strap that isn’t totally comfortable on you. It needs to be strong, padded, and preferably adjustable. A shoulder strap that converts, (or a separate hand-strap), is also very handy. There will be times you want it over your shoulder, and other times when it’s more convenient to just grab it with one hand. Be sure you can do either with your camera bag.

Water resistant ~
Whether you set it down in mud, get caught in a rainstorm, or spill your beverage on it, your camera bag will eventually get wet. Be prepared! Look for a camera bag that’s mad from a water-resisitant nylon or leather, so that your equipment (your investment!) will be well protected.

Lots of outer pockets ~
When you’re taking pictures outdoors, you’ll frequently find that you need to change lenses or filters to account for changing conditions. Having to fish through a big pocket full of gear to find what you need will get tedious. Having a variety of smaller outside pockets will let you separate those small items, and keep each of them handy. Also, it will keep them from rubbing against each other and possibly getting damaged in the process.

Pockets should close ~
The last thing you want is to be hunting all over the forest floor for a lens or data chip thats been dropped along the way. Make sure that your new camera bag has pockets and pouches that close securely! Taking photographs outdoors gives you a lot more opportunities to tilt your camera bag and risk tipping out the contents. Having all the pockets close securely will protect you from losing your investment, and leave you free to focus on your subjects, instead of constantly worrying about dropping your gear.

Please click on the author’s name (above the article) to read more of her work on Associated Content.

.