Large Bag Recommendations

Pixeltrove · 10-31-2021, 05:40 PM

Hope my 2 cents worth can be of use to someone here. I also have scoured the web for a large gear bag, and never found anything I was REALLY happy with. What I have settled on is the "ultimaxx" large camera bag. I've only seen them on eBay. The dimensions are:

Inner Dimensions: 19” (W) x 11” (D) x 9” (H).
Outer Dimensions: 23” (W) x 13” (D) x 10.5” (H).

They cost around $50 and I own 4 myself, and have two friends who now have them as well. We are all pretty satisfied with them. The only thing I didn't like about this bag is it has no pockets on the top cover. I solved this by getting a pair of black pencil/pen bags that had two zipper compartments and used Gorilla glue to attach them to the lid. The glue seems to not have any issues being in a hot car for some length of time. I attached them so that I could use the provided pocket on the back side of the zipper case to hold instructions, etc. I have all of my bags MASSIVELY overloaded, and they seem to take the abuse just fine. Has two side pockets and a large front pocket. Side pockets are great for batteries and charger, the front I use for filters, cable release, and even my quick flip for my flash. Adding a better shoulder strap pad if you have a lot of weight is helpful.

Hope this helps someone.

Attached Images

bdery · 11-01-2021, 05:41 AM

Originally posted by bertwert

I'm not sure on the internal dimensions for the Backstory

You might find answers here:

Ready for anything with the Backstory backpacks from Think Tank - PHOTONews Magazine

Originally posted by bertwert

One thing I'm not sure about is how far up the internal velcro goes, ie, can I have a three layer setup like this

I believe that would work. Myself, I reversed the dividers so they fold downwards, that lets me create three shelves, kinda how you do it.

bertwert · 11-01-2021, 08:32 AM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by bdery

You might find answers here:

Ready for anything with the Backstory backpacks from Think Tank - PHOTONews Magazine

I did read through your review there but couldn't figure out if you think a grip on the body would fit or be too tight - or able to pull out through the top like that. I've emailed Think Tank for the topic opening measurements, so we'll see if/when they get back to me.

The problem with the fact there's so many options for bags is that there aren't many reviews out there for each bag

Also, found this this morning, and think it's quite relevant - there truly is an xkcd for everything:

bdery · 11-02-2021, 05:28 AM

I had forgotten that XKCD, but it's so fitting indeed!

The internal specs of the backstory are 11.4” W x 14.6” H x 5.9” D (27 x 43 x 15 cm) for the main compartment, as per Think Tank's website. That's for the main pocket, and the top flap opens for the whole width IIRC. So 15 cm is your ref value.

**Jack** · 11-02-2021, 04:09 PM

I haven't seen Shimoda mentioned. Home

bertwert · 11-02-2021, 04:14 PM - **2 Likes**

Originally posted by Jack

I haven't seen Shimoda mentioned. Home

Saw them. Expensive...

In the end, I've decided that I will order the Backstory 15 - it looks as though it should work by the measurements. It's not perfect, but it's probably as close as I'll get without spending over what I am prepared too.

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10-31-2021, 05:40 PM	#31
Pixeltrove Junior Member Join Date: Jan 2021 Posts: 39	Hope my 2 cents worth can be of use to someone here. I also have scoured the web for a large gear bag, and never found anything I was REALLY happy with. What I have settled on is the "ultimaxx" large camera bag. I've only seen them on eBay. The dimensions are: Inner Dimensions: 19” (W) x 11” (D) x 9” (H). Outer Dimensions: 23” (W) x 13” (D) x 10.5” (H). They cost around $50 and I own 4 myself, and have two friends who now have them as well. We are all pretty satisfied with them. The only thing I didn't like about this bag is it has no pockets on the top cover. I solved this by getting a pair of black pencil/pen bags that had two zipper compartments and used Gorilla glue to attach them to the lid. The glue seems to not have any issues being in a hot car for some length of time. I attached them so that I could use the provided pocket on the back side of the zipper case to hold instructions, etc. I have all of my bags MASSIVELY overloaded, and they seem to take the abuse just fine. Has two side pockets and a large front pocket. Side pockets are great for batteries and charger, the front I use for filters, cable release, and even my quick flip for my flash. Adding a better shoulder strap pad if you have a lot of weight is helpful. Hope this helps someone. Attached Images

11-01-2021, 05:41 AM	#32
bdery Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Quebec city, Canada Photos: Gallery Posts: 9,357	Originally posted by bertwert I'm not sure on the internal dimensions for the Backstory You might find answers here: Ready for anything with the Backstory backpacks from Think Tank - PHOTONews Magazine Originally posted by bertwert One thing I'm not sure about is how far up the internal velcro goes, ie, can I have a three layer setup like this I believe that would work. Myself, I reversed the dividers so they fold downwards, that lets me create three shelves, kinda how you do it.

11-01-2021, 08:32 AM - 1 Like	#33
bertwert Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2015 Location: Golden, BC Posts: 15,173 Original Poster	Originally posted by bdery You might find answers here: Ready for anything with the Backstory backpacks from Think Tank - PHOTONews Magazine I did read through your review there but couldn't figure out if you think a grip on the body would fit or be too tight - or able to pull out through the top like that. I've emailed Think Tank for the topic opening measurements, so we'll see if/when they get back to me. The problem with the fact there's so many options for bags is that there aren't many reviews out there for each bag Also, found this this morning, and think it's quite relevant - there truly is an xkcd for everything:

11-02-2021, 05:28 AM	#34
bdery Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Quebec city, Canada Photos: Gallery Posts: 9,357	I had forgotten that XKCD, but it's so fitting indeed! The internal specs of the backstory are 11.4” W x 14.6” H x 5.9” D (27 x 43 x 15 cm) for the main compartment, as per Think Tank's website. That's for the main pocket, and the top flap opens for the whole width IIRC. So 15 cm is your ref value.

11-02-2021, 04:09 PM	#35
Jack Site Supporter Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Georgia Photos: Gallery Posts: 197	I haven't seen Shimoda mentioned. Home

11-02-2021, 04:14 PM - 2 Likes	#36
bertwert Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2015 Location: Golden, BC Posts: 15,173 Original Poster	Originally posted by Jack I haven't seen Shimoda mentioned. Home Saw them. Expensive... In the end, I've decided that I will order the Backstory 15 - it looks as though it should work by the measurements. It's not perfect, but it's probably as close as I'll get without spending over what I am prepared too.