Not to be confused with our recent post on Camera Backpacks, this post will be focused on Camera Bags, specifically shoulder bags. Though Backpacks have gained in popularity for commuting with a camera in tow, photographers have not given up on traditional shoulder bags to keep their kits safe and protected.  Thanks to ingenious gear technology, camera bags have evolved, boasting state of the art materials and efficient storage compartments, for better functionality.  Considering that photographers rely on tools such as laptops, interchangeable lenses and other accessories to be productive while mobile, this post will only focus on bags that allow for this advantage.

When you are accustomed to traveling a fair amount, you no doubt have a preference in the bag that you want as your side kick to accompany you along your travels.  This bag can be one considered to be the “go to bag” or the workhorse bag.  The bag that best fits this description is also known as the Tote bag.   It has the ability to fit all the essentials required for traveling and is most functional and durable whilst doing so. 

The ability to carry a multitude of travel essentials in such a discreet, yet efficient package is what has won the Tote the most desirable bag to travel with.  Judging from its simple design, it would almost be impossible to know that packed in its classic confines are items such as; wallet, passport, phone, headsets, tablet or laptop, scarf, gloves, sweater, toiletry bag, snack and water bottle…..

Traditional Totes are known to have one large compartment held together by two straps.  While the traditional tote is ideal for everyday use, it may lead to some unexpected logistical glitches while traversing ports of travel, such as the TSA.  In this post, we would like to focus on the innovations of Totes that have made them more organized and less prone to organizational inconveniences.   

I.e.: “all passengers should be in their seats and overhead bins closed at this time for a timely departure,” yet you are scrummaging through your Tote to find your headphones that will soon be found tangled at the farthest reaches of your Tote, tangled to your charger wires.

Below are some of the items that we will highlight in this blog post.

Dedicated pockets sized perfectly for phones. Wallets, credit cards and ID’s, sunglasses, water bottle, tablet or laptop, and even loops for pens.

A minimalist styled, beautiful and luxurious.  Premium leather, that is durable and treated for material protection from the elements.

Durable Zippers and enclosures that will keep your items secure and in place.

Structural enforcement that is lite weight, functional and not obtrusive.

Totes that are lightweight and can be packed down to a palm-sized pouch for easy storage into another bag if not needed.  Comes in handy for having extra storage for items collected.

RFID-blocking liner to protect your credit cards and passport from wireless identity theft.

Separate compartment that is often removable to store items such as shoes separate from other items.

Interior and exterior clip attachments to attach keys and other items.

Water resistant bags that will function just as well on the beach as the airport.

Bags that are functional enough yet compact enough to perfectly store beneath seat.

Convertible bags that you can wear over shoulder or wear across body.

When looking for a the perfect travel bag, it may come as no surprise that the options are vast and the prices are also match that spectrum.  Therein, lies a the arduous task of deciding which of these bags will best fit your travel needs.  If your like most people searching for a bag, you may tend to base your decision on your budget and let all else fall to chance that your selection will be the best one.

I felt it necessary to write this post after being faced with this dilemma of finding a travel bag on several occasions.  As you might be wondering why I had to undertake this decision process on more than one occasions.  Well, it turns out that on each occasion that my choice of bag that I purchased did not exactly fit all my needs after receiving it in the mail.

It is not that I am particular about minute features or subtle practicalities of my bag.  I would prefer to say that it is more so that I find my needs tend to be different on every occasion that I travel.  In this post I will attempt to break down my decision making tactics and what I believe the criteria are that must be met in order to consider yourself in possession of the perfect travel bag.