Travel Photography - Need new camera bag

So I've got a 10+ year old LowePro Nova 2 bag. One of the prongs on the plastic catch has broken. So I'll be in the market for a new bag when I return.

I like the Nova 2 - at least the older one I have - it's about the right size for a Canon 7D and 2 f4L lenses. And it can fit into a rollaboard.

What's everyone else using? Any thoughts? Size is important: it needs to hold camera, lenses, and memory cards & still fit in a rollaboard with 3 days worth of clothing.

the broken prong buckle can be replace, EMS or military surplus /outdoor activity stores will have them.

I'd also try Lowepro customer service. Their FAQ indicates they sell parts through their distributors, so a retailer may be able to get you the exact replacement and their CS can steer you in the right direction.

Though I agree with your perhaps shadow agenda, you can never have too many (or the perfect) camera bags. ;)

So, it's not an expensive bag, and my sewing skills - well, let's not even go there. To have it repaired would probably cost in excess of $50 plus parts. Looks like I can get a current-version Nova bag on Amazon for <$75. I don't see it as good economics to just do a repair. Perhaps if I had the experience & equipment to sew, it might be a different story.....

I have a Kinesis belt thing. You can add pouches for any equipment you want. I think the belt, camera pouch, and extra lens pouch were about $130.

It works really well and isn't very bulky when folded and put in a bag.

www.kgear.com

Come to think of it, Lowepro has a lifetime warranty. Can't hurt to call them (http://www.lowepro.com/support/warranty) and describe what's happened. Worst that could happen is they say no; best that can happen is they send you a new bag. The experience of others with them has been positive (http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/read.asp?forum=1018&message=34690635).

Come to think of it, Lowepro has a lifetime warranty. Can't hurt to call them (http://www.lowepro.com/support/warranty) and describe what's happened. Worst that could happen is they say no; best that can happen is they send you a new bag. The experience of others with them has been positive (http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/read.asp?forum=1018&message=34690635).

Interesting. May be worth a phone call - even though the bag is 11 years old.

Take a look at the Thinktank Retrospective. Understated (doesn't scream CAMERA!)..

I love my Tenba mini-messenger

Someone also recently asked this very question on Engadget:

http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/04/ask-engadget-best-sub-100-camera-laptop-bag/

If you would be interested in a roll aboard bag...take a look at this one.
Think Tank Photo AirStream Rolling Camera Bag

Thanks, all.

After looking at various options in local shops (not that there are many around the DC area), I've ordered a Lowepro Nova 170. It's specs are slightly larger than my current Nova 2. Assuming the build quality is as-expected, I'll probably also order a Nova 190. The 170 is close to the size of my current bag (about 1/2-1 inch larger in key dimensions) so it will still fit into my roll-aboard for airline trips. The 190 is even larger, allowing me to carry a third lens or second body - I'd use it for car trips and occasions where I fly my own plane (and am not baggage-count restricted). Adorama will deliver in time for my next trip. I ended up with basic black as the blue was not available from Adorama or BH.

I would have bought local, but none of the local shops had the 170 (or 180) in stock.

Mrs. GHF scored, however, finding a smaller (DSLR w/1 lens-sized) Lowepro bag on the markdown rack at one of the local stores. Price? $12.50.

Thanks, all.

After looking at various options in local shops (not that there are many around the DC area), I've ordered a Lowepro Nova 170. It's specs are slightly larger than my current Nova 2. Assuming the build quality is as-expected, I'll probably also order a Nova 190. The 170 is close to the size of my current bag (about 1/2-1 inch larger in key dimensions) so it will still fit into my roll-aboard for airline trips. The 190 is even larger, allowing me to carry a third lens or second body - I'd use it for car trips and occasions where I fly my own plane (and am not baggage-count restricted). Adorama will deliver in time for my next trip. I ended up with basic black as the blue was not available from Adorama or BH.

I would have bought local, but none of the local shops had the 170 (or 180) in stock.

Mrs. GHF scored, however, finding a smaller (DSLR w/1 lens-sized) Lowepro bag on the markdown rack at one of the local stores. Price? $12.50.

Way to go! I have found a couple of Lowpro's that way. Of course, it was never when i needed it. So for you to score that big at a time when you needed one is a great find.

Come to think of it, Lowepro has a lifetime warranty. Can't hurt to call them (http://www.lowepro.com/support/warranty) and describe what's happened. Worst that could happen is they say no; best that can happen is they send you a new bag. The experience of others with them has been positive (http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/read.asp?forum=1018&message=34690635).

The Lowepro warranty is awesome. I recently was in the market for a new bag after the zip broke on my 3 year old Lowepro daytrekker. I mentioned to the salesperson in the store I was looking in the reason for replacement and they told me to bring it and they would exchange it for a new one there and then.

Went back couple of hours later and now the happy owner of a new bag for free :)

Take a look at the Thinktank Retrospective. Understated (doesn't scream CAMERA!)..

I have this and is very happy with the bag. It fits perfectly in my rollaboard and is an excellent day bag. Interior holds 3-4 lenses, body, accessories. The compartments can hold memory cards, a guide book and my pouch of filters.

And as mentioned, it does not scream camera!

Take a look at the Thinktank Retrospective. Understated (doesn't scream CAMERA!)..

True, but heavy for their size. Obviously it protects your gear.

I love my Tenba mini-messenger

I love my Tenba small-messenger.