After spending 20 years carting my gear around, I’ve come to realise that bags are second only to the camera itself. I remember my first bad experience with a bag - a Lowepro camera bag - it was badly balanced on the shoulder and kept tipping up - I cracked a lens using this bag.
![](https://www.digest.andymarshall.co/content/images/2023/03/img_9108.jpg)
I moved on to Billingham bags and they proved to be remarkably robust - taking in every situation that I could throw at them. But, although they were refined in status - they weren’t refined to my particular needs.
![](https://www.digest.andymarshall.co/content/images/2023/03/img_8757.jpg)
![](https://www.digest.andymarshall.co/content/images/2023/03/img_9711.jpg)
![](https://www.digest.andymarshall.co/content/images/2023/03/img_9710.jpg)
![](https://www.digest.andymarshall.co/content/images/2023/03/img_9709.jpg)
![](https://www.digest.andymarshall.co/content/images/2023/03/img_9708.jpg)
Along came Peak Design which has produced a series of bags that are real work-horses for the photographer. I use the Everyday Sling for my main drone and the Everyday Tote for carrying my cameras. I’ve used the Tote for a number of years - it just seems to fit my way of working. Ease of accessibility and having multiple ways of carrying the bag really helps. An added bonus is that it doesn’t look like a camera bag. They're carbon neutral too.
![](https://www.digest.andymarshall.co/content/images/2023/03/img_9728.jpg)
I also own bags that have a particular set of skills. My Brompton and its bag have been used to photograph airplane hangers, TV sets, Amazon warehouses and stately homes.
![](https://www.digest.andymarshall.co/content/images/2023/03/img_380608e94876-1.jpg)
![](https://www.digest.andymarshall.co/content/images/2023/03/img_0807-2.jpg)
![](https://www.digest.andymarshall.co/content/images/2023/03/img_0829-2.jpg)
![](https://www.digest.andymarshall.co/content/images/2023/03/img_1112.jpg)
![](https://www.digest.andymarshall.co/content/images/2023/03/img_5559-2.jpg)
![](https://www.digest.andymarshall.co/content/images/2023/03/img_6660.jpg)
![](https://www.digest.andymarshall.co/content/images/2023/03/img_5172.jpg)
Each new bag perhaps represents an evolution of my style and the way that I work - but also takes into account changing factors on the outside. My latest bag is a Peak Design TotePack which is slimline - has access from the top and sides and holds my small ‘stealth tripod’. After an incident in London, I’ve purchased this low key bag as a catch all to hold all of my equipment when in an urban setting. No loose ends.
![](https://www.digest.andymarshall.co/content/images/2023/03/img_9707.jpg)
![](https://www.digest.andymarshall.co/content/images/2023/03/screenshot_2022-02-07_at_14.11.18.png)
![](https://www.digest.andymarshall.co/content/images/2023/03/screenshot_2022-02-07_at_14.11.47.png)
Out of all the bags I have, one of my favourites is still my little Billingham Compact Stowaway - I can’t believe how much this bag holds. I still forget some of the hidden pockets that it harbours. Currently (this would have been hard to believe a few years back) this bag holds my videography kit - camera, mini-drone, wireless mics, cables, 360 cam and much more. It also doubles as a leisure bag. When I’m out and exploring it holds my compact camera, my phone and a notebook and pen.
![](https://www.digest.andymarshall.co/content/images/2023/03/img_9713-1.jpg)
I've recently purchased another bag which is a Barbour casual messenger bag - it has a dual purpose of photography and 'about town' bag. A kind of hybrid bag.
![](https://www.digest.andymarshall.co/content/images/2023/03/IMG_6796.jpeg)
What's your favourite bag and why? Subscribers can comment below.
Member discussion