Reddit reviews S-ZONE Water Resistant DSLR SLR Camera Insert Bag Inner Case Bag(Medium)

I'd recommend getting her a protective insert that can be put inside of a normal backpack. From my experience, most camera bags are protective storage first, comfortable backpack second. I have bought a few of these: https://www.amazon.com/S-ZONE-Waterproof-Camera-Insert-Olympus/dp/B01M19NCJJ/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1511886772&sr=8-3&keywords=camera+insert and have been super happy with them.

Tenba wraps are great for this. Many sizes and they'll cover most any shape.

Search "camera case insert" on Amazon and you'll find all sorts of handy things, you just wade through them and see what fits your gear.

First off, its a running joke in photography that you'll never find the right bag, its an endless search, so welcome to that.

If already have a good laptop bag you like look at inserts especially if its just for a camera + one extra lens. I have one like this that I use in a regular Chrome shoulder bag and really love it or in my hiking backpack. You can find all sorts of shapes and sizes. They work best in messenger style bags but can work OK in backpacks if the zippers come really far down the sides.

Honestly, in the $50 budget range that is probably your best bet, good camera bags (like good bags in general) are pretty pricy. I have an large Incase backpack that I like that was $250. To answer you question about Amazon basics ones, I got a free one when I bought my camera from them and I just gave it away, I did not like it but that was based on size and functionality, not quality.

Man, the number of camera bags I've gone through....

I'm hoping I can help. I wanted a camera bag, that:

Didn't look like a camera bag

Could either carry all my gear, or double as a daypack

Could serve double duty as a laptop bag

Was good for travel

I settled on a Pacsafe backpack, with an insert for camera gear. The one I am currently using is:

https://www.pacsafe.com/venturesafe-x40-plus-anti-theft-40l-multi-purpose-backpack/60420100.html?cgid=hiking#start=1

Here's what I like about it: I have my camera insert in the top compartment. This gives me easy access to a 5D mk IV with lens attached, an additional lens (In my case a Tamron 15-30, its a pretty large lens) and space for another lens, flash or other peripheral. There is another access compartment on the back panel (the side that rests against your back). I can stow a 70-200 2.8 and a Mavic Pro drone and controller there, along with the stuff in the top compartment. I have mine set up this way so I can quickly pull the camera from the top, but a strong case could be made for storing the camera gear in the back compartment. If I'm traveling, the backpack can store all this and still be carry-on size. I've been able to fit it under an airplane seat without trouble. With all the gear, I still have space for some water on the outside, and some snacks and a layer or two inside.

When I don't need all my lenses, drone, etc. I have even more space for a few extra layers, some food, some water, etc. The laptop sleeve doubles as a storage for a hydration bladder.

There is also the extra security pacsafe builds into their packs: wire mesh so they can't be ripped open with a blade, claspable zippers, etc.

I'm using a top-loading camera insert similar to this one:

https://www.amazon.com/S-ZONE-Waterproof-Camera-Insert-Olympus/dp/B01M19NCJJ/ref=pd_bxgy_421_img_2?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B01M19NCJJ&pd_rd_r=69dea144-b09a-11e8-96dd-777fa7fb2507&pd_rd_w=VBNxJ&pd_rd_wg=9xeut&pf_rd_i=desktop-dp-sims&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_p=6725dbd6-9917-451d-beba-16af7874e407&pf_rd_r=4KGDH6R61K2R0G3DJA1Q&pf_rd_s=desktop-dp-sims&pf_rd_t=40701&psc=1&refRID=4KGDH6R61K2R0G3DJA1Q


Dare I say it, I do think this pack is (for me) the perfect solution.

I bought this one on Amazon for my messenger bag. Carry my X-T20 with 18-55 attached, a 135mm 3.5 and a 50mm 1.7 plus a lens cloth and a couple of filters. The top flap is actually just Velcro’d on which I like because I took it off. Decent padding too.

I have had this problem many times and have amassed a collection of bags for stylish camera carrying for a number of situations. One option would be to get a padded bag insert and put that at the bottom of a backpack or tote bag. You could also, like you said, ditch the small bag and get a larger cross body bag which will fit your camera gear. but either way don't worry about carrying a tote with a shoulder bag, protecting your gear is more important.

https://www.amazon.com/S-ZONE-Resistant-Camera-Insert-Olympus/dp/B01M19NCJJ/ref=sxin_2_ac_m_pm?ac_md=1-0-VW5kZXIgJDI1&keywords=camera+bag+insert&pd_rd_i=B01M19NCJJ&pd_rd_r=904332bc-1f3a-4c65-8df7-891e49557022&pd_rd_w=d1YAH&pd_rd_wg=HipAf&pf_rd_p=52ddbacc-f25e-4731-abd8-005c535b500a&pf_rd_r=T3WK2T5DMZ7Q4PWXWRWQ&qid=1564452771&s=gateway&sprefix=camera+bag+i

I used this as my camera insert in my Ruckpack 28. You can have it sideways for side access. Sorry not sure how to shorten the link on mobile. I carried this backpack for 2 weeks vacay with a DSLR camera, large powerbank and a bottle of water. It felt pretty heavy on the shoulders by the end of th day, keep in mind I'm 5'2" female. Should be fine for someone taller and stronger than myself.