I did basically the same thing with my backpack. I took all the padding out of a camera bag that is WAY too big for the amount of gear I have and put it in my pack. I'll put up some pics later.

i just got home from REI and ALMOST bought a new bag, but didn't pull the trigger for some reason. they're having some crazy sales on couriers and slings btw.

ben has a great write up on a DIY bag he made with an $11 zoo york messenger bag.

oh and the inserts are made by domke, makers of the most retarded overpriced gear ever. tenba and a few others also have replacement inserts too.

Originally Posted by jjswee

Do you think a sling bag can be converted for a good bag to hike with?

one in quesiton: http://www.rei.com/product/738669?vc...SHP_TRAVEL_TOC

Modeling it off this one: http://www.amazon.com/Kata-T-212-Tor...0192608&sr=8-3

That one is great, but not 65 dollars great. I am looking for a cheaper alternative. Can sling bags be used in the front so I can have easy access? Are they secure?

i JUST looked at that bag at REI, you realize how small it is right? it's REALLY tiny. check their website for the REI slings which are that style, but WAY bigger with weatherproof inverted zippers, fully taped seams, pluss one large sectioned off compartment with a glasses/goggle pocket and a smaller 'junk' area.

this is the bag i'm talking about:
http://www.rei.com/product/738793

it's super sick, WAY worth $45 plus if there's an REI near you you can save ~$8 on shipping!

Originally Posted by Matt K

link to "domke insert" please? I have a nice small bag, but I kinda need a big one for the times I want to bring more than 2-3 lenses or a flash or anything else with me...

here's a few of the tenba inserts:
http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=sr_nr_se...%3Aelectronics

and the domke inserts:
http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_ss_e/...insert&x=0&y=0

they're almost NEVER on sale, which is annoying, but b&h or adorama (linked through amazon) are your best bet.

if anyone knows of other insert makers, please chime in and let me know!

Here's my thread on my DIY bag:
http://www.newschoolofphotography.co...highlight=york

here's a link to the Domke inserts at B&H:
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/cont...arch&Q=*&bhs=t
make sure you get something for the bottom of the bag, their inserts have no padding on the bottom!!!

If you know how to sew, you can also make your own inserts pretty easily with some foam and felt from a crafts store.

I've also been looking at making some sort of a sling bag. I haven't found one I'm really happy with so I'm looking at making my own/modifying something to work... It's a PITA because I want something that can be slung with one strap at times, but ALSO has 2 straps so when you're going the distance you can also have the support.... So I'm looking at modifying a backpack to work. The insert setup in my zoo york bag is working really well though, so I just need a backpack that they will fit into to start with.

I like the looks of this:

http://www.mtbakersnowboardshop.com/...ct_detail/8876
but it's listed as only 2.5" thick... I need about 6"~7" thick, but I like the tall and wide look of that bag... I'm 6'4" so finding tall packs isn't easy. That's ~20" which is longer than most. I also have a burton and 2 Dakines at home I need to play with to see if they'll work... Once I have a pack that is the right size I need to sort out the straps so I can run with one across, or 2 normally... Buckles/clips/straps will work there.


This is the only sling bag I've been tempted by so far:
http://www.backcountry.com/store/MOU...mera-Pack.html
mountain smith camera sling, $89 at backcountry.com

BEN!

http://www.rei.com/product/738793

that bag is on clearance at REI for ~$30, it's SUPER SUPER sick with fully taped seams and weatherproof zippers, plus it has a cool glasses/goggle pocket near the top with a cool fleece-ish lining that'd be awesome for cleaning lenses.

It's $44.83 in that link?
and I'll have to check it out. We now have a REI locally. Usually their bag selection sucks, but sometimes I find decent things there.

I usually jump on anything bag related on steepandcheap and or whiskeymilitia though. That's how I ended up with the zoo york, the burton backpack, and one of the DaKines...

Originally Posted by jacobsen1

It's $44.83 in that link?
and I'll have to check it out. We now have a REI locally. Usually their bag selection sucks, but sometimes I find decent things there.

I usually jump on anything bag related on steepandcheap and or whiskeymilitia though. That's how I ended up with the zoo york, the burton backpack, and one of the DaKines...

yeah, the CHEAP one is $45 on the website, but i was at REI on sunday night dude and it was $32 or something right around there. plus, it was on clearance, not sale so they were actually selling to rid them completely, not just sell more at the "SALE" level. know what i mean?

the flagship REI is downtown, it's amazing dude...if you guys ever come out here, i'll take you there. they have bike trails and aggro rocks for product testing!

yeah, gotcha. I'll see if I can make time tonight.

i make inserts and will underbid domke's RETARDED expensive prices all day long

word, let me know dude. i finally figured out the right padding for them, i'll get pics and specs up later