This is one of those duh, I could figure that out blog posts. I like to take photos, which means I need to have my camera with me. Which means I need to figure out the easiest way to do that depending on what I’m going to be doing. Mostly I’m just running around town and would like to just pop my camera in a bag that I would take normally. This is where the camera insert comes in handy.

I totally believe that you should have at least one camera insert. Sometimes you can scrounge from another bag that has an insert that comes out or you may have to buy your own.

I’ve got an Ape Case camera insert and I love that it’s bright yellow. Very helpful if you need to park an airliner. Or just seeing things in a dark bag.

So obviously there’s the camera with a lens, on or off, up to you. My religion says lenses on so the rest of you will go to hell. Then there’s your wallet of choice, nail glue and file, eye drops, chap-stick, pen, highlighter for some reason, sanitizer, eyeliner, lipstick, microfiber cloth, gum, Aldi quarter, ear buds and mints 😉. And I guess keys, if you use them.

Behold, see how it fits in the quality pleather bag I definitely didn’t buy on TikTok.

I blame my phone camera but here’s an idea of what it looks like when wearing. This concept can be used for any size camera insert you may find and bags currently in your possession. I have a couple of inserts from dedicated camera bags that I can move into other purse like bags or back packs which makes this one of the more practical ways to carry your camera. It’s just not as fun as purchasing the perfect camera bag again.

Speaking of the perfect camera bag, this one is close. I alternate between this Domke F6 and a Wotancraft Pilot 7l (buy this 10l if you can). I love the cram-ablity of this bag. With it’s waxed canvas and flexible insert I’ve had two cameras, extra lens and film, plus usual camera things stuffed into this bag. The strap is great with the rubber grippy on the inside. It will pull long hair though.

Downside for this specific bag and other flap covered bags is that it is hard to see into when wearing, the flap likes to flap and I have to fight to grab stuff out and put back in and organization goes out the window.

See what I mean, outward opening flaps would be so much easier.

That said, here’s how I load the Domke with camera and personal bits and roberts.

Next of course is your backpack carry, gag. I hate backpacks usually but they are great at what they do. I’ve got this old Mindshift camera backpack. I don’t use it often, but when I do use it I’m glad I have it.

I’ve got a lot gripes about this backpack but having it works for photographing with the long lens. I can tuck a mono-pod or tripod or collapsible stool in the stretchy pockets. This backpack is great for day hikes and once I have the camera out with the long lens on it’s quiet light since I have the strap to carry when on the move.

I can fit a bunch in this bag but it’s not packed down in dedicated pockets like in a Lowpro or something more bulky and box shaped.

Oh god the blasphemy.

So we’ve got a camera, two lenses, mono-pod, mono-pod foot that goes in the small lens bag if it’s clean, rain cover, camera strap, personal junk, water bottle that still tastes like plastic, a power bank and typical camera things.

It’s got a nice sternum strap that was of course designed for men and I wear it with the straps as small as they can go or close to it.

I’m still looking for ways to slim down what I need and what to bring. But this is the system that works for me. And none of this is for women only. The more you take your gear out the more you’ll be able to narrow down what works for you.

Have fun and take photos! Like this bald red-bellied wood pecker sneaking up on it’s friend.