Mountainsmith Tour FX Bag

Comments about Mountainsmith Tour FX Bag:

Great thing about this bag is that it can be carried three ways. Sling, waist and backpack. Nice that it has a built in rain cover. I have a lot of camera bags and the Mountainsmith Tour FX is my favorite and most used. Great price too.

Comments about Mountainsmith Tour FX Bag:

Gives me the ability to wear on my waist

Comments about Mountainsmith Tour FX Bag:

When you are on the move and can only take the the photography equipment you absolutely need, this is the perfect bag. Large enough for what is necessary without taking everything and easy to travel with no mater how you're traveling. Camera, two lenses, speed light, remote and miscellaneous small gear.

Comments about Mountainsmith Tour FX Bag:

I had never heard of this company before. I purchased this bag because I have a back problem and wanted a waist and shoulder bag. I did not want a backpack because I would not easily have access to equipment. Also - my husband usually carries my equipment and he doesn't like one of my cross over bags because it looks "girly". This bag has so many pockets - I love the top flip up section with the pockets perfect quick access for memory cards, cleaning pen, trigger release. Interior holds several lenses or a couple with a D800 body and lens. There is a zipper that can be opened to expand the height of the bag for longer lenses. Outside pocket for water bottle. A rain cover tucked in bottom. Straps for a tripod. I carefully selected this bag in the store and I love it.

Two things are tricky - the top opens at the side closest to the body - a bit unusual but livable. Also - when using the shoulder strap, the bag tends to tip out. I solved this by putting the strap through a loop on the top and it is fine.

Best bag I ever bought and a reasonable price.

Comments about Mountainsmith Tour FX Bag:

I used this product for travel which included hiking, camping, varieties of transportation, on the go constantly. I really like the waist belt and space. I fit 2 camera bodies, 3 lenses (including one weighing 5lbs, filters, cleaning equipment, cards, snacks, personal items, rain gear, and water. It held up to the jungle moisture and brush. The ability of the main compartment to extend allowed plenty of room to house a 500mm lens. The only downside was the shoulder/neck strap. I did apply my own heavy duty strap which allowed for a reduction in the stress of the weight.

Comments about Mountainsmith Tour FX Bag:

versitile for many backpacking, paddling, climbing or just urban, adventures. This product protects in variety of positions without being a load to carry.

Comments about Mountainsmith Tour FX Bag:

This bag comfortably fits two lenses, camera body, flash, a few soft cover field guides, and accessories. I typically carry a liter or two of water by clipping my bottle(s) to the loops on the front of the bag. I use the shoulder strap and belt to evenly distribute the weight and can carry these items all day with much less discomfort compared to similar bags.

Comments about Mountainsmith Tour FX Bag:

Use for day hikes, fishing excursions and every day bumming around downtown. Plenty of room for xtra lenses and small notebook, adapters, flash etc. I take allot of wild flowers and everything is visible to pull out while still wearing it. You can overload it and make it flop away from your body, kind of top heavy. But with a little shifting around and taking a more reasonable amount, you will have enough energy to get to the top of the mountain with a functioning pack. I have looked at different packs for years and tried a backpak and wasn't satisfied because you had to remove it to use it. This pack is well made and keeps everything dry. There is a rain cover for the pack and I like that availability. Great for the price!!!

Comments about Mountainsmith Tour FX Bag:

I love this bag! The features are great and the waste support is truly amazing like all Mountasmith bags! This is the best featured, most supportive waste bag I have ever seen! And it is made from recycled plastic.

Comments about Mountainsmith Tour FX Bag:

Value is the key word here. Nice bag, well made, the right size for my needs. Padding is good enough for travel. Compartments can be reconfigured inside the main bag - great flexibility. I carry a D300 with 17-55 lens attached along with a 80-200 on one side, flash and chargers on the other side. Separate compartments for filters, memory cards, etc. There are lots of straps and stuff on the outside - not a clean look. Importantly it is primarily meant for strapping around your waist.

Comments about Mountainsmith Tour FX Bag:

I like the hip mount pack method due to it's convenience and limited load on the back. There is a limit to how much weight you can manage using that method. I can easily fit a 70-300, 10-24, and two prosumer DSLRs with lenses in the main body. Add to that an additional lens on either side and misc accessories in the pockets and you have FULL load. At that point it gets top heavy and wants to tip away from your body. The construction quality is below what I expected but on par with what I would expect based on where it was assembled. The sides are too flimsy for a pack it's size. All that said this will probably end being my primary or at least secondary case.

Comments about Mountainsmith Tour FX Bag:

I bought this bag to use on a trip to Alaska. Iwanted to be able to carry my Canon 50D with an 18-200mm telephoto lens and battery grip, flash, lens hood, back up Canon Powershot G10, Hoodman Loupe and a few filters, memory cards and batteries, etc. All the while able to be hands free and not have to set my bag down to get at my gear. I also wanted it to be protected from the rain by my raincoat but still convenient to get to if need be. This bag fits the bill. I can slide it around in front of me and it has plenty of room for everything I need. It does lean forward due to the weight of my camera but I understand I can order "strapettes" to alleviate that, but I won't be able to spin it around on my waist how I want with those on. I won't be doing any strenuous hiking - all tourist stuff - so I'm going to make due without them. If the waist strap were more centally located or even at the top part of the bag, the bag wouldn't be so top heavy and I don't think you'd need those strapettes. All in all it was the best waist pack I could find that would hold what I needed.

Comments about Mountainsmith Tour FX Bag:

I bought this bag because I have another Mountainsmith bag and I am impressed with thier quality and design. I bought this bag to carry my Nikon D90 around with an aditional lense or two. Overall the bag is well made and well thought-out. It is not however, comfortable to carry. If anyone is considering buying it, either add the backpack shoulder straps or bypass it for a backpack camera bag.

Comments about Mountainsmith Tour FX Bag:

this bag is a great bag to take on hikes. using the shoulder strap and the waist strap at the same time allows the user to comfortably hike with the bags weight distributed to minimize the effort it takes to carry it. it also allows the user to turn the bag (while still strapped) to the front to open. the top opens away from the wearer to allow quick access into the bag. the area inside the bag holds my nikon d300 with its 18mm-135 lens attached, two extra lenses, my flash unit, wallet, cards, cords, and a few other things. there is a lot of vertical space so things can be stacked but i like to keep it light for long walks. the pockets could use a little more space but are still useful. over all i am pleased with my purchase.

Comments about Mountainsmith Tour FX Bag:

The flexibility of this well constructed and thought out bag is impressive. I carry several lenses and even have room for a water bottle inside. (added bonus is that the padded construction keeps the water cool but doesn't affect the photo equip).

I've hiked and flown on planes with this bag and have been very pleased with the construction and the "non-camera bag look" to keep my photo investments safe. The multiple straps and hooks on the outside promise expansion in the future.

Thanks Mountainsmith for a great product!

Comments about Mountainsmith Tour FX Bag:

I was searching for another shoulder bag for my camera gear. I previously owned ones by Tamrac and LowePro and both of them were decent. I have owned a Mountainsmith lumbar pack for over five years and it is one of my favorite packs for short hikes and I would use it for my camera gear. Mountainsmith has finally come out with a lumbar pack for camera gear!

The construction is top notch. There is plenty of space inside and there is always the option of attaching the lens pouches to the side of the Tour FX. The sling works well for light to medium loads. For heavier or longer durations, the waist belt really helps to distribute the weight through the hips. There are plenty of pockets for memory cards, batteries and other accessories. The cover conveniently opens away from the user so that the equipment is easily accessible while wearing the bag.

I already own the strapettes from my other Mountainsmith bag so it was very easy for me to attach them to the bag. Once you learn how to use the strapettes they can be attached or detached very quickly. The strapettes work even better in distributing the load.

The most I've fit so far into the main compartment is (1) Canon 5D gripped + 24-70 f/2.8L, (2) Canon 70-200 f/2.8L, (3) Canon 17-40 f/4L, (4) Canon 580EX, and (5) Canon OC-E3.

The reasons why I purchased this bag is (1) Mountainsmith's reputation, (2) lumbar pack design w/ waist belt, (3) optional strapettes, and (4) size/space for gear.

Comments about Mountainsmith Tour FX Bag:

I was looking for a bag to carry a Canon D-SLR with battery grip, several lenses and other accessories while hiking. When I first saw the Tour FX, I knew I had to have one. After my first hike with the bag, it has become my favorite bag. I bought the strapette and it is also great. Great bag, Mountainsmith!!!!

Comments about Mountainsmith Tour FX Bag:

The best general purpose photography bags, based on my own exhaustive online research, are:

1) Domke F2 – used by David Hobby (the Strobist) and many photojournalists worldwide
2) Kata WS-604 – a newer design whose users include famed photographer Joe McNally
3) MountainSmith Tour FX –a new bag gaining momentum from an established outfitter

My situation: middle aged semi-pro photographer whose objectives include capturing Havasu Falls, one of the most challenging and beautiful parts of the Grand Canyon. What this implies: hike with full gear (photography, camping, food, water, etc…) at least 10 miles downhill for what could be a multi-day adventure and then uphill to exit.

Although all these bags are comparably sized, only the MountainSmith Tour FX meets my requirements. Why? Domke F2 is a shoulder bag and optionally a backpack; Kata WS-604 is a shoulder and lumbar bag; MountainSmith Tour FX with optional strappette is all of the above. Ultimately the MountainSmith Tour FX allows use of backpack and lumbar straps at the same time. This is a life saver when you’re on any mission that challenges your physical endurance to its limits.

PROS: While using the lumbar and optional backpack straps it’s easy to shift from a backpack position to a front or side positioned lumbar bag without taking the bag off your body. The main flap also opens away from your body making it even easier to access your camera without removing the bag. It will accommodate a Nikon DSLR camera body with attached 18-200 VR lens plus six additional lens (or equally sized gear). It also provides additional flat zippered compartment space, straps to connect optional lens attachments, a provision for connecting a small light stand or tripod, and a built-in rain cover to protect the bag and its contents in case you’re caught in an unexpected downpour.

CONS: The MountainSmith Tour FX and optional strappette comes with zero instructions. I wasted nearly an hour for this reason configuring and adjusting the bag. Despite this obstacle, the Tour FX is likely the best bag available for the situation I described. All things considered, I rate these bags 4 stars. It’s the best bag I know of for carrying a full complement of camera gear for long periods of time in demanding situations while providing quick and easy access to your camera.

Life is an adventure. Seize and record it as you go!

Comments about Mountainsmith Tour FX Bag:

4.5 Stars. I needed a waist pack so I can take some of my gear trail running. I bought it and have been satisfied with the results. I am able to store my D300 with lens attached, Tokina 12-24, Nikon 80-200, SB-600 flash, 3 lens hoods, and cleaning kit, plus extras like batteries & CF cards. I also own several other Montainsmith packs/products...all bombproof!

Mountainsmith knows how to make packs. The FX is designed ergonomically correct. Construction is bomb proof. The outer accessory compartment could use a little more room (too compressed), but stores what you need. However, for additional stability, you'll need the Strapette Harness.

Comments about Mountainsmith Tour FX Bag:

I have use a Mountainsmith fanny pack bag for many years and love it. I needed a camera pack that was small and yet would hold a lot of stuff! The Tour FX does, It holds an Fuji S5pro with lens, S9000, s700, and an Olympus c4040, flash, cards, battery's and more.