Defining and recommending bags for someone to use every day is tough, though I will say the key to any good everyday carry (EDC) bag is that it be just large enough to fit your essentials. Taking that into consideration, I’m going to try and do the impossible and recommend some bags that creatives in various professions may want to check out in the hunt for their next pack.
Photographer: Peak Design Everyday Backpack 20L
Of course, we are going to start with photographers in this EDC bag hunt—this is B&H Photo, after all. Since there are so many camera bags out there, I’m going to tell you which one I found that works for me: Peak Design’s Everyday Backpack 20L. It says everyday right there in the name, and the pack is very focused on that goal. I go way more in depth with my hands-on review, but the basics you need to know are that it will hold a 15" laptop with ease; has room for a tablet; adjustable and repositionable FlexFold dividers that will help you organize your cameras, lenses, and accessories; and the MagLatch system makes it quickly expandable. The MagLatch is what sold me on it, because it meant for lighter days when I could shrink the pack’s profile, making it great for traveling around New York City’s notoriously busy streets and subway.
Filmmaker and Videographer: Tenba Cinelux Backpack 24
Video and film need a bit more equipment than your average photographer. It’s unfortunate, but it means that you will likely need a bigger and more compartmentalized bag to handle your EDC needs. Assuming an everyday carry video kit is still fairly pared down, I think the carry-on friendly Tenba Cinelux Backpack 24 is a great choice. It’s a backpack, but still keeps the “doctor’s bag” opening through which you can pack larger cinema cameras or ENG rigs. Various padded divers, wraps, pillows, and a pouch are included here, as well, which will seriously help filmmakers who tend to have a lot of extra equipment to pack away, such as lavaliers, monitors, batteries, lights, etc. It’s a solid pack that also isn’t too big—because if you are bringing the kitchen sink, it probably isn’t an EDC kit.
Designer: Incase Designs Corp Sling Pack
I’m making some assumptions here for designers, but I’m guessing that most opt for small 2-in-1 laptops or tablets, such as the Microsoft Surface and Apple iPad Pro. So, by that logic, I think the Incase Designs Corp Sling Pack would be a good fit for a designer’s EDC items. It’ll hold up to a 13" laptop or tablet and has room on the inside to help organize your other accessories. Pack a wireless mouse, stylus, notebook and pens, extra batteries, and anything else you may need for day-to-day work. It’s also small, so those hoping for a lightweight everyday pack will enjoy it.
Audio Professional (Field Recording): Porta Brace SILENT Audio Organizer Bag
For field-recording audio professionals in the industry, it’s hard to deny that Porta Brace makes some of the best bags in the biz. Not only are there plenty of dedicated bags out there for nearly all professional mixers and recorders, there’s a SILENT Audio Organizer Bag that will get the job done, and done well. Not only is it designed to hold a recorder so users certainly have easy access to dials and can check levels but, thanks to a clear cover, this bag is made to be quiet. It uses near-silent zippers and magnets to ensure that pockets and openings don’t ruin your critical recording in the event you need to grab something or make adjustments. It’s also relatively small and has plenty of attachment points for securing microphones, receivers, a boompole, batteries, and anything else you may need in your EDC kit.
Influencer: ONA Bowery Bag
Influencers spend a considerable amount of time producing content and are likely on-camera themselves, so they will want something that looks as good as it is functional. ONA is one of the most well-known brands in the camera world, and The Bowery Bag is one of ONA’s best and most recognizable. The classic look is that of antique cognac leather, though ONA has expanded this line to satisfy any fashion sense. The bag is very well constructed and can fit a DSLR or mirrorless camera with a lens or two, with ease. You can also pack it into another bag and use it as an insert if you so please. It’s quite small, so it won’t weigh you down, and has just enough room for a couple of accessories, say a notebook or battery pack. The Bowery looks great and is great, so it’s an easy choice for a compact EDC bag.
Finding a perfect bag is a near-impossible task for many of us. Hopefully, this article will point at least a few of you in the right direction. What do you use as an EDC bag for your profession? Please be sure to share in the Comments, below; you never know who you might help! To read more articles about everyday carry solutions, click here.
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