Just bought a new backpack for carrying most of my day-to-day gear around for doco type jobs after the old one was starting to get a bit small and won’t be able to fit my sound bag with the radio distribution system I’m putting together.
After having a look at lots of different bags, I found those designed for photographers seemed to fit my needs best, as they have quick access and you can see what’s inside them, so it’s harder to lose things in them. Another criteria I had was to be as large as possible, yet still be able to take it as carry-on luggage on flights.
I ended up going with an F-Stop Loka in a nice loud blue colour so I can find it easily with a large “ICU” (removable bit with all the protective padding). It’s really light and I think I’ve found all the pockets now. I found the lowepro equivalents to be quite a bit heavier and found the protective compartment in the Vertex wasn’t deep enough to get my sound bag in.
Here’s the back that opens, so can just lift my bag straight out, transmitters are in the side bit behind the big divider
Cables, adapters and memory cards are in the flap that opens:
Mics go in the top, with hypers/cardiods in the small peli underneath (you can see it on the back)
There’s also space for a laptop or ipad down the back of the ICU and a couple of spare XLR cables.
Boom pole and light stand (together they make a lightweight mic stand) go on the sides. Harness can also attach to the front
Batteries in the front pocket (might be able to squeeze a charger in too)
And last of all, in the top pocket, I’ve got a pocket recorder for quickly grabbing atmos or as an emergency backup. Along with in-ear headphones and some tape and velcro
It’s looking like this will replace 2 bags at the moment and hopefully result in less strain on my back. I also think it holds more than my wheely petrol bag
