Need a discrete, slim bag for London/Olypmics

[Tinkaroo]

I'm heading to London/Olympics next month and looking to get a more discrete, slimmer bag. Many recent articles and podcasts I've reviewed include words of caution regarding pickpockets and thieves. The two Loewpros I have scream camera bag and are mostly worn on the back, which I'm trying to avoid. What are your suggestions for a suitable bag for this environment?

Gear includes:
- Canon 7D (gripped)
- 70 - 200mm L
- 50 prime
- 18 - 55 mm
- Speedlite 580EX

What I am considering:
- Think Tank Retrospective 10 (With this bag I would have to have the 70 - 200 detached)
http://www.thinktankphoto.com/products/retrospective-10-pinestone-shoulder-bag.aspx
- Timbuk2 Snoop Camera Messenger XS
http://www.timbuk2.com/tb2/products/snoop-camera-messenger-2012/2114862

Thanks in advance for your insight!

 

[photo_chick]

Well, from your post I don't know if you're male or female so these may not be appropriate for you, but Jototes makes great bags that don't look like camera bags. Unlike a lot of the purse like camera bags they actually have decent padding in them. They're obviously made for fashion and they're about as far away from looking like a camera bag as you can get. But since they do look like really nice large purses that may present it's own problems.

 

[Tinkaroo]

Thanks for the reply. I should have clarified my gender for recommendations.

I am actually the husband of "Tinkaroo." So, I am looking for something, perhaps, a little more masculine.

 

[2Tiggies]

Thanks for the reply. I should have clarified my gender for recommendations.

I am actually the husband of "Tinkaroo." So, I am looking for something, perhaps, a little more masculine.

My partner is also going to the London Olympics and wanted a bag to take a tablet, his Canon DSLR with 2 lenses and needed space for a few personal items, like a wallet, phone, etc. He also did not want it to look like a camera bag. I have bought him this one for his birthday

http://www.amazon.com/Lowepro-Messenger-Shoulder-Compartment-LP36415/dp/B0077B3E5S/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1341167067&sr=8-1&keywords=lowepro+event+messenger+150

You have evidently seen that they are placing restrictions on photo gear so this one should fit the bill

 

[Tinkaroo]

My partner is also going to the London Olympics and wanted a bag to take a tablet, his Canon DSLR with 2 lenses and needed space for a few personal items, like a wallet, phone, etc. He also did not want it to look like a camera bag. I have bought him this one for his birthday

http://www.amazon.com/Lowepro-Messenger-Shoulder-Compartment-LP36415/dp/B0077B3E5S/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1341167067&sr=8-1&keywords=lowepro+event+messenger+150

You have evidently seen that they are placing restrictions on photo gear so this one should fit the bill

Thanks, 2Tiggies! Because of your recommendation, I believe I am going to purcahse the Loewpro Pro Messenger 180AW (http://products.lowepro.com/product/Pro-Messenger-180-AW,2285,20.htm).

Seeing as I have two of their bags already, I trust in the product build and utility. Plus, if I need additional dividers, I have them from the other bags.

And yes, I have been reading up on the equipment restrictions at the games. I think I will take my Canon G-Series P/S for these events and take the rest of the gear when we're touring the city.

Again, thank you for your post and recommendation!

Hope this message finds you well!

 

[giantstu]

From what i am gathering, The public will not be allowed to take
DSLR's in the Olympic park area and the bag checks and security levels will be extremely high.

 

[photo_chick]

Thanks for the reply. I should have clarified my gender for recommendations.

I am actually the husband of "Tinkaroo." So, I am looking for something, perhaps, a little more masculine.

Yeah, so not so much a Jototes person! There's a few other "man bags" that don't look like camera bags but my husband won't touch them because he says they still look like girly bags. There just aren't a lot of manly camera bags that don't scream "camera bag". You men loose out in that department.

I have a messenger style camera bag as well (Tamrac) that I use to keep things close. It works pretty well because it's slung across my body, not just over my shoulder, and I can keep my hand on it in questionable situations.

 

[Tinkaroo]

http://www.london2012.com/mm/Docume...Prohibitedandrestricteditemslists_Neutral.pdf

This list was linked to from the official london games website under "visitors, then "safety and security"... A link regarding prohibited items is contained in the text and the PDF opens.