Field Bag? Ideas?

[Spenser]

Currently using a Filson Small Carry on Bag as the "man bag" in the field. Carry camera, binocs, small first aid kit, fly boxes and miscellaneous junk. Having issues with the zipper to get in and the straps for opening and getting camera out quickly, also very loud with the straps and brass pieces. Question-anyone use something different? Would like to stick with Filson, staying away from backpack due to ease of access. Interested in the Tin Cloth Field bag, similar to what I have but no brass and leather. Issues? Others? Thanks for any comments

 

[Colorado David]

I use a bag very much like item B in my link although mine was made by Hardy, the Britisch fly tackle company. I bought mine from a gun shop in Traverse City, Michigan several years ago and wish I'd bought three of them at the time. I would keep one stocked for fishing, one for upland birds, and one for general outdoor use.

Here's the link; http://www.bsaltd.com/pages/L010234.htm

 

[Colorado David]

If you follow the link to the bags, you'll notice that they have an incorrect description for item B. It is not a netted front strap and buckle closure bag. The description of bag C, Flap bag with two internal and two external pockets. Quick release adjustable fasteners, shoulder strap with the dimensions from B would be accurate.

 

[Photog]

Sounds like you are having troubles with the camera, in the field bag.

You might try using a camera bag, that looks like a field bag or satchel.

It is easier to use a camera bag for other purposes, than it is to use another bag for camera purposes.

Try a "Jack" by Jill-e, or Crumpler Brazillion Dollar Home, or a Military Ops by Naneu.

Note, all other Jill-e bags are designed for women's tastes. The "Jack" bags are the only Man-Bags they make.

There are others, like the ones above, with the Filson style, but different execution.

 

[Jonathan Hanson]

I have an old Filson field bag which works great and is silent to access. But I just went and looked at the current field bag, and good God - what's with the Fastex buckles? Et tu, Filson?

You might look at Barbour as well. Similar to the Hardy. There's one in all leather:

≤http://www.barbour.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=products.view&ProductID=17332&PCategoryID=16&RangeID=4

 

[Colorado David]

Et tu, Filson?

Beware the ides of March.

 

[Spenser]

jonathan-you hit the same issue that I had with it! Like the tin cloth, supposedly they changed to fastex to make it quieter in the field and easier to access.

 

[jcbrandon]

I've used the same big messenger bag as my day bag for more than 15 years. It's from Timbuk2:
http://www.timbuk2.com/tb2/products/messenger/

They come in several sizes and it looks like from their website you can customize them to suit your needs. Mine is just one giant compartment with three smaller sections inside, a small zippered pocket and open slot on the outside, all covered by an oversized flap. I've used this in the truck on road and backcountry trips, on various boats and airplanes, and it carried my week's worth of clothing when I commuted by bicycle. It is big enough to hold clothes and gear for a weekend getaway or my gotta-have-handy stuff for a longer trip.

After 15 years of rough use, it is still as functional as it was when brand new.

 

[Colorado David]

I don't know if this was discussed here. It happened a couple of years ago and was discussed ad nausium in a group of outdoor industry folks. Filson was sold. Several of the people we knew there were shown the door. The new president was a former president of Ralph Lauren. There's nothing wrong with Ralph Lauren, but they ain't Filson. They talked a lot at the SHOT Show about how they weren't going to significantly change their core products, they were just going to expand and introduce the Lodge Collection. And some products would no longer be made in their Seattle workshop. Those items' production moved to China. I believe the whole Tincloth line is still made in Washington. This must be the reason for the Fastex buckles, which by the way are fine, just not on a Filson.

 

[Spenser]

Gentlemen-you have provided some good alternatives to review and consider. Much appreciated for that. David, you raise a very good point, remembered reading that on the Rivendell website and likely might have some bearing at Filson now, especially with the new wool bags.

 

[Photog]

That Barbour bag that Jonathan posted is a real HONEY.:drool:
You just need padded sleeves for the Bino's and camera.

 

[Spenser]

You know photog, I had to agree! It was funny, when I opened last night my monitor was on zoom or something and it opened as full screen close up on the leather, right on the barbour tag. I am wondering if Jonathan isnt on Barbour's payroll after the Classic Kit regarding the jackets!

 

[CoastalDefender]

You all are too classy for me. I'm a cordura and fastex type of guy...

 

[Jonathan Hanson]

I am wondering if Jonathan isnt on Barbour's payroll after the Classic Kit regarding the jackets!

Don't I wish I was on Barbour's payroll . . .

 

[winkosmosis]

Those bsaltd and Barbour bags look like purses... and cost as much. Not that there's anything wrong with looking effeminate.

There is a vast array of cheap military style bags on Amazon http://www.amazon.com/M-51-Engineer...r_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=apparel&qid=1252248219&sr=8-2