What's a good multi purpose bag for gear?

[Ted]

When I go (tent) camping with the family or friend, I usually have several things that I like to carry with me (either because they're handy to take with me or I don't want too leave them unattended in a tent) if we go for a walk or ride, and have easy access to those items
Also at night I prefer to have that stuff easily accessable in the inner tent (to be sure it's dry) so the most convenient would be to store it all in one bag.
The items are a:
- Olympus C8080 digital camera, not as large as an SLR, but not small either
- Flashlight / 1 or 2 knives
- Wallet / passport / small notebook
- GPS / cellphone
- keys
- small pocket survival kit if I'm really adventurous...
- water bottle (1L max)
- small medical kit (some band-aids & stuff more for my little girls :) )
- Medium/compact binoculars (not always)

At the moment I carry most of the stuff in a Lowe Alpine PAX 10 backpack. It all fits in there (not the binocular), but it's one big compartment so it's not really convenient. Also, I need to store my digital camera then in it's own pouch otherwise it might get damaged by the other items, making it cumbersome to grab the camera for a quick snapshot.

I've looked at some stuff from Maxpedition, but I think the Proteus it too small and the new Devildog not practical and probably also too small. The 'Multi Purpose Bag' is a bit too much I think.

Another option would be the CountyComm 'Bail Out Bag'. It's only $40, and I think most of the stuff would fit in there. I'm not sure about the binoculars though... The main compartment can be divided, so I can probably store my digital camera in there safely together with some other items.
The 14"x10"x6" size sounds good to me.

And, to quote somebody on BFC, would I look like I jumped out of a S.W.A.T. car when I carry that thing?

Does anybody here have experience with the CountyComm BOB for the purpose that I need it for? - or are there any other similair bags out there?

Thanks

[WORKER#9]

Ted I Use My Camelback For That Purpose, I Use Either My Big One Desert Camo, The Or The Blow Fish, The Blow Fish Is About Perfect For What Your Describing. I Also Have A C-8080 And It Fits Perfect With All The Extra Gear You Listed. And You Can Carry Water And That Is Critical For Me. You Can Also Take The Water Blader Out And Carry Water Bottles. So They Are Quite Nice. The Blow Fish Is On The Left, It Is Really A Perfect Size. The Razor Is On The Right Side, The Razor Is To Small And Only Really Good For Bike Riding Imo. #9

Having Your Camera In The Field Is Nice Here Is A Picture Of My Lil Temp Cooling Off In A Trout Stream Near Lassen National Monument!

[butch]

i got to 2nd the camelback i have a m.u.l.e used it in the corp kind of like if i can t get it in there i probably dont need it
bet i could make it a weekend ok when packed right

[UK KEN]

Ted

Good morning! I use a army surplus "arms pack" with a "special forces" bag inside it which has all the compartments I need for smaller items. It can be carried as a rucksack or a bag. It has two handles at the top of the bag and compression straps. Side pockets can be attatched if extra space is needed.

At £9.99 they are exceptional value but might be too large for your needs but I like to have a bit of extra room for "if only I had brought" items!

Regards, Ken

[Simple Man]

I HIGHLY suggest the County Comm BOB. I have one of the older ones that were cleared out and it is great for packin my gadgets around, especially on the weekends. It also doubles nicely as my shooting bag, I am tempted to order the newest iteration just for the upgrades. It sounds like what you want to take with up will fit nicely. I usually have my
- Sharpening kit (7"x3"x4"± box of stuff)
- PDA
- 9MM and .22 ammo bulk boxes
- Earplugs
- Paracord
- 8 1/2"/11" folder
- Light
- Pen
- Swamp Rat HR
OR
- Shaving kit
- Change of clothes
- PDA
- Light
- Pen
- Swamp Rat HR
- 8 1/2"/11" folder
- Dogbone sharpener

(You can also pick up a lot of other cool stuff from CC with the same order to save shipping.............)

[Ted]

ROM831, small question, what's the size of the inner compartment.
Do you think my C8080 camera would fit?
The size is:
124 (w) x 84.5 (h) x 99 (d) mm.
4.9" x 3.3" x 4"

Worker#9, I'll have a look at your bag also. Does it have multiple compartments? How do you store the C8080 in there?
(nice shot of the Lil Temp!)

Ted

[Simple Man]

I don't have it with me at the moment, but the base of the 204 is 7 5/8" x 3" x 1 1/8" (looked it up). It fits flat in the bottom with a little room to spare front to back and about 2-1/2" total to spare side to side. That would make the ID of large pocket would be close to 12" x 3 1/2" x 10". I am thinking it would fit okay, especialy with a little strategic padding.

As far as it looking too tactical, I don't think it is a problem. But I also EDC a Millie, was practically introduced to real knives and guns by my in-laws, have the HR at work at least 2x a week, and have been known to sharpen others knives at work, and nobody seems to care yet. YMMV

[Jimd]

Try Maxpedition ([url]http://www.maxpedition.com)[/url].
I have the Falcon backpack, which has a few main compartments, along with several smaller compartments/pockets. It's not a huge pack, but carries a respectable amount of gear. Mine is Khaki, so it doesn't look too "tactical". You'll love it.

Maxpedition's gear is very well-built and comfortable, and an excellent value for your money.

[greencobra]

Ted, is the photo in your first post a "bail out bag"?

[WORKER#9]

ROM831, small question, what's the size of the inner compartment.
Do you think my C8080 camera would fit?
The size is:
124 (w) x 84.5 (h) x 99 (d) mm.
4.9" x 3.3" x 4"

Worker#9, I'll have a look at your bag also. Does it have multiple compartments? How do you store the C8080 in there?
(nice shot of the Lil Temp!)

Ted

TED I STORE IT IN THE MAIN COMPARTMENT, INSIDE OF A SEPERATE BAG, I GUESS THERE IS NO WAY TO TOTALLY ISOLATE THE CAMERA IN THE CAMELBACK. IT DOES HAVE MULTIPLE COMPARTMENTS, BUT TO TOTALLY PROTECT THE CAMERA I JUST KEEP IT IN ITS OWN BAG. #9

[Ted]

Ted, is the photo in your first post a "bail out bag"?

Yes, it's 'stolen' from http://www.countycomm.com

[Ted]

TED I STORE IT IN THE MAIN COMPARTMENT, INSIDE OF A SEPERATE BAG, I GUESS THERE IS NO WAY TO TOTALLY ISOLATE THE CAMERA IN THE CAMELBACK. IT DOES HAVE MULTIPLE COMPARTMENTS, BUT TO TOTALLY PROTECT THE CAMERA I JUST KEEP IT IN ITS OWN BAG. #9

Worker#9, Honestly, keeping it in it's own bag is something I would like to avoid... But I'll check them out at the local outdoor store!

[samosaurus]

Hey Ted ~ That's a nice lookin' bailout bag! :D I think some of the newer bailout bags are made by Maxpedition..

Sam

[Ted]

I don't have it with me at the moment, but the base of the 204 is 7 5/8" x 3" x 1 1/8" (looked it up). It fits flat in the bottom with a little room to spare front to back and about 2-1/2" total to spare side to side. That would make the ID of large pocket would be close to 12" x 3 1/2" x 10". I am thinking it would fit okay, especialy with a little strategic padding.

As far as it looking too tactical, I don't think it is a problem. But I also EDC a Millie, was practically introduced to real knives and guns by my in-laws, have the HR at work at least 2x a week, and have been known to sharpen others knives at work, and nobody seems to care yet. YMMV

ROM831, my camera is exact 1/2" wider then the base of the sharpmaker, so I guess it would fit then?

[Simple Man]

It should. I measured the box I keep all my sharpening stuff in and it is 3 1/2" at the side I lay flat in the bottom of the bag. That is with the divider in place. It and the manila folder I keep paperwork in take up another 3/8" probably. You should have plenty of room.