In search of a Light weight bag pack for a safari

phil from seattle wrote:

Chizuka wrote:

phil from seattle wrote:

Here is a review I did of 2 Tamrac sling bags. The 8z would probably hold your gear. I've hauled these bags on lots of trips and found them incredibly flexible. We are planning an Africa trip and I'll be taking the 8z. Great for hiking, climbing and general outdoor activity. When climbing in and out of cars, boats, trucks, vans and planes, a sling allows you to use both hands. It's super flexible since you can wear it front, side or back. And, if it's a top loader like the Zs, you can get your gear out without taking it off.

Thank you Phil for your reply and link. I just read your review and it is informative and useful.

My problem is 1) that it is a camera bag that will not allow me to have anything else in it. I need a bag that will be a true carry on with room in it fornother personal stuff (as mentioned) .

2) I don’t like sling bags because I am a smallish woman and the weight of all that equipment is too much for one shoulder.

Like much of life, one size does not fit all...

I get your second point. Makes sense.

On your first point, you kind of have a limiting factor - camera gear or personal items. To me, the gear you mention looks pretty close to "under seat" max volume. A fully stuffed 8z fits snuggly under an airline seat. You might need to rethink what you take. I do get some personal items in the z bags - headphone case , glasses case, paperback book, hat - so it's not quite black and white. The headphone case is way too big but noise cancelling is a necessity to me for long flights. It's in the 8z pictures and could be swapped out for something else. But, the ladies do generally have more "stuff" to haul.

Yes, women do have more junk in their bag!!! But you know Phil, my bag does not have to fit under my seat. It can go in the overhead bin. BTW I too have to have the noise reduction headphones.