I'm NOT done buying camera bags

Hi again,

I'm not done buying bags either. I've got a closet full of rejects. The perfect one has worn out. I can't find another one I'd call good.

I guess bags are more personal than cameras and lenses because we all organize our kits differently. I like separate zipped compartments for 1) main compartment for body and lenses, 2) accessories like cards and batteries, 3) accessories like filters, and 4) accessories like caps and hoods. A few years back, it seemed to be easy to find cases with a main compartment and three zipped pockets - one on the front and one on each end - all zipped. Now they've all got one front pocket and dumb elasticated mesh on the ends if they've got anything at all.  Useless.  I'd pay well for a good bag but it doesn't exist....

Pet hates from the university of experience...

1. Bags with flimsy structure that offer little protection from a) crush pressures and b) serious bumps
2. Bags without every compartment being sealed closed by a zip. Not zipped? - No sale. Sorry Billingham.
3. Stupid mesh pockets with no closure at all. (Lowe are you listening?)
4. Expensive bags with straps sewn all over the outside to attach expensive extra pockets that tell us we should have bought a bigger bag in the first place. (Lowe again.)
5. Pockets with no actual depth (flat pockets that can't take anything three dimensional).
6. Leather bags. - Posh and stylish new but look like garbage once dragged through a desert or forest.  Turn to slime when drenched in seriously wet weather.  Take an epoch to dry out.  Never look the same again.
7. Bags with enough brass buckles for Indiana Jones but don't actually seal well enough to stop small items getting out when the bag gets rolled around in the aircraft overhead locker or you take a tumble.  Zips were invented in the 1890's - time to move on.
8. Bags with a flap that covers the top closure and gets in the way when the bag is open. What the heck is it FOR? What does it ACHIEVE?
9. There are probably many more but I can't think of them at the moment.

Some years back, I found the perfect bag (used) in a charity shop for $5 . The brand was called PAQ. It appeared to be an unknown emerging brand bag. I bought it and thrashed it til it and its zips wore out. I've never seen them available new and I've never seen another.  I'm still waiting for a replacement. Of course when it comes along, they'll change the design as soon as possible and offer something new and fashionable that isn't actually as good..... So if and when I see it, I'll buy three - one to use and a couple of back ups.:-)

Cheers, Rod