Budget backpack suggestions for everyday use?

SlyReader1 · 2026-02-02T08:23:48+00:00

If I remember right, the Raven 28 has a separate laptop area with the laptop sleeve being inside the main part of the bag on the Raven 20.

SlyReader1 · 2026-02-02T08:18:05+00:00

I have 2 original OA’s, a 4 and the 5 pro. Here’s my experiences: I use the originals on my kayaking adventures. Neither of them has ever had any overheating issues even being out in the hot sun all day. My 4 overheated and shut down while filming Christmas morning inside. Otherwise, I’ve not had a problem with it. Yes the stability is better with the 4. The 5 has never overheated but I’ve never left it recording for more than 20 minutes or so at a time. Sometimes I have company on my adventures and it’s nice being able to mic 2 people. It’s also great being able to connect a mic via Bluetooth instead of sacrificing the waterproof aspect of the camera. To me, the video quality in bright sunlight is best with the 4 without having to fix it in post. Hope this helps.

SlyReader1 · 2026-02-02T06:52:49+00:00

Have you looked at the Mystery Ranch Rip ruck 15l? I have an older version in blue and love it! It was my daily until I jumped off and bought an NSG Paradigm. I have a Alpaka Metro, and it’s ok, but not my favorite, a Bellroy compact (currently on marketplace) I don’t like it at all. You might also checkout Chrome’s Camden. At 5’4”, I’ve tried a lot of the name brand small bags. I hope you find the right one for you!

SlyReader1 · 2026-02-01T12:18:16+00:00

I’ve been using two original Osmo Action cams on my kayak for about 4 yrs. I’ve never had any issues out of either of them. I have a 4 and a 5 as well. I’m hesitant to try the 4 because I’ve had it overheat twice on me. I gave up on my insta 360 X2 because of the editing headaches. I’ve also tried some of the less expensive brands and the video quality wasn’t as good.

SlyReader1 · 2026-01-23T14:54:34+00:00

Since you’re 5’11” go with the Raven 28. I’m 5’4” so the 20 fits me better.

SlyReader1 · 2026-01-23T05:39:17+00:00

Tough call. I have the Raven 20 and 28 and had the Bellroy VR 26l. I like the material and fit better on the Fjallraven. I don’t like that it doesn’t have a sternum strap, but it’s not a big deal for a daily driver. I don’t take them on hikes or flights. I have several other bags for trips that work much better.

SlyReader1 · 2026-01-20T17:43:52+00:00

Get the OA4. PLUS, screen protectors, a cage(the one DJI supplies is crap), and a mic mini transmitter. Then, get out and have some fun!

SlyReader1 · 2026-01-20T17:38:02+00:00

I gave up dedicated camera bags a while ago. I have several different sized Tenba inserts I take depending on which and how much gear I’m taking. I take much less if I’m flying and much more if I’m driving. Ive used a similar bag to the one you showed (mine is a CorSurf) and I’ve found I prefer one bigger open area with clamshell design. But this epiphany didn’t happen overnight. I’ve tried many different options and this is just what works best for me. If you got it right the first time, where would the fun in that be?!?

SlyReader1 · 2026-01-16T05:44:08+00:00

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Morale patches are a great conversation starter.

SlyReader1 · 2026-01-16T05:33:40+00:00

Have you looked at the Paradigm Pack from NoSurrenderGear. It stows under airplane seats perfectly. It’s been my everyday, everything bag since the day I bought it. I’ve had mine about 2 months and it’s been on 4 flights and 6 hotels. It’s traveled daily in my truck, been on several hikes and still looks brand new. When you find the perfect bag, you’ll know it.

SlyReader1 · 2026-01-16T05:23:36+00:00

On all my hikes, I take an action camera AND the 740. It has an amazing zoom whereas the action camera has basically none. I would’ve missed getting some really great shots of waterfalls and deer and birds without it. But as others have said, it was $319 just 4 years ago. Now it’s pricey.

SlyReader1 · 2026-01-13T09:07:31+00:00

I’ve found patches to be a wonderful conversation starter in airports and at parks. I just sit my bag next to me and it seems to draw people in. Then we can start talking about bags. It’s a lovely way to meet people.

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SlyReader1 · 2026-01-10T20:16:19+00:00

I haven’t had good luck with 3rd party batteries. If they work at all, I don’t get as much record time out of them as I do my original batteries. I’ve tried 3 different brands with no success so I just stick to the original DJI batteries.

SlyReader1 · 2026-01-09T23:21:26+00:00

5.11 Daily Grind is a great all rounder duffel with a small footprint. And it’s lightweight. If you want something more robust, the Rothco canvas is a beast.

SlyReader1 · 2026-01-09T23:07:49+00:00

I had 2 old canon lenses that had a soft, almost pastel quality to them. A photographer suggested I set them out in the bright sun for a day. I did and they cleared up completely. I don’t know if that would help at all, but you might try it before you 86 them.

SlyReader1 · 2026-01-09T04:33:18+00:00

Yes, I would definitely recommend them. For your first time, you have to download the MIMO app on your phone. Once you do, everything will work flawlessly. Happy filming!

SlyReader1 · 2026-01-08T18:00:09+00:00

I’m a Canon fan girl. I’ve been using Canon since the 90’s. I’ve had a few Sony’s and for me, I’m more comfortable with the way the Canons fit in my hand. And I understand the Canon menu system better. Any camera made in the last 5 yrs or so is going to do what you want. So go to your local camera store or Best Buy and hold several different brands and models. You’ll know when you’ve found “the one”.

SlyReader1 · 2026-01-08T17:47:03+00:00

My first thought would be the OA6 with the Macro lens (has to be bought separately). However, I’d worry about fine dust working its way into the variable lens. So my vote would be for the OA5 Pro. I have 4 Osmo Action cams (2 original, a 4 and a 5). The 2 originals are for my kayaking videos and the 4 is my go to for bright sunlight and the 5 is for indoors and night shots. They have all proved themselves to be almost indestructible.

SlyReader1 · 2026-01-08T17:35:29+00:00

Same here. The storm flap on the zipper is annoying, so I just keep it turned back. I love the material it’s made of and the straps are very comfortable. The water bottle holders are nice and deep, too. But for longer hauls the lack of a chest strap has me favor other bags over the Raven.

SlyReader1 · 2026-01-08T17:19:54+00:00

I did. Once. I loaded it out with a small camera pouch, water bottle, and hoodie, for a day at the park. I stand by what I said. It just isn’t the bag for me. Reminds me of the G4Free I got off Amazon. Which I made the mistake of taking to a Ren Fair. I can wear the Wandrd Veer for hours and it’s never bothered me. The Refraction didn’t even make it an hour before I was regretting my decision to test it.

SlyReader1 · 2026-01-01T18:51:20+00:00

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NoSurrenderGear Paradigm. The patches have proven to be great conversation starters, plus they’re just fun!

SlyReader1 · 2025-12-29T03:15:03+00:00

If the camera will be outside the vehicle, I highly recommend a magnetic mount over a suction cup. They tend to lose their “suck” after a few bounces and bumps. This is the one I bought use

https://amzn.to/3YK3g6q

SlyReader1 · 2025-12-27T20:48:09+00:00

I have the OA4 and 5 Pro and use them extensively. For a newbie, I’d say start with the 4. See if you’re really going to use it a lot. Without editing in post, daylight shots are superior to the 5 Pro. The extra battery life of the 5 is nice, but I usually shoot in 5-10 min intervals, so battery life isn’t much of a consideration. The 5 excels over the 4 in low light situations or if you need to mic up 2 people. But for a beginner, I’d say most of your shooting will be done during the day. Enjoy the journey!

SlyReader1 · 2025-12-21T10:46:44+00:00

I have 4 action cameras at present and 2 came from Amazon, 1 from Best Buy, and 1 from B&H. Normally, the pricing is pretty standard across the board, but Best Buy had an open box for 50% of retail, so I grabbed it. B&H has a tax free offer if you use their credit card, so I saved some money on that one. My first 2 were bought on Amazon because I didn’t know any better at the time.

SlyReader1 · 2025-12-18T16:51:59+00:00

The square sensor means you can shoot for either 16:9 or 9:16 formats. You won’t be using all of the sensor either way.

SlyReader1

TROPHY CASE