What I’ve always wanted in a camera bag, but haven’t quite found.

The closet where I store my photo gear has too many empty camera bags hanging in it; too many to use on a regular basis. I am not a hoarder; at least not yet. It’s because, while I have settle on the various camera bodies and lenses that fit the type of photography I do, I haven’t scored on the “perfect” camera bag yet. In this closet multiple sized bags reside – some used often, some only occasionally, which makes some sense. Sometimes when taking a walk to do some “street” photography, I only need room for a couple of extra lenses, a battery and, perhaps, an extra memory card. That’s it.

But when going on a location shoot where I often have no idea what I will face, I usually pack two camera bodies, multiple lenses, Pocket Wizards, speed lights and batteries, sync cables, and more. I usually tote some light stands, a tripod, flash modifiers, and other things in a separate container that all fits on a small, hand cart that stows in my car’s trunk.

Still, one bag does not fit all needs in these situations. Then consider the times when I decide to hop a flight, a train or car out of town for a few days. I may have a completely different mix of gear, including a rangefinder, a DSLR, at least three lenses for each, batteries, chargers, at least one speed light if not more, and the usual artifacts like memory cards, laptop, card readers, and battery chargers.

The key factors in camera bag choice for me is to hold what you want to carry, provide protection for that gear, and still make it accessible when you need it. It’s as simple as that. If you only do street photography, or limit yourself to only one mix of gear, having only one bag makes sense.

But I challenge anyone to point out one bag that fits all of these scenarios. I do not think it exists. The real challenge is this: What would a photographer want in a bag that they have not seen yet. So, no surprise, I have a few wants on my wish list.

1. Make compartments in a bag so they can accommodate real life items – bodies, lenses, flashes, and so on. Consider the things photographers want to carry with them.

2. Include a way to attach a tripod for easier carrying – if it is a larger bag or backpack. I also use a tripod strap that lets me carry mine over the shoulder, but that’s like carrying a second bag or pack.

3. Design a bag with the main access area – top flap – accessible to the photographer, just the opposite of most bags on the market today. Every bag I’ve owned opens from the outside of the bag facing away from me. This can make it a bit difficult and often treacherous moving one lens in and taking another out while hanging on my shoulder. If the flap opened so the bag’s opening is closer to my body, then I not only can better see what’s inside, but move items in and out more easily.

4. Don’t forget that things like water bottles , snacks, laptops or tablets, and other accessories are often just as important to the photographer to have handy. Build in either internal or external provisions to carry them too. Exterior pockets, straps and so forth are just nice touches that add immense value later on.

5. Make sure the carrying strap is hefty, yet comfortable enough to allow carrying for long periods of time without gouging a crease in our shoulder blades. Remember, too, that we are all not built the same, so make straps super adjustable for length.

6. Please keep it affordable . I may have spent way too much on a particular camera body or lens, but a bag over $400 is a reach too far for me and lots of photographers. While you are at it, maybe you want to make a series of bags designed similarly, but in various sizes, that could be purchased as a kit so your photographer customer can move from a short outing bag to a long trip bag to a location bag quickly using familiar layouts and features.

7. If possible, and this is a tall order I know, design your bag so it doesn’t broadcast , “Expensive photo gear is inside.” I realize that a good camera bag cannot be completely efficient and completely stealth at the same time, but I can tell you that is why I would never carry a bag with a big Canon or Nikon logo emblazoned on it. Out of my two backpack bags, my 30-year old Wilderness Experience day pack that I have modified to be a good over-the-road bag is miles ahead of the other one designed just for camera gear.

8. Make the outer skin of your bags easy to clean . My mom used to exclaim, “Where have you been and how did you get that dirty?” when I returned home from play. Photogs are the same – guess some of us just never grew up. But where we go to seek a good photo can often allow us to bring some of that back with us on our bags. A course, porous bag material can be more durable, but also harder to clean for when we have to show up at a blacktie event.

9. Give me a handy, sturdy handle too . There are many times when only a shoulder strap just won’t do. Like when you are carrying multiple bags, or trying to heave a bag into the truck of your car or an overhead compartment. Then, a sturdy handle is necessary. And, while you’re at it, make it so you can use it with the bag “open” and without spilling out the contents.

Now I know the top bag makers already strive to achieve some of the features and results that I’ve listed above. And, I acknowledge that one size or style doesn’t fit all. So what’s the solution? I hope it is that if a manufacturer doesn’t offer what you need in your personal style of shooting and carrying, that you can figure a way to customize a standard bag or find a bag made for another reason and modify it. At least until one or more of the manufacturers figure it out.

About the above photo: From large to small, to rigid compartments to flexible open space; from over the shoulder to fanny pack hybrid to backpack, I’ve tried them all. None is perfect for every situation; none should be. But, I wonder what camera bag makes consider when designing and building their products. Is it how it is used in the field, or is the main consideration, what looks good and can be made inexpensively and sold for a profit?