The Article for Everyone Whose Gear Is Growing | The Complete Guide to Large-Capacity Bags and Dividers
When you first started taking photos, choosing a bag was easy. It just had to fit your camera body. That was it. But before you know it, a prime lens joins your standard zoom, and soon you’ll find yourself wanting a telephoto lens, too. Before you know it, you’ve reached the point where your current bag just isn’t big enough anymore. Everyone who’s serious about photography goes down this path at some point. But wait a moment before you jump to the conclusion that you simply need to buy a bigger bag. Switching to a large-capacity bag doesn’t just mean gaining more space.
If you have more than three lenses, consider whether you really need to buy a new one
Before you replace your bag, there’s something you should try first: rearranging the dividers in your current bag. With a bag that has adjustable dividers, there are times when simply changing the layout can significantly improve storage capacity. Another effective method is to transfer a single lens to a lens pouch and carry it separately. This takes the strain off the main bag and makes it easier to access your gear. Only when you reach the point where you need to carry two camera bodies plus three or more lenses at the same time—or when you want to keep everyday items and equipment completely separate—is it time to seriously consider switching to a large-capacity bag.
The answer depends on what you're wearing and where you're using it
When it comes to large-capacity bags, there are essentially three approaches. Which one is the right choice depends on the combination of the amount of gear and the situation in which the bag will be used.
For city and location shoots: the roomy messenger bag
If you’re on the go a lot and want to carry a lot of gear, a large-capacity messenger bag makes the most sense. You can access your camera simply by opening the flap, and there are models that can hold two camera bodies plus several interchangeable lenses. The strain on your shoulder increases, but accessing your gear is faster than with a backpack. That’s exactly what the München is designed for: a padded main compartment with adjustable dividers for camera bodies and multiple lenses, plus separate compartments for documents, a tablet, and travel essentials. A bag that takes you from one location to the next without you having to rearrange anything.
For long distances and mountain photography: the backpack
If you’re carrying heavy gear for long periods of time, there’s no getting around a backpack that distributes the weight across both shoulders. There are large-capacity models that can even hold a laptop and clothes, and they really come into their own when you’re combining travel with photography. However, you have to set the bag down to take out your camera, which makes it less suitable for quick, spontaneous shots. The Matterhorn 14" is Oberwerth’s solution: a modular CORDURA® interior with adjustable padded dividers that can be tailored precisely to your gear, a separate laptop compartment, and ergonomically padded shoulder straps for days when your subject awaits you only after the climb.
For photography trips lasting one or two nights: the Weekender
For traveling photographers who want to combine their gear and a change of clothes in a single bag, the Weekender is the best-organized choice. Since you don’t have to carry two bags—one for your camera and one for your luggage—traveling becomes noticeably easier. The Weekender Nelson M does exactly that: a padded, removable camera insert fits inside the silhouette of a classic travel bag. Stow your mirrorless camera system and lenses in the protected compartment and fill the remaining space with everything you need for the weekend. Remove the insert, and it becomes a travel bag through and through.
Why a Large Bag Can Still Be Impractical: A Look at Dividers and Interior Pockets
People who regret switching to a large-capacity bag almost always have one thing in common: they simply chose something big. The capacity has increased, and yet the bag is somehow impractical. In most cases, the problem lies in the design of the internal dividers. With a bag that has fixed dividers, every time your gear changes, you run into the problem that something no longer fits. It’s not uncommon for even a single additional lens to leave you with no room. Before buying, be sure to check whether the dividers can be adjusted. If you’d also like to use a universal bag without a dedicated camera compartment, you can use a camera insert. Since this type of insert can be used in various bags, it also covers the scenario where you might want to carry your camera in your travel bag on a particular day. For photographers who switch bags depending on their needs, this is a particularly practical option. At Oberwerth, this role is filled by the padded Backpack Pure Insert made of CORDURA®: a standalone, adjustable-compartment camera insert that you can place inside an existing bag and remove again as needed.
The larger the bag, the more the material stands out
As the bag gets larger, the role that the material’s texture plays in the overall impression also increases. For the same volume, a genuine leather bag feels completely different in your hand than one made of nylon. If you’re looking for a functional, active lifestyle, nylon or synthetic materials are a good choice. Lightweight and water-repellent, it can be used worry-free even in the rain. If, on the other hand, you want a bag that you can use for a long time with affection—and one that feels as valuable as your camera—then a large, genuine leather bag is a special option. It gains character with every use and can be enjoyed for many years as a trusted companion that matures with time. For those who prefer something lighter and more weather-resistant, the Momentum Bag XL made of ReLon® is the practical solution: lightweight, water-repellent, with a clearly organized interior and a Fidlock® closure that opens with a single motion.
The fact that one's equipment is growing is a sign of a deeper engagement with photography
The fact that you’re adding lenses and your gear is getting heavier is proof that you’re taking photography seriously. The bag is the tool that carries this gear, and that’s exactly why you shouldn’t just choose something big—you should choose something that truly fits your photography style. Are you at a point where the problem can still be solved with a smart arrangement of the dividers, or has the time come to make the serious switch to a high-capacity bag? Honestly addressing this question is the starting point for choosing a bag that will serve you well for a long time. And if you’re unsure which model suits your gear, the Oberwerth Bagfinder will guide you in just a few steps from your camera system to the right bag—with a lifetime warranty on every piece.
