Inconspicuous camera bag

I like the Lowepro Micro Trekker 200.

It's a backpack and looks nothing like a camera bag.

Contains my D200, several lenses including my 80-200mm f/2.8, and numerous accessories.

It doesn't matter what bag you use once you take the camera out. Get insurance and be aware of your surroundings. Don't grab a camera and close the bag in the trunk. You never know who's watching, and it's faster to open a trunk with a pry bar than with a key (I even used my fingers one time).

I've carried big, black LowePro bags all over Europe and the US. If I ever have a problem, it won't be because of the bag

a GI bag with self-make padding, not a branded bag is a good start

I always buy the least conspicuous color combinations and designs. And then I use a wide black permanent felt marker to blacken all brand logos (don't forget the camera strap!). I even have a carefully cut little strip of black tape covering the camera brand logo on the camera itself. Someone interested will have to get really close to read the brand logos on the lenses...

If I don't trust the situation, the borough, or the barrio, I carry my camera in a cheap shopping bag of a local supermarket, and leave any specialized camera bags or rucksacks in lock-up. Thieves learn to appreciate what they contain pretty fast.

Of course in those cases you shouldn't be wearing fur coats, bling-bling, or visible iPods either if you want to ensure continued health.

Look at Cabelas, they have a gear bag that is reasonably padded, and cheap too (last look it was $25) I keep my 20D w/ battery grip attached in a holter bag inside with room for a couple or three lenses as well as a bunch of miscellaneous junk. The shoulder strap is comfortable enough for me, but as usual your mileage may vary.

Cabela's Deluxe Gear Bag Item:7IS-318420

It should be obvious that anyone carrying a bag of stuff is carrying something of value and that is just what thieves are in business for. A niece of mine with a baby on her back also carried a diaper bag with her camera stuff in it in downtown San Antonio. The thieves got a bag of smelly diapers, but they also got an expensive camera outfit! They know that you probably carry your cash in an inside pocket, but also know that most people carry credit cards in a hip wallet! If you go out in the world where the thieves are then your only defense is adequate insurance and a mean, terrifying countenance. All speculation about "inconspicuous" camera bags is just fuel for the imagination. Thieves may prefer expensive items but they know that they can sell anything that they can pry off a victim's body.

Go to a "Babies r Us" and get a diaper bag. Something that screams" Diaper bag" - Nothing worth stealing here!"

For camera specific bags

The Lowepro Slingshot 300AW is a pretty decent backpack. I have used it with a 1Ds mark2 with either a 24-105 or 70-200mm attached.

The Thinktank Photo Modulus belt system is very comfortable for walking around and shooting. with easy access to your gear. http://www.thinktankphoto.com .

If you have the budget the thinktank Photo rotation 360 is a great way to go: eagood for wearing for long stretches at a time, easy access to your gear, you can hang the caemra from the packs straps and there is a "tether or "leash" for to keep long lenses from bouncing around when they are mopunted on the body. Stow the camera withthe 24-105 in the upper compartment when it needs to be put away and the 70-200mm in the lower compartment . The lower compartment is part of the belt and you rotate it around you from being part ofthe backapck to your belly. I've been using one since November and really really like it.

After years of reading this subject, I've come to the conclusion that the key to an inconspicuous camera bag is limiting the amount of equipment you carry. If it can't fit into my coat pockets, or in a six-pack size soft-side lunch box. It zips closed, and I keep the camera near the opening end of the zipper.

More equipment? It's conspicuous.

Take a look at the Naneu Pro "Military" line. I liked the Alpha for day hikes/outings with one body, couple lenses and personal gear. The special edition has a rain cover. Camera is accessed through the panel that rests against the back. The Beta is smaller. The K3 is pretty large and you have to put it down to access the camera equipment. All bags are beautifully designed and thoughtful and comfortable.

Also, you might check out the Banana Republic Website for a pretty nice looking collection of shoulder bags that just came out. With a Domke insert or the like one of those might work, too for more urban travel.

Many people will likely also suggest the Lowepro Slingshot line. The Slingshot 100 is fabulous for quick access and compact, but I find the single shoulder strap ergonomically designed for just the left shoulder to give me back pain after a few hours from the asymetric design.