what camera bag would you recommend for a pickpocket rich area?

[vash]

i am going to be gone a month. i am taking a nikonD70. taking pics is the highlight of my vacations. (right behind not working, or thinking of working).

last time in southeast asia and europe, i took a camera fanny pack, and it really sucked. i looked like a doofus, and it really gets in the way in crowded situations. it was safe tho. i could keep on hand on it at all times.

i am thinking of maybe just using a beater timbuk2 bag. but the lack of cushioning worries me. i survived rome carrying that bag, without being a victim of crime. cinched up tight and in front is very secure.

the rest of our luggage will be one backpack each.

[HardDrive]

[StevoRocket]

Take a back pack with side pockets - one that looks like you don't have a bean - not one of those designer labels, then put the D70 in the main compartment with your spare socks and T-shirt as padding etc.

Most important thing is to make it look scruffy and worthless and definitely not "home" for a camera.

[jyl]

Go to army surplus store, get a crappy old looking satchel (like a gas mask bag). Make sure it closes securely and the shoulder strap is sturdy, add some big (but hidden) velcro patches so can't be opened w/o maknig a big ripping sound. Get it real dirty, run it through washing machine a bunch w/ lots of bleach, basically get it old and weathered-looking. Put a piece of foam or similar in the bottom, that's all the padding you really need, modern cameras are decently tough. Wear it in front. That's what I'd do.

[Super_Dave_D]

I went to Ritz Camera and bought this backpack - it will hold ALL of your photography needs and then some. It’s not something I use often but sometimes the need arises.

[Eric Coffey]

Tamrac is the way to go IMO. They have plenty of configurations to suite most needs.