Photographers can spend hours debating absolutely anything - and this definitely includes the best type of camera bag ...

Personally, I'm a strong advocate of backpacks. I like to be able to comfortably carry a laptop and a selection of lenses, while keeping both hands free. I find a shoulder bag just gets in the way.

I don't like to carry a lot, so I went for a very compact backpack: the Lowepro MicroTrekker 200.

Despite the small size, this pack can hold either a body and three lenses, or two bodies and two lenses - along with a small laptop, lightmeter, blower, spare battery, business cards, model releases, spare cards and a few cables.

All the dividers are moveable (velcro), and there are plenty of pockets - three internal zipped ones, and two external velcro-flap ones. There are also tripod loops on the bottom.

Be careful if ordering this pack online. There is a cheaper version - distinguished only by the 'SE' designation on the end of the name - which doesn't have the tripod loops or outer pockets.