camera backpack

[THaNaToZ]

So in conjunction with my other thread on a tripod and looking through the many threads on backpacks as well...
I was looking at the following backpack but not sure if I need one that large
http://www.adorama.com/LPFL400BK.html

I have a canon 70d, 2 kit lenses 18-55 and 55-250 but want something expandable.
Something that can carry a tripod and weather proofing would be a plus.

I haven't seen any camera backpacks that hold larger laptops (17 diagonal) so its not a must for me.

[klovibond]

I have the backpack that you've linked to, and find it excellent for my needs. The internal compartments are customisable and usually cope with my 60D with Sigma 150-500 attached (with hood reversed), 105mm macro, 50mm, 18-55mm, 55-250mm, 10-20mm, flash unit, filters and lens cleaning kit. Drinks in the side net pockets and sandwiches and "lightweight" waterproofs in the large zip pocket. It has a rainproof cover that packs away in the bottom and facility for carrying a tripod on the outside. It also has both waist and chest straps, which are invaluable on a long haul. It's well constructed and I consider it well worth the money I paid for it.

[RustBeltRaw]

The Think Tank Shape Shifter will take a 17in laptop, even my 1.8in-thick behemoth. It includes a fitted rain cover. The internal, stitched neoprene pockets are an excellent blend of organization, load distribution, and protection. I keep a pretty extensive kit in there - a backup camera (with battery grip), 4 or 5 prime lenses, three hot-shoe flashes, three auxiliary battery packs, spares, camera rain cover, tools... It all packs quite neatly, considering how much stuff it holds. There are loops for a tripod holder on the outside. Zipped down to its small size, it's unobtrusive enough for street photography. Expensive, but an excellent pack.

[Geoff F]

I eventually went for the Lowepro Vertex 200 AW which is slightly larger.

Very comfortable once you adjust all the harness options to suit your individual shape.

There is a pocket which is designed to take a laptop but I'm not sure on the size; looks suitable for 17 ins though. But to be honest, a laptop is the last thing I want to carry on a photo hike so I wish this pocket was shaped differently to hold a little food and water instead!

A small folding tripod fits inside; or the option of back/side attachment for a larger and heavier option. Personally, I find that attaching a tripod to the back becomes rather uncomfortable because it is 9 ins away from your back which creates a lot of leverage weight.

The side tripod attachment works OK.

A lot of small zipped compartments and a substantial inner space.

Quite bulky overall though. Previously I had one of their Mini Trekker backpacks (no longer produced) and for me, I preferred the smaller size, although it could be a bit of a squash at times.

[shreds]

I have used a LowePro AW backpack for about 5 years, on and off. Been all over the world and no real complaints. Best thing is the padded insert that comes out and can be used in other bags.

I don't always want to advertise it is photo gear so often use a 'debadged' Stanley FatMax BackPack, which has a rigid base that stops the bag falling over and with the Lowe Pro padded interior is great and a lot cheaper too! Usually carries one body, two/three lenses and two flashguns plus accessories, but could take more. Easily takes a 15" Mac Book Pro, but rarely carry that with me.






Don't really like the tripod on any of my backpacks….it is too large and has its own 'golf club' type bag.

[rpcrowe]

I have used a Lowepro Mini Trekker AW to carry my gear over Europe and China. However, that is all I do with the bag - carry the gear from "Point A" to "Point B". I do not use this bag when shooting. Instead I prefer to use either the Tamrac Zoom 90 or the Domke Rugged Wear F-2 bag....

[krfessl]

I went for the Tamrac Expedition 6X, which I like quite a bit...handles 2 pro-bodies with battery grips and 6 lenses, plus also bought the extra side packs ... I use it for travel, to carry/protect equipment (airplane, cars), as with that much gear it is HEAVY, but typically take a 2nd backpack for the day... I've found that I use climbing caribiners for "hanging" my camera from the backpack, using the quick-release caribiners... The Expedition 6X has 2 sizes above it, but I didn't want the waist belt, so stopped at the 6X... They are well made, comfortable even at weight...

[rpcrowe]

One thing which I would take into consideration is the size (bulk) of the waist band if the backpack has one that is not detachable. Sometimes the padded belt when combined with the backpack will result a package a bit large to carry-on an aircraft.

I would also research the empty weight of the backpack. There are times in which carry-on baggage weight is severely restricted and a heavy bag can be a liability...

[krfessl]

One thing which I would take into consideration is the size (bulk) of the waist band if the backpack has one that is not detachable. Sometimes the padded belt when combined with the backpack will result a package a bit large to carry-on an aircraft.

I would also research the empty weight of the backpack. There are times in which carry-on baggage weight is severely restricted and a heavy bag can be a liability...

Good advice Richard... I looked at every high-end backpack from the big mfg'ers, about a yr and 1/2 ago but did it see any which had detachable waist belts back then... A a gear rat I would have up-sized if I found a bigger bag where I could remove the belt. I "settled" for adding the side packs for extra room, but of course extra weight when full... Admittedly, I don't worry about airplane travel weight, due to AA status giving me 75 lbs limit per bag, but I didn't want to fiddle with the extra belt either on (I usually gave it slung, just using one shoulder strap) ... So I'd add that comment too... HOW are you planning to wear/carry the bag?? If it's really for hiking, or all day wear, whole diff game than a travel/protect bag, IMHO... When walking around for the day, I usually select one body, one lens, and maybe a 2nd lens and put them in a Vitorinox light backpack or Tumi backpack (again using only one strap) ... I usually add (2) iPads and other small gotta haves (travel chopsticks, light plastic folding iPad stands, etc) ... Both backs have some custom fit foam for cushioning and one or the other are usually packed "flat" in a suitcase, or tossed in the car if local...As I said I typically "balance" the setup with a camera hanging on a caribinier off the pack strap ( actually 2+ a couple of double rings between for flexibility)... Very effective...

[krfessl]

One thing which I would take into consideration is the size (bulk) of the waist band if the backpack has one that is not detachable. Sometimes the padded belt when combined with the backpack will result a package a bit large to carry-on an aircraft.

I would also research the empty weight of the backpack. There are times in which carry-on baggage weight is severely restricted and a heavy bag can be a liability...

Good advice Richard... I looked at every high-end backpack from the big mfg'ers, about a yr and 1/2 ago but did it see any which had detachable waist belts back then... A a gear rat I would have up-sized if I found a bigger bag where I could remove the belt. I "settled" for adding the side packs for extra room, but of course extra weight when full... Admittedly, I don't worry about airplane travel weight, due to AA status giving me 75 lbs limit per bag, but I didn't want to fiddle with the extra belt either on (I usually gave it slung, just using one shoulder strap) ... So I'd add that comment too... HOW are you planning to wear/carry the bag?? If it's really for hiking, or all day wear, whole diff game than a travel/protect bag, IMHO... When walking around for the day, I usually select one body, one lens, and maybe a 2nd lens and put them in a Vitorinox light backpack or Tumi backpack (again using only one strap) ... I usually add (2) iPads and other small gotta haves (travel chopsticks, light plastic folding iPad stands, etc) ... Both backs have some custom fit foam for cushioning and one or the other are usually packed "flat" in a suitcase, or tossed in the car if local...As I said I typically "balance" the setup with a camera hanging on a caribinier off the pack strap ( actually 2+ a couple of double rings between for flexibility)... Very effective...

[argon31pf]

So in conjunction with my other thread on a tripod and looking through the many threads on backpacks as well...
I was looking at the following backpack but not sure if I need one that large
http://www.adorama.com/LPFL400BK.html

I have a canon 70d, 2 kit lenses 18-55 and 55-250 but want something expandable.
Something that can carry a tripod and weather proofing would be a plus.

I haven't seen any camera backpacks that hold larger laptops (17 diagonal) so its not a must for me.

I would recommend the Case Logic SLRC-206. It will hold your camera and accessories including multiple lenses.

MOD EDIT - This is probably spam. However, I can't be certain about that. The review to which the link takes you puts up criticism as well as praise of the product.

[Codebreaker]

I go through the dilemma of which bag to get every couple of years and what ever I get, within a short space of time it's not big enough

Just recently I wanted to move from the Kata 3n1-20 which was bulging at the seams and did the usual searching for the next thing. Despite looking at all the big names in bags which are no doubt good but have a price tag above my pay grade, I decided to try the Amazon Basic Dslr backpack. So, far I'm very happy with it and for the price it just seems amazing value.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/AmazonBasics...zon+basic+dslr

It takes all my current kit but not the large Manfrotto tripod I have, which is not a big deal for me. Comes with a waterproof cover and will also take a small netbook. When travelling I also pack a small but old Billingham bag just for toting around the dSLR when I don't need all the other stuff.


Don't get hung up on Designer Labels. :-)

Colin

[saea501]

I have the LowePro you linked to as well. You mention not needing one quite that large. I can tell you....it's not that large. I have a Canon 6D with the 24-105L, a Canon 70-200 2.8 and a Canon 100-400. Throw in a few accessories and I'm out of room. To the point where I have to put some small items in another little bag.

So don't think it's too big. Great bag though, great protection.

[Donald]

Have folks noticed that the original post in this thread is October 2014?