best backpack bag?

[ctgoldwing]

I am going cross country soon by motorcycle & intend to do some hiking into Glacier National Park. I would appreciate suggestions on a backpack style bag big enough to carry a 10D body, a 70-200mm 2.8, a 24-70mm & the necessary accessories (extra batteries & charger, cf cards, hoods etc).

I plan on taking a monopod with me & it would be a plus to have a 'loop' of some type to hang it from the bag.

Any suggestions?
tia
Jerry

[robertwgross]

I don't think that there is any one single perfect camera bag. If I need to haul *everything* around, then I have a LowePro Photo Trekker Classic. It holds everything except for the tripod. I can easily haul 40 pounds worth of stuff in it, but for the most part, it is too large to be practical, and everything is behind you where you can't get to it.

For most dayhiking, I have standardized onto a LowePro EX180, which is best described as a shoulder bag. I've found it to be very practical, since it will hold at least one body and a few lenses. It hangs against one hip, so you can see where you are walking, but the camera is readily accessible by one hand. The tripod will have to hang separately in another bag.

In a couple of days, I will be out backpacking, so my back will have a normal backpack with that gear plus tripod. My camera and lenses will go into a huge belt pack (kangaroo pouch).

---Bob Gross---

[Morden]

Firstly, I would bet that LowePro will have something suitable; they have so many different backpacks!

When I had first acquired enough SLR kit to look for a backpack, I spent considerable time browsing the net. I finally ordered a Lowepro 'Mini Trekker' bag. Don't be fooled by the 'mini'! I can pack my 10D (with BG-ED3), 70-200 2.8, 16-35 2.8, 550EX, batteries, remote release cord, Microdrives, bits & bobs AND my Velbon tripod (strapped to the back). And this is a 'smaller' backpack!

I don't want to push Lowepro, but my own pack suits me fine!

[deztoys]

I carry almost exactly what you mentioned in my Lowe Mini Trekker. With plenty of room to spare.... I'm sold on the mini trekker for the size/features. And if you order through one of the eBay places you can get them for a song (

[garybermanphotography]

I just got the Lowepro Micro 200 backpack Camera bag..and I love it...its a relatively small bag...but fits all my essenial equipment when I want to travel light...check out the Lowepro line ..I'm sure they will have something that fits your needs...you can look at all their stuff at their web site at http://www.lowepro.com ( I got mine from Adorama)

[Kenal0]

I just picked up the Tamrac 5275. It is a decent size backpack but not massive. It holds my 10D 2 lenses, my sharp camcorder,
S400, chargers and there is another compartment that holds my 12" ibook.

http://tamrac.com/images/5275m.jpg

Kenal0

[defordphoto]

I also vote for the Lowepro mini. Love mine. Hold camera with 50mm, 100-400L and 28-135IS, along with many other goodies including X-drive and associated power adapters for car and AC. Wife has the micro and it's great for her lesser setup and between the two, we can haul just about everything we have with a little room to spare.

[robvonk]

If you plan to go hiking, you can look for a 'walking stick' with camera mount. It helps while climbing and you can use it as monopod. They're not cheap..

http://www.leki.com/mtseries.htm

Rob

[ctgoldwing]

A lot of good info here! I will check out the Lowepro & the Tamrac bags.
Jerry