which camera backpack is the best?

[northbounddesign]

I have a digital slr with three lenses, i like to travel around a lot and want something light but big enough for everything. What kind of camera backpack does everyone recomend? I might need an all weather one since i take shots of snowboarding and wakeboarding. Tell me what you think. Which bag is the best?

[defordphoto]

One will not do it. You'll need two at least. One that will be a carry-all, and then another small pack to carry the minimum. Visit the Tamrac and Lowepro websites and shop a bit. They both have some killer bags/packs.

[northbounddesign]

does anyone have a crumpler bag? are they good?

[mjordan]

I have a LowePro Photo Trekker AW bag that I use when I hike the trails around here or need to carry everything with me in the car. It holds my 10D, 24-70 2.8L, 100-400L, 70-200 2.8L IS, 85mm 1.8, macro tubes, lots of batteries, Pocket Wizards, Polorizers, Gradiant ND filters, cleaning stuff, light meter, extra stuff, rocks for ballest (or so it seems). Weight comes in at 35 pounds with tripod. But I have walked almost 10 miles with it up some moderately steep trails. The biggest problem is that after lugging it around, if I want to take a picture I'm lazy about taking it off to change lenses or filters or put on the macro tubes. Especially if the ground is muddy or there isn't a good place to lay it down and open it up. So I bought a LowePro belt pack to go with it or when I don't need that much stuff. This has a main compartment that I can put my 10D with 70-200 2.8L attached and lens shade reversed or my 10D and 24-70 2.8 with lens shade extended. I have two other packs on the belt that I can get my 85mm 1.8 and macro tubes in, a water bottle or other lens. It rides on my hips and is easily accessed without taking the pack off. I wish it had a little more room though.

For times I want a bag rather than a pack, I have two sizes of Domke shoulder bags to choose from.

The LowePro are great bags, although a bit heavier themselves than some others. They also have a attached plastic cover that comes up from the bottem to make them water/dust/snow, etc. protected.

Mike

[elbirth]

It's a little big, but I got the Lowepro CompuTrekker AW for Christmas, and I love it. It feels nice and solid and I can keep my laptop with me as well. It has a rain guard that is hidden away underneath it that you can pull out and over the entire backpack to protect it from the weather, which is very nice.

[dr.bear]

Northbound, the type of bag you're looking for also depends on what lenses you have. If you have 3 small to moderately sized lenses, 1 ditigal body, 1 flash and accessories then you probably can get by with something like the Lowepro microtrekker. If you have big telephoto zoom lenses then you might want to check out the minitrekker. That's the bag I have and I love it. It carries my 10D, 17-40, 100 macro, 70-200 IS, MR-14ex ring flash, 550ex, 1.4x TC, and some accessories nicely. I do agree with the other posters about getting an additional "smaller" bag for times when you only need the camera with a lens attached and some accessories. I'm also a snowboarder, and I'd hate to have to lug all that gear with me in the snow. Hope this helps.

[Volatile]

I'd say micro or mini trekker, or their equivalents from other manufacturers. The 2nd bag is a good point, I have the top load mini zoom that I use when I'm carrying the camera to parties or anywhere else that a whole backpack or gear is not practical.

[Mark Kemp]

You might also want to consider a Lowepro 'half and half style backpack.

Mine has a camera pack in the lower half and a bit of space in the top for your waterproof and lunch etc. Obviously you can't get quite as much camera gear in but I still get a 20D, a 17-40, a 28-135, a flash and a 100-400. Then it has belt loops so that you can add extra packs for cards and batteries and water bottle and even a lens case. These things you can then access without taking the pack off.

Lowepro also do an extra waterproof version called dryzone - which is expensive but may suit you if you go to damp places a lot.

[sameerb]

try visiting http://www.lowepro.com/Products/ they have pdf to download which gives list of bags best fitted for digital rebel

[OneManArmy]

I want the fully waterproof one from Lowepro

[edsarkiss]

i'll second mjordan's two-pack (not 2pac) recommendation.

big backpack to put ALL your stuff when traveling (i just got back from a week in the Galapagos with my new LowePro Computrekker AW and was really impressed with its practicality), hip- or belt-pack to keep your "other" lens or 2 lenses while walking around, since the backpack can be cumbersome. if there is no place to put the backpack on the ground, changing lenses is a 3-armed job. a hip pack gives you a convenient "changing table".

[blackviolet]

i have quite a few crumplers (good aussie brand!). i generally use the shrinkle backpack - it will easily carry my 1dmkii w/ a bigma attached, and still have room for several other lenses. note that you can't really use the laptop insert with a camera inside. i also use a tallee when i want an over-the-shoulder bag. crumplers come with a 99 year warranty and the straps are really comfy. i'm overseas right now with the camera, second battery, 4 lenses (including the 80-200L in a soft case strapped to the side) and a bunch of accessories and it's comfy enough to walk around for hours.

here is an older photo of the insides:
http://www.pbase.com/image/31165597.jpg

[MrKickalot]

I have a Tamrac 5275 Expedition 5. If I took just lenses I could squeeze 3 lenses about the size of a 70-200 2.8L. Just out of curiosity, what lenses do you have?

[Pyromaniac]

I like when some one else asks the questions I didn't know I had. I have a Canon bag with a shoulder strap on it that I use right now but it is getting full and have been trying to decide what to upgrade to. I like the idea of the backpacks since they are more out of your way and you don't have to set them down all the time. I am leaning toward a Tamrac cyberpack 8 or cyberpack 9, they both have a lot of room. The cyberpack 8 might be a little big for the stuff I have right now but I always like to figure I'll have more stuff later and need the space. The big thing I like is that they can both accommodate a farley large laptop so whenever I get a new one I don't have to worry too much about getting one that will fit in the backpack. I guess my point is that you should find a bag/backpack that will hold the things you have and maybe a little more so you don't have to buy a new one if you get a new piece of gear. For snow boarding an all weather pack would probably be the best. For wake boarding may I recommend a large ziplock bag, and a floatation device. LOL

[robekert]

It's a little big, but I got the Lowepro CompuTrekker AW for Christmas, and I love it. It feels nice and solid and I can keep my laptop with me as well. It has a rain guard that is hidden away underneath it that you can pull out and over the entire backpack to protect it from the weather, which is very nice.

I second the vote for a CompuTrekker AW. I have had one for over a year. Big enough to hold all my gear, but not too big to carry.
Cheers,
Rob

[mr.photoguy]

I have a Velocity 7 Sling bag.
I can carry the 70-200 f4l on the body, with a 50mm 1.8 and 18-55 kit. in it. I would still have one bay left un used with this set up.

Or I can put the 70-200 in the right bay, with the 50mm in one of the other bays and the 18-55kit on the 20d in the same bay as the 50mm 1.8. I could most likely carry a flash in the middle bay also, but I haven't gotten my 550 yet. So I don't know.

It's a sling bag, so in the field, I can just sling it around my kneck and swing it around, pull out the camera and switch lenses without having to put a bag down or anything like that.

It's a Tamrac.
I love it.

[BigRed450]

I have the TAMRAC 5259 Cyberpac 9 and it is awesome. It will fit 2 camera bodies with batterypacks/winders, at least 3 large lenses, flash, and a host of other goodies as well as the laptop compartment. the 5275 Expedition 5 is also great, but lacks the Laptop compartment...

[SnJPhoto]

I have a couple of the Crumpler bags. After using them I found the bags to be aukward to deal with. In general they are really well built, I guess I just don't like the shoulder bag style. As for their backpacks, I haven't had a chance to look them over in person.

The bag I keep coming back to, and have used very heavily for 1.5 years is the Lowepro Mini trekker. I have the older version, and find it does nearly everything I want. I have grown to like the pocket layouts and over all size.

In situations where I need to carry a few big lenses I have a Tenba 263. I picked this up from BH on a sale. it was in their used department, but are actually new items just overstocked situation. Overall the bag is good. I think it is a bit narrow, but I can leave a 300 F2.8L attached to a body without a problem. As well as have several other lenses in with it.

Single recommendation would be the Lowepro Mini-Trekker. You may still be able to get them on eBay. Last I saw, they we in the $50-60 range.


Scott

[mjordan]

In case anyone is thinking of getting a LowePro pack or bag, check the prices at the Canadian stores on e-bay that sell them. They are substantually cheaper than B&H and one of the few things I haven't bought at B&H. I was able to get a lot more bag for a lot less than if I had gone through B&H. I have bought my LowePro Photo Trekker AW, the LowePro Off Trail 2 and assorted side packs for it from a couple of stores on e-bay. These are Canadian stores so it takes about 2 days longer to get them than if I had gone through B&H, but they were brand new and delievered when promised.

Mike

[blinblin]

I currently use a LowePro Photo Runner, works fine for a 10D and three lenses (one attached). I usually have it as a shoulder bag, but being able to use it as a beltpack is nice when biking or climbing, or any other time when having a bag swing behind me is annoying.

I've been looking to get a photo+laptop+books bag to go to class with and still have my camera with me (college student) and the Crumpler half photo backpacks seemed to fit the bill (Farmer's Double or Formal Lounge). Anyone have any experience with these? I'm curious as to how the bottom photo compartment configures, as well as where the laptop goes...

[flyfishnj]

I have a promaster. www.promaster.com. This thing is big. All the stuff im my sig fits and I can throw a laptop in if I want.

[TARPONTIM]

I just bought the lower pro 200 waterproof bag it is great it is a little heavy but it is as comfortable as they get. so far i love it. they say it will float too.

[donlavange]

I have a LowePro backpack that I have had a year or more. It worked well for me even with the transition from an Olympus E10 to the Canon E20 in November.

It handles the body with the 17-85, a Sekonic 580, a 70-200 and a 100 macro, plus a flash and all needed manuals . I even have the large Lumiquest flash bouncer in an outside pocket. . . . but how do people remember what the actual model is . All I know is the Brand and that is only because of the label!

[nat869]

I use the Tamrac Expedition 4 Backpack. It seemed small when I got it, but I can fit my 10D with the Tamron 28-75 (plus lens hood) attached as well as my 50mm, 28-105 and 55-200. I also have my 550 EX, remote release and sekonic L-358 inside. I think the pack is somewhat waterproof and has a nice flap to weatherproof the zipper area.

[digitalfailure]

I have used and abused a lowepro mini trekker AW for over a year now and it still looks like new.

It has no problems holding my 300d with my lenses and other bits and bobs, :)
it's also comfy to wear on your back all day too, which is a huge bonus as gear bags quickly get heavy!!!!!!!!!

[MarkH]

I use the Lowepro Minitrekker AW (AW = All weather, comes with its own raincoat) and find that it holds the camera and everything else quite well. I also use a Domke Photo Vest for when I want to leave the bag in the car and just carry the essentials. (Camera, another lens, spare battery, spare CF card, muesli bars, drink bottle in Lowepro bottle bag).

[montyl]

Don't forget Tenba's line, very well made, have enjoyed carrying it for the past 8 months

[sid]

In case anyone is thinking of getting a LowePro pack or bag, check the prices at the Canadian stores on e-bay that sell them.
Which ebay store did you buy from ?

[viknijjar]

whats the best backpck that can also lug a notebook? i have a 12" ibook but most of them have laptop sleeves that are WAY to big!

[mdr]

I use a Lowepro Mini Trekker. It's fab.

[Citizensmith]

I was cleaning out junk from my over heavy minitrekker. Way down in the bottom I found these little green and white card boxes with small round plastic containers in them. Wonder what they are?

I like my minitrekker for when I want to carry a bunch of stuff. Anything bigger than that would get too heavy once you've added tripod, water bottles and such. I tend to use whatever I can fit in a LowePro photorunner for longer hikes, and a Crumpler shoulder bag for everyday use.

I'm eagerly eyeing the Off-Trail 2 though, the photorunner is coming up a bit small sometimes now I've some bigger lenses.

[mjordan]

Which ebay store did you buy from ?

Sid, I have used two to buy Lowe Pro packs at. One was Henery's, where I bought my Off Trail 2 belt pack and the other was Carman Camera's where I bought my Photo Trekker AW II back pack. Both were excellent to buy from and fast to ship out the packs. And they were a lot cheaper than even B&H had them for.

Mike