Which backpack for traveling?

[talz13]

I was looking for a good bag to carry my (incoming) gear, and my small tablet pc. The fastpack 250 looked like it would be good, I just want to know if it'll hold everything. I'm looking to stop for a while with the following gear:

450D
canon 18-55 IS kit lens
canon 50mm 1.8
canon 55-250 IS

And I'd like to be able to carry my ibm 12" x41 tablet and AC adapter with me as well. Might as well toss my p&s in there too just to round out the package, since it takes decent video.

I went to Japan last summer, and I may be going back again this year or next, so I don't want to be carrying around a huge bag with me. When I went last summer I was carrying this bag around with me basically all day:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16834996916

and it started to feel pretty large trying to fit through all the tiny aisles in shops, on the trains, etc. Granted, it can carry more, but I don't need to be weighed down like I was last year.

Oh, and just from prior experience, having some kind of weather proof cover included / available / DIY'ed would be good, since the last week and a half of my trip consisted of rather rainy weather.

[gravity]

Lowepro Fastpack 250 should fit them all nicely I think, and with room to spare too ;)

[gator1970]

I used the lowepro slingshot for a trip once. It was great for camera access, just slide it around to your belly, and the camera access is right there. They have 'em in a few different sizes.

[Mocows]

The fastpack should do quite well I think. The slings won't carry a laptop unless you jam it in with all the camera gear in the 300.

Edit: Actually there is a sling designed to carry a laptop called the 350 AW, although it's overkill for space for your gear.

Is there a type you perfer? Backpack/Sling/Shoulder/...?

[talz13]

I'm thinking backpack would be the best, just cuz it would be the "lightest" (carried on both shoulders), and maybe less cumbersome walking around with. Shoulder bags / messenger style would be just as good as a backpack I guess for trains, both can sit well enough on your lap or fit in the overhead.

Now, if I can just find a nice cheap one on ebay or something :)

[Grumbledook]

I have the 250 and it fits my:

40d
ef-s 17-55 f2.8 IS
100mm macro
ef 70-200 f4 IS

and 15" laptop fine

room in the top to hold other stuff as well

should suit you perfectly

[canonnoob]

look into getting something like the tamrac expedition 5x or something like that... that will work just fine for ya...

[Richgsr]

Fastpack 250 will be more than adequate.

I almost have the same gear as you do, except I don't have the 50-255 but have a 430 EX II. Fits into my fastpack with no issues.

[tvphotog]

look into getting something like the tamrac expedition 5x or something like that... that will work just fine for ya...

If you don't need space for non-photo equipment, check the Tamrac Expedition 5X or 6X. The 5X has room for one body and lens attached, and several unattached lenses; the 6X has room for two bodies with lenses attached and other lenses. The 6X has room for a larger laptop. Tripod straps down the center of the back.

The strap padding is better IMO than that of the Lowepros.

Below is the 6X.

Photos courtesy www.tamrac.com (http://www.tamrac.com)

[funlovincamera]

Since you mention traveling, have you considered the PacSafe DaySafe 100? Supposedly it is slash-proof to help prevent theft.

[tvphotog]

Since you mention traveling, have you considered the PacSafe DaySafe 100? Supposedly it is slash-proof to help prevent theft.

While you're at it, look at the Pacsafe 100. It's a slash-proof strap for only $20 that I use all the time, travelling or not, on both cameras. Check at www.pacsafe.com.

[5teve]

I did a review of the Tamrac Aero Speed 85 here: http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=654924

It is very similar to the Fastpack 250, but looks better IMO.

[phishy4]

I have a Kata DR-467 and like it, seems like it might fit your needs

http://www.kata-bags.com/product.asp?p_Id=401&Version=Photo

[argyle]

The type of backpack depends on if you have any needs beyond just carrying camera gear. If you'd like to carry along an extra layer of clothing, food/snacks, water bottles, and other necessities, you'd be much better off with a backpack that has two separate compartments...one for gear, the other for the extras and necessities. If you go this route, I wouldn't recommend a Tamrac Expedition model mainly because it doesn't offer any additional functionality beyond carrying camera gear (unless you want to start buying extra pieces that clip onto the pack...PITA with everything hanging off the pack, requires more money for the attachments, and could get in the way if you're in tight quarters or crowded areas). I'd recommend looking for a pack with two separate compartments, as well as a pocket for your laptop, such as the all-weather Lowepro CompuRover AW.

I haven't used it, but I have used the Lowepro Rover for a long time. The quality and functionality is top-notch...

Lowepro CompuRover AW (http://products.lowepro.com/product/CompuRover-AW,1923,16.htm)