Backpack recommendation please

[aram535]

Hello,

Here is a list of what I would like to be be to carry, in a backback, all lenses include their hoods, reversed obviously.

1D Mark IIN *
1Ds Mark II
EF 300mm f/2.8 IS *
EF 24-105mm * (or EF 70-200 f/2.8) if possible but that's a tall order)
EF 50mm f/1.4 *
Sigma 14 f/2.8
1.4TC and 2.0TC *
580EX II (would be nice)
Tripod or Monopod *
3 Extra 1D Batteries, and 8 - AA batteries. *
Bunch of cleaning stuff, gray card, extra CFs. *

* = I carry these now in a Lowpro Flipside 300, so something bigger than that.

I'm half heartily thinking of switching to a Thinktank modular system (I have a 300 lens changer bag from TT), but I much rather stick with the backpacks. Rollers are out of the question.

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

[Familiaphoto]

Do you want lenses mounted on both bodies, I assume so but it poses problems and that 300 f/2.8 really takes up room. I would normally recommend the Kata R-103 but I don't think it could fit all that.

[tvphotog]

I have the Tamrac 5X Expedition. The larger 7X and 8X may be what you need. This line has the best padded shoulder straps in any backpack that I saw at B&H. Very well constructed.

Photos courtesy Tamrac

...............Tamrac 7X................................................ ..........................Tamrac 8X................................

[aram535]

Do you want lenses mounted on both bodies, I assume so but it poses problems and that 300 f/2.8 really takes up room. I would normally recommend the Kata R-103 but I don't think it could fit all that.

It would be nice if one of the lenses was mounted, but I usually get to the event an hour ahead of time so I have plenty of time to setup and break down after. So no, it's not a requirement, it's a would be nice to have.

I have the Tamrac 5X Expedition. The larger 7X and 8X may be what you need. This line has the best padded shoulder straps in any backpack that I saw at B&H. Very well constructed.

Looks like the 7x can handle them. I don't think I'm planning on any other lens purchases that would go out on the field with me.

Has anyone had any issues with back problems carrying this weight?

[argyle]

...Has anyone had any issues with back problems carrying this weight?

That all depends on your age, physical condition, stamina, etc. Also depends on the type of outing you'll be doing...lesiurely strolls or strenuous hiking over flat and hilly terrain. If you really need to carry all that weight, it'd be best to forego a "camera" back pack and look for something with an internal frame that's more forgiving. I especially wouldn't consider a Tamrac for that kind of a load and gear...it basically amounts to a padded box that hangs off your back. I have an Expedition 7 (relegated to the attic), which has been replaced by a Lowepro Rover AW II and a Dryzone Rover when shooting in or near water. Take a look at the Lowepro Supertrekker...its made to handle Pro-series bodies.

Lowepro Product Link (http://products.lowepro.com/product/Super-Trekker-AW-II,2050,14.htm)

B&H Link (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?ci=0&shs=lowepro+supertrekker&sb=ps&pn=1&sq=desc&InitialSearch=yes&O=jsp%2FRootPage.jsp&A=search&Q=*&bhs=t&Go.x=16&Go.y=7&Go=submit)

[rklepper]

I have the Tamrac 5X Expedition. The larger 7X and 8X may be what you need. This line has the best padded shoulder straps in any backpack that I saw at B&H. Very well constructed.

Photos courtesy Tamrac

...............Tamrac 7X................................................ ..........................Tamrac 8X................................

WOW. I am not sure I could even walk with either of those on my back.

[pigtailpat]

Rollers are out of the question.


I'm just curious, why are rollers out, I love mine.

Pat

[Sports_Dude]

Big difference in price between the Tamrac 8x(~$250) and Lowepro SuperTrekker (~$450). I'm also shopping for a new backpack, but don't have too many camera stores nearby where I can see the bags.

[That_Fox]

You may also find the LowePro Computrekker Plus AW to be an appealing choice. It can fit my 40D with Grip attached to my 300 f/2.8 IS, 20-35mm, 28-70mm, 100mm, 200mm, 1.4x and 2x extenders quite comfortably with room for a flash and 1-2 more lenses and a body (Although the body would be a tight fit).

Has anyone had any issues with back problems carrying this weight?

I haven't had much trouble carrying my setup, it weighs (I'm guessing) about 30 pounds or so, not including tripod. And I carry it around all day when I shoot, plus I'm not muscular either (130 pounds and 5'10").

[cicopo]

I've got the Tamrac 7 and my gear list is different but I'm sure your list would fit, and it's quite comfortable to wear.

[12 Wyoming]

I have the Tamrac Expedition 6 and 8. These are very good bags. Extremely well made.

[Mark]

I would recomend the lowepro supertrekker or protrekker II AW
The super trekker is HUGE, has an internal frame, is very comfy even when fully fully loaded....
Protrekker is the same just a bit smaller....

[aram535]

That all depends on your age, physical condition, stamina, etc. Also depends on the type of outing you'll be doing...lesiurely strolls or strenuous hiking over flat and hilly terrain. If you really need to carry all that weight, it'd be best to forego a "camera" back pack and look for something with an internal frame that's more forgiving. I especially wouldn't consider a Tamrac for that kind of a load and gear...it basically amounts to a padded box that hangs off your back. I have an Expedition 7 (relegated to the attic), which has been replaced by a Lowepro Rover AW II and a Dryzone Rover when shooting in or near water. Take a look at the Lowepro Supertrekker...its made to handle Pro-series bodies.

That's great information -- I'm nearing 38 and have a bad knee and now a bad back so I do end up taking more frequent stops during the trek. Hmmm, good point -- I can't believe that thing is $450!

I'm just curious, why are rollers out, I love mine.

Just because of the types of places I do end up going. Stadium have steps, landscapes have rocks and are uneven or just sandy -- so a roller would just end up being carried most of the time.

[aram535]

I would recomend the lowepro supertrekker or protrekker II AW
The super trekker is HUGE, has an internal frame, is very comfy even when fully fully loaded....
Protrekker is the same just a bit smaller....

I'm liking the Lowepro Pro Trekker AW II -- not bad and it can be had for about $300.

[argyle]

The added benefit to the Super Trekker and the Pro Trekker is that they both have a detachable, smaller day pack as well to carry additional necessities.

Trust me on this one...I tried using a Tamrac Expedition 7 in Bryce, Zion, and Page. It holds a lot of gear, but that's basically it. Unless you buy the modular accessories, there's no place to carry water, not to mention space to carry any other necessities. I was relegated to hooking two 1-quart nalgene water bottles to the waist strap for a hike out to the Wave...not too pleasant when going over hills and slick rock with water bottles constantly banging against your legs. Since it sounds like you do some of the same sort of hikes, you'd need something that will have a space to accommodate extra items such as a fleece layer, water, tool and first aid kits, rain gear, food/snacks, etc. The Tamrac Expedition, at least in my opinion, didn't fit that bill as far as hiking functionality goes (more likely use is a storage pack). I haven't used the Lowepro Super or Pro Trekker, but if they're anything like the Rover and Dryzone Rover, either would do you just fine.

And at 38, you're a youngster. I'm 54, and probably benefitted from years competing in triathlons. I'm not in that top physical condition anymore, and probably have a few maladies from all the pounding, so comfort on the trails for me is a top concern. Good luck with your decision.

[Josh_30]

I've got the Expedition 7 and I'm very happy with it. It swallows my 70-200 2.8 with plenty of room to spare.

[futura]

I've recently gone for a standard hiking back (Osprey Atmos 35) with a good harness system and the camera block bag inside (taken from my Dakine). So far its working a treat.

[argyle]

I've recently gone for a standard hiking back (Osprey Atmos 35) with a good harness system and the camera block bag inside (taken from my Dakine). So far its working a treat.

I have the Osprey Atmos 65L...they are great packs. What's the "camera block bag" that you refer to?

[futura]

I have the Osprey Atmos 65L...they are great packs. What's the "camera block bag" that you refer to?

Its one of these - http://www.dakine.com/snowboard/packs/photo/camera-block/

My block came as the internals for the Dakine Sequence but by the looks of things you can buy the blocks separately. The Atmos 35L can also take the Gitzo 1227 inside without the block but with the camera and lenses in their own pouches. I'll need to check if I put fit the pod and block at the same time.

[argyle]

Its one of these - http://www.dakine.com/snowboard/packs/photo/camera-block/

My block came as the internals for the Dakine Sequence but by the looks of things you can buy the blocks separately. The Atmos 35L can also take the Gitzo 1227 inside without the block but with the camera and lenses in their own pouches. I'll need to check if I put fit the pod and block at the same time.

Hey, thanks. That was fast :D

[4x4rock]

If you like Lowepro, also look into the Photo Trekker bag. Very similar to the Pro Trekker but a bit smaller and it can fit all that gears. Very comfy shoulder pads and waist traps. In fact all Lowepro Trekker Series share the same/similar shoulder harness and they are really great.

Here's a pic of my Nature trekker with the 300 2.8. The Photo trekker is a bigger.

Hood folded
http://www.sonnycao.com/web/misc/nature_trekker/nature5.jpg


Hood in shooting position
http://www.sonnycao.com/web/misc/nature_trekker/nature6.jpg