Need backpack to hold laptop, DSLR & HD camera

[JohnnyScience]

Hello, new to the forums and photography in general kinda.

I need a backpack that will hold a laptop (most like an Apple Macbook, or maybe their Macbook Air), DLSR camera & maybe an extra lens & also a HD camera and perhaps a binder with some paperwork.

I would like it to be very durable with the use of hard rubber & neoprene.

I dont need all of the majority of the chamberss that I see most photographers backpacks have. Maybe if I can even change around the chambers to suit my needs. Only need 1 big area for HD camera a mid-size pocket for the DLSR & a few small chambers for chargers, extra lens, light readers etc.

What are my options for backpacks with these requirements?

There really isnt a budget, but I would prefer to spend less than $150 and get something that is top of the line and very durable.

[JohnnyScience]

I really like the setups of the Tamrac Adventure 9... its got a perfect spot for the DSLR in the front little pocket, I believe has a sleeve for a laptop & the big pouch should be big enough for HD camera that is inside its own case & the various accessories isnt it?

Or would I have to keep the HD camera out of its own case and just in the backpack.

A combo of the Tamrac & this one would be perfect...

http://www.vistek.ca/store/BagsCases/241981/tamrac-5605-pro-5-camera-bagblack.aspx

If I can get a bottom section like on the Tamrac for all DSLR stuff & then have the top compartment kind of square like their Pro 5 Camera bag with a computer sleeve, that would honestly be perfect.

Please tell me they make a bag like that!

But are there setups like that with a use or neoprene & rubber vs regular backpack nylon?

[JohnnyScience]

I've found this one...

http://www.videosmith.com/shop/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=90

But I'm not sure if I could fit the DSLR camera in there....?

Maybe if I took the lens off and put the body at the very bottom and the lens on one of the side compartments?

But I'm not sure if its too huge or not... I've seen pictures of the Tamrac 10 on a real person and it looks huge.

I'd like to keep it as close to a regular backpack that I can so it doesnt draw a lot of attention.

[gconda]

IMO the ThinkTank Streetwalker Hardrive (http://www.thinktankphoto.com/ttp_product_StWlkrHD.php) is the way to go ! I've got one and loe it. Plenty of ways to set up loads of room in a bag that doesn't look like a camera bag.

[JohnnyScience]

IMO the ThinkTank Streetwalker Hardrive (http://www.thinktankphoto.com/ttp_product_StWlkrHD.php) is the way to go ! I've got one and loe it. Plenty of ways to set up loads of room in a bag that doesn't look like a camera bag.

Yeah I do kinda like that one. But it says it only holds 15" laptops... not the usualy 17" macbook pros

So youre saying I can move the walls around in that pack as needed for my specs? I do need more of a side by side setup vs. a top & bottom since I am trying to include an HD camera (like a smaller Sony version)

Does it accept water bottles on the side? (I drink a TON of water through out the day, so this is a must)

This may work pretty well because an HD camera would take up about half and then that leaves roughly the other half for the DSLR and it has the laptop sleeve... nice.

But is it durable enough to be bumped etc and still give everything inside enough protection?

How does it compare as far as quality & size to the Kata Backpack for the HD camera I just linked to?

Any other options?

[Joelene]

I like the Crumpler Customary Barge
https://www.crumpler.ca/Lite/English/Products/Customary-Barge-CU02A.html?image=1

It is actually thin enough to fit as a carry on for a plane ride as well.

[JohnnyScience]

I see Lowepro has a lot of stuff that fits in what I'm looking for.

I just dont know if I would need a Fastpack 250, 400 or their Computer Trekker - does anyone know the difference? They look similar?

But can I move the walls in a Lowepro to fit everything I need? Or am I stuck with the stock configurations I always see in pictures?

I'd also prefer a bag that has the tripod mount on one of the sides (the other side being a bottled water holder) vs the back...

What about this one, does it have enough room in the top compartment for an HD camera?

http://www.vistek.ca/store/BagsCases/239388/kata-bags-dr467-digital-rucksack.aspx

I dont think the top and bottom compartments is going to work for what I want. I think the side by side with movable walls is going to be the one that keeps everything the best.

[gooble]

IMO the ThinkTank Streetwalker Hardrive (http://www.thinktankphoto.com/ttp_product_StWlkrHD.php) is the way to go ! I've got one and loe it. Plenty of ways to set up loads of room in a bag that doesn't look like a camera bag.

Second that.

[JohnnyScience]

Ohh look at this one... almost perfect...

http://www.vistek.ca/store/BagsCases/225769/petrol-bags-pcbp3n-cocoon-backpack.aspx#

But I dont think it has side straps for a tripod or a side pocket for a bottled water does it?

[JohnnyScience]

Would this one be big enough to store an HDV in the bottom compartment? (The small sony kind)

http://www.kata-bags.com/product.asp?p_Id=330&Version=Photo

[Kasrielle]

Here is a review of the Prism-U

http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?p=7987559

[gconda]

Yeah I do kinda like that one. But it says it only holds 15" laptops... not the usualy 17" macbook pros

So youre saying I can move the walls around in that pack as needed for my specs? I do need more of a side by side setup vs. a top & bottom since I am trying to include an HD camera (like a smaller Sony version)

Does it accept water bottles on the side? (I drink a TON of water through out the day, so this is a must)

This may work pretty well because an HD camera would take up about half and then that leaves roughly the other half for the DSLR and it has the laptop sleeve... nice.

But is it durable enough to be bumped etc and still give everything inside enough protection?

How does it compare as far as quality & size to the Kata Backpack for the HD camera I just linked to?

Any other options?

I only have a 15" Macbook Pro, it fits perfect. It wont hold a 17.
side pocket unzips and can hold water w/ the elastic mesh inside. or you could clip a bottle to it in various places. Its as durable as any other high end pack out there. Its ment for pro's. I love it !!
It holds my sony HDR SR1 30 GB HD camcorder, 40D with grip 70-200 f4L is attached, a couple of flashes and my 24-70L. Hard drives cables batteries etc. Yes you can customize the pockets. My 58exII lays flat on one side.

[Headshotzx]

Think Tank Photo's Streetwalker Hard Drive

[Nick5]

I see Lowepro has a lot of stuff that fits in what I'm looking for.

I just dont know if I would need a Fastpack 250, 400 or their Computer Trekker - does anyone know the difference? They look similar?

But can I move the walls in a Lowepro to fit everything I need? Or am I stuck with the stock configurations I always see in pictures?

I'd also prefer a bag that has the tripod mount on one of the sides (the other side being a bottled water holder) vs the back...

What about this one, does it have enough room in the top compartment for an HD camera?

http://www.vistek.ca/store/BagsCases/239388/kata-bags-dr467-digital-rucksack.aspx

I dont think the top and bottom compartments is going to work for what I want. I think the side by side with movable walls is going to be the one that keeps everything the best.Johnny.
The Computrekker AW series from Lowepro as you know is a traditional backpack system. Lots of room for body, lenses and your video camera. The Computrekker Plus AW will hold a 17" MacBook Pro.
They both include the very important, for me anyway, All Weather Cover.
Tripod is carried in the middle of the pack
The Fastpack 350 is a great backpack that allows access like a sling. Very nice feature that allows you access to your gear without removing your pack. Not quite as much storage for camera gear, but does allow for more storage of other stuff on top. Again, will accommodate a 17" MacBook Pro.
Lowepro unfortunately does not include the AW Cover in the Fastpack series which I see as a major oversight. It does come in handy.
Tripod could be carried across underneath. This would be very difficult as you willbop people all day long, unnless your tripod really folds down very small.

I have both of these bags.
I am going to Seattle later this summer. Most likely I will be taking the Lowepro Computrekker AW as it includes the AW Cover and can handle my 15 MacBook Pro.

[timecut]

+2 :)
IMO the ThinkTank Streetwalker Hardrive (http://www.thinktankphoto.com/ttp_product_StWlkrHD.php) is the way to go ! I've got one and loe it. Plenty of ways to set up loads of room in a bag that doesn't look like a camera bag.

[JohnnyScience]

Ok so its down to the following:

Harddrive (I dont like how the tripod is on the back vs. on the side, but I may end up carrying the tripod in the lighting bag anyways. and this one is the most lo-pro)

Computrekker (it does have a little more room on the flap with addtional pouches and pockets that can be very helpful with things like cables and cords etc.)

Coocon (but its so dang expensive compared to the others)

Kata-Bags Series http://www.kata-bags.com/product.asp?p_Id=260&Version=Video - But its a pretty deep bag at almost 12.2" - almost 4" deeper than the rest, but it is a cool looking back. But much "lo-pro" than the others.

Not sure which way to go yet.

[eth3rton]

Coocon (but its so dang expensive compared to the others)



Got a link? Never heard of this one...

[eos650]

Was looking for something similiar. Now I don't need to "search". Its down to the lowepro and hardrive.

[gconda]

hardrive is less than 200 with just as much if not more quality than the others. plenty of pockets for what you "need" I love the clear plastic pockets n the inside, much better than mesh ones.