Want Backpack for Camera?

[BrianEE93]

I was thinking about a backpack to haul my camera equipment around since I like to take short hikes in the woods to shoot. I will be carrying everything in my signature except only my mono or tripod. I am looking to buy a 100-400 or something similar in a long zoom next year. Any suggestions? I am looking at the Tamrac Expedition 5 right now. Would this be a good size? Any other brands to look at? I plan on looking at some camera stores but they all don't seem to have very good selections.

Thanks,

Brian

[HJMinard]

The Expeditions are excellent bags. The 5 might be large enough ... I have the 4 and most of my stuff fits with the exception of the 400/5.6. I'm considering the purchase of one the Tamrac M.A.S. lens bags to attach the 400/5.6 to the side of my 4.

I'm considering the Expedition 7 as a bag to carry all of my equipment. One thing to keep in mind with backbacks, however, is that you must remove it and lay it down on something in order to get stuff in or out. I plan to get a smaller, top-loading bag (Tamrac Velocity 7 or 9?) for short trips when I don't intend to take everything ... then I'll have the convenience of being able to take stuff out without removing the bag.

[robertwgross]

The Lowepro Nature Trekker has been around for a few years. It is pretty big.

The problem is that it is too damned big. If I load it up until it is full, it goes close to 40 pounds. The other problem is in the general nature of a backpack. It balances the entire load directly behind you on your back and hips. For quick access, this is not what you want.

Personally, I go after lots of wildflowers and wildlife. The backpack is too slow. Some type of shoulder bag is much quicker.

Today, I was carrying about 10-12 pounds worth of stuff in a canvas shopping bag, and it was easily accessible when I needed it in a hurry. Like, for example, when there was one rattlesnake by the trail.

---Bob Gross---

[lostdoggy]

I plan to get a smaller, top-loading bag (Tamrac Velocity 7 or 9?) for short trips when I don't intend to take everything ... then I'll have the convenience of being able to take stuff out without removing the bag.

I have the Tamrac Velocity . It serve it purpose for me. I wanted a bag that I don't have to put down to get to the camera or other equipment, but large enough for a flash or a 2nd body on one side and a large lens or couple of small lenses on the otherside. I personnally don't like to put down my bag because I'm forgetful. The is a sling type w/ optional waist belt that is stowed in its own compartment when not used. I bought it mainly for short trips and around town.

[BrianEE93]

Thanks for the responses. Right now I have this Tamrac 5674 http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=321758&is=REG

It is just a little small. I have the accessory cases on the sides for my 70-300 and flash. Inside I have the body with my 18-125, battery chargers and miscellaneous. I couldn't get the zoom or the flash to fit. The waist strap is a good idea if you have a 32" waist!(not on this fat boy!) It works pretty good for now but is a little hard on the neck when combined with a tripod for monopod. I have a feeling it will expode when I get a 100-400L next year. I guess I have time to try rearranging and try out some backpacks.

I like the D rings on the Tamrac backpacks so you can hang your camera from the straps and not around your neck. The accessability is a definate concern.

[KenE]

I have a Mountainsmith Lumen, and gotta say it kicks butt.

It's about half to 1/3 price of the "photography" brands and is very ruggedly built. It will last me a long time, and I'm not very gentle on gear by way of the environments I find myself in. Another bonus it it looks like a regular backpack, so thieves won't look at it and identify it as a gear bag.

For a big larger bag, look at the Paragon.

[flyfishnj]

http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=36952

[PacAce]

I was thinking about a backpack to haul my camera equipment around since I like to take short hikes in the woods to shoot. I will be carrying everything in my signature except only my mono or tripod. I am looking to buy a 100-400 or something similar in a long zoom next year. Any suggestions? I am looking at the Tamrac Expedition 5 right now. Would this be a good size? Any other brands to look at? I plan on looking at some camera stores but they all don't seem to have very good selections.

Thanks,

Brian
I just got my Expedition 5 yesterday and it's great! I upgraded from the Expedition 4 which was OK but I kind of outgrew it since I got it two years ago. The Expedition 5 seems a little more comfortable to wear than the Expedition 4, maybe because it spreads out the weight of the bag over a bigger area.

I also have a Lowepro Nature Trekker which I use for travelling but only to haul all my things from place to place in the car. It's too big and heavy (when fully loaded) to use as a walkaround backpack. Once I get to my destination, I transfer just what I need to the Expedition 4 or 5.

[Mannytkd]

Check this site out for lowpro backpacks. I have an Orion Trecker on my back for when i go cycling, things are nicely padded.......
http://www.warehouseexpress.com/index.cfm?photo/lowepro/intropage.html

Good luck.
I was thinking about a backpack to haul my camera equipment around since I like to take short hikes in the woods to shoot. I will be carrying everything in my signature except only my mono or tripod. I am looking to buy a 100-400 or something similar in a long zoom next year. Any suggestions? I am looking at the Tamrac Expedition 5 right now. Would this be a good size? Any other brands to look at? I plan on looking at some camera stores but they all don't seem to have very good selections.

Thanks,

Brian