Backpack for camera, lenses, tripod, laptop, and lunch [Archive]

dpark

24th of January 2010 (Sun), 23:13

I've been looking at backpacks for some time now, and I'm starting to come to the conclusion that the bag I want doesn't actually exist. I'm hoping someone can tell me I'm wrong.

Basically, I want a backpack that can hold an XSi with 11-16, 17-55, and 55-250 lenses (that's not actually my current gear, but the 11-16 will be purchased in a few months, and the 17-55 will be next after that), along with a laptop, a 3530LS tripod, and some room for lunch/jacket/misc stuff. The closest I've found is the Kata 3n1-33. However, the shoulder straps on the Kata kind of suck, and more importantly, Kata says the tripod won't fit. The Kata DR-467 or the Tamrac Aero 85 both look nice (and very similar), but again the tripod seems to be a no go.

The best I've come up with so far is to get the Lowepro Flipside 400, move some dividers to make room for a sandwich, and leave the laptop at home. Is there a better option?

To clarify what I want/need: the backpack must hold the gear I mentioned above and the tripod. Next is some room for personal stuff/lunch/whatever, and then last comes the laptop. It must also be a backpack (not a shoulder bag with a tripod taped to it), and it can't be crazy huge (Kata 3n1-33 size is fine, Tamrac Adventure 10 is not) because I want to be able to wear it all day, and in the city (probably sans tripod). A good hip/waist strap would be a welcome addition, as would a sternum strap.

So, any suggestions? Thanks in advance.

Saint728

25th of January 2010 (Mon), 02:44

I use the Lowepro Fastpack 350. It fits all my gear in there and I have room up top for lunch as well as my other miscellaneous things. It also fits up to a 17" laptop in there as well. I carry my camera body on me with a Cotton Carrier. I'm sure you can stick a tripod underneath the flap cover down on the front of the backpack. The price can't be beat at $104.95. http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/531365-REG/Lowepro_LP35197_PEU_Fastpack_350_Backpack_Black_.h tml

Take Care,
Cheers, Patrick

Take Care,
Cheers, Patrick

jhom

25th of January 2010 (Mon), 08:29

How about a Think Tank Streetwalker HD?

Needsnow

25th of January 2010 (Mon), 08:36

I second the TT Streetwalker HD. Can easily fit that into it.

dpark

25th of January 2010 (Mon), 10:42

Thanks for the suggestions. Keep 'em coming.

Patrick, I looked at the Fastpack series, and they are appealing, but I don't think I really want to carry a tripod side-mounted. The GT3530LS is around 26 inches wide without a ballhead attached. I think I'd be running into stuff constantly. I appreciate the suggestion, though. If I had a smaller tripod, I'd really consider it.

Jim and Needsnow, thanks for the suggestion. I looked at the Streetwalker HD a little bit. From what I can tell, it looks to be similar to the Flipside 400, except that it will carry a laptop (definite plus) and has front access (a slight minus). Does it really have much room for non-camera stuff? The front pockets look small (like the 400). Or would this be another case of moving dividers around to squeeze lunch into the camera section? Also, will this fit under an airplane seat? It's pretty tall (19").

FrostQ

25th of January 2010 (Mon), 10:45

I think you and I are on the same boat...we have almost the same gear and same requirements for a backpack. I almost bought the 3N1-33, but you are right about the thin straps, I don't think they'll be very comfortable for extended periods of time. I am keeping my eye out for the Crumpler Sinking Barge Deluxe to go on sale. It is listed for $300 here in Canada. It will hold a laptop, 3-4 lens, tripod (on the side), and extra daily stuff.

The TT HD is a very tall bag with no large compartment for extra daily stuff...

FrostQ

25th of January 2010 (Mon), 10:47

also check out the Lowepro compurimus...it's pretty big...it has a laptop flap but it is not secure...the laptop will be exposed to the outside

http://products.lowepro.com/product/CompuPrimus-AW,2110,19.htm

dpark

25th of January 2010 (Mon), 12:35

Thanks for the suggestions, FrostQ. Those are both possible options. I think the Sinking Barge's camera section is a little on the small side (looks equivalent to a 5MDH), but maybe I could stick a lens in the upper compartment. I'm not entirely sold on the side-mounted tripod, but I could probably live with it. It would stick up pretty far, though. Do you know if the notebook carrier comes out entirely, and if so does that yield a noticeably larger/more useful cargo area? If so, that's a big plus, because I don't actually expect to carry the laptop when I'm out shooting. I just want to be able to put it into the same bag for the plane.

The CompuPrimus looks like a nice bag, but really big. At nearly 24 inches tall, it doesn't meet a lot of airline's carry-on requirements. That's a bit worrisome, because I really don't want to have to check my camera bag. I'm also not sure that I'd consider a pack that big to be city-wearable. I feel like it would be a bit much.

dpark

25th of January 2010 (Mon), 13:11

Anyone have experience with the Crumpler Whickey and Cox, especially in comparison with the Lowepro Flipside 400 and the Think Tank Streetwalker HD? It looks like another similar option. It still doesn't have a "stuff" area, but it does hold a laptop like the Streetwalker HD. And I like the fact that the laptop pocket is entirely removable. It seems like it's a pretty big bag as well, though.

FrostQ

25th of January 2010 (Mon), 14:34

if you think the Sinking Barge Deluxe is too small...look into the Customary Barge Deluxe...it's a bigger version of it...I do agree that side mounted tripod sucks...but it's a compromise I'm willing to make since I don't usually carry a tripod in town.

I've looked into the Whickey and Cox and didn't like it...you should check it out in person. The laptop compartment is not that well designed. The padding is is a bit too thick and too much and it makes the sleeve very bulky. For the camera compartment, because the top of the bag is curved in, you will not be able to put the body on the top. The body+lens attached will have to be placed on the bottom of the bag, pretty cumbersome to take out if you are on the go. It's definitely a well made bag...but not very well designed. I've talked to a Crumpler rep and he said that the new version should be rolling out shortly. The camera compartment will be removable and the bag will be transformed to a normal backpack. The camera "case" can be used separately.

jcothron

25th of January 2010 (Mon), 15:12

You may want to take a look at the F-stop offerings. I've used backpacks for years, and by far it's the best carrying one I've ever worn, and does have room for extra things.

dpark

25th of January 2010 (Mon), 15:15

FrostQ, the Crumpler site says that the Customary Barge Deluxe will still only hold a DSLR with a twin lens kit, plus accessories, which still sounds like a 5MDH to me. Maybe Crumpler is being too conservative with its capacity estimates, though. I need to find a store with these so I can see them in person. I've looked at several camera bags, just none that will actually work . . . .

I'm a little torn on the tripod carrying issue. It seems like having it side-mounted would cause the pack to feel noticably off-center. However, that would bring it closer to my body and presumably cause it to feel lighter overall, so it might balance out. I've never carried a tripod attached to a pack, so I'm not really sure what's best. The only bags that allow both configurations are huge trekking packs.

Thanks for the advice on the Whickey and Cox. I've seen the Keystone in person, but only briefly, so I didn't really get a good feel for it.

So far the Streetwalker HD is looking like my best option. I just wish it had more dedicated "stuff" space. The front pockets look really small. The Airport Antidote 2.0 also looks good, especially since the laptop pocket turns into a decent-sized "stuff" pocket when the laptop pouch/bag is removed. However, I'm not sure how good it will actually when carrying it for hours. Some people are indicating that it's not well suited for that. Of course, both of these are to my eyes kind of ugly, but I can live with that. :)

dpark

25th of January 2010 (Mon), 15:25

FrostQ

25th of January 2010 (Mon), 15:34

dpark

25th of January 2010 (Mon), 15:45

the barge deluxe comes with an extra "bucket" for the top compartment...crumpler is being conservative and not calling it a camera compartment...if you see the bag in person you'll see that the "bucket" will easily hold a couple short lens...but it'll also take up a lot of room in the "stuff" compartment
I see. Thanks for clarifying that. Hopefully I can find this one locally so I can check it out. It might be a strong contender in that case.

TT HD is a tall bag...check airport regulations
Most of the bags I'm looking at are pretty tall. I think the boxy shape makes this one look taller than it actually is, though. Or else Think Tank is giving the wrong size info on their site. They're claiming 19 inches, which is within carry-on requirements for all the American airlines I know of. Of course, that doesn't mean it will actually fit under the seat (especially comfortably).

Airport Antidote cannot carry a camera with lens attached...see the pics...
Sorry, why's that? From the pictures on the TT site, it actually looks very similar internally to the Streetwalker HD, but a bit smaller. They show it holding a DSLR attached to (I believe) a 100-400.

keitaro

25th of January 2010 (Mon), 16:11

dpark

25th of January 2010 (Mon), 16:25

i was looking at the F-stop Tilopa, but I am concerned about how it does not fit an airline carry on luggage size. http://fstopgear.com/en/product. If the Tilopa fits airline requirments, I'd be glad to purchase that.

While looking around, I found the Lowepro Compurover http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/search?Ntt=lowepro+compurover&N=0&InitialSearch=yes to fit my needs. It can carry a laptop, small lens and body kit, as well as extra room for clothing, food, etc. It also has a tripod storage area, and weather cover.

the primary needs for the pack i am looking for are traveling, and hiking. It needs to fit both requirements.
The Tilopa meets some airline requirements. e.g. Alaska Air will allow it. It violates some others, such as American Airlines and Air Canada (and I see you're in Canada). I expect that you would probably get away with using it as a carry-on, especially if you don't pack it fully (so that you can compress it down to the carry-on dimensions). However, I don't know for sure, and it's definitely a potential risk.

The CompuRover violates Air Canada's requirements by 0.2 inches in height and 0.1 inches in depth. I don't think you'll have a problem with it, though.

keitaro

26th of January 2010 (Tue), 13:01

^thanks for the info

FrostQ

3rd of February 2010 (Wed), 15:31

so dpark...what did you end up getting?

dpark

3rd of February 2010 (Wed), 16:06

HoosierJoe

4th of February 2010 (Thu), 08:37

Didn't yet. I probably won't buy for a bit longer, as there's no rush. I want this for a trip this summer.

I'm still leaning toward the Think Tank Streetwalker Hard Drive, but I'm not completely sold, because it looks like the non-gear space is so limited. I've found a couple of stores near me that carry Think Tank products, so I'm going to try to check it out in person.
Did you look at Case Logic backpacks? I just got the SLRC-206 and they have a backpack even larger than that one which might accomodate you. Amazon has a better price than Case Logic does about now. They also have video demonstrations of most of their bags. It helps to see what they will do in real life.

dpark

4th of February 2010 (Thu), 10:01

I haven't looked into Case Logic before, but I'll definitely see if I can find those locally as well. Thanks.

Fstop-Ian

14th of February 2010 (Sun), 20:06

i was looking at the F-stop Tilopa, but I am concerned about how it does not fit an airline carry on luggage size. http://fstopgear.com/en/product. If the Tilopa fits airline requirments, I'd be glad to purchase that.

Hi, just wanted to point out that at maximum size and completely full the bag may not fit all carry on size regulations but the bag easily compresses allowing you to work around these types of situations.

The nature of our bag design allows a lot of sizing options. And our listed sizes are at a full capacity.

Regards

jsims

15th of February 2010 (Mon), 13:41

the tamera aro 80 in black is what i use and i put a 50d,18-200is on camera then 50mm,17-85is,10-22isi,70-300is 4 cf cards wirless trigger cf reader and 4 batt 2 lens hoods and a rockett blower in the camera comparment and my 580ex in the top of the backpack and a jacket and full lunch, gps and have room for more stuff and i bouhht two 1 in wide lashing straps at at wall mart and had them soed at a shoe repair place on the side about 2 in from the botton on the left side and one 2 in from the top in ft of the laptop zipper and i strap my trypod or my mono pod and it works grate for down town trecking back pack was $ 99.00 straps $ 1.99 ea sewing them $10.00 and it holds my dell inspron 16 in if i dont have the tri or mono on it looks like a book bag on walking down the street in steed of a camera bag with thousands of dollers of eqpt. hoop this helps

Josh_30

18th of February 2010 (Thu), 23:38

^^ I have the aero 80 as well, and its pretty nice for a light setup. The straps aren't that great if you're running heavy. They could use some extra padding. The space for non-camera gear is great though. I put a soft aided lunchbox and a rain jacket in the top pocket (or a 70-200 2.8 IS in its original case. :) ). The laptop compartment is roomy and has a rubber gasket along the zipper in case it rains. A nice feature I think. I carry a tripod on mine sometimes, and I simply stick 2 of the legs in either the side or back mesh pockets, and use a velcro cable organizer (long piece of velcro available in the electronics/computer department) to snug the top of the tripod to the top handle of the bag. It works pretty well, even with a big tripod like a 055XPROb + 488RC2 combo. It tugs the top of the tripod toward the center of the bag as well, so it doesn't get caught on things. The mesh side pockets also come in handy for holding a water bottle. Inside the top pocket there are 2 elastic-top mesh pockets for small maps or cables, batteries, whatever, and one medium sized zipper pocket. I'm happy with it overall, I just wish the straps had a bit more padding. I'm sure there is probably an easy solution to adding some pads to fix that. I use my larger pack when I need to take all my gear, so I don't worry about it much. I usually just take the 1D3 + 24-70 and a 430EX in the gear part, and maybe a 70-200 in the top of I think I might use it. HTH

dpark

18th of February 2010 (Thu), 23:54

You guys actually find the Aero 80 comfortable for carrying a tripod? I would have expected the height of a full-size tripod to be a significant issue on that. With the ballhead, it must stick up a full foot, right?

The Aero series look very much like what I want (I'd probably go with the 85 for the side access, especially if I had a tripod on the back), but I'm not convinced it would be comfortable with a tripod.

Kasrielle

19th of February 2010 (Fri), 10:36

I have the Kata DR-467 and can actually carry a tripod. It has a pocket on the side with pull out mesh that I think is ment to hold a water bottle. However, you can put the tripod legs in the pocket, and attach the top to the carry handle with a strap. It's makeshift, but works fine, and the Kata really hits all the buttons of everything else you want. Plus - it looks good (IMO, YMMV...)

dpark

19th of February 2010 (Fri), 12:15

The DR-467 (or the new 467i) is a really nice option, but I'm not so sure about a side-mounted tripod on such a small pack. (I'd totally get it if I wasn't concerned about the tripod.) I'm going to have 5 extra pounds hanging on one side, which I'm pretty sure is going to get really uncomfortable after an hour. It still has the same height issue as the Aero series, too, since there's no drop-down cup for the tripod.

I'll end up checking out some more stuff at the local camera stores before I buy anything, though. I've got quite a few options, and I need to look at more of them in person.

eeeksNYC

19th of February 2010 (Fri), 12:19

I've used a Dakine Sequence with the a tripod and ball head strapped to it (Gitzo 1228 with markins plate and Manfrotto head). Plenty of room for all the gear I had at the time. But a bit bulky

alpinekiwi

19th of February 2010 (Fri), 12:35

I have the F Stop Tilopa and have carried it onboard planes around the world. Never had a problem.

It carries all my gear, my laptop and has room for a book plus other flying essentials. Laptop comes out easily for xrays.

It is designed for the skiing photographer, so has straps for two lightstands/tripods on the sides, plus the ski/snowboard strap on the back will easily accommodate a larger tripod.

It is super comfortable on the back (although with a 1D series body, it does prod you a little) and can easily carry everything with little discomfort.

The camera gear is accessed from the back (as in the part that is next to your back), so when you place it face down in mud/snow, you will not get it all on your back later. The bag & zips are weather proof too.

Basically, I am super happy with my bag and will get another if anything happens to this one.

Here's what I've carried in mine on ski shoots:

1Dmk3
70-200 2.8
24-70 2.8
12-24
85 1.8
2x 580EXII
triggers
2x sm tripods
1x lg tripod
Assorted bits & pieces (you know how it can get)... Gloves, snowshoes, cables, jacket...

Johnsoir

19th of February 2010 (Fri), 13:14

I can vouch for the Kata 3-n-1 Series, I own the 3-n-1 30, the largest without a laptop compartment. Though I know someone who has the model with the compartment for a laptop.

On a daily bases, I pack;
a gripped 40D with 70-200 2.8IS attached,
17-40,
100mm Macro,
50mm 1.8 or 45mm Tilt,
80GB Hard drive,
memory cards,
spare batteries,
cleaning supplies,
and a Light Meter.

Depending on what I'm doing that day I can use the top compartment for;
a 580 EX II, 430 EX II, radio triggers, cords and extra battiers,
or
580 EX II, radio triggers, and a lunch,
or a lunch and a light sweater or heavy shirt or an extra pair of pants/shorts.

As for the tripod, I don't the proper attachment for a tripod, though I have ball-bungeed a compact tripod (~60cm when compact, 1.5m when extended) to the back. And I once ball-bungeed a Induro 413 with head to the back, though I suggest not putting that much weight onto the already filled bag, as it tends to get heavy quick.

I also carry a 16"x22" Photoflex on the side via ball-bungees and the softboxes bag.
softbox.

The bag has lasted me over a year, with very few signs of wear. I don't find the straps super comfortable, but they beat the Lowepro CompuTrekker, I used to own.

If you have less gear I think it is the perfect bag, though I think I have hit the limit of how much you can stuff into it.

mitch2k1

19th of February 2010 (Fri), 22:09

Go for the TT Streetwalker Hard Drive, airplane friendly, holds a laptop, comfortable for a day on your feet. I carry the following:
5D Mk II with 24-70 (or 70-200 or 100-400) attached, 70-200 or 100-400, 17-40mm, 100mm macro, 15mm, lensbaby composer, 580ex, G10 (if the wife feels like shooting), laptop, misc. filters, hex wrenches, chargers, cords etc. I adjust contents based on whether I am travelling, or shooting. If you drop a lens or 2 (or the G10) and or flash you can probably stash a sandwich and granola bar. I had the Lowepro Primus AW (not CompuPrimus) found the camera section too small as well as the daypack section. The Compuprimus doesn't look to be much larger.

c2thew

20th of February 2010 (Sat), 11:55

the flipside 400 or TT streetwalker hard drive bags are both very good setups. the next aspect is determining whether you will always carry your setup around with you or plan on expanding your equipment in the future.

although laptops are nice, they will kill your shoulder with the added 4-5 pounds over time.

RPCrowe

20th of February 2010 (Sat), 17:46

Other photographers may have very valid reasons for carting a computer around during their photo shoots; it's just that I don't...

I can't see spending a whole day shooting with a computer on my back. When would I use the computer during the day? I certainly wouldn't need or want to stop on a park bench to download or post process my images or send and receive email!

I always carry a computer with me on my travels and my work-flow is to down load my images every evening and copy these to a pair of small 500GB external hard drives but, I have never entertained the idea of carrying the computer around during a day's shoot. Instead, I leave it in my room. However, if I didn't have a room and needed to hump the computer around for that reason; I would certainly need to also hump toilet articles and changes of clothing unless I wanted to make the trip unwashed and in the same set of clothes.

Now that I think of it, in traveling the world, I have met backpackers in just about every country who smell like they are traveling with one set of clothing and no access to soap and water.

I don't even fly with my computer in my camera bag. I carry it in a separate case since I will most often have it out and am working on it when I am in the air...

I also need to mention that I don't shoot using a pack at all. Instead, I carry my two 1.6x cameras with lenses attached on an OPTECH Dual Harness and carry any additional gear including snacks (I tend not to need much food when I am working) in my Domke Photo Vest....

I will travel to China in April and will transport my gear in a Lowe Pro Mini Trekker AW. This pack will fit my 30d and 40D cameras and three lenses (17-55mm f/2.8 IS, 70-200mm f/4L IS and 12-24mm f/4 Tokina) and two flashes plus additional miscellaneous accessories such as Kata Raincover, CF cards, Batteries, etc. and will weigh under the 5 Kilogram weight limit on China Airlines for economy class carry-on bags. The Mini Trekker rides piggy back on my small wheeled suitcase between where I stay and the airline luggage check in. I then carry the Mini Trekker either on my back or by its top handle from check-in to the overhead compartment. I am lucky on this trip since my wife is carrying her small computer as carry-on. I will use that and download to a pair of Western Digital external hard drives each evening. During flights, I will carry one hard drive and my wife will carry the other.

My travel tripod, a modified SLIK Pro 330DX which, with a Flashpoint F-1 Arca Compatible ball head (which weighs 2.5 pounds total and will support my 40D and 70-200mm f/4L IS lens with no problem) rides in its own case in my checked-on suitase. If I am going to need the tripod, I will carry it in its case over my shoulder during a shoot.

jeyaganesh

24th of February 2010 (Wed), 09:23

I am also looking for the same type of bag.

I would like to carry 5D Mark II, 24-70mm, 17-40mm, 100-400mm, a flash unit, 15.4" laptop and its power unit and a book. I have planned to buy the above mentioned camera and lenses in 2nd half of this year. But I need a bag now for traveling to near by cities.

Currently I am having Canon gadget bag 10EG. It is enough only for camera and lenses not for book or any other travel stuff.

So far, I think Lowepro Fastpack 250 is my first choice except for carrying tripod. :)

It has good space for my camera and lens collection. It also has a separate top space for book, laptop power and lunch box. It has side opening for laptop. It has comfortable side opening for taking camera out.

My second choice is Kata BP 502.:) It has no separate space for carrying extra stuff. But it has more room for camera and lens collections than the Fastpack. Out of three vertical columns, one column can be used for carrying book and other stuff.

The camera can be easy taken out through top opening. This top opening make this bag comfortable than the Lowepro Vertex series. It also has stylish look and side straps for carrying tripod.

I will think more about these two bags and purchase one soon :D

Fstop-Ian

24th of February 2010 (Wed), 20:25

John, the F-stop bags seem really, really nice, but I don't think they're what I'm looking for right now. I'm looking for a lighter/smaller bag that I can carry in the city (sans tripod) or for short hikes (with tripod). I don't really need a true backpacking setup yet (though I expect to buy one eventually). I'd really prefer something I can fit under an airplane seat, which is one reason the TT Streetwalker HD is looking to be the likely winner.

Hi dpark,

Just a heads up for you and others looking for similar sizing. We have new pack coming in May called the Loka. Details are not 100% locked in but I can tell you that it fits either are Large or new Medium ICU, has a removable aluminum frame and is about 28L. It also has a bunch of new features currently not on our packs like flash card slots, rain cover and stash pocket, water bladder holder and few other items. I have been using it all winter and recently did a stressful 8.5 day with it trekking around the Kita Alps. So it should be good for more urban use as well.

We have a preorder special on until the 28th... if anyone is interested in those details just email me ian@fstopgear.com