Help with photo Backpack.

Hello all.

I need help selecting a Large Backpack for a photo assignment I need to carry 2 bodies, a 70-200 lens, 4-5 other lenses and 1-2 flashes along with a tripod.

I was looking @ these;

http://www.calumetphot​o.com …rge-backpack-calumet.html
does anyone have any experience with the calumet brand, durability,comfort,etc​.

Thanks....

For the amount of gear you list i would for sure get a backpack with a well padded waist belt.

There are plenty of backpacks that will take the gear you need. I would look at Kata, and Lowepro for more general use. For hiking there are excellent offerings from F-stop, Dakine etc.

As Paul says, there are some great packs out there.

I myself carry the amount you specify AND more in a LowePro Pro Trekker 300 AW which has an awesome waist belt (which is also easily removed).

I was looking into the 300 AW as a viable option, sounds like a sturdy bag.

MajesticMomentsPhoto wrote in post #12507884
I was looking into the 300 AW as a viable option, sounds like a sturdy bag.

It's a good job I workout reg. as with all the gear I have in it it's heavy. BUT that being said the padding and straps are first class!

The back adjustment is simplicity itself and also very clever.
The zipper (being watertight) is a little stiff but the "pulls" are superb.
Ample and good choice to carry 3 x tripods etc. (although the main rear one is great on it's own).
Not bought a "bladder" for it yet.
LOVE the colour.
The laptop sleeve easily fits my 15" MBP.

Overall, am VERY impressed/happy (esp. with the comfort and build as I have some heavy gear inside);

D3/70-200, D700 gripped/24-70, 85mm 1.4, 17-35, 50mm 1.4, 14TC, D200 IR, LEE hood + filters and a Three Legged Thing "Eddie" on the outside. With assorted cards and tools in pockets. Only thing cannot stuff in their with all that is the 200mm f2 lol.

If you could find one, the Gura Gear Kiboko would work great and it is amazingly light
with excellent straps. However, there is no laptop option.

The ThinkTank Streetwalker Hard Drive would probably fit the bill as well.

good luck

Garry Gibson wrote in post #12508497
The ThinkTank Streetwalker Hard Drive would probably fit the bill as well.

good luck

The TT SW HD doesn't have padded waist strap, there are backpacks that are more comfortable and better suited for people who are gonna carry heavy gear over a longer period of time.

My current assignment requires up to 5 days out in the wild, all my other needs will be dropped off by bush plane so a sturdy comfortable bag is a requirement.

A laptop is not a requirement, looking into that Lowe, still awaiting to see if anyone has experience with that calumet.

Thanks fellows still looking....

check out the expedition tamracs.

plasticmotif wrote in post #12510512
check out the expedition tamracs.

The Expedition 7X is a very large pack with a wide and supportive waistbelt, like that of a trekking pack. You will need that with almost 40 lbs of gear. Tamrac makes an 8 X which is even bigger.

IMO, the Tamrac Expedition is the best made of all these type of packs, and I had a chance to compare most of them at B&H. They are bulletproof and have the best shoulder strap padding of any pack.

I had a 5X and used it until it became too small for my stuff.

Calumet BP1500 video review:

http://vimeo.com/23579​429

I just got back from Crested Butte, CO where I was hiking with my Ape Case 2000. I had my 1D2 mounted with my Sigma 50-500, my 1Ds2 mounted with my 24-105, my 17-40, my Sigam 150mm Macro, my 580ex ii, all my cleaning stuff, remote triggers, etc. I spent several hours at a time hiking the area and my pack was very comfortable. It is very well padded and it holds a lot of gear. Oh yeah, there is ever room for a 17 inch laptop, but I don't use that area for anything.

Not sure how much you hike or how difficult your hikes are, but I spent 4 days over 10,000 feet above sea level and I had no issues at all. If you know how to properly wear a pack it will be comfortable. It is my personal experience, with photographers AND hikers, most that complain about their pack are the ones that were not properly fitted. Either they have the wrong size pack for their torso or they are not wearing it correctly. If you hike a lot, then you know what I am talking about...those goofballs with their packs riding high up on their shoulders. LOL I have a long torso so the Ape Case 2000 fits be perfectly. If you have a shorter torso, it may not work so well for you. It is all about the fitting, get a proper fitting pack for your torso and you will hardly even feel it.

tvphotog wrote in post #12510648
The Expedition 7X is a very large pack with a wide and supportive waistbelt, like that of a trekking pack. You will need that with almost 40 lbs of gear. Tamrac makes an 8 X which is even bigger.

IMO, the Tamrac Expedition is the best made of all these type of packs, and I had a chance to compare most of them at B&H. They are bulletproof and have the best shoulder strap padding of any pack.

I had a 5X and used it until it became too small for my stuff.

I have the 5X now. Very well built and thought out. Tamrac has a nice video of them on their website.