Tamrac backpacks & backpacks in general

I was at the Photoplus Expo and stopped by the Tamrac display.

I have a Amazon Basics backpack but want to get a better bigger pack.
I looked at the Expedition series of backpacks and like the 7X (5587).
Nice pack, expensive but nice.

I work next to a professional photographer and was talking with him and he said he had a couple for sale.
The one he had was the Cyber Pack 8 (5258). Also nice and deep.

What do you folks think about Tamrac backpacks in general?

I want to be able to carry a lot of gear and the ability to put the laptop in both of these is nice.
The expedition has a nice back that allows it to breath and the padded waist belt is nice too.
Feel free to share your thoughts.

Thanks

Karl

I recently bought a Tamrac 5788 Evolution 8 backpack. I am very happy with the purchase. The manufacturing quality is as high as expected. The back will carry more than the Canon 200EG that I replaced and it feels lighter on my back. It fits better and carries more. I would likely look at the 9 ( little bigger) if I was to look again but I'd look at the same brand and style.

GrendelKhan wrote in post #13339980
I recently bought a Tamrac 5788 Evolution 8 backpack. I am very happy with the purchase. The manufacturing quality is as high as expected. The back will carry more than the Canon 200EG that I replaced and it feels lighter on my back. It fits better and carries more. I would likely look at the 9 ( little bigger) if I was to look again but I'd look at the same brand and style.

I've got an Evolution 8 that I am very happy with. The only thing that Tamrac could have done is to make it just a half inch deeper so my 40D with a grip would fit in a bit easier.
Tamrac is my favorite bag manufacturer. They've got a lot of nice bags at reasonable prices.

I've got the Expedition 7x and if you need to take a ton of gear + computer somewhere, it's nice. The computer slot isn't super padded like some packs, but it works fine. It's built like a tank, and I have a hard time thinking I'd ever wear it out. It's a bit on the heavy side, but it's actually very comfortable IMO. My usual pack is a Lowepro Flipside 400AW, or Crumpler 7MDH when I can pack lighter and don't need a laptop with me, though.

I'd look for used ones if you want the Expedition series from Tamrac (or any of the expensive packs). They pop up on the FS section here every now and then. I got mine about half price that way. They're built really rugged, so after a little soap & water and maybe a little febreeze (hey, you never know when you buy used) they're as good as new... and you have enough cash left for some extras to go INSIDE the pack!

I have been using Tamrac bags for years, and have never had a failure of any sort. They get replaced only when I outgrow them or change my means of carry. I used the Pro series shoulder bags, but switched to backpacks. My current 777 Summit Photo is wonderful, well built (in the US) and very comfortable. I do not carry my laptop with my camera gear, so I didn't need that functionality.

I've only had my Evo 8 for a couple months now but I really like it. The build quality seems very good and, I'm hoping, it'll last for a long time.

I've had an Expedition 5X and it was great, great padding on the shoulder straps and built like a tank. I should have gotten the 7X, which has a much wider and well padded waist belt, which will take the pressure off your shoulders.

I also have an Expedition 7x and as previously stated it is a great bag. I have used it around the world in some pretty nasty environments and it has never let me down.

The bag is a decent size with plenty of room to hold my gripped 40D with the Sigma 50-500 fitted, as well as numerous other lenses and a 430EX flash. The clear pockets on the inside of the lid are great for holding filters/cables etc, and I really like the pockets on the outside of the bag for your batteries and memory cards. It is also worth mentioning that the bag easily mounts a full size (as opposed to a "travel") tripod along the centre line of the bag; my Manfrotto 055 is easily carried and no hindrance to me when walking.

In fact the only criticism I have for the bag is that if anything it is a little too big for my needs, this leads to the temptation to fill it up whenever I take it out and you can fit a lot of glass in there - which pretty quickly starts to feel quite heavy. That said, if you set the bag correctly the wiat strap will take the majority of the weight, so although heavy, it is never uncomfortable.

Ultimately I guess the best recommendation I can gve for this bag is that if mine were to be lost/stolen etc, I would definately buy another one to replace it.

Thanks for the comments.
Anyone have the Cyber Pack 8 (5258) or one of them?

johnnybfan wrote in post #13340822
I've got an Evolution 8 that I am very happy with. The only thing that Tamrac could have done is to make it just a half inch deeper so my 40D with a grip would fit in a bit easier.
Tamrac is my favorite bag manufacturer. They've got a lot of nice bags at reasonable prices.

Johnny.
The new Evolution 9 was designed to fit a body with grip.
My 7D Gripped with 70-200 f/2.8 L IS II (Hood Reversed) fits nicely in my Evolution 9.

I have an aero 85 speed pack and I love it. Went through quite a few bags before settling on this.

I love how secure my entire kit feels. Good stiff padding and outer shell protection.

My only two negatives are that the straps are mediocre. If you go on a long hike with a full pack including a laptop, it's gonna hurt. They aren't terrible but there are better. Also there's not enough small zipper compartments or pouches for memory cards and such.

Overall it works great and I store my entire kit in it always. I am looking for a smaller bag to take just a body and lens.

People can take every other gear bag they want and say whatever they want about it. My father's 20+ year old Tamrac shoulder bag still looks great.

I've got a Tamrac Adventure 74.

I love it. The straps and waist belt are comfortable. It will hold all my gear if I need it to. I usually just carry my tripod, 5d2, zeiss 21 and c/y 35-70 + filters in it though.

http://tamrac.com/fram​e_adv.htm

I'm thinking about a Tamrac Expedition 7 i like the looks of the Evolution more but i don't like all those opening into the lenses/bodies and i'm paranoid abour the straps comming loose.
Also it's a little too small i need space for two bodies with lenses attached.

SteveG wrote in post #13343078
I also have an Expedition 7x and as previously stated it is a great bag. I have used it around the world in some pretty nasty environments and it has never let me down.

The bag is a decent size with plenty of room to hold my gripped 40D with the Sigma 50-500 fitted, as well as numerous other lenses and a 430EX flash. The clear pockets on the inside of the lid are great for holding filters/cables etc, and I really like the pockets on the outside of the bag for your batteries and memory cards. It is also worth mentioning that the bag easily mounts a full size (as opposed to a "travel") tripod along the centre line of the bag; my Manfrotto 055 is easily carried and no hindrance to me when walking.

In fact the only criticism I have for the bag is that if anything it is a little too big for my needs, this leads to the temptation to fill it up whenever I take it out and you can fit a lot of glass in there - which pretty quickly starts to feel quite heavy. That said, if you set the bag correctly the wiat strap will take the majority of the weight, so although heavy, it is never uncomfortable.

Ultimately I guess the best recommendation I can gve for this bag is that if mine were to be lost/stolen etc, I would definately buy another one to replace it.

I echoed what everyone says. I also have the 7x. The only thing that broke was the nylon string that was attached to the zipper. It is deep, the padded hip supports tend to flap away when not clipped together. But that's really nit picking now. And Yes! the temptation is there. I tend to put anything & everything.

One question to you. It says "airport safe". But the regulations has changed so much that I am afraid it might be too big now. I haven't traveled since I bought this but I intend to take this to Asia. Have you had any hassle as a carry-on?

KarlGB77 wrote in post #13345012
Thanks for the comments.
Anyone have the Cyber Pack 8 (5258) or one of them?

I do it rocks!