Need new backpack suggestions

I currently have a Canon backpack like this one... http://www.amazon.com …1&keywords=cano​n+backpack

It worked ok for me until I got my 70-200 and my 300L. I don't mind the weight, but the pack feels just light (cheap) enough that I am concerned about the stitching and zippers. I need to find a pack that will hold my gear and not be so full that it seems like the zipper may pop. What I am trying to hold:

Gripped T3i (looking to upgrade)
24-105+ hood
70-200 2.8
300L
430exii flash
85 1.8
(possibly a 35L as well, but in the future)

With the three L lenses in the bag I have no room for the flash and the bag is very cramped. Just need to find a bit larger, and heavier duty bag.

I love Lowepro bags myself. I have a Rover II AW as my everyday bag and it will hold all but the 300L you listed without a problem. You could put it in the top daypack portion of the bag though. I did need a new backpack when I purchased a Sigma 150-500 and opted for a Lowepro Nature Trekker II AW that will hold almost anything! It's big and heavy loaded and tend to plan ahead on what lenses I will really be using and leave the rest.

I've been quite happy with my Tamrac Expedition series backpack.

ThinkTank Streetwalker, I have HD version and LOVE it!

mannyhan wrote in post #15029390
ThinkTank Streetwalker, I have HD version and LOVE it!

Another vote here for the ThinkTank Streetwalker Hard Drive. I have it and love it as well. Plenty of room for gear as my kit grows and really well made.

I'd go for the Kata Bumblebee PL-220. Heaps of room, with a decent harness system, but still able to be carried on planes as hand luggage. It has a tripod strap, too.

For on option out of the box - I've been using a Timbuk2 Snoop backpack for the last while, and I really love it. There aren't a lot of extra pockets for bits and bobs, but with some creative dividers, I carry my 5DII with either 24-105 or 100 macro attached, and can also carry the other of those 2 lenses, 35L, 15 fisheye, 70-200, 100-400, all hoods, some filters, (CP, ND, step rings). It will also carry my laptop with this setup but gets rather heavy. You can attach a tripod of you want, and it fits great against my back.

I don't always carry all of the above because of the weight and depending on what I'm shooting, but it's nice to know it will hold all of it securely and it doesn't look like I'm carrying all that gear.

F-Stop...

I use the canon backpack for my tote to shoot. I have a Lowepro pro trekker 600 aw that is huge and will hold the house. I use it to keep everything together at home and when I travel, then I take what i need for the shoot in the Canon.

I've had various Lowepros in the past, including a Slingshot, a Fastpack and a Vertex. All were nice and well-made, but my F-Stop Loka is was ahead in terms of comfort and versatility.

Shane W wrote in post #15027872
I love Lowepro bags myself. I have a Rover II AW as my everyday bag and it will hold all but the 300L you listed without a problem. You could put it in the top daypack portion of the bag though. I did need a new backpack when I purchased a Sigma 150-500 and opted for a Lowepro Nature Trekker II AW that will hold almost anything! It's big and heavy loaded and tend to plan ahead on what lenses I will really be using and leave the rest.

Looked up the Nature trekker II AW and it appears they don't make it anymore. Though as others suggested I did look up the Pro Trekker 600AW and it looks large enough for my needs and plenty comfortable too. I'm in sticker shock though. $380 for a backpack. All my Molle II packs, 3 day assault packs, and ILBE pack didn't cost that much combined. LOL

Take a look at the Lowepro MiniTrekker , for the size, it holds quite alot.

Others to consider
Crumpler MDM7
Think Tank Retrospective 20 or 30
Domke F2 or Fx3

I looked at a ton of backpacks before going with the Tenba shoot out. I simply could not ask for more for my purposes. Definitely worth adding to the look at list in my opinion. Good luck with your search and let us know which way you go.

I have a Gura Gear Kiboko, all my gear fits with a lot room. I love this bag, you would be able to fit all your gear in it. With room for more

mikeinctown wrote in post #15027424
I currently have a Canon backpack like this one... http://www.amazon.com …1&keywords=cano​n+backpack

It worked ok for me until I got my 70-200 and my 300L. I don't mind the weight, but the pack feels just light (cheap) enough that I am concerned about the stitching and zippers. I need to find a pack that will hold my gear and not be so full that it seems like the zipper may pop. What I am trying to hold:

Gripped T3i (looking to upgrade)
24-105+ hood
70-200 2.8
300L
430exii flash
85 1.8
(possibly a 35L as well, but in the future)

With the three L lenses in the bag I have no room for the flash and the bag is very cramped. Just need to find a bit larger, and heavier duty bag.

This is right about the point where I decided not to use my bag for storage and just got a pelican case. I went with this one because I could carry it on board a plane.

Then my pack needs became clearer because I only needed to pack what I took on a trek. When I go to shoot someplace more or less stationary or where I can work out of the back of my suv, I just wheel the pelican case with me.