Backpack suggestions

So, got a few trips coming up this year and am looking for a backpack. I just got a Lowepro Rover 45L as a main bag but also need something a bit smaller to carry my gear around for the day.

I am going to carry my 1d3, 70-200, 28-70 and (hopefully) a 16-35. I may rent a long lens for a trip to Costa Rica later this year as well but not sure.

I know there a TON of backpacks for this sort of thing but I am also carrying my tripod. I use/prefer a nice heavy tripod like my Manfrotto and I use a geared head (also heavy). So I need something which I can carry my tripod on without worrying about whacking people around and worrying about it falling off while hiking.

Anyway, I'm a big dude but want a backpack that is somewhat compact although I'm not afraid of a little size if that's what I've got to do. I also would like something which may not make my back sweat off although I realize that may not be possible but, if there are better backpacks for that sort of thing, I'll take a look at them as well.

I've looked at the Thinktank Streetwalker and Streetwalker Pro bags online but, without being able to handle them, it's difficult to judge which would be better. I know the Pro version is made more for pro bodies (with grip) but it looks like my 1d3 would fit in the non-pro version as well but I can't tell for sure. The non-pro version would be a little more compact, which is why I'm looking at that.

Unfortunately, there isn't a good camera store around here (Jacksonville, FL) so I can't just go check them out. I used to live near NYC so I could hit B&H or one of the other camera stores in the area. I don't have that luxury here.

Thanks.

I love my Kata Bumblebee PL-220... it's not small (not huge either) and it's very light weight and rugged. The straps are very comfortable and it comes with a strap to attach your camera to the front so you can shoot while you hike (see picture #6 from the first link below)...

Here's some more info worth a look.

Bumblebee PL-220


Here a review by "thatnikonguy" on Youtube...

"thatnikonguy" reviews the Kata Bumblebee PL-220 backpack

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F-Stop Loka with pro size ICU, large or maybe medium. Done!

http://fstopgear.com …ountain/loka#.U​clWppV5kZM

be aware that there are sometimes shipping delays with this company, check by email before ordering if you need it right away.

777guru.

I agree with f-stop but the Guru or Kenti is better if you are looking for compact.

Both look nice. I kinda like the Kata a little better. Just wish both weren't so expensive! LOL!

How do these fit a big dude? I have a 54" chest (I lift weights a little ). I find many backpacks just don't fit bigger people as well.

The Lowepro I got fits me nicely but, then again, it's also got a 45l capacity so it's rather large.

Open to other suggestions, too.

Thanks a bunch!

fstop bags now come in blue

yes, saw that today. Not convinced by the colour, would it draw too much attention? BRING BACK THE WHITE......? Pretty random introduction too, would it be good manners for F-Stop to suggest when these ones are in stock? Since most of their products seem to be on a delayed dispatch of up to several months.

GadgetRick, the Kata is nice, but have a look at how the Loka works, get two sized ICU's and you have great flexibility with how much you take or don't. I would imagine that it will fit a 'big chest', see the amount of padded strap length vs the length of the main body but the waist strap will probably ride just a little higher. A problem which will be worse with the Kata looking at its design.

777guru wrote in post #16064198
yes, saw that today. Not convinced by the colour, would it draw too much attention? BRING BACK THE WHITE......? Pretty random introduction too, would it be good manners for F-Stop to suggest when these ones are in stock? Since most of their products seem to be on a delayed dispatch of up to several months.

GadgetRick, the Kata is nice, but have a look at how the Loka works, get two sized ICU's and you have great flexibility with how much you take or don't. I would imagine that it will fit a 'big chest', see the amount of padded strap length vs the length of the main body but the waist strap will probably ride just a little higher. A problem which will be worse with the Kata looking at its design.

Thanks but that Loka will be much too large for what I am looking for. I've got the Lowepro for carrying TONS of stuff, I just need something smaller I can take with me to carry enough for the day. I don't need to carry everything in what I'm looking for.

I am giving the Kata R-103 Rucksack a try. Seller here on POTN was selling one. Got it extremely inexpensively so, if it won't work, I'm not out much.

Streetwalker will not work, it is not deep enough for pro bodies. Go with PRO. Although it is smaller than fstop it is not as comfortable as f stop.

GadgetRick wrote in post #16065890
Thanks but that Loka will be much too large for what I am looking for. I've got the Lowepro for carrying TONS of stuff, I just need something smaller I can take with me to carry enough for the day. I don't need to carry everything in what I'm looking for.

I am giving the Kata R-103 Rucksack a try. Seller here on POTN was selling one. Got it extremely inexpensively so, if it won't work, I'm not out much.

Get the Guru then

Thanks. Going to see how this Kata is when I get it. I got it cheap enough that I could resell it and get something else.

Just wish I had a decent store around here to try them out!

What about the Lowepro Flipside 400AW (I believe there is also a 500)? Its deep enough to fit pro bodies - my 5D3 gripped (which height is the same as a 1D body) perfectly fine, and I also have my 7D (ungripped), 70-300L, 24-105L, 85L, 50 1.8, and 600 flash all in. I JUST got this backpack and so far it feels great even with everything I own in it - it distributes the weight evenly and Im not a big person. Your 70-200 could fit attached to a camera with still room for the other two lenses. Only thing Im not sure about for you would be your big tripod - there is a tripod holder on the front of the backpack, but I don't usually carry my tripod that way so I can't speak for ruggedness. You'd have to check it out yourself.

edit: sorry just saw you decided on the Kata

Ok, an update...

Received the Kata I ordered from a user here. It's a VERY nice bag--and I got it for next to nothing vs. what they went for new. It's in great shape.

Overall, I like the bag and will use it. However, it's not quite what I'm looking for. The bag itself is heavy--presumably because of all of the protection built-in--and it's a bit bigger than I am looking for. It is better than most backpacks I've seen (doesn't stick WAY out) but it's still larger than what I'm looking for to trek around in the jungle when I go to Costa Rica.

So the search continues....

Tamrac have a comprehensive range.

I use an Expedition 8X.

http://www.tamrac.com/​products/

f stop as said before