35 bags later, still can't find the right one

If you are looking for a solution that allows you to walk for 12 hours, or for multi-day hikes, then I suggest that you need a proper walking backpack, which you can adjust to carrying your camera gear, rather than a dedicated camera backpack. Packs that are designed primarily for long distance haulage (sometimes called technical packs) will almost certainly be much more comfortable than a camera backpack once you are carrying any kind of weight, or for a long time.

That being said, I just read a review on Luminous Landscape (http://www.luminous-landscape.com …backpack_the_rp​t_p3.shtml) of a pack that I have never heard of, that seems to be a camera backpack with a technical harness - you should check it out.

My personal solution for multi day treks is to use a technical pack, with a small toploader bag (carrying body plus one lens) mounted on my chest for quick access. No easy access to extra lenses, but a good all around solution (for me).

In answer to your questions:

1. If you are carrying any significant weight (different for everyone, but for me, say over about 7-8 kg), then a proper waist strap and sternum strap will certainly make a difference. The waist strap is more important. A good waist strap (by good, I mean padded and fitting, preferably independently slung - not just webbing attached to the bottom corners) will shift most of the weight to your hips, and off your shoulders. In my experience, any bag that has a proper waist strap will also have a sternum strap.

2. Side access is handy, but introduces compromises. I have a Kata 3n1 20, which I find quite handy (and comfortable in the cross strap set up). On that bag, the side access means that you have less versatility in outside stowage (since the side access needs to be clear). It also has minimal extra storage (e.g. no water bottle mesh pocket).

3. Balance of tripod carrying position depends upon the weight of your tripod and distribution of weight inside your pack (i.e. you should be able to adjust your gear to balance the weight of a side mounted tripod, if necessary). In my experience, with a proper harness, I have never noticed any balance issues from having any weight slung on the sides of the pack. Centre is preferable.

Personally, I don't like having anything hanging off the bottom of my pack. It may be a problem if it sticks out sideways (like a tripod might), and you will be putting the pack down on it all the time. In addition, for load bearing efficiency, it is better to have weight higher rather than lower - you could strap it to the top of your pack (but you're more likely to bang your head on it!). If your pack is big enough, small tripods can go inside the pack, as an option.

Rule One: Never, Never, Never put anything containing liquid in the same bag as your camera! That's asking for a disaster and it =WILL= happen!

That said, why not find a not-too-pricey bag insert with adjustable partitions and put it in the backpack of your choice. Or move it from backpack to backpack to carry bag to whatever as needed. I have a FF body and 4 lenses, one being the 80-200 f2.L black drainpipe. I found a very modifiable insert with 6-7 velcro attaching partitions inside and can configure it any way I want...then put it in my 'black gymbag' I got at Walmart. Nobody has a clue of what's in the bag!

I forgot to include a link to the insert I use...
http://www.amazon.com …Aciesta+camera+​bag+insert

MWxPhoto wrote in post #16338538
...Been browsing for a camera bag for a while, and just can't find the one that would fit all my needs. Would really appreciate it if I could get some input.

Take the hint the Bag Gods are giving you - there is no 'one' perfect bag. Enjoy having a few - each with its own purpose.

Have you looked at the MindShift yet? It's designed specifically for hiking.

http://www.mindshiftge​ar.com …/rotation180-professional

https://www.youtube.co​m …ndShiftGear?fea​ture=watch

MWxPhoto wrote in post #16338538
A few questions:

• I'm not sure how much weight I will have after getting a full frame camera. Would sternum straps and waist straps be necessary?
  
• Few bags have a quick-access slot. Do people have find themselves wasting too much time grabbing and putting away their cameras without a quick-access? I put away my bag often (sometimes just have to), but it hasn't been a problem because I have an over-the-shoulder bag.
  
• In terms of comfort, does it matter if the tripod is hooked in the middle or side pouches? And what if it's hanging at the bottom? (see below)
  

the first item in this list is confusing. Do you hike much to ask about the value of waist straps? This sounds like a vacation type shoot, not everyday shooting, so the 35 bags later title is kinda odd.

I'm thinking you should already know this by now, waist straps are absolutely necessary if hiking that long. I'm thinking a sternum type bag paired with a conventional hiking pack is the way to go for you, or the mindshift as scatterbrained suggested.

MWxPhoto wrote in post #16339283
Oh is that right? For some reason when I tried out my friend's 5D-III, it wouldn't fit in my current bag. I will have to double check on that. But either way, I want to purchase a backpack so I don't have to carry 3 bags whenever I go somewhere.

In comparison to the 40D, the 5D3 is 6mm wider, 8mm taller, and 2mm thicker. Almost identical.

A bag is a tool. There is not one bag perfect for every job; each comes with a set of compromises.

I have the LowePro compurover AW, not sure they still make it. Very comfortable to carry, fit my 40D with grip, 4 lenses, plenty of room for accessories etc on top. Tripod holder, rain cover, very good waist strap. Side opening compartment for laptop. I just hooked my waterbottle on it with a carbine hook on the back or one of the other loops. Great bag, served me well over the years.

Now I use the LowePro Flipside 500AW, the largest one, since it fits my now two bodies with lens attached (17-55 and 24-70) , 6 extra lenses, plus flashes if need be. Surprisingly light when empty and also very comfortable. A bit less padding on the straps and belt maybe, but fine to carry for hours. I have to have my 70-200f4 lying down, not standing, it's too tall. Of course the extra storage compartment is smaller here and you can only fit an ipad in it, not a laptop, but a snack, filters, even a flash or light jacket would fit. Also has tripod holder and rain cover. While it's a bit cumbersome with this big one (as it's pretty heavy when full) you can leave the waist trap closed, slip out the shoulder straps and swing the bag to your front, open your compartment (opens only on your backside, not from the outside) and access all your gear. For you a smaller model would be big enough.

As for a water bottle, the Flipside has mesh bags on the sides, but they seem a bit flimsy to me. I use a camelback waterbottle that has a loop handle, I attach that with a carbine to one of the D rings on the front of the shoulder strap. I don't even have to take the bottle off to take a sip, as it rides pretty high, but never gets in the way of taking photos. I have my camera on a shoulder strap.

I also have a mid size Lowepro slingbag that fits one camera with lens attached and two extra lenses, that's what I take on hikes or bike rides.

Thank you all for the inputs.

I am leaning towards having a good waist strap and having a place for tripod not at the bottom of the bag. I used to carry really heavy backpacks without waist straps so I may not necessarily need the straps, but it does get fairly stressful on my back - a problem I never addressed.
I would still like to hear someone's inputs on the Tamrac Aero 85, which fits most of my needs but lacks the waist straps and only holds the tripod at the bottom..

I don't go on multi-day camping trips often so I was asking about the straps because I am planning on expanding my gears collection. I am looking for a versatile bag that would be suitable for day treks or hikes after flying somewhere, and maybe suitable for camping with other people who would carry the camping gears. My day trips are still very long (at least 12+ hours) and I may encounter harsh environments like snow, but at least I won't sleep in the wild so the backpack doesn't need to be huge. That is why I have these requirements, such as water bottle holder (yes, I agree it should be on the outside), room for personal effects, tripod holder, laptop sleeve (for flying), comfort, etc. I would also bring this bag on local shoots, even though it would be an overkill.

I will check out the Mindshift bags, those look interesting.
And I will consider having a normal backpack + camera insert. Before, I preferred not to because it would mean having a much slower access to my camera, and my personal items may be mixed up with my camera gear.

I know I will have to make compromises, but I just figured that before I lower my standards, I could ask for some expert opinions (you guys).
Might have to wait until the weekend to do a more extensive research, but any other inputs are appreciated.
Thank you guys very much!

Have you looked at the Tamrac 5788 Evolution 8? Much like the Aero but with waist straps.

Actually I did look at the Tamrac Evolution 8, but I didn't like how it has no place for a water bottle on the outside, so I didn't pay much attention to it.

Some bags I've researched more extensively than others. Some bags I was able to dismiss fairly quickly (like no place for water bottle or no compartment for personal items), but I will go through them again when I have more time. I will need to go through them again anyways because some bags I had dismissed because camera is not easily accessible. So it's good if someone brings up something about a bag that I may have missed.

If anyone's curious, here's a list of what I've looked at and wrote down (some I didn't write down):

Case Logic

• Kilowatt KSB-102 Large Sling Backpack
  
• SLRC-206 Camera Backpack
  
• DSB-102 Luminosity Medium
  
• DSB-103 Luminosity Large Splitpack
  
• DCB-309 Camera Backpack
  

• CE705GR Escape
  
• Contrejour 35
  
• CE738BK Probody Sport
  
• CE713GR Pro Express
  

• Sequence Pack
  
• Reload
  

• Tilopa BC
  
• Guru
  

• Kiboko 22L+ Backpack
  

• Sensitivy V
  
• KT DL-DR-467 Digital Rucksack
  
• KT DL-DR-467i Digital Rucksack
  
• KT PL-3N1-35 Pro Light 3N1 35
  
• UL 222 Bumblebee
  

• LP36393-PAM Fastpack 250 AW
  
• LP36353-PAM Photo Sport 200 AW
  
• Vertex 200 AW
  

• SB390-7BB VELOCE VII
  
• Lino PRO V
  

• Borealis AT
  

• Adventure K5
  
• Adventure K4L
  

• 3385 Aero 85
  
• 5585 Expedition 5x
  
• 5788 Evolution 8
  
• Adventure 9
  

• Streetwalker Hard Drive
  

• Sleuth Camera Backpack
  
• Espionage Camera Backpack
  

• Brain Bag with Camera Insert
  

• UP-Rise II 45 Backpacks
  

• Forgot name... but I dismissed Crumpler because it looked flimsy
  

The BAGMAN and JRMY both said it well.....

There is NO ONE perfect bag... Thats why we all have lots of bags....

Shoulder bags... Got 3 small, medium and large...

Other bags, many combos.

Have Lowepro Trekker for big lenses (3 of those), Also thinktank glass taxi and limo... Have several TT belts too, TT pouches, Harnesses....

Pelican cases... 2 1500 series and one 1600 series...

Have vests

Have Black Rapid double straps, Have the " UPSTRAPS" too...

Got all kinds of things... Just like one body and lens doesn't work for everything, one bag doesn't work for everything....

Best wishes

Mark H

I agree there's NO perfect bag. I've got 3 "carry it all" bags: Billlingham 445, TT UD 60 & Tamrac Evolution 9, all carry a ton including laptop but none perfect for every situation.

What I figured out is that I simply don't need to carry everything all the time and that I needed to analyze my shooting to decide what was necessary. I settled on a TT Streetwalker Pro and I couldn't be happier, it can't hold everything so I have to think about what gear I want to carry.....

I've iterated many times that I know there isn't a perfect bag and I will have to make compromises. There are different bags for different situations. I also have sling bags and over-the-shoulder bags and pouches. But right now, I'm looking for a good day trek backpack or vacationing backpack so I don't have to pack multiple camera bags, tripod bag, and camera bag when I travel.
Obviously the non-existent perfect bag would be small, light, fit many lenses and flashes, AND fit camping gear.
Now, I don't need to fit many lenses and flashes, nor do I need the room to fit camping gear. Before making compromises, however, it is good to research my options so I can make the best choice possible.

I appreciate efforts in letting me know that there isn't a perfect bag, but it has been said and further similar comments don't really help.

What would help, now, is further comments on these:
- the bags I've asked about
- strap comments / inputs because I don't know much about straps, in relation to weight carried
- if tripod attached to bottom of bag is uncomfortable (by experience... I know someone has mentioned the weight should be higher up)
- other brands or bags that I don't know about
- an awesome bag that you've used even though it may not fit my every need
- any comments on how well the bags are made by certain brands (because online reviews don't really mention these)... such as materials used, zipper types, sufficient padding, water-resistant level, etc

Thanks!

One comment - I don't know exactly what you mean when you say a Crumpler bag looked flimsy - they are generally well put together bags, with good quality materials. Some models, by some accounts, are a little skimpy on thickness of padding, though - perhaps that is what you meant.