Need help with a very quality backpack

light_pilgrim wrote in post #16487946
Just wondering....how is the 255 UL is different from this: http://www.kata-bags.com/minibee-111-ul-backpack-lg

That one is smaller than the 255 UL and weighs less. Kata's website says it will fit a non-gripped body with 70-200 2.8, the 255 can take a gripped body with a 300 2.8 - unfortunately I don't own the 300 but my camera is gripped and I'm glad to have some space around the 70-200 as it's very handy to fit cleaning gear, a memory card case, the rain cover and other bits & pieces.

Also the minibee 111 will take a 13" laptop while the 255 can accommodate a 17" one. The 255 has a zip up the front which gives direct access to the large middle compartment, where the camera body and long lens are, without having to open the whole backpack - it's very handy. It's a bit hard to tell from the Kata description but from what I can see the minibee doesn't have that.

There are so many things I love about the 255 UL - it has really good padding around each compartment which gives me confidence that my gear is safe even if someone knocks the pack over or handles it roughly. The zippers have these great finger loop things which makes it easy to open them quickly.. they've thought through every detail and made it as close to perfect as it's possible to be IMO. I hope you buy it and love it!

Since you were looking at lowepro already I'll suggest the transit 350aw. Should be able to fit everything you want and seems to be reviewing quite well.

Other good pack makers are f-stop (like other have already stated) and clik elite.

Camera bags are one of those areas where there are a ton of options from a ton of manufacturers. It's all just a matter of breaking down your needs and budget to find the best fit. It can be a hair pulling experience trying to find the right one for yourself.

Tamrac Expedition series. I have the 8x. Carries all the gear I want plus non camera gear I need. Sold my first one on this forum and after 6 months couldn't live without and bought another one. Nice padding, fully adjustable, great hip belt and I really like the tripod carry. Well balanced.

gromeo wrote in post #16488053
Have you looked into ThinkTank Street Walker backpack series? I have been using their products for years, quality and build is like no other best part is their costumer service and support. http://www.thinktankph​oto.com …reetwalker-backpacks.aspx

^^This

I have three Think Tank bags, Airport Accelerator, Glass Limo and Streetwalker Pro. I doubt you'll find a better made bag.......certainly not for the same money anyway.

In my Streetwalker I can fit two bodies, with 70-200 and 300 f4 lenses attached, plus a 17-40. Should take what you want to fit quite easily.

I have the Lowepro Computrekker Plus AW.
I've had it for about 4 years and I love it. I don't trash it but it's still in good condition. I have the following inside:
70d w grip
18-35 1.8
50 1.4
70-200 2.8 ii
580exii and omni bounce
vagabond mini lithium
GoPro with assorted mounts including suction cup
various small accessories and cables.
It comes with a bunch of dividers and two small pouches to put portable accessories in.. also has a waterproof cover and a tripod strap

highly recommend it

Folks, thank you very much for all the suggestions. I was thinking about the F Stop and Kata 255 UL. I think I like Kata more simply because of the aluminium element on the back. This is one of the key things for me as I do not feel very comfortable when the backpack directly touches my back...it feels great to have some free air...a lot easier to carry. It also looks like Kata is a solid one, can carry everything I need and will protect it properly. Also I will get a good price for it locally, so will likely go for this option.

Unless somebody had a bad experience with this bag.....

light_pilgrim wrote in post #16490957
Folks, thank you very much for all the suggestions. I was thinking about the F Stop and Kata 255 UL. I think I like Kata more simply because of the aluminium element on the back. This is one of the key things for me as I do not feel very comfortable when the backpack directly touches my back...it feels great to have some free air...a lot easier to carry. It also looks like Kata is a solid one, can carry everything I need and will protect it properly. Also I will get a good price for it locally, so will likely go for this option.

Unless somebody had a bad experience with this bag.....

That's another thing I love about the Kata - the frame which holds it away from your back. Have you been able to check it out in person, at a shop?

Got the Kata BUG 255 UL.Love everything about it except for the harness system....not sure why they went this direction....if not for this, it would have been a perfect bag for me

is there any way to custom replace the harness system of this backpack?

Incase is always a great option in my opinion. I have always been pleased with the quality of their bags.

http://www.bhphotovide​o.com …_DSLR_Pro_Pack_​Black.html

Ogio

kevinstinks wrote in post #16513758
Incase is always a great option in my opinion. I have always been pleased with the quality of their bags.

http://www.bhphotovide​o.com …_DSLR_Pro_Pack_​Black.html

yeah, this bag is one I'm considering. looks really functional, and doesn't look like terrible.

so sick of companies being incapable of designing a bag that doesn't look like every other generic camera bag. i don't want my bag to look like a camera bag.

I use lowerpro Aw trekker perfect for me and traveling. Doubles as a diaper bag

f-stop