Good camera backpack for a college student?

I've been doing some searching on the forum for a good backpack since I've seen tons of threads about it.

I'm looking for a backpack that I can keep my camera and a few lenses/accessories in, but still have room at least for a laptop- but I want it to be an average sized backpack, not something that's really big- about the same size as a normal backpack you'd use for school, if one exists.

Anyway, right now I've been looking mainly at the Tamrac model 759 backpack- http://www.tamrac.com/​759.htm

I really like the layout of that style backpack where the front zips completely down and the layout of the camera/lens spots, so everything stays stationary and doesn't rub against anything else. I want to be able to use this for walking around campus while going to classes so I can keep my camera on me. I use my laptop in classes to take notes, so having room to keep that is essential, also thus why I want it to be an average sized pack.

Has anyone used the above one? How big is it in comparison with other "normal" backpacks? Any other suggestions for my purpose?

elbirth wrote:
I've been doing some searching on the forum for a good backpack since I've seen tons of threads about it.

I'm looking for a backpack that I can keep my camera and a few lenses/accessories in, but still have room at least for a laptop- but I want it to be an average sized backpack, not something that's really big- about the same size as a normal backpack you'd use for school, if one exists.

Anyway, right now I've been looking mainly at the Tamrac model 759 backpack- http://www.tamrac.com/​759.htm

I really like the layout of that style backpack where the front zips completely down and the layout of the camera/lens spots, so everything stays stationary and doesn't rub against anything else. I want to be able to use this for walking around campus while going to classes so I can keep my camera on me. I use my laptop in classes to take notes, so having room to keep that is essential, also thus why I want it to be an average sized pack.

Has anyone used the above one? How big is it in comparison with other "normal" backpacks? Any other suggestions for my purpose?

I use the Lowepro Computrekker which looks a lot like that one. It's a decent sized bag to carry around. I carry mine to the hospital everyday with my camera and tablet PC in it. Our hospital uses all digital stuff, so all our charts are available via the wireless system, hence the tablet PC. I also like having my camera because a lot of times I see really cool/gross/interesting stuff in the ER, and when the patient will consent I like to snap a few pictures. I have a pretty sizeable collection of pictures now, but I haven't really decided what I'm going to do with them all now. A book of gross ER stuff maybe? But who would want that other than other ER docs or maybe medical students...? Who knows? But I digress...the Computrekker is a great bag with room for my body, all lenses, flash, a few empty slots for other stuff, plus my computer. It's padded straps are also very comfortable for wearing for long periods. I highly recommend it.

That looks interesting... do you think the compartment would be big enough to fit my 15" IBM Thinkpad? It's like 10-12" wide if you slide it in sideways, I think

Yeah definitely. I have a Thinkpad T30 and an X24 and they both fit (not at the same time) in with TONS of room to spare. As a matter of fact they'd probably both fit in there together. Another thing I like about it is that it has the weatherproof bag incorporated into the bottom you can pull out and wrap around to help keep everything dry.

Excellent thanks for the info!

I think I know something to add to the Christmas list that I may actually get (highly unlikely I'd be getting (m)any $600+ lenses)

I use the Roots camera backpack with computer storage.

Enough space for my D60, 3 lens, BG-ED, 550EX, filters, hoods and accessories. All separated by good foam with velcro tabs.

Extra pockets in and out for anything, lots of room.

Computer pouch is separate pocket directly on the back and it easily holds my DELL Inspiron 8100 with the 15" screen.

Normal size, good colours and very good pricing. I found it at henry's in Ottawa for about 1/2 the price of the other packs.

Backpack is well set up with good shoulder pads, waist belt and chest strap. Extra pocket on the side for medium size tripod.