Suggestions: Smallest backpack for 100-400?

Hi,

I read the bag reviews and checked most of the links in the sticky, but wonder if there is something newer/less common that I should check out.

I am renting a Canon 100-400 IS for an upcoming trip to Alaska (otherwise the 75-300 is my longest, so far, and my XSi is ungripped). Mostly want the lens for on the ship, but we have 3 land days and I know I will end up taking it with me. We are flying to Vancouver so I also want to carry my gear aboard.

I am only 5'2" and getting old enough that things hurt after a day of hauling stuff around. The neck straps on the Kata are just what I was wishing for after renting the 100-400 a couple of weeks ago (just to see if I could carry it around for a day). It looks like the R-106 or HB-207 are the 2 with the clips for the neck strap, that would also hold the longer lens. And they are really expensive bags for one vacation! The R-103 would work for my other gear but I'm pretty sure the longer lens won't fit.

I can't do a sling-type (unless it can be changed from right to left) because all day with everything on one shoulder is too much.

Does anyone have a bag they recommend I check out?

Thanks!

Candy K.

Any other lenses, or just the XSi and the 100-400? The Tamrac Expedition series of backpacks are nice bags. I have the expedition 5 which will hold everything in my sig. Depending on what gear you have you could start by looking at the expedition 3. You can go to Tamracs site and see the dimensions and cutaway shots of the bags.

I have a LowePro Flipside 300 that I recently got for a trip to Maine that included plenty of hiking, and have been very pleased. The quality is quite good, it's comfy, and relatively lightweight. Plus at ~$70, it's cheap enough to try out.

It should be able to handle XSi and 100-400 without issue, and probably a couple more lenses if needed.

I'm pretty sure a Fastpack 350 could carry a 100-400 with a XSi without problems.

Fastpack 350
Flipside 400AW
Flipside 300
to name a few.

Why does everyone LOVE LowePro so damn much?
I don't have any issues with them, but EVERY bag suggestion thread seems to turn into a list of their catalog.

anyway, /rant.

First off, how much are you spending on this trip? How much are you renting the lens for? How much will these images be worth to you? I'm just trying to get at a $200 "investment" in a killer bag will be well worth it in the long run. Cut back on your booze tab if you must, but don't skimp on a bag that will make your life much more enjoyable for this trip of a lifetime. Further, you can always sell it used here on PotN once you get back and recoup AT LEAST 75% of it's cost... So a $200 bag would only cost you $50 basically, and $200 buys you a hell of a backpack.

Anyway, on to my suggestion... The Kata 3N1 series is a great alternative as it's a sling bag with 2 backpack straps. You can sling it EITHER was, OR wear it as a backpack. So you're not stuck with one or the other type options. Another option, if you have a backpack you already know is comfortable, you can turn it INTO a camera backpack with a ~$20 insert.

Check out the Kata with a 100-400 in it here:

Thanks, Ben, I was also thinking of getting inserts for an existing backpack.
When I checked the specs on the 3N1 it doesn't seem to work with the Reflex-E neck strap, and I think I need that. I suppose I could also sew D-rings onto my backpack, but I was trying to avoid the Beverly Hillbillies look...
Any suggestions on best pricing for the Katas? The R-106 and HB-207 are both close to $300 and B & H... didn't find any listed for sale here.

Appreciate everyone's input.

Candy K.