Will the Karachi Outpost Small fit all this?

I have been researching backpacks for the last few nights. I own a Crumpler 6MDH (old model) and have been happy until our last holiday where it just became too heavy on my shoulders and neck during our walks. And I am getting more and more gear, so I am definitely convinced I need a backpack.

The fact that I have to take the bag off my back to get to my gear is not a real issue to me because I used to put the 6MDH on the ground to swap lenses, etc.

But as a woman, I don't want a backpack that is too big. I am 167cm tall. I also want to be able to tend to my kids while on our walks, ie. hold hands if needed, grab water bottles, bend down to do up their shoes, etc. etc. so overall, I think a backpack is the way to go.

I have looked at the Lowepros, think tank, tamrac, kata, and many others. But I keep coming back to the Karachi Outpost.

For those who own one, do you find it a problem that you don't have a separate compartment for your phone, wallet, drink bottle, etc.? Does it fit a drink bottle on the outside at all?

Anyhow, here's the gear I would like it to fit:

5DII
100L macro
135L
50 1.4 or 85 1.8
16-35
and all the hoods
maybe my 580EX as well
batteries, memory cards, etc.
tripod

Thanks for any advice!

gentle bump.... Anyone??

I have never used any of the Crumpler bags so I don't know for sure. Looking at the specs on their website, it looks like you can fit all of it and then some. The only thing is, this bag might be too big for your needs. Although, if you intend to expand your lens collection down the road, then go for it.

jdizzle wrote in post #10561633
I have never used any of the Crumpler bags so I don't know for sure. Looking at the specs on their website, it looks like you can fit all of it and then some. The only thing is, this bag might be too big for your needs. Although, if you intend to expand your lens collection down the road, then go for it.

Thank you, Julian. I just can't find any pictures of women carrying this type of bag, or any other camera bag for that matter. I promise that when I order this bag, I will be posting a review from a female perspective

I think probably not. I got a Crumpler Wickey and Cox (now renamed to Karachi Outpost Medium?) which holds a 50D & lenses. With all the gear packed, the outside pockets are very tight.

Hey Els. Thought I might chime in. Itook my girl to the Crumpler store, because like you, I own the 7MDH, which is fab for my portable needs. Yes, its damn heavy on longer walks I feel your pain too!

I was checking out the Karachi as well (size M though), and I was able to easily fit my 70-200 with the 7D, + 24-70 & my other accessories. Couldn't tell you about the small though sorry. but its best you bring your stuff in so you can try? I doubt it would fit all your gear though.

My main point, is I got my girl to model the Karachi M, and IMO, it looked pretty spiffy on her! She's about 5'7 slimmish build, so only slightly taller than you. I liked it, so I'm thinking about buying it. The no pockets on the front is a security thing I guess. I like that because I get paranoid that people could easily unzip them. I don't like the tripod holder, doesn't look secure.

I wish I took the photo when she had it. Wasn't thinking at the time!

Pablo808 wrote in post #10561816
I think probably not. I got a Crumpler Wickey and Cox (now renamed to Karachi Outpost Medium?) which holds a 50D & lenses. With all the gear packed, the outside pockets are very tight.

Best is to take your gear down to a Crumpler shop if possible and try and fit it all in.

I also have a 6MDH and its great bag for body & 2 lenses.

Thank you for your response, and for the image. I don't even know if there is a Crumpler store nearby, maybe Melbourne, but I live 1.5 hours away and work full-time, so I prefer to order online. Also, ordering from B&H including shipping seems to be cheaper still than ordering online through the Crumpler site.

ETA: OK, I just looked and they have a store in Little Bourke St. Hmmmm. A trip to the city might be in order, if I can find the time. And Myer and DJ stock them too, apparently, in Chadstone. Don't think they would have all the types of bags though.

I agree, the 6MDH is great for small trips, city trips, etc. I don't think I will sell that one.

mrCAMPO wrote in post #10561845
Hey Els. Thought I might chime in. Itook my girl to the Crumpler store, because like you, I own the 7MDH, which is fab for my portable needs. Yes, its damn heavy on longer walks I feel your pain too!

I was checking out the Karachi as well (size M though), and I was able to easily fit my 70-200 with the 7D, + 24-70 & my other accessories. Couldn't tell you about the small though sorry. but its best you bring your stuff in so you can try? I doubt it would fit all your gear though.

My main point, is I got my girl to model the Karachi M, and IMO, it looked pretty spiffy on her! She's about 5'7 slimmish build, so only slightly taller than you. I liked it, so I'm thinking about buying it. The no pockets on the front is a security thing I guess. I like that because I get paranoid that people could easily unzip them. I don't like the tripod holder, doesn't look secure.

I wish I took the photo when she had it. Wasn't thinking at the time!

I wish you took a photo too I did look into the Karachi Outpost medium but my only concern was that it might be too big on me. But now you've made me reconsider. I also like the idea that there are no pockets on the front, and the bag just looks great too.

I also have to say that I don't own all that gear yet, but I will be ordering a tripod this year and the 5DII, 135mm and a few filters. So I want to get the right bag without having to exchange it.

Thanks for your input, guys!

Els wrote in post #10562050
I wish you took a photo too I did look into the Karachi Outpost medium but my only concern was that it might be too big on me. But now you've made me reconsider. I also like the idea that there are no pockets on the front, and the bag just looks great too.

I also have to say that I don't own all that gear yet, but I will be ordering a tripod this year and the 5DII, 135mm and a few filters. So I want to get the right bag without having to exchange it.

Thanks for your input, guys!

Yep, l'm really conscience too about bag sizes, because I don't want to look like I went on a hiking trip. I think you will find that the Medium should be a perfect size. It looked great on her wearing it.

If I do decide to buy it on the weekend, and you still haven't decided, I'll make sure I snap a few photos with her modelling it, to make your decision easier. Just that my spendings account is hurting after ordering Gitzo & RRS tripod gear

mrCAMPO wrote in post #10562150
Yep, l'm really conscience too about bag sizes, because I don't want to look like I went on a hiking trip. I think you will find that the Medium should be a perfect size. It looked great on her wearing it.

If I do decide to buy it on the weekend, and you still haven't decided, I'll make sure I snap a few photos with her modelling it, to make your decision easier. Just that my spendings account is hurting after ordering Gitzo & RRS tripod gear

Mmm... I have decided I might be able to go to Melbourne this Wednesday or Friday... I am just so impatient and I have researched bags for so long now! But in any case, please post photos if you buy the bag! I will do the same. I'm also getting the industry disgrace neckstrap. And I will replace my 40D with the 5DII at the end of this month, plus get the 135mm and a few filters. A top-quality tripod is also on my list, but after I nearly fell off my chair when I read on here how much they cost, I am postponing the tripod till later this year. It is an expensive hobby, but it's a great hobby to have. My DH bought a new motorbike early this year, so now it's my turn

Els wrote in post #10557314
here's the gear I would like it to fit:

5DII
100L macro
135L
50 1.4 or 85 1.8
16-35
and all the hoods
maybe my 580EX as well
batteries, memory cards, etc.
tripod

Not sure if you've bought a backpack yet or not, but I can confirm that you should be able to fit all that lot in somehow into a Karachi Outpost Medium.
If you leave out hoods then it will be very easy and you'll have room to spare for up to 2 more lenses, but with hoods included you'll obviously lose some room.
I just put the following into mine:
* 5DII Body with 24-105L mounted with hood (you could have 16-35L here)
* 100 f/2.8 macro (no hood)
* 135L (with hood)
* 17-40L (no hood)
* 50 1.4 (no hood)
* 85 1.8 (no hood)
* 580EX + mem cards, batteries, etc..
You should have no problem fitting a tripod on the outside of the pack.

Here's a pic of the gear inside the photo compartment of the backpack:

Byte size: ZERO | Content warning: NOT AN IMAGE

Not sure, but would you be able to place the 85/1.8 upright instead of laying down?

yep, the 85mm fits upright in the same compartment (providing more room). It also fits upright in the compartment that currently shows the 50 f/1.4 in the photo above (top row).
There's also still quite a bit of room around the 100 2.8 - it could hold something a bit longer and wider. With a bit of a re-shuffle you might squeeze a 70-200 in there instead of the 100 macro.