Which "general purpose" camera backpack?

I need to buy a camera bag/backpack. I want it to be able to store a camera body, 2-3 lenses but still leave enough room for some other stuff like water bottle, snacks and other general purpose storage, which are inevitable when traveling with kids...

Any suggestions?

Thanks in advance for inputs!

Crumpler Sinking Barge

Have you seen the new tamrac evolution 8? Its a backpack that can be worn 3 ways (sling left, sling righhht or backpack). Its got a nec compartment for photo gear and a top compartment for other non camera items.

http://www.tamrac.com/​5788cls_lrg.htm

RIgnacio wrote in post #10936555
Have you seen the new tamrac evolution 8? Its a backpack that can be worn 3 ways (sling left, sling righhht or backpack). Its got a nec compartment for photo gear and a top compartment for other non camera items.

http://www.tamrac.com/​5788cls_lrg.htm

That's supposed to say "nice compartment" not "nec compartment"

RIgnacio wrote in post #10936573
That's supposed to say "nice compartment" not "nec compartment"

Why didn't you just "Edit" your previous incorrect post ?

I tried to but I was editing from my phone and for some reason, it wouldn't allow me to edit.

I've been happy with my Lowepro Versapack for the same purpose as you've described.

cloose wrote in post #10936753
I've been happy with my Lowepro Versapack for the same purpose as you've described.

I was looking at that backpack along with the Tamrac Evolution 8. Is the side opening on the versapack big enough to pull out a gripped 50d?

Yes.

The Versapack actually have the zipper across the entire bag, so you can open it from either side, or all the way. This is what makes it more roomy than one that only has the side opening.

I put my 1DIII, 35L, 135L, 17-40L, and 430EX in the photo section of the bag (one of the lenses mounted)

Lowepro Rover AW II...will carry everything you list, plus water bottles and a separate storage area for the other items (not to mention a built-in tripod carrier...convenient if you need it). If you're having to deal with kids, I wouldn't think that a sling bag would all that advantageous...a backpack would be less cumbersome and would also keep your hands free to grab onto the little ones.

cloose wrote in post #10936865
Yes.

The Versapack actually have the zipper across the entire bag, so you can open it from either side, or all the way. This is what makes it more roomy than one that only has the side opening.

I put my 1DIII, 35L, 135L, 17-40L, and 430EX in the photo section of the bag (one of the lenses mounted)

Thanks for the response, but are you able to pull out the camera through the side zippered pockets? In other words, are you able to access your camera without removing the backpack entirely?

Was looking around for some more reviews on the net... would Kata 467i be a good choice?

RIgnacio wrote in post #10937130
Thanks for the response, but are you able to pull out the camera through the side zippered pockets? In other words, are you able to access your camera without removing the backpack entirely?

Look at the Think Tank Rotation 360 for that ability. It's the only pack I use. You can also remove the bottom compartment and use it as a beltpack. You will pay, however, for the features.

I'm going through the same "hunt". I narrowed my search down to 2:

- Lowepro Rover AW
- Mountainsmith Borealis AT

The Rover will apparently hold a 32 oz water bottle while the Borealis won't.

I ended up ordering an Osprey Kestrel 32 backpack plus the Mountainsmith Kit Cube insert. About the same price as the Lowepro Rover AW which was my next choice. I believe the Osprey will be much more comfortable to carry and will be more versatile.

I'll know later this week when my stuff arrives.

n1as wrote in post #10937393
I'm going through the same "hunt". I narrowed my search down to 2:

- Lowepro Rover AW
- Mountainsmith Borealis AT

The Rover will apparently hold a 32 oz water bottle while the Borealis won't.

I ended up ordering an Osprey Kestrel 32 backpack plus the Mountainsmith Kit Cube insert. About the same price as the Lowepro Rover AW which was my next choice. I believe the Osprey will be much more comfortable to carry and will be more versatile.

I'll know later this week when my stuff arrives.

Actually, it'll carry two 1-liter nalgene bottles in the elasticized side pockets. Then there's the well-thought out tripod carrier of the Rover. The Rover also has the two separate compartments, which makes getting to other essentials much easier. Single compartment packs require you to rummage through to find things. TBH, I've been shooting for many years, and the Lowepro Rover (as well as the Dryzone Rover that I have) are probably two of the better thought-out "camera specific" backpacks that I have ever used,and I've used a bunch.

The problem with most "real" backpacks, at least to me, is that the vast majority are top-loading only. Sliding a camera bag insert puts your gear at the bottom, and you'd need to rummage through whatever you may put above it to get to the gear. Vice versa if you put the insert at the top.

That being said, I came across a Deuter 32L trail pack that sort of solves that problem. Top loading, but it also has a large front zipper down below that will also open the pack from the bottom front. I'm waiting on an F-stop gear ICU to put in the pack...the bottom zipper will allow me access to the camera gear, while the top zipper will let me store essentials above the ICU. Not as convenient as having two xseparate compartments, but it'll do. If this works out, I plan on having a local seamstress sew a Canon L lens pouch on the inside seam of the bottom zipper...this I can flip out to to secure the tripod feet while using the pack's bungees to secure the top of the tripod. When I don't need the tripod, the pouch can simply fold into the pack before zipping shut. Hopefully, the ICU will get here soon so I can continue the experiment.