Backpack to carry an S5is and extras?

I am wanting to find a backpack to carry my camera(s) in when out tromping through the woods looking for wildlife, does anyone have any suggestions?
Don't need an expensive pro bag (I am by no means a pro), just something that has some protection and is comfortable to wear for a few hours. I looked at the post concerning bags, but wading through that was more confusing than helpful.
I have shoulder bags, but they are a hassle in the woods IMO, so thought I would ask. No camera stores in my rural area, so I have to shop online without the benefit of looking them over closely. Thanks in advance for any suggestions!

Have you looked into the Lowepro line? They have a large assortment of bags and cases that you can pick from.

Found a basic bag at Amazon (named AmazonBasics actually) that I think I will go with. It has good feedback overall, and is just the size I am looking for. As I stated, I am an amatuer, and will not be using it a great deal, just on ocassion, so it will cover my needs. I have several shoulder bags of verying sizes (Canon, Dolica, Lowepro, and Tamrac) for general usage, just want a backpack for using in the woods or when hiking.

Thought I would report on the backpack from Amazon in case anyone would find the info useful. It will cover my needs, but probably would not be for serious, everyday use. Has good padding inside, and sufficient storage pockets to suit my needs, and the ability to carry a lightweight tripod via straps on the side is a plus. Overall construction seems to be good, but not as heavy-duty as I would prefer.
All in all, it will work fine for me on my ocassional forays into the woods or hiking ventures, but I repeat, not what a serious photograher would probably want. For the price, I would say it is a pretty good value though, I have no complaints with it.

barn9 wrote in post #11898239
Thought I would report on the backpack from Amazon in case anyone would find the info useful. It will cover my needs, but probably would not be for serious, everyday use. Has good padding inside, and sufficient storage pockets to suit my needs, and the ability to carry a lightweight tripod via straps on the side is a plus. Overall construction seems to be good, but not as heavy-duty as I would prefer.
All in all, it will work fine for me on my ocassional forays into the woods or hiking ventures, but I repeat, not what a serious photograher would probably want. For the price, I would say it is a pretty good value though, I have no complaints with it.

I was just looking at that bag as you were typing this. It is in my cart still.. I have a canon XS and a few lenses, 2 flashes & filters. Will this bag work for me?

I just finished checking it out watched a few vids looks like a nice size backpack might consider getting it

shankarhokie wrote in post #11898431
I was just looking at that bag as you were typing this. It is in my cart still.. I have a canon XS and a few lenses, 2 flashes & filters. Will this bag work for me?

Afraid I can't make that decision for you, but the info on the site is pretty accurate. As with anything, do your homework, or at least look at the pictures, LOL!

S5 seems like an awfully small camera to need a dedicated backpack. I'd just throw my normal camera bag in a plain old hiking pack.

I have the basics backpack and I've actually been quite impressed with it. Obviously keep in mind that you're buying a $30 backpack though, not a $150 name brand camera bag. The quality is fine, it's better than you'd expect for the price.

As said above me though, for a camera that size I'd really think you'd be better using a pocket in a normal backpack or hiking bag. Guess the amazon basics one works fine for it but I'd find the pocket set up to be awkward for anything other than the tradition slr with flash and lenses.

I know you'll probably think I'm silly, but I have 2 telephoto lenses and a wide angle that fit my S5, and also had an S3 till a few days ago, so that was my reason. I enjoy getting out and looking for wildlife, not a pro by any means, just a hobby for an old retired guy, and a way to get some exercise. Having the pack would have allowed me to take the lot with me, but now that I sold the S3 it will depend on where I am going. A shoulder bag is a PITA when out in the woods in my opinion.

Well, have you considered a waist pack? Camera around your neck and the aux. lenses at your waist in a pouch? That leaves your backpack for what you need for you.

barn9 wrote in post #11982947
A shoulder bag is a PITA when out in the woods in my opinion.

Definitely agree with you on that point. The camera's big enough to need a bag and it might as well be a backpack for ease of carry.

My thought was just that if you didn't fill the whole bag with the camera gear, the dividers in the main compartment are kinda awkwardly positioned most ways I've tried setting it up so it's not the most convenient thing for storing non-camera gear in it. I guess in a regular backpack you'd have the opposite problem though and not have a good way to pad and separate the camera.

I do have a couple waistpacks, but not padded, and usually full of stuff I probably don't really need to carry, but do anyway, because, ya know, I might just need it. Have regular backpacks of various sizes also, and if need be, I can go that route. Depends on what I'm doing/where I'm going, I just like being prepared I guess. They're tools, and each has it's purpose!
Seriously, I probably didn't need a specialized backpack, I just wanted one, so I got one, end of story, no regrets.