Suggest a backpack... - DPChallenge Forums

Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark III

05/23/2010 02:20:31 PM · #1

I've been looking for a few weeks for a backpack but none of them seem to have everything I need.. the closest was the lowepro fastpack 350, but it didn't meet all my needs, or exceeded them... and its huge. I have always used lowepro bags but am open to any at this point. Just looking for something to fit my big lens and tripod but small and comfortable enough for a girl.

I would like:

lightweight, comfortable straps (already have back problems)
fit D300, small lens, flash
hold a Sigma 50-500mm (unmounted but with room to mount if needed)
side access of camera (flip around and open - like but not a must have)
room for personal stuff; jacket, water, etc
tripod straps for fit on the outside or underneath of pack, not between the pack and my back
sturdy carry handle when not wearing
red/black would be cool
mp3 holder on shoulder strap would be nice but not necessary

Do not need:

large heavy pack
laptop compartment
rugged amazon rainforest trekking type backpack
airline compatible
all weather

Yo_Spiff

Olympus 12-100mm f/4.0 M.Zuiko ED IS PRO

05/23/2010 02:33:30 PM · #2

How do you feel about slingpacks? The new generation of the Lowepro Skingshots have a tripod carrier. And the larger ones should be able to holf your 500mm lens. I recently bought an 202AW and I love it.

Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR II

05/23/2010 06:26:06 PM · #3

Originally posted by Yo_Spiff:

I'm not sure it would be good for my back.. I currently have the Nova 5AW and I feel like a little old lady trying to shift it from shoulder to shoulder. I thought two straps would solve that..

Ja-9

Nikon D750

05/23/2010 08:40:10 PM · #4

I currently use something like this (sling style), but it's not really designed for carrying camera gear...I love it cause it's so easy to flip around in front of me and get out what I need and I don't waste anytime taking off the pack and getting it back on...off...on...off...on...but I will say that it makes me warmer than I like and I would make sure that the shoulder strap is better than what I have now as that can get irritating on my shoulder (only cause it isn't padded enough.

I have a Nikon bag and love it...but it has the computer compartment...when I'm doing heavy traveling it's wonderful. I have it all with me and it's safe and well padded with movable compartments all over the place....I will say that it started out quite "stiff" but it has "softened" since I first got it...

just food for thought

Bear_Music

Samsung Galaxy S21, S21+, S21 Ultra

Sony 24-70mm F4 Vario-Tessar T* FE OSS

05/23/2010 09:17:49 PM · #5

Penny has a Lowepro Fastpack 350, which seems like it would fit your needs perfectly. I'm not 100% sure it would hold the Bigma mounted, but it will hold it unmounted no problem. It's super-comfortable to carry, and has plenty of separate space on top for extra stuff you want to pack around.

R.

Message edited by author 2010-05-23 21:18:05.

Promaster 28-200mm f/3.8-5.6 XR IF

05/23/2010 11:13:20 PM · #6

Originally posted by Bear_Music:

If I can't find anything better I'm sure the Fastpack 350 is what I will end up with, but it doesn't have a tripod holder. I really need that. It does hold the Bigma mounted, (see pic) and thats a definite plus.. its just so big and doesn't have the tripod holder. I guess I could fashion something to hold a tripod but I would rather it came with it.. there just doesn't seem to be a perfect one :(

atupdate

Pentax K-R

05/24/2010 07:29:07 AM · #7

Originally posted by aerogurl:

Depending on the size of your tripod, I have used the flap of my Fastpack 350 that buckles over the camera section to hold my lightest weight tripod. I also reverse the waist strap and buckle it under the same flap so I don't have to mess with it on shorter outing. I still have acess to the camera area with the waist strap reversed but it is limited slightly.

Tim

Message edited by author 2010-05-24 07:30:15.

Bear_Music

Samsung Galaxy S21, S21+, S21 Ultra

Sony 24-70mm F4 Vario-Tessar T* FE OSS

05/24/2010 08:53:20 AM · #8

Well heck, I just now had a "duh" moment where I realized you had already stated you have a Fastpack 350, and wanted something different...

R.

michaelmonn

Canon EOS-5D Mark II

Canon EF 85mm f/1.8 USM

05/24/2010 09:46:02 AM · #9

I use a kata bag and love it. the DR465 wouldn't quite suite your needs but some of the newer bags might.

Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 USM

05/24/2010 07:30:30 PM · #10

Originally posted by Bear_Music:

Well heck, I just now had a "duh" moment where I realized you had already stated you have a Fastpack 350, and wanted something different...

R.

no need for the DUH hehe, I do NOT have a fastpack, I said that I would end up buying one if I could not find anything else I liked. :)

Thanks everyone... still looking.

added a want: waist belt

Senay

Canon EOS-50D

Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 II

05/24/2010 07:59:42 PM · #11

I don't know if this is what you are looking for but I'm thinking of getting one of these Kata Sensitivity V's //www.kata-bags.com/product.asp?Version=photo&p_Id=329. They go for about $105 on Amazon.

RayEthier

Canon EOS-5D Mark II

05/24/2010 08:05:30 PM · #12

I have the Kata 3N130 Linkand really like it. Take a look at the brochures, it might just meet your needs.

Ray

Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L USM

05/24/2010 09:42:03 PM · #13

Originally posted by RayEthier:

I have the Kata 3N130 Linkand really like it. Take a look at the brochures, it might just meet your needs.

Ray

This looks AWESOME. Looks like just what I need... however, where do you put the tripod. I saw some pics on google images where a tripod is on the front, but I don't see any place to put it.. do you have to buy extra accessory for that? Regular $180 on Amazon, on sale for $100. Looks like a great deal.

d56ranger

Canon EOS-20D

05/24/2010 10:15:18 PM · #14

I guess that if it was me, I'd buy the pack that most satisfied my needs and then take it to a pack maker and have it modified to fit my needs. An alternative is to have it custom made.

BrennanOB

Canon EOS-1D Mark II

Tamron SP AF 28-75mm f/2.8 XR Di for Canon

05/24/2010 10:59:49 PM · #15

I used to bug my wife about the number of shoes she "needed", then I found camera bags.

Of the may I own, the only one that can take my Sigma 50-500 mounted is the Kata R-102. It was demonstrated in the store by a salesman who loaded a Canon Mark II with a 70-200 2.8is inside it, and threw it about eight feet into the air onto the floor of the shop. It provides good protection, is very ergonomic, but it isn't huge. It will hold 2-3 lenses, spare batteries and a card wallet, and the Bigma and body, no room for water or a books or anything else. Why you would want to put food and drink in or above your camera kit I don't know, but the R-102 is covered with loops and comes with lots of quick connect straps to hang stuff off the side and bottom, so lunch goes outside and below your delicate electronics.

The best thing about this bag is how flat it sits close to the back, with no woobble, so it doesn't strain the back. I have skied and biked with it on and with strong side to side motion it pretty much stays put without a belly band.

Message edited by author 2010-05-24 23:07:56.

Prash

Nikon D90

Nikon AF Nikkor 50mm f/1.8D

05/25/2010 12:46:16 AM · #16

Kata. Period.

I have the H-14. Any other model may be fine too as long as it suits the needs.

tate

Apple iPhone 14 Pro

Nikon AF Nikkor 50mm f/1.4D

05/25/2010 09:53:28 AM · #17

Cool - just noticed the Kata Bag chooser
I currently have the 465 RuckSack � but for more room / upgrades, I'm confident Kata is great: light, simple, affordable.

Originally posted by Prash:

Kata. Period.

I have the H-14. Any other model may be fine too as long as it suits the needs.