DPChallenge: A Digital Photography Contest You are not logged in. (log in or register) 
 

DPChallenge Forums >> Hardware and Software >> Backpacks?
Pages:  
Showing posts 1 - 25 of 32, (reverse)
AuthorThread
 09/18/2006 12:51:12 AM · #1
I've got my eye on the Tamrac Adventure 9 camera/computer backpack.



As a software engineer, I travel extensively with my laptop and would like to carry my camera equipment as well. As a new DSLR owner, I now need something a bit larger than when I was a P&S guy.

A couple of questions: 1) Does anyone own this particular backpack and, if so, what are your opinions on it?; 2) what other similar style backpacks are recommended, that are less than $200 (the less expensive, the better)?

09/18/2006 12:54:53 AM · #2
i got the lowepro compudaypack:
linkie

it holds my 15" macbook pro in the computer section... my olympus e-500 with the 14-45mm lens attached, my 40-150mm lens and my 35mm macro lens in the camera section (along with the remote and lens caps)... and there's room for cables, chargers, books, pens, etc. in the other section. it's great. well under $100, too.
 09/18/2006 12:58:50 AM · #3
I have a lowepro mini trekker classic ($75 ish) and it's great - they make a computrekker that is similar.

I can get 2 bodies, 2 flash, a 70-200 2.8, 4 lenses, and the miscellaneous stuff (remote release, CF cards, batts, charger, 40" collapsible reflector, etc,etc) in it, and all accessible (yeah, it's heavy). It's surprisingly small too.
 09/18/2006 01:15:19 AM · #4
i have the kata r-103. holds a full set of gear and a laptop, and is very comfortable, even when full.

it's also great at doing it's job of protecting my gear, since i drug it behind the car down the driveway and didn't lose any of the lenses or the flash. :)
 09/18/2006 01:22:29 AM · #5
Originally posted by Prof_Fate:
I have a lowepro mini trekker classic ($75 ish) and it's great - they make a computrekker that is similar.


Which one is that? Could you point me in the right direction from this page?
 09/18/2006 01:25:19 AM · #6
I love my LowePro MicroTrekker 200. Actually, I love LowePro in general. They make excellent bags for quite reasonable prices. Their sliplock system is really useful and they give a lot of attention to little details, like covering zippers with leather flaps so they don't jingle against your gear. You should look at their CompuTrekker and other SLR + notebook models if you're looking for something that will hold a computer too.
 09/18/2006 01:25:37 AM · #7
Originally posted by lesgainous:
Originally posted by Prof_Fate:
I have a lowepro mini trekker classic ($75 ish) and it's great - they make a computrekker that is similar.


Which one is that? Could you point me in the right direction from this page?


//www.lowepro.com/Products/Backpacks/classic/Mini_Trekker_Classic.aspx

b&h listing and you can find them on ebay i bet. I got mine as part of deal with //www.uniquephoto.com when I got 2 PWs - i wheeled and dealed and saved me a few bucks.

or did you mean which computrekker? the 'plain' AW (all weather) model is at amazon for $129 (usually free shipping from them) amazon listing I don't know of any that hold a computer that are much less expensive than this.

Message edited by author 2006-09-18 01:28:58.
 09/18/2006 01:26:31 AM · #8
Originally posted by lesgainous:
Originally posted by Prof_Fate:
I have a lowepro mini trekker classic ($75 ish) and it's great - they make a computrekker that is similar.


Which one is that? Could you point me in the right direction from this page?


That one doesn't have a laptop compartment.

edit: I think the CompuTrekker is similar in camera compartment size, but with laptop compartment as well.

Message edited by author 2006-09-18 01:27:42.
 09/18/2006 01:29:41 AM · #9
Yeah, I caught my mistake...see my last post for an addition and a link.
 09/20/2006 01:32:17 AM · #10
I was in a store the other day and was checking out the Tamrac Cyberpack 6. It was just about the right size; a little bulky, but better than most that I saw.

The Adventure 9 was nice, but the main non-camera storage above the camera section was very small.

Message edited by author 2006-09-20 01:33:21.
 09/20/2006 01:40:51 AM · #11
If a backpack works for you, then great. Let me caution you with why I dislike photo backpacks so much.

1. You cannot get anything into or out of it without removing it and setting it down. That's fine if you are in a park next to a picnic table, but not so convenient if you are in the middle of a muddy field or walking down the street.

2. They tend to self-open. This is never a good thing, especially if you find out about it by feeling your pack suddenly get lighter and, at the same time, hear a large portion of your gear bouncing off the sidewalk. Yes, you can eliminate this by putting the zipper pulls all the way to one side, but you better not forget.

Backpacks are great for carrying gear from one place to another, but not very good as bags to actually carry while shooting.
 09/20/2006 11:40:46 PM · #12
I have this backpack and it is very nice...love that I can rest all the weight on my hips and not shoulders and it won't creep open...zipper and buckle

lowepro
 09/20/2006 11:55:25 PM · #13
Spaz what type of bag are you using.

Also what are peoples thoughts about backpacks that have wheels for pulling?
 09/20/2006 11:58:35 PM · #14
Originally posted by Spazmo99:
If a backpack works for you, then great. Let me caution you with why I dislike photo backpacks so much.

1. You cannot get anything into or out of it without removing it and setting it down. That's fine if you are in a park next to a picnic table, but not so convenient if you are in the middle of a muddy field or walking down the street.

2. They tend to self-open. This is never a good thing, especially if you find out about it by feeling your pack suddenly get lighter and, at the same time, hear a large portion of your gear bouncing off the sidewalk. Yes, you can eliminate this by putting the zipper pulls all the way to one side, but you better not forget.

Backpacks are great for carrying gear from one place to another, but not very good as bags to actually carry while shooting.

i just bought the lowepro slingshot 100... (there's a larger 200, too.) it's a backpack but swings around and opens from the side so you don't have to take it off... really cool and convenient. i hadn't seen one like it.

linkiedinkiedoo

Message edited by author 2006-09-21 00:00:07.
 09/21/2006 12:12:53 AM · #15
I have this backpack and love it! I bought it this summer, right before I went on vacation to Australia for 2 weeks. I think it's great, as it holds what I need and then some. I also love the fact that I can pack up my laptop to download my pics when/if I need to.
 09/21/2006 12:49:27 AM · #16
I have this pack and I love it.
Its soft, it carries well and if you notice, you load your photo gear from the back.
Much better IMO bacause if your walking around with it, noone can get behind you, unzip your bag and take some goodies.
Its a deffinate look at if its in your budget.
Burton Zoom Backpack
 09/21/2006 03:17:09 AM · #17
i bought 2 weeks ago Tamrac Adventure 75 (5375 model)
it fantastic , it's not for laptop coz' i don't want to mix
bussines with pleasure :-)
//www.tamrac.com/5375.htm
(but my T43 fits in well in emergency cases) DOH.
 09/21/2006 03:50:46 AM · #18
Originally posted by annasense:
[
i just bought the lowepro slingshot 100... (there's a larger 200, too.) it's a backpack but swings around and opens from the side so you don't have to take it off... really cool and convenient. i hadn't seen one like it.

linkiedinkiedoo


I have the 200 also. There are a couple of pics in my portfolio of it. I carry it on my back for up to an hour at a time whilst on the motorbike...and I have never had any discomfort...even with a Manfrotto hanging from the top of the 200.
 09/21/2006 03:55:43 AM · #19
Originally posted by SecondCurtain:
I was in a store the other day and was checking out the Tamrac Cyberpack 6. It was just about the right size; a little bulky, but better than most that I saw


I just looked at the Cyberpack 6 and really like it. I would use it for traveling. When I get to my destination, I would go out on excursions using my smaller case. This smaller case has just enough room for the body with 75-300 lens (attached), a 18-55 lens, and a few odds and ends such as batteries, cleaning cloth and small blower, and manual.
 09/21/2006 08:32:25 AM · #20
Originally posted by ChasSourek:
I have this pack and I love it.
Its soft, it carries well and if you notice, you load your photo gear from the back.
Much better IMO bacause if your walking around with it, noone can get behind you, unzip your bag and take some goodies.
Its a deffinate look at if its in your budget.
Burton Zoom Backpack


I have this one as well as a Mountainsmith parragon (sp?). The burton is hopeless if you are tall IMO as the "hip" strap is over my belly button. It's also not very good for long hikes with weight - in comparason to the MS. Otherwise it's really good - does not scream camera bag [unless you tie a tripod to it:-)], opens from the side against your back so stuff is pretty safe, holds a decent amount of gear and still qualifies as carry on for airlines (in the days you were allowed to carry camera gear - strike that one). Has a top section about the size of a large soda bottle for smallish stuff.

The mountainsmith is far far better as far as comfort, much better straps and better placement of everything. Great on longer hikes. I have the smaller version, so I pick based on the plan since it does not cover all the gear.

Doing it again - I would look at the larger Mountainsmith ones instead.

Message edited by author 2006-09-21 08:32:48.
 09/21/2006 08:54:27 AM · #21
I have this one and I absolutely love it:

-Not trying to steer you towards this one though as it has no laptop compartment, BUT, I will say that the Tamrac backpacks are INCREDIBLY comfortable and very ergonomic with a heavy load, and the one you mentioned shouldn't be any different. Try one on for size and see for yourself. Tamrac's quality is top-notch inside and out.
 09/21/2006 08:55:42 AM · #22
Originally posted by robs:
Originally posted by ChasSourek:
I have this pack and I love it.
Its soft, it carries well and if you notice, you load your photo gear from the back.
Much better IMO bacause if your walking around with it, noone can get behind you, unzip your bag and take some goodies.
Its a deffinate look at if its in your budget.
Burton Zoom Backpack


I have this one as well as a Mountainsmith parragon (sp?). The burton is hopeless if you are tall IMO as the "hip" strap is over my belly button. Otherwise it's really good - does not scream camera bag [unless you tie a tripod to it:-)], opens from the side against your back so stuff is pretty safe, holds a decent amount of gear and still qualifies as carry on for airlines (in the days you were allowed to carry camera gear - strike that one). Has a top section about the size of a large soda bottle for smallish stuff.

The mountainsmith is far far better as far as comfort, much better straps and better placement of everything. Great on longer hikes. I have the smaller version, so I pick based on the plan since it does not cover all the gear.

Doing it again - I would look at the larger Mountainsmith ones instead.


I have no problems with that hip strap and im 6'4.
I assume thats pretty tall.
And as far as "pretty safe" I think the burton is very safe especially because it doesnt scream CAMERA BAG.
 09/23/2006 08:35:07 AM · #23
You may want to check out eBay...I got this pack for $40 USD. Other similar packs with a detachable smaller pack retail for nearly $300 USD. It holds tons of stuff, and I can use the detachable pack for a light rainjacket, sweatshirt, or other gear just in case the weather turns for the worse. It will also carry a tripod. Here's the link: Laptop/Camera Backpack (I hope the link works).

Message edited by alanfreed - Editing out long URL.
 09/23/2006 09:17:27 AM · #24
Originally posted by ChasSourek:
I have no problems with that hip strap and im 6'4.
I assume thats pretty tall.


Same height here - Must be shape & preference - I dunno?? The mountainsmith straps are a lot lower the my burton and move the weight to my hips whereas the burton does not and all the weight is on my sholders.
 09/23/2006 12:24:17 PM · #25
Originally posted by Prof_Fate:
I have a lowepro mini trekker classic ($75 ish) and it's great - they make a computrekker that is similar.

I can get 2 bodies, 2 flash, a 70-200 2.8, 4 lenses, and the miscellaneous stuff (remote release, CF cards, batts, charger, 40" collapsible reflector, etc,etc) in it, and all accessible (yeah, it's heavy). It's surprisingly small too.


I also have the Lowepro mini trekker AW (all weather). Love it. It carries 20D with Canon 70-200 f4L installed with hood and battery pack. the Sigma 24-70 w/hood, 580 flash, 50mm lens, macro tubes, 2x extender,plus cf cards, batteries, etc etc etc.I've carried it in driving rain and indeed it is water-proof. I'm very happy with all it carries and comfort.
Pages:  
Current Server Time: 07/18/2025 06:18:09 AM

Please log in or register to post to the forums.


Home - Challenges - Community - League - Photos - Cameras - Lenses - Learn - Help - Terms of Use - Privacy - Top ^
DPChallenge, and website content and design, Copyright © 2001-2025 Challenging Technologies, LLC.
All digital photo copyrights belong to the photographers and may not be used without permission.
Current Server Time: 07/18/2025 06:18:09 AM EDT.