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02/14/2012 08:34:47 PM · #1 |
I have two bags for camera equipment. One was great for a carry-on when I was in Iraq. But it is no longer handy...The other I have really just outgrown and it is a satchel case. (the best way I can describe it). Anyway the satchel case is not good for hiking/walking...It bounces around...etc. So I am looking for another pack.
Anyway, I am looking for a pack that is comfortable for hiking or walking...I would like to have easy access. And it would be nice if it would hold several lenses..(4 or more) and a camera...I want to be able to grow into a pack....
There are so many out there it would be nice to have personal feedback. I know there are folks out there that currently have equipment or knows someone with the equipment that I am searching for. If you have any more questions I will be happy to add more details...Thanks in advance.
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02/14/2012 08:39:16 PM · #2 |
I have the LowePro Flipside 400AW and it works a charm. Carries all the gear I need to have, it's a comfortable pack when its mounted, you can swing it around on your waist and open it without putting it down, and the opening is to your back when you're wearing it: nobody can get at youe gear except you, and when you put it on wet/snowy/messy ground the part you come in contact with when wearing it never touches the ground.
Good pack.
R.
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02/14/2012 08:43:18 PM · #3 |
Originally posted by Bear_Music:
I have the LowePro Flipside 400AW and it works a charm. Carries all the gear I need to have, it's a comfortable pack when its mounted, you can swing it around on your waist and open it without putting it down, and the opening is to your back when you're wearing it: nobody can get at youe gear except you, and when you put it on wet/snowy/messy ground the part you come in contact with when wearing it never touches the ground.
Good pack.
R. |
That does look like a good bag
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02/14/2012 08:52:37 PM · #4 |
ive got 3 bag packs each for different jobs i started out with the lowepro mini trekker aw which is ace, takes full frame body and grip plus 3 Ls inc 70-200 2.8 and a 550ex plus other bits and bobs but then i needed my laptop so got the computrekker which is a big bag takes a 17" laptop, but has pocket access as opposed to fully opening so i dont use it much, then i have a big pro trekker which is ruck sack and carry on adjustable but its a big ass bag takes a 600mm lens if i recall and is heavy with all my shizzle in it, i use it as my main storage bag and photo shoot bag but its heavy hiking unless you lighten the load especially with a tripod strapped on. hiked a mountain today with it, ouch
so its horses for course,
then you have your tripods and light stands clamps flashes reflectors extensions etc in another bag heheh
photo-7 by gilesbert, on Flickr
Untitled by gilesbert, on Flickr
i'll find the mini and comapre them
Message edited by author 2012-02-14 21:04:48. |
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02/14/2012 08:58:10 PM · #5 |
The Flipside is a really nice pack, and one I really was looking to get until I got a great deal on my Lowepro Primus AW. You can still find a few of the Primus for sale online, but they're now discontinued. You might also be interested in the Tamrac Aero series.
I can't say enough how great it is to have the back of the backpack be where the access is though. Also, the I've found the waterproof covers that come with many of othe Lowepro's to be super useful too.
ETA: I've also got one of the Lowepro 250AW Classified that I really like, but it's a different sort of beast than the Primus. If I'm hiking, I take the Primus. If I'm spending some time in the city and might stop at a coffee shop or something, or want to bring my computer for editing etc, I take the Classified. Neither of them look like camera bags, either, which is really nice.
Message edited by author 2012-02-14 21:02:30. |
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02/14/2012 09:08:57 PM · #6 |
TAMRAC BACKPACK
i have one of these, its small, but it will hold about 4 (depending on the size) lenses and a camera, its not going to hold much more, its small and perfect for hiking trip where you dont want a bulky bag. |
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02/14/2012 09:24:22 PM · #7 |
I've got a small collection now.
My favorite is the Lowepro Slingshot 202AW. The main compartment can hold my 50D, with 2 extra lenses. An additional lens or flash can fit in the top compartment. Lots of smaller spaces for accessories. Being a side loading slingbag, I can get things in and out easily while on the go. For extended hiking, you may prefer a true backpack with two straps. They also make a smaller version (which won't comfortably hold your 20D) and a larger one.
The other one I use a lot, primarily in the summer is the Clik Elite Probody sport, which is a backpack, not a sling. I bought the compact sport for Ellen. It also has a side opening compartment, but the opening is not as wide as the Lowepro, so it's not as convenient to access, and it actually holds less. The reason I bought it is it has a built in sleeve to hold a Camelbak reservior. Pretty important when you have 110° summers. It carries very comfortably.
I had a Tamrac evolution 8 for a short time, but I decided it was overkill and much bigger than what I wanted. (traded it to  Cory for a Kata Dr466 that I don't use much either) Very well designed, however. The evolution 6 was too small for the 50D and there is no evolution 7 to fill the gap.
Message edited by author 2012-02-14 21:26:19.
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02/14/2012 09:38:27 PM · #8 |
I used this for two years:
//tamrac.com/5766.htm
and just got this:
//tamrac.com/5371.htm
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02/14/2012 09:50:31 PM · #9 |
I guess images are required: here's the Flip[side 400...
 
Message edited by author 2012-02-14 21:53:55.
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02/15/2012 07:42:07 AM · #10 |
A lesser known bag that I have is the Tenba Shootout Medium (they also have small and large). Here's a copy of my review on Amazon:
I was searching for a good hiking photo backpack. It needed the following characteristics:
* Rugged
* Weather proof cover
* Stylish
* Room for all the equipment I need
This backpack fit the bill perfectly.
Ruggedness: This thing is solidly built. The zippers are strong, and the auto sealing feature is great for keeping out as much dust/moisture as possible. I feel like I could wear this on any adventure and the backpack would come out perfectly, while protecting my gear completely.
Weather proof cover: I haven't had to use this yet, but I'm sure I'll be glad when I do.
Stylish: I really like the Olive color. This may seem like a small thing, but too me, I don't want to be carrying around an all black pack that gets super hot in the sun.
Room: I have the following easily in my bag, with room for a small jacket and other personal items
* Canon 50D
* 50mm 1.8, 100mm 2.8 Macro, 15-85mm, 100-400mm lenses (with lens hoods)
* 480ex ii speed light
* Lens filters, wireless flash triggers, extra batteries, flash gels, wireless trigger release, flash diffuser, flashlight, pen & paper, lens cleaning pen, microfiber cloth
* Benro full size tripod and Gorilla Pod
Other notes:
* This backpack is much larger than I expected. It may be a tight fit on some airplanes as carry on luggage.
* Very comfortable to wear once you have the straps sized and placed correctly.
* The quick access pockets are much more handy than I expected. I can even pull the 100-400 through the opening.
* The straps can all be contained, making the handle the carry point with nothing dangling (great for going through an x-ray machine)
I would highly recommend this backpack to anyone looking for the same characteristics as I was. |
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02/15/2012 08:27:28 AM · #11 |
Originally posted by Bear_Music:
I guess images are required: here's the Flip[side 400...
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I also have this bag and I am very happy with it.
I can fit 2 bodies, 580ex ii flash, at least 4 lenses, a few filters, charger and a few other bits and bobs.
It can be a bit dark inside the bag and a friend of mine got a different brand (I think) with orange lining inside - that is a nice idea I think. |
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02/15/2012 09:19:16 AM · #12 |
I also have a LowPro, though it's the Fastpack 100. They are very durable, from my experience, and have lots of pockets as well.
//products.lowepro.com/product/Fastpack-100,2084,14.htm
I have this one in red. Soon I will have to upgrade to a larger bag though.
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02/15/2012 09:41:07 AM · #13 |
| I have the Lowepro slingshot 102AW - room enough for 2 lenses, 1 body, and a couple of batteries and doodads. And a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. I like to go light as much as possible. Haven't hiked with it yet, but it fits great, has a nice swivel access arrangement, and weighs just about nothing by itself. |
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02/15/2012 09:47:03 AM · #14 |
I have a LowePro bag I bought in the mid-late 70's. It's still in good shape despite my abuses.
I have several LowePro bags. For shoulder bags, I like the Stealth Reporter bags, I have the 200, the 400 and the 650. I like working out of a shoulder bag since it's easy to access the contents without removing the bag, but moving around with them sucks because they swing around. To address that, I use the S&F Deluxe waist belt which attaches to the smaller Stealth Reporter bags. That way, I can secure the bag using the belt when hiking and simply release the belt to allow easy access while shooting.
Lately though, I've been carrying a Pro Runner 300, which holds a ton more gear and is more comfortable to carry, but I have to take it off to get to my camera. Current inventory: 5DmkII w 50mm f1.4, IR modded 10D w grip, 8mm Peleng fisheye, 28mm f1.8, 85mm f1.8, Sigma 12-24, 70-200 f4L, extension tubes, 580EXII, 430EX.
You should ask Slippy for his take on the Slingshot bags and LowePro.
Message edited by author 2012-02-15 09:48:30. |
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02/15/2012 10:12:01 AM · #15 |
Already been mentioned but take a look at the Tamrac Evolution 8. I bought mine for travelling as it was just about the only backpack I could find after a fair amount of searching that fit all my requirements:
It's easy/quick access.
It can fit in a load of stuff for its size (I've had a 550D with mounted 70-200mm 2.8 IS in there along side 3 other lenses and flash with room to spare.
It's rainproof already but also comes with a rain cover for monsoon conditions (so no danger of your gear getting ruined unless you go for a swim).
It has a tripod holder on the back (which because of its smaller size than some backpacks means the tripod sticks up a little high - so a bit unwieldy indoors, but great for hiking)
It has room for a small laptop/netbook (again for me, great for travelling).
And finally, it fits perfectly in to many airlines maximum handluggage allowance size.
Message edited by author 2012-02-15 10:14:31. |
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02/15/2012 10:25:44 AM · #16 |
| I have the lowepro flipside 400 and i'm more than happy with it, i use it only when i travel far or go on long hikes, i use a shoulder bag 95% of the time, a really good shoulder bag is sometimes just as good as a backpack and definitely better if its just for the afternoon or something, the ease of access is just not comparable. |
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02/15/2012 11:05:42 AM · #17 |
I have been using this bag for a couple of months and absolutely love it.
Thinktank Streetwalker Pro
It carries very well, isn't too bulky, and I can get my camera and every one of my lenses in it along with a flash safely and accessible. I can even get my 5D with 70-200 lens and extender mounted inside if I reverse the hood.
It comes with a light waist belt like most packs, but what I like is the belt can be completely removed and you can use their "Speed Belt" system instead. Unless I am carrying a tripod too i usually go with no belt at all for my two mile walk to work and don't have any messy straps hanging everywhere. When carrying more weight, a padded speedbelt can be added in seconds to hold the weight with extreme comfort over a wimpy belt most packs come with. And speedbelts are sold in sizes so you don't have straps hanging loose everywhere and the padding is put where you need it only. On location, the speedbelts can be worn alone to carry extra lenses and accessories in all the great pouches and sleeves Thinktank sells.
They make a smaller version of this pack, though it doesn't utilize the speedbelt system. They also have a larger version which I have for travel and it will also carry a laptop and several flash units in addition to all the other kit. I think the medium size model is a perfect "not too bulky" all around pack. Thumbs up :)
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02/15/2012 12:49:58 PM · #18 |
I'm constantly looking for a better bag. And a bigger bag as I outgrow them.
The conundrum is that my feeling is the best bag is the one that just fits your equipment. And the smaller the better.
So far, my favorite bag of all time is the Tamrac Velocity 6. The older model that opens towards you with a single buckle. Small...just fits my D7000 with 18-200 plus a wide angle lens...maybe also the fisheye. I also have a Velocity 7, which hold more, but opens away from you and has an awkward zipper to close it, and so I don't like it as much.
I've looked at backpacks, but I've seen one too many people dump the contents on the floor by forgetting to zip it. The Tamracs have the advantage of always having the opening at the top. Often, I don't zip my 7 while I'm using it, and it's fine.
I've looked at and tried other slings...but most are designed with the same issue as backpacks...when you put them on your back, if they aren't zipped...poof.
So while perhaps none of the Tamrac's meet your criteria, I bring up the issue for consideration.
POLL: How many of you backpackers have dropped something out of your bag by forgetting to zip?
PS. There is one backpack design which zips on the side by your back. This means, I think, that you are less likely to dump things if you forget to zip it, but probably not, because when you pick it up to put it on... |
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02/15/2012 01:03:40 PM · #19 |
Originally posted by Neil:
POLL: How many of you backpackers have dropped something out of your bag by forgetting to zip?
PS. There is one backpack design which zips on the side by your back. This means, I think, that you are less likely to dump things if you forget to zip it, but probably not, because when you pick it up to put it on... |
The Primus I note is like this, and has two compartments that are accessed from the back. If you do not unzip the top one, it is extremely obvious such is the case as you grab a strap, since it just opens up, with the backpack staying on the ground. For the lower compartment, I'm not even entirely sure something WOULD fall out if it were completely unzipped, due to how it presses up against you and all. |
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02/15/2012 01:06:37 PM · #20 |
I have been using the MountainSmith Spectrum Daypack (they have bigger sizes) when I travel, and I love it! I am not a big fan of bags that only hold camera equipment, this bag holds my 5d, 17-40mm lens, 50mm lens, 85mm lens, and 135mm lens in the bottom compartment, my lunch & or clothing in the top compartment, my laptop in the back compartment, and water on the side (my small tripod also fits on the side mesh pocket). As far as the easy access part it is not like those swing bags, you will have to put the bag down to get a lens, but there is no chance of dropping lenses as the bottom compartment stays put even when unzipped.
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02/15/2012 01:16:33 PM · #21 |
Indispensible and loved. Has protected my equipment for more than 6 years. Provides a work platform in snow, dirt, sand, rain, etc. I use it as my hiking backpack. Tripod straps on back, but I'll often just carry my tripod and use it as a hiking pole. I love the way this bag feels on my back after a full day of hiking. It rides on my hips and doesn't tear at my shoulders.
Tamrac Model 5587 Expedition 7
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02/15/2012 01:31:22 PM · #22 |
Lowepro Seville 20, nice & light, compact, convenient, fits as carry-on on most planes. Cheap zipper, though.
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