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07/30/2013 04:15:31 PM · #1 |
Thought that would catch your eye!!!
I'm looking to purchase a new sling backpack and I'd like to get your input as to what works and what doesn't work.
We do a lot of hiking/walking about. I need a pack with better padding on the shoulder, padded compartments, basic storage. A couple of reviews I've recently read make a couple of good points. I don't want the camera bag to look like a camera bag rather a regular backpack. And I'm 5'4" short...so it needs to be a "short" pack vs a long one.
Any links to particular brands would be appreciated...
here is one that I'm looking at...
Vanguard Sling Pack |
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07/30/2013 04:47:54 PM · #2 |
| If you're really walking a long ways with a bunch of stuff I recommend a pack with two shoulder straps rather than a sling/mike-messenger style, which can eventually cause back problems because of the less-even weight distribution. Either way, if you can get one with a hip-belt and quick-release buckle it will mitigate that risk by removing most of the load from the shoulders and spine. |
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07/30/2013 05:55:26 PM · #3 |
I agree wit the 2 strap bag. On long walks/hikes it is better to distribute the weight evenly. I am in the process myself of looking for another bag
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07/30/2013 06:19:31 PM · #4 |
if it has two straps it isn't a sling backpack.
Message edited by author 2013-07-30 21:00:34. |
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07/30/2013 08:24:28 PM · #5 |
I have a backpack that I use for my air travel...it has a compartment for my computer, 6 lens and camera...plus misc. things. What I need is to replace my sling pack. The one I have as I said is more of a school sling back pack. Not intended for any kind of hiking/walking.
I tend to carry 3 lens with me, camera and extra battery...plus a couple other odd things when I'm using the sling that I have. So it doesn't have to be uber big but a comfortable shoulder strap is a must...oh and it has to be able to carry my tripod too. |
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07/30/2013 09:12:22 PM · #6 |
| Never liked the sling idea myself, so if you're set on one, can't help there. However, I'll add my voice to the "not for long hikes" chorus, regarding them. My sweetie just about set his on fire when we got home. Horrible shoulder pain from it taking all the weight, plus he couldn't get even distribution so it slid about. |
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07/30/2013 09:47:46 PM · #7 |
There are hybrids, though. Do the backpack thing for the long hauls and switch to sling for shooting.
I don't have one, and I'm sure there are others available and others selling, but I wanted to mention there are options other than explicitly backpack or sling. |
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07/30/2013 11:26:59 PM · #8 |
Originally posted by bohemka:
There are hybrids, though. Do the backpack thing for the long hauls and switch to sling for shooting.
I don't have one, and I'm sure there are others available and others selling, but I wanted to mention there are options other than explicitly backpack or sling. |
- WHAT OTHER OPTIONS?
thanks for the link. But I'm looking for something much smaller and lightweight. I have my "big boy" to carry when I'm traveling...now I need something for when I'm out n about...
Also when I say hiking I'm talking about tops 6 miles total...and THAT'S quite a hike for us...as usually we are looking for waterfalls and they are tucked in at the base bottom of all these mountains...lol
@ Johanna - I like my sling back and yes it does pain my arm BUT I was contributing that to the fact that it's NOT a made for camera equipment/bag and doesn't have the proper padding built into the strap. So I'm hoping that I can find something that has better padding than what I have presently. Also, right now I just wrap my lens in macro-fiber cloths. Having neat little padded compartments would be a huge plus. Obviously I need more padding....pfffffttttt |
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07/30/2013 11:39:58 PM · #9 |
I use a simple shoulder bag with a serious waist belt. If you set it up correctly, the waist belt carries the vast bulk of the weight when hiking and the properly adjusted shoulder strap is really just to keep it from flopping over. When shooting, simply release the waist belt and use like a normal shoulder bag. Ready to hike? just re fasten the belt.
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07/31/2013 05:38:20 AM · #10 |
| I do a lot of backpacking, and hiking, and general backpack use. I also have a sling pack. The sling pack is great for lower distances and less weight. At longer distances it WILL become cumbersome. On the other hand, there are several "backpacks" available that also have a side access point. I would say these are far more multi-purpose and generally better. On longer/heavier excursions, they are more comfortable, and are realistically offering a similar amount of access. I use a Lowepro pack that has been discontinued, the lowepro primus AW. Its side pocket isn't so smooth if you use a large dslr with grip (my d300 w/grip is definitely tight, but it depends upon the lens. A 2.8 constant aperture tends to not be easily removable, regardless of focal length). But this same issue is inherent in the sling packs, in addition to the fact that they don't carry well, either. For most excursions, I'd lean towards a true backpack as they really do carry so much better with a minimal impact on accessibility if you can pull an arm out and swing the pack around. |
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07/31/2013 07:18:37 AM · #11 |
The Lowepro Fastback Series are backpacks that function like a sling bag. All you have to do is slip your right arm out of the shoulder strap and you can sling it around to use the side access feature.
I have the FastPack 350 and love it. I've never carried my laptop in the bag but I found the laptop section to be very useful for carrying things that are better stored flat.
Tim |
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07/31/2013 08:04:14 AM · #12 |
| The problem I have with almost all of the camera backpacks is that the belts are flimsy and pretty much useless from a load bearing capacity so you wind up with all of the weight hanging from your shoulders rather than supported by your hips near your center of gravity the way a backpacking backpack does. |
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07/31/2013 08:15:46 AM · #13 |
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07/31/2013 08:47:04 AM · #14 |
Originally posted by cutout:
was someone calling me? |
Nah, they wanted the Ghostbusters. |
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07/31/2013 10:12:58 AM · #15 |
I have one of these, (Lowepro computrekker) which is good and tidy and I no longer use. I'd send it to you in return for you sending me a set of qwas dogs in return
Lowepro computrekker |
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07/31/2013 10:21:01 AM · #16 |
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07/31/2013 10:25:24 AM · #17 |
I use a Lowepro Slingshot 100AW. Rugged and comfortable, but it doesn't really look like a backpack because it's so narrow. Very good bag, though, so I'd definitely recommend Lowepro.
Message edited by author 2013-07-31 10:26:01. |
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07/31/2013 11:43:38 AM · #18 |
| Think SMALLER...I already have a full fledged camera back pack...SMALLER...MUCH...MUCH SMALLER |
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07/31/2013 11:49:48 AM · #19 |
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07/31/2013 01:24:51 PM · #20 |
Originally posted by Ja-9:
Think SMALLER...I already have a full fledged camera back pack...SMALLER...MUCH...MUCH SMALLER |
Pick your size.
Lowepro FastPack 100
Lowepro FastPack 200
Lowepro FastPack 250
Tim |
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07/31/2013 08:47:03 PM · #21 |
I have gotten a lot of use out of my Tamrac Velocity 9 that I've had for probably 6 or 7 years now. The description on their web site describes it as "large," but I hardly find it to be very sizeable. It's nice because I can fit my D800 in it with a 70-200, though, plus another lens and maybe a flash. There is a pouch in the front that's handy for memory cards, etc.
It looks like the design has changed a little since I bought mine, but it has certainly served me well, and shows little sign of wear. |
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07/31/2013 11:13:50 PM · #22 |
I've had the same experience as  alanfreed with a Tamarac Velocity bag. Really nice if you need a camera bag and want to travel light. |
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08/01/2013 11:35:02 AM · #23 |
Originally posted by bohemka:
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ha ha.... |
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