Camera Backpacks - Where to Buy? What Brands?

keith204 · Sep 12, 2007

A coworker and I are looking for camera backpacks. Where are some good places to look, and most importantly, what are some good brands. Preferrably something with a waterproof cover.

I'll need something big. Something to hold my list of equipment that's in my signature...including room to expand 2 or 3 more lenses possibly.

She will need something to hold an XT, a 18-55, a 28-135 IS, and a smaller 80-200 Canon.

I suppose a better question would be: If you have used a camera backpack, which model was it, what did you like about it, and where can I find it?

Big Mike · Sep 12, 2007

Lowepro (www.Lowepro.com) is a great brand, I have several and I highly recommend them. Many of their bags come in an 'AW' version...which is all weather. That includes a water repellent fabric and a built in rain cover that hides away when not needed.

There are several types and sizes of backpacks. If you can, it really helps to see them first hand, so that you can judge the size and capacity.

Other good brands include Tamrac, Crumpler and some others.

usayit · Sep 12, 2007

Definitely Lowepro or tamrac backpacks are good quality. I personally don't like backpacks as they are difficult to access quickly.

keith204 · Sep 12, 2007

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/321657-REG/Tamrac_525601_5256_CyberPack_6_Backpack.html

How waterproof would the Tamrac CyberPack 6 be? It doesn't say on the website, I don't think.

Big Mike · Sep 12, 2007

http://www.tamrac.com/5256.htm

It doesn't seem to have a rain cover...but it would probably be OK in a light rain.

Do you want one with a laptop sleeve? I have the Lowepro Computrekker AW, which is about the same size as that Tamrak, but with a rain cover.

Also, Lowepro makes a line called 'Dryzone'...which are about as water proof as you will find in a camera bag.

keith204 · Sep 12, 2007

Laptop would be nice, but certainly not needed.

The computrekker for 15" screen looks about the right size http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/292331-REG/Lowepro_3403010_CompuTrekker_AW_Backpack.html

and the computrekker plus looks huge. Do you have the Computrekker, or Computrekker Plus? Along with that, is yours something comfortable enough to go on a one-day hike with?

Big Mike · Sep 12, 2007

Yes, the Computrekker AW is the one that I have...not the plus.
I don't even have a laptop (yet) but this model was less expensive than the same size bag without the laptop area. It's good for magazines.

It is fairly comfortable, the straps are well padded and so is the back. The straps are adjustable with a chest clip and a waist belt. Although, this model doesn't have a padded waist belt, like some other models do. I have travelled extensively with this bag and done some hiking. It's pretty good and it does have some room for non-camera stuff like food or a small jacket.

There are a few things that I don't like...but I think they are common to most camera backpacks. Because of the shape of it, and the padding...it sticks out quite a bit. A good backpack will keep the weight closer to your body. Check out the Lowepro Naturetrekker. it's a little thinner but taller.

Also, as mentioned, backpacks are a pain in the @ss to access quickly. You have to have your camera ready because when that rare wildlife walks out onto the trail, you won't have time to take off the bag, find a place to lay it out, open it, get the gear out, close it up etc. Along with that, the way they open is not great. You zip off the front and lay it open to get at the gear. But when in this position...the straps are on the bottom...so if it's muddy, you may end up with your straps in the mud. It's rather hard to open it all the way on your lap. A shoulder/duffel style bag is good because the bottom is always the bottom and you can put it anywhere...but of course, you don't want to hike with a shoulder bag.

Cero21 · Sep 12, 2007

Look at the Lowepro slingshot line. They make it easy to access your stuff cuz it swings around your body. I have the 100 and I love it!

keith204 · Sep 12, 2007

Cero21 said:
Look at the Lowepro slingshot line. They make it easy to access your stuff cuz it swings around your body. I have the 100 and I love it!

How long can you carry it, and how comfy is it? The single strap looks handy, but would it be a pain in the butt when hiking for a day?

Big Mike · Sep 12, 2007

A friend of mine has the Slingshot 300. It actually looks like it would be comfortable for a long hike because it has a waist strap...so a lot of the weight is carried by the hips rather than the shoulders.

The 300, or maybe the 200 should hold your gear, but wouldn't leave much or any room for other things that you may want to have while on a full day's hike.

keith204 · Sep 12, 2007

Big Mike said:
A friend of mine has the Slingshot 300. It actually looks like it would be comfortable for a long hike because it has a waist strap...so a lot of the weight is carried by the hips rather than the shoulders.

The 300, or maybe the 200 should hold your gear, but wouldn't leave much or any room for other things that you may want to have while on a full day's hike.

That Slingshot 300 looks real nice, and I like the price.

Big Mike · Sep 12, 2007

Maybe a good choice for you. Since seeing my friend's bag...I've wanted one for myself...but for an all day hike, I'd probably still prefer the backpack.

keith204 · Sep 12, 2007

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/363835-REG/Tamrac_557501_5575_Expedition_5_Backpack.html

The Tamrac Expedition 5 looks real nice. It's sort-of in my budget. (I haven't set a budget, so let's make it fit)

It looks like it'll fit what I need to, and it'll give me room for more gear down the road. It doesn't have a laptop compartment...but I don't really need that. And, it doesn't have a food/clothes compartment...but I can probably cram stuff in unused pockets

.

soylentgreen · Sep 12, 2007

Lowepro also makes the Dryzone which is suppose to be water-tight. They are largish, but is suppose to float if driopped in water. I personally use Kata for my camera bags. A bit heavy for their size, but well padded and built like a tank. They all come with rain covers if it does pour but I never really had to use them, since the nylon normally whisk the rain away. Backpacks are nice to carry a lot of gear over a long period, but access is a pain sometimes since you have to take them off. I also have a shoulder/waist pack for light travel days, along with a sling-type bag for walk-arounds.