Which backpack for me?

prodigy2k7 · Jul 1, 2008

So, I like the idea of a backpack, so I can hike to places without a bag with a strap banging against my hip. Are there any backpacks that you can take camera equip out without having to take it off?

Also, I plan to have a backpack that can handle a 70-200 F/2.8 IS USM (canon) connected to body and a few regular size lenses and an extra/backup body. And possibly 1-3 extra slots for extra stuff like a new lens in the future or a flash or just anything!

Anybody have any ideas?

I was looking at backpacks the other day, I forgot the brand name but i remember the model was "Expedition" or something... How are these for what I want? Thanks!

Edit: How is this? http://www.tamrac.com/5587.htm

Sim · Jul 1, 2008

What about the SlingShot 300 AW? http://products.lowepro.com/product/SlingShot-300-AW,2036,4.htm

prodigy2k7 · Jul 1, 2008

thats pretty nifty, maybe a bigger bag needed tho

tjstrain · Jul 1, 2008

I got the Expedition 5587 a month ago. It's perfect for carrying all of your stuff off road. BUT, I don't see any way to use it and carry at the same time. it's on your back, unless you have eye's in the back of your head and looooooong rubber arms, there's no way to get stuff out while moving or taking it off.Front access only, stuff will fall out if your moving around and open it up. Now on the other hand I also got the tamrac sling type "velocity 9X" pack. it can be carried and accessed while moving. Only one sling/strap so you can slide it to the front to access your equipment. No where as large as the 5587 but it does the job while in motion. http://www.tamrac.com/5769.htm
Access is from the top not the front like the expedition 5587

prodigy2k7 · Jul 1, 2008

tjstrain said:
I got the Expedition 5587 a month ago. It's perfect for carrying all of your stuff off road. BUT, I don't see any way to use it and carry at the same time. it's on your back, unless you have eye's in the back of your head and looooooong rubber arms, there's no way to get stuff out while moving or taking it off.Front access only, stuff will fall out if your moving around and open it up. Now on the other hand I also got the tamrac sling type "velocity 9X" pack. it can be carried and accessed while moving. Only one sling/strap so you can slide it to the front to access your equipment. No where as large as the 5587 but it does the job while in motion. http://www.tamrac.com/5769.htm
Access is from the top not the front like the expedition 5587

thanks, ill probably eventually get both, expedition to carry most of my equip, another to carry me on a small hiking/walking trail (when i go to yosemite and camping trips)

I dunno we shall see! THe backpack is proably easier to carry while on a bike, the 1 strap seems kinda unsafe while ur on a bike. I guess ill get backpack first to carry my equip around..

Thanks!

penfold1 · Jul 1, 2008

I was going to purchase the tamrac but it gets horrible reviews.

My src is amazon.

Bifurcator · Jul 2, 2008

prodigy2k7 said:
thats pretty nifty, maybe a bigger bag needed tho

I think if you need bigger than that a hard-case would be the deal. That holds 6 lenses and an SLR with a long lens mounted on it. A fairly massive top pouch and a slip pouch. I don't think I've seen bigger than that unless they were shaped like a sports bag - and those things suck as a substitute to a nice hardcase.

Mystwalker · Jul 2, 2008

prodigy2k7 said:
thats pretty nifty, maybe a bigger bag needed tho

You can't mean the Slingshot 300 - this baby is sometimes TOO big.

I can carry 70-200 f/2.8L IS mounted (or not) with hood reversed, 580EXII, two bodies (both with grip), enough slots for 4 more lens (+2 more lens if you only use one body), PLUS one huge opening on top to store tripod ring, rocket blower, rubber hoods ...

It is not a "backpack" so all that weight is on your right shoulder and supposedly your waist.

nynfortoo · Jul 2, 2008

I have a Slingshot 200, and it's great, but getting a bit small.

My free Mini Trekker AW from a magazine subscription arrived today, and I was planning on sticking it on ebay, but I'm really impressed with it. There's loads of room for your gear, a fairly large front pocket to store anything non-camera-related, a handy storm-flap and a hideable tripod holder!

It can hold, according to the brochure: 1-2 SLRs and 4-6 lenses (up to 200mm f/2.8)

Inner dimensions: 11 (Width) x 5 (Depth) x 14.5 (Height) Inches

I used to think it'd be handy to access my gear without taking my bag off, but I've never felt the advantage out in the field, as it were. I don't think a backpack will inhibit me unless I wanted to quickly change lenses all the time.

Here she is, the beauty.

Also: I've somehow managed to chip the paint off my tripod's leg :grumpy:

Hopefully it won't start rusting; I have enough trouble with my bike!

RyanMillerPhoto · Jul 2, 2008

I have the Nature Trekker II and I love it. It is quite large but does seem to fit everything. Even loaded, I don't feel the wait as the waist strap helps take the load off the shoulders.