Rucksack Camera Bags

[Harry Muff]

Lets talk about which bags rock.




I'm currently liking the look of this:





It's the Lowepro Fastpack 250.




The thing I'm not sure about though, is the security aspect of it. It sure does look easy for someone steal the cameraout of the side pocket in the street.


Does anyone have any experience of either the 250 or 350 version?




Another problem with this and most camera bags is that they look like camera bags and therefore advertise that expensive equipment is within.




So which bags are good from a security point of view?




Your thoughts?

[RMC33]

I walk 15 minutes each way to work and always carry a camera on me. I use a Thinktank Citywalker 20. Holds my 5d3 with my 24-70 f/2.8 hood attached. I have a 50 f/1.4 in the bag as well. I also toss my notebook and other work related items in no problem. I never once have had anyone look twice at the bag thinking it was anything other then a work bag with a laptop and notes in it. It is easy to pull my body out and take a few pictures and toss it back in. Bag has gone with me to Peru and Chile without incident as well.

[neuroanatomist]

I like the Lowepro Flipside series (I have the 300 and 400 AW) - the opening is against your back, quite secure.

Having said that, I'm considering a Fastpack for an upcoming trip where I plan to bring my 17" MBP.  Rather than the older type, I'd get a Fastpack DSLR Video 250 or 350.  You can ignore the 'video' part. The new series offers three improvements, IMO - a tripod attachment, a rain cover, and the laptop section loads from the top vs. the side.

I'm debating between the 250 and the 350.  It's always hard to judge online - I recommend taking your gear into a shop if possible.  For example, the Flipside 300 isn't supposed to hold a gripped body, but it does. The Fastpack DSLR Video 250 states 'pro dSLR (without grip) and 24-70' but based on the stated depth a gripped body will fit - I just need to know if an attached 28-300L will fit, despite what the specs say, and if my 17" MBP will fit in the 'holds a 15" notebook' pocket (measurements say yes, reality may be different). 

[Rocky]

The thing I'm not sure about though, is the security aspect of it. It sure does look easy for someone steal the cameraout of the side pocket in the street.

Lowepro put the "ribbon" Loop with a plastic end on the double zipper puller is not just for look or "easy to pull". It can be used for security also. After you have zipped up the openning, put one (1st) "ribbon loop " through the other one (2nd). Then put the 2nd loop through the 1st loop, then put the 1st loop through the 2nd loop.If you still can do it, then put the 1st loop through the 2nd loop. Now  nobody can pull the two zipper puller apart without undoing the looping. The camera will be secure in the bag unless someone cut the bag.

[gjones5252]

http://www.geographicbags.us/medium-rucksack-for-personal-gear
My favorite bag ever. Durable and carries everything I have.

[JPAZ]

Last trek I used the F-Stop Loka bag.  Enough room for my old kit (50D + 10-22 + 15-85 + 70-200 F4 IS) batteries, cards, snacks, water, and layers for the day.  Worked pretty well but not the kind of pack I'd carry in  "civilization."

JP 

[Grumbaki]

Just sharing a specialty bag: Tamrac Zuma 9 deterred 3 confirmed attempts of pickpocketting during a recent trip in Vietnam/Cambodia. As I knew i was safe from that, that might be more. Peace of mind is a real gift on vacation.

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

Only negative point, it can't carry a 70/200 2.8 (or it's a tight fit with just one body and one lens unmounted...not optimal!). I generally travel with Evolution 9 as carry on and zuma in my checked in and then make a day kit in Zuma once on site.

[Dnd]

I use the think tank street walker pro ( http://www.thinktankphoto.com/products/streetwalker-pro-backpack.aspx )
Last summer in glacier had the following... 300 2.8 IS, 70-200 2.8 IS II, 1.4xII, 2xII, 5dII, and 7d.. Tripod on outside using the included straps.. 

[jp121]

How much do you have to carry?

I have:

Kata Bumblebee-222 UL for 1-2 Pro DSLR w/70-200 lens + 4 lenses (fits 17" MBP)
Lowepro DSLR Video 350 AW
Lowepro 450 Pro Runner AW

I like the Kata for comfort. The harness is awesome and I like the grey color. The Lowepro 450 is primarily for flight carry-on. The Lowepro 350 was my first backpack & can't carry the 70-200 f/2.8.

For around town I use the Kelly Moore Thirst Relief. Primarily for the looks. Unfortunately it's very heavy with 5DM3, 50L, 100L, 16-35L & 70-200L.

[bornshooter]

I have a lowepro 200aw for everyday use and inside it i can squeeze my 1 dx with 70-200 attached my 5dmk3 with 24-70 L attached 2x600 ex-rt's st-e3 and loads of other bits and bobs... its the way you pack it :-)
i am looking into the thinktank streetwalker harddrive at the moment looks like a nice bag.
for wedding everything goes into my pelican 1510 secured in the boot of my car with chains.

[neuroanatomist]

I'm debating between the 250 and the 350.  It's always hard to judge online - I recommend taking your gear into a shop if possible.  For example, the Flipside 300 isn't supposed to hold a gripped body, but it does. The Fastpack DSLR Video 250 states 'pro dSLR (without grip) and 24-70' but based on the stated depth a gripped body will fit - I just need to know if an attached 28-300L will fit, despite what the specs say, and if my 17" MBP will fit in the 'holds a 15" notebook' pocket (measurements say yes, reality may be different).

As I said, it's always hard to judge from specs online, but usually Lowepro overestimates the capacity (e.g. if they say body + 4-6 lenses, it means 3-5 lenses or less).  So, I took the camera, white zoom, and Mac into my local Hunt's to try the 250, and to my surprise, the 1D X fits fine (even with the RRS L-bracket), the mounted 28-300L is fine, there's room for two other lenses, and the 17" MBP fits in the laptop compartment, with room for my 13" MacBook Air to fit as well, if needed.  So, I walked out with the Lowepro DSLR Video Fastpack 250 AW.   

[ahab1372]

I'm happy with the ThinkTank Urban Disguise 60 v2.0. More a shoulder bag than a backpack, looks more like something for work than photo gear. MacBook Pro and MacBook Air fit in together, and camera with 70-300L and hood mounted plus more lenses, flash and accessories. Additional straps to carry it like a backpack are available and work great. I use to go to work almost every day, with or without camera. Rain cover is included.

[bycostello]

i like messagnger bags as camera is to hand quickly and under your arm while you carry it around...

[Ewinter]

ThinkTANK retrospective series are cool when not taking too much

[Dobbin]

The Lowepro Fast pack 350 is what I use when I need a rucksack style bag. I also have a Slingshot 102AW for everyday carrying. This is a single strapped back pack. I have had the 350 for a year now and have found it very comfortable to wear and be very user friendly. You can access the main camera compartment by simply swinging it off one shoulder to get the camera out in  asimilar fashion to the slingshot. Being able to carry a laptop is also very handy for holidays and away days in the 350. I paid £40 for the back pack from Amazon in Feb 2012 I think the slingshot was about £45 from The now deceased Jessops. Think both bags are great.