Best photog backpack??

[TexinAfrica]

I'll be purchasing a new kit soon.  Mk II  (yea, I know but $2000 is enough for me) with some L series glass.  E.g. 24-105, 70-300 and quite a few accessories.  What is the conventioinal wisdom on the best backpack???  I would want something that has a very flexible layout.  Very good quality, very protective, etc.   We all know the Case Logic brand but what is the best in class for carrying and protecting our toys?   

[ronderick]

I doubt there's a "best" backpack - there's too many needs to satisfy, and often when one feature solves one problem, it makes it a nightmare for someone who thinks the feature you sacrificed is top priority. One of the typical either-or scenario is quick access vs. security; it's hard to have both ends fulfilled.

Having said that, are you seeking a carry-all backpack or just for a day trip? Are you going hiking in the wilds or used in urban settings? Are you planning to carry a laptop? What kind of weight do you consider "comfortable"? Price range? etc.

[TexinAfrica]

Yes - perhaps my question was too general.  The photo backpack I seek would be for my camera kit only.   It would not be used for laptops etc.   Photo toys only. I was not sure if perhaps there was accepted  brand that was considered best-in-class.

[TexinAfrica]

Also to the above.  No long hikes, but this backpack is where the camera and lenses stay when not in use.  Paying anywhere between $1-300 would be a preference.

[mws]

Its a bit of a rhetorical question. I went through 4 different packs untill I found the one I'm on now ( mountainsmith parallax), and I'm stil not totally happy with it. Hopefully there is a camera store near you that has a good seletion to look at, its kind of a hard thing to shop for online.

[rambarra]

if you're into outdoor / travel photography you may want to check fstop backpacks

http://www.fstopgear.com/

[AmbientLight]

There is one backpack I can highly recommend from a German company named Jack Wolfskin called ACS Photopack.

http://www.jack-wolfskin.com/equipment/backpacks/hike-backpacks/men/2001151-acs-photopack.aspx

In case your equipment is not too large this backpack offers one major advantage: It features a carrying system developed for trekking. For me this is a big feature, because I can carry this back for quite a while without breaking a sweat. It also is small enough to be accepted as cabin luggage.

It has two limitations:
1. It does not provide storage space for a laptop. The previous version did provide that, but unfortunately that feature is gone.
2. Your gear should be limited to something like the following:

• 5D or 7D with battery pack plus one lens attached.
  
• three more lenses such as the 14mm L, 50mm L or so plus a 70-200 f2.8 L or similarly sized lens.

[AmbientLight]

Noting that there is a bit of a focus on trekking, hiking and such activities in comparison to just having a save storage that you can bring with you in form of a backpack I can also recommend the following:

www.thinktankphoto.com/
www.vanguardworld.com/

What I noted from my own experience about both company's products is that their backpacks offer very good protection of your gear.

If I want to pack almost my entire gear I use a rather large vanguard backpack.

[RC]

There are lots of great bags and back packs on the market and it really comes down to personal preference and specific needs.  Currently all my bags are either Tenba or Lowe Pro, I have several bags for several setups based on what I'm carrying, and where I'm at.    My back pack is the Tenba Shootout Day Pack, I will probably buy a larger BP for longer trips.  These are two good brands to start your research with.   My only specific advice is to buy a bag/BP for a fairly specific use and not a "one size fits all" bag.  Yes you will end up with multiple bags but your setup will be streamlined and efficient. 

http://www.tenba.com/products/Shootout--Daypack.aspx
http://www.lowepro.com/community/preferred_photographer_signup

[Chewy734]

I prefer the Kata bug series.

[thewallbanger]

I've found the best value in bags has been the Burton Snowboards series of camera bags.  They offer removable cores, so you can use it for camera gear or anything else. 

[CanineCandidsByL]

Camera bags are very personal and usually pretty expensive. If you can, borrow some bags from friends...even ones they hated may be great for you (any you might get a great deal).  Another option is to visit a major camera store, but usually you have to visit a big city (NY, Chicago, LA) to find stores big enough to really give you a good look at different bags.  Take you equipment with you and try putting it in the bags.  Don't forget all the little extras (cables, card holders, etc), because those are things you often need quickly.

Sorry I can't offer you specific advice. I have some bags I loved, but they no longer fit me. I'm hoping to try out some of the Kata bags during my next Chicago visit.

[Jettatore]

Just a note.  I have a camera bag (it's nice enough) that does NOT have a slot for a laptop.  I don't currently own a laptop.  I am getting one though, which means I have to get a new bag.  Was a gift so i'm not out any cash, just something to consider even if you don't have a laptop/tablet/netbook, you might get one some day and that might require a whole new bag.  Unless you are positive you will never need it/don't mind upgrading/spending later if you ever do, I wouldn't get one without a well padded laptop sleeve. 

[ksuweh]

Like others have said a bag is very heavily based on personal preferences. Depending upon your preferences & intended use I have 3 bag manufactures that I prefer & would consider to be some of the best bags you can buy. All are very high quality. Clik Elite is a hiking/trekking bag company, Crumpler is more urban with a bit of a unique look to them & ONA is very sophisticated & classy. The link below takes you to a search for all three brands on the B&H website. Hope that helps you out!

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/search?atclk=Brand_Crumpler&ci=168&N=4294204953+4291533359+4152556009+4291518304 

[sleepnever]

I have the 250AW and I love it. I've used it in the rain, the snow, and walking around Seattle for several hours. Very comfortable and it doesn't scream photography backpack unless I have my camera out. One thing I really like is that it puts the camera tripod on the side, not the front. There's plenty of room up top and even a slot for a laptop that I don't carry.

My gear is a 430ex II flash, 50mm, 10-20mm, Canon T2i w/ 24-70L attached (hood backwards fits in the main slot, attached does not).

$119 on Amazon too

http://products.lowepro.com/product/DSLR-Video%20Fastpack%20350%20AW,2283.htm