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I need a backpack
I am having a horrible time trying to find a hiking/trekking backpack for my camera stuff. I'm heading to Peru in 10 days and still have no solution. The pack obviously has to suit carry-on regulations.
So I need your help people.
Backpacks I've dismissed
1) Anything made by Lowepro
– I find their bags horrendously uncomfortable. They don't sit right on my shoulders. Their tripod holder is still pretty useless. Their bags are also heavy. I've seen a lot of failed zippers after mere months of use. They just aren't what they used to be.
2) ThinkTank Streetwalker Pro
– Fantastically light backpack, fits everything I need it to. Great build quality and functional design, it's just not built for someone 6'4. It sits far too low on my shoulders and I'd be in pain within an hour. If it was 2″ longer, I'd own it.
3) Crumpler Karachi Outpost
– This pack was fantastically comfortable for me. It has the best tripod holder I've ever come across for a backpack. The turtle shell design inside is its downfall, just very bad use of space inside the bag. It does appear very well made.
What's coming with me
1D Mark III (RRS L Plate)
5D Mark II (no grip, RRS L Plate)
17-40 f/4L
70-200 f/2.8L IS
1.4x TC
35 f/1.4L
It would be nice if the 85L II would fit if I needed it to.
Gitzo GT3541LS
10″ Netbook
Bags I'm looking into, but cant find in stock anywhere.
1) Kata R-102, R-103, R-104
– If anyone has experience with these, I'd love to hear it.
If there's a company I should look at, let me know.
Thanks all!
cr
Tamrac 9- or maaaaybe 7- series.
I have the Tamrac Expedition 7X and it is awsome
Check out the bags from Mountainsmith.
Not sure if you know about this site but it has reviews and just about every bad I could think of!! Including photos and users reviews of the Kata.
http://www.cambags.com/
The ThinkTank ShapeShifter will hold all of that, and it’s more full-backpack sized than the StreetWalker. I took it down to Ecuador and it was my airline carryon. Added bonus is that it integrates with their padded Speed Belts so you can move the weight to your hips if you happen to be walking a lot with it on.
-D
if you can get around not carrying a laptop in the same bag then there’s also the Gura Gear bag.
Two ways to go for international travel:
Kiboko at http://www.guragear.com/product.php
This my stretch the definition of a trekking pack and is pricey but it is hands down better than the list above.
Two pack solution. I use a Lowpro Mini Trekker for the flight – it is worthless for any other use. Once there I unpack and switch to a modified Kelty Redwing Pack. The Kelty is modified by RPT: http://www.photobackpacker.com/images/p1/p1d.html.
The Kelty, with a genuine waste belt and lots of adjustments, carries well.
I’ll end with a shameless plug… Read about the RPT modified pack and the tweaks I made to make it work well with a load of Canon gear at http://www.twentymillionthings.com/2008/06/01/photographing-iceland-carrying-all-the-stuff/
Make sentence 5:
The Kelty, with a genuine waist belt and lots of adjustments, carries well.
I use Kata R-103, I think you’ll really like it based on your gear list. Here’s what I put in it (And it’s near packed full.) It’s very sturdy, and the strap are very well made, carrying it feels very comfortable despite all the weight.
5d2 w/ grip with 100-400L mounted
70-200L f/4
17-40L f/4
100mm f/2.8 macro
50mm f/1.4
580EX2
bag rain/sun cover. (Stored inside, only use if it’s raining or going to beach).
15″ MacBook Pro + power adapter
CF card reader, other cables.
A few filters.
a Giottos tripod mounted/tied to the outside.
Note that all of the lens fit in the bag with hood attached reversed, except 17-40L hood which goes in the extra pocket separately.
I can’t seem to see, but does it have a waste belt?
Well my friend. I want the Kiboko. Too bad it’s backordered!
Wow!
checkout fstopgear.com and have a look at the Satori model.
You’d be hard pressed to fit both your bodies and the rest of your kit in the R-103. It’s just not very roomy for a bag of it’s size. However, since you asked about the waist belt, it does NOT have one, but you can get a waist pack that integrates into the bag, and have additional storage that would fit the rest of your kit. You can also get a torso bag that integrates into the Kata system. Review here:
http://www.shuttertalk.com/articles/katat212w92
I have the Kata R-102 Rucksack and it’s a great backpack, but I don’t know if it’ll carry all the gear you want to bring. I can comfortably fit a 1D3 with 24-70 f/2.8 attached, 70-200 f/4, 16-35 f/2.8, and a 420 flash unit. But I think it is going to be really tight with an extra body and a laptop. Also, I haven’t tried, but I would imagine it’s kind of tough to squeeze a laptop in there since there is no dedicated laptop compartment like the R-106.
Dakine Sequence Backpack most definitely.
It’s made for snowboarders so its very rugged and has lots of straps to adjust for support and comfort (waist and chest straps). Has a removable bag inside of it that holds all of your gear. The bag opens from the side that touches your back. In most bags you lay it down on the part that touches your back and then when you put the pack back on your back is wet or dirty from the ground. Not with this bag.
Mine currently has 5DII with 24-70 2.8L attached, 70-200 2.8L, 16-35 2.8L, 50 1.4, 430EX, filters, pelican case with flash triggers, flash meter. And that’s just the main compartment. In the top and side pouches I have straps, cables, extra batteries, cf cards, battery charger, with room to spare. It also has a collapsible pouch on the side for a water bottle. You can even strap a tripod or monopod to it.
Here’s a shot taken with my iphone. http://www.flickr.com/photos/caseybritt/3597345368/
Look around though and you can find some great reviews on this bag. I think there’s even one on youtube where a guy walks you through all the details. Good luck on your hunt for a great bag!
I use a Tamrac 777, I’m 6-2 and found it really comfortable, it carry tons of equipment… but not the laptop. I use a small Sony VGN-UX280 so I carried with me, perhaps you shall think of an ultra compact pc too.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3344/3563832739_646e5079dc.jpg
This bag is great!! It’s airline compatible. It will fit all of your gear. But they are on back order. You won’t get it in time. You could also try the Moose Peterson. I have the Gura bag and I have have the 30D and a 50D. With a 10 to 22mm, 24 to 105mm, 70 to 200mm a canon 430ex flash. A video camera all the cables and miscellaneous stuff. It fits in the over head with no problems. One draw back no laptop carrier.
http://www.guragear.com/
http://www.wrptradingpost.com/Merchant2/merchant.mv
http://www.moosepeterson.com/gear/mp3.html
Yes, it’s got a customizable waist belt. By that I mean it has a loop and accessory belt (similar to the belt clip that hooks the 2 strap together right on your chest) that can be attached to the lower corner of the bag (right around my waist, but I’m 5’9″, you’re taller than me, but I do pull the strap up high because I like that belt right on my waist).
It’s hard to explain, but basically it’s got a removable belt strap so if you want to remove it or attach other accessories component (ELPH system or whatever they call it) you can attach them. I also have a T-214 that goes well with it, and therefore I don’t use that waist belt anymore (T-214 sorta becomes a waist belt). They makes me look like I have a front pocket, but it’s convenient place to put a body in on a hike for quick access.
The most phenomenal camera/everything bag I’ve ever owned is the Tenba Messenger, but they have several other form factors available (http://www.tenba.com). I’ve been through more bags than would be considered healthy for an adult male. Since I found Tenba, I’m done.
Take a look at Dakine Packs. I have been using them extensively for anything active. My main staple is the Sequence. I pretty much carry the kit you have listed with it. It also has a great harness system. Originally designed for the back country ski photographer, I have used it there and everywhere else you can think of. Dakine also now has the Reload and Mission Photo. A few cool features-the pack opens from where it sits on your back so you never get dirt and snow in the harness area, the photo equipment dividers are removable as there own protection case if you want to use the pack for something else, and there are pockets for just about everything you can imagine. If is good enough for me to use while skiing out of helis in Alaska, it can make the trek with you. Good luck!
Jay
Try the Tenba, I work as a pilot in the Maldives and carry my Mac pro and pretty much the same equipment with me as yourself. So far has been pretty good, no zipper problems and has note book holder.
Camera bag by Burton. 5 week in Asia and held up awsome!
So I had the same experience and even looked into making my own, which I kind of did. From ebags.com you can buy the insert for Dakine’s “photo” backpack. Take that insert and easily slide it into any backpack you currently have. I would suggest TNF’s the Surge. Fits under the seat in front, easy access to laptop and more room than I could ever find use for. Also has a million and one pockets for all your needs. Only down side, you have to pull insert out to access cameras. Good luck.
Take a look at f-stop or dakine. I got the dakine sequence and it is just great, but maybe too small for you. They got a bigger one that should be also very good. These cömpanies also got style, not like many others with gay bags.
I use the Kata HB-207, its a real strong bag with lots of room and it will keep your gear real safe. I have traveled all over Asia and the middle east with it. I bought mine through B&H.
I have the Kata R103 and its a well designed, very well built backpack. In mine I have:
40D + Grip with 400mm F5.6L attached in the main section.
400D + Grip
200mm F2.8L
24-105 F4L
1.4x TC
The laptop section easily takes my IBM T42 note book.
There are loads of extra pockets and neat bags for CF cards, spare batteries and filters.
The bag is very comfortable to wear. I like the easy open centre section that allows you at the main camera / lens while keeping all the other gear protected.
I also make use of the pack mounted hanging system. This allows you to attach the camera to the pack (so the weight is on the pack straps rather than your neck) while hiking around.
Something to keep in mind is that the baggage size overseas may be smaller than here in the States. I discovered this myself on a domestic flight actually. It was a flight on a CAR plane in which I discovered that my very expensive FAA travel size approved computer/book bag wouldn’t have fit if I’d actually filled it up.
When I decided to buy an actual photo bag, I went with the Thinktank Airport ANTIDOTE, because it’s designed for the smaller baggage sizes on foreign flights. I’ve carried my 40D, now my 5Dmk2 along with a 70-200, 10-22, 24-70, and a 50mm, plus a 430EX and batteries, etc. It has a removable laptop case that you can remove and put under your seat, giving you that much more room.
The Airport Antidote is even small enough to fit under the seat on particularly generous airlines, just in case you find the overhead bins all filled up.
I could help you by making your equipment less heavy if you gave me the 5dmkII with the 85L :D
May be you can try the Arcteryx Bora backpack
It’s very nice pack but not easy to take the camera out.
Tamrec Expedition 7x or 8x
8x is like the maximum size that you can carry on. :)
I personally use 7x, and if you are not taking your 85mm, then it might just fit.
I fit in my bag
1D
10D
24-105mm F4L
70-200mm F2.8L
300mm F4L
50mm
1.4x extender
580ex II
I used Lowepro CompuTrekker Plus before too, much preferred Tamrac :)
Check out Kinesis:
http://www.kgear.com/
I cant name you a specific bag, but you might take at look at
http://www.taschenfreak.de where picture of many bags are listed and find it helpful for your decision.
(“art und typ” means sorted by type, “hersteller” means sorted by manufacturer)
I enjoy my Tamrac Cyberpack 9 – it’s very comfortable and big enough for most equipment, although probably not carry-on compatible (though I never had a problem taking it onto a plane).
You should also check those national geographic bags – the earth explorer series (I would recommend the large one) – they are sturdy and just perfect for trekking. They are discret too, in an old school style that I personnaly like. Hope this help..
I own a kata R103 as well. I’d imagine having a hard time fitting everything you listed inside. As someone else mentioned, no real waist band, but I do believe it comes as an accessory with added space.
From a built & protection point of view, it’s a great bag. I’ve never used their tripod carry system on the bag though, as my tripod didn’t make it through security control.
Good luck.
Someone earlier mentioned f-stop. Their website is http://www.fstopgear.com. Interesting gear although I’ve never personally used it.
I fall into the two bag solution camp, if that is at all an option. One bag for transport. The other for hiking.
After numerous photo packs, I’ve recently settled on an Osprey Aether pack — a real pack — in which I keep an Urban Disguise plus whatever else I need. When I travel, the UD goes in the overhead and the pack itself is in a suitcase. Not only can I fit my UD in the pack, I can fit a huge hydration bladder, food, and fleece all with room to spare. My Gitzo tripod fits through a padded slot on the very top of the pack where the weight is easiest to carry. The harness system is so good that it feels like I’m carrying half the weight of the “photo” packs.
You’d have to use the UD35 plus an extra lens case or two I’d guess. I use the UD40 but I don’t have a 1D sized body to deal with.
Enjoy your travels.
Tamrac adventure is my preffered choice, but I now use Kata since it’s bigger (I had the smaller version of tamrac, the one without the laptop case). To me, Tamrac is much more comfortable and the sholder straps are better.
there is a fantastic german website where you can see a lot of pictures of most of the backpacks (often packed with equipment).
http://www.taschenfreak.de/indexliste.htm
how about tamrac? they are ok IMHO… althought I own a lot of lowepro… they are heavy heavy heavy… with 5-6 lens on a outting + that bag.. I need a back massage at end of each day…
=.=”
Check out Thinktank @ thinktankphoto.com and the Airport Addicted v2.0: http://www.thinktankphoto.com/ttp_product_ArprtAddctd.php
I bought a cheap mountaineering rucksack for a recent trip in Romania, which I found very useful, as it has all sorts of pockets inside and out, and opens fully. While actually walking around taking photos my 1DS MkIII was in my normal one strap Canon bag, but while travelling I could put the Canon bad inside the rucksack, and also store my netbook, hard drive etc, a few clothes, spongebag etc.
I would recommend not to carry around a whole photo studio on the trip. :=)
On my last trip I got along fine with the 5D2+ Sigma 24-60 + small & featherweight manual focus 50/1.9.
DAKINE SEQUENCE
jack wolfskin acs fotopack
had it filled with 2 bodys,
70-200is4L, 28-70, 50, 100macro, flash, converters and filters
best backpack so far
Hiya
I have a Kata backpack and would not use anything else. they are so comfortable, reliable, cool to have, and built to last.
You gotta go down the Kata route. :D
I just got a R-103 backpack and would have to say +1 for that.
I currently hold:
Canon 1d MK II
100mm Macro with Hoos in shooting position
50mm f/1.4
24-70mm f/2.8 (Attached to camera hood in shooting position
580 ex ii
Battery charger / extra battery
Blower Bulb
15″ Macbook Pro
Very easy to lug around and the bag is quite rugged. It doesn’t have quite the suspension of say my Osprey pack for hiking, but then again the osprey doesn’t let me carry the camera equipment safely. I have also used the pack on my bike when I need to bring my photo gear, this is also a comfortable way to carry – as it has the load lifter straps and no waistbelt to get in the way while cycling.
Dan
Kata makes great bags
Check out the Clik Elite Bags. They are new, so you will probably not going to find many reviews and also a bit pricey but they look very well made.
http://www.clikelite.com/
They can also be purchased off Amazon.com
Not sure if they have a dedicated tripod holder though, which is a deal breaker for me.
I have a Kata R-102 and am very pleased with it. Holds a bit of gear and very comfortable, used to use Domke original F1 and F2 bags.
Try the Camera Store for Kata backpacks. They show out of stock but they actually have them. They don’t update their web site
I love my Burton zoom camera bag. Its great for hiking/trekking cause its made for back country snowboarders. Durable, good size, nice looking bag that doesn’t really look like a camera bag. I fully recommend it!
I love my Burton zoom camera bag. Its great for hiking/trekking cause its made for back country snowboarders. Durable, good size, nice looking bag that doesn’t really look like a camera bag. I fully recommend it!
They make a pro version thats even bigger too
I’d suggest taking a look at the website http://www.taschenfreak.de/
Even if you don’t speak german, you can see there loads of different bags and rucksacks with pics.
At the top you can select “Art & Typ” (sorted by type) or “Hersteller” (sorted by maker).
It gives you a good idea of what it will look like and how much you can fit in.
I suggest buying a plain-looking daypack. The more scuffs and rips splotches the better. Specialized photo packs scream STEAL ME. They are fine for a hike out in the countryside but I wouldn’t want to take my lowepro bag to Peru.
I keep my camera and lenses in little Lowepro padded cases which then go inside my daypack. Takes just a minute to access but hey you’re on vacation… btw I spend about 4 months per year on the road so I know what I’m talking about.
Bon Voyage and have fun.
everyone has their own favorite, and why not. We are all different shapes and sizes, and have different equipment. Its interesting to see how many suggest a bag that they don’t own or use. I’ve a couple of Lowe Pro backpacks bought used, one large and one small and I too do not find them confortable and don’t use them.
I have a Pelican roll around that I keep all … well 50%… of my gear in, and use a lowe Pro shoulder bag to carry the things I need for a short trip.
I’ve pretty much given up the search for a optimum camera bag, the camera stores in Spokane, including onecall.com don’t have a really good selection like Adorama or B&H.
I just did a trip of 30 days
just keep in mind, the bigger the bag the mare you take! and the weight will slow you down.
I used the thinktank backpack, it is very good, durable, good pocked and dividers, and doesn’t look so much like a photo bag, tripod may be a giveaway ;-)
http://www.thinktankphoto.com/ttp_product_StWlkrHD.php
I recommend it
I also have the kata r103 and absolutely love it. I feel like Jack Bauer when I carry that thing around.
I can fit my laptop, my 5d2 with my 135L, 2 580exIIs, and room for accessories, chargers, off shoe cords and 2 other medium sized lenses very comfortably.
Have the Kata R-104 and can’t say enough positive things about it. If stock is an issue given the time, frankly, you have a reputable and popular blog – talk to the mfg or the relevant distributor (would be the local Bogen rep here in the US) and see if they can’t get you one for purchase & evaluation. In my limited experience, they are very helpful if for good reason.
I love Crumpler….for me is the best! :D
When you said “I need help” I thought that canon has sawed you or something. lol.
anyway, I cannot recommend a specific bag because its more of a personal choice and because it really depends on the size of the person. What can be great for a 5.7″ person for me will not be as good for a 6.4″ guy like you.
BUT, If you choose a bag, then make sure you post it in here before you travel. :p
I’d certainly recommend Tenba brand. Although I’m a fresh owner of their shoulder bag (Shootout Large) I’m amazed to see how the bag is able to fit just everything (including 15,4″ laptop and photo gear totaling 12kg – roughly 25 pounds). I assume their backpacks are far too suitable compared to Lowepro.
i would go with the lowepro flipside 400AW. a failing zipper would be less likely due to camera access is through the back, so you any stress from weight is against your back while wearing it. plus it will hold more than enough for you. and you can’t go wrong with the all weather cover and extra storage compartment on the front. And i found it very comfortable to wear for the whole day.
Agreed. I used Tamrac bags for my treks across Italy (hiked in Sicily, Capri, Campania, etc)
TAMRAC is the one!
Definitely LOVE the ThinkTank Airport Acceleration: This is what I put in mine –
MY GEAR: 5D Mk II; EF 300mm f/2.8L IS USM; EF 70-200mm f/4L IS USM; EF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM; EF 16-35 f/2.8L II USM; EF 100 f/2.8 USM Macro; 2.0/1.4 tcs; 25x tube; 220 & 580 EX II; Manfrotto 055CXPRO3 + Markins M-20; Wimberley Sidekick; ThinkTank Airport Acceleration V 2.0
AND I still have room to add my future 1D4 – hopefully soon!!
DAKINE SEQUENCE PHOTO PACK W/CAMERA BLOCK
It’s an amazing backback, super comfortble, expandable and organized.
http://www.evogear.com/backpacks/dakine-sequence-photo-pack-w/camera-block.aspx?utm_medium=shoppingengine&utm_source=googlebase&CMP=KAC-Froogle
I’ll recomend these Backpacks.
LAMDA
http://www.lamda-sack.com/camerasack.html
FoxFire
http://www.lamda-sack.com/camerasack.html
sorry! They wrote in Japanese only.
Just wanted to add 2 quick thoughts…
Alex – if you want to insult everyone on this thread, try doing a grammar & spell check, at the very least. Seriously, if you hate the site that much, then SCRAM – no one’s forcing you to read it. (I know, I know, don’t feed the trolls, but I had to say it.) I wish posts like those would be removed, although I’m sure policing this site for posts like Alex’s would be a considerable job on many days.
Thanks everyone for posting your thoughts – I’m in the market for a more comfortable bag, and there are some great suggestions on here. I’ll admit that I too am a recovering Lowepro user – used to LOVE their stuff, and I still love their shoulder bags, but their backpacks are leaving plenty to be desired these days – very uncomfortable, and HEAVY.
I would recommand the burton camerabags, zoompac and zoom pro. Have carried more or less teh same stuff up and down many 3000m+ mountains and the these bags have always done the job excellent…
Why you knocking Lowepro. They are after all the biggest name on the market. There bags don’t fit right? Have you worn one for 4 days, 32 miles in the high country of Wyoming? You heard of failed zippers? Did you personally experience a failed zipper? Tripod holder useless? Really? It holds my gitzo tripod with a kirk ball head just fine!! I’m thinking maybe you haven’t ever actually owned a Lowepro bag before.
Hi Viper28, Does R103 have a laptom compartment??
i am wondering to buy a backpack for my gear and laptop. My Gear is Canon 50d with 100-400 L, 24-105L, 10-20 sigma, 70-200canon L, 50mm canon,60mm cano macro and aple mac book pro 13.3 inch. How you thin R103 is ok or i have to buy a bigger R104 or R105?/
are that came with the computer originally and keep things simple this little netbook will suffice 95% of all the computing needs for the average user.
Redwing shoes are not only good-looking, boasting a rugged charm, but they’re about as sturdy as a pair of shoes get.Instead of outfitting horseback riders, they now outfit motorcycle riders.They are the most comfortable i have ever worn.They are also unbelievably durable.