Backpack with room for a DSLR

[mill4023]

On our previous WDW visits, I've carried a backpack with all of our park necessities (diapers, wipes, sunscreen, ponchos, etc.) and a separate camera bag with my D80, 18-135 kit lens, 70-300VR, and 50mm 1.8.

I'd like to get down to 1 bag for our next trip, so I'm looking for a backpack that can hold my camera and lenses, and still have plenty of room for all of our other park touring supplies.

I've seen plenty of DSLR backpacks, but the ones I've seen seem dedicated to camera equipment, without much room for anything else.

Any suggestions?

 

[Bstanley]

I bought a Lowepro Fastpack 250 backpack for a vacation trip last year that might be of interest. Depends on how much 'other' stuff you need to carry.

The Fastpack 250 is designed to carry a laptop as well as a camera/lenses and it also has a modest sized cargo area. If some of the stuff (diapers, wipes, etc) can fit in a flat space the laptop area is pretty large (17 x 13 x 3 inches I would guess). The cargo area at the top of the backpack could be used for the bulkier stuff.

I liked it not only for it's capacity, but also for the fact that it was easy to draw out the camera for use from the side opening.

On the plane ride I carried a laptop, all the camera gear, a book, some munchies, a portable video player and a bunch of small items in the various pockets.

They also make a larger version - the Fastpack 350.

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

The Tamarac Adventure series backpack might work well for you. Tamarac Adventure

Or the Aero Speed which is what I've used for a few years for travel. Tamarac Aero Speed

All of these have an equipment compartment in the bottom and space for personal items in the top. The Aero's also have a laptop compartment and some of the Adventure's may as well.

 

[cpbjgc]

I am the designated sherpa for my family. I have the Fastpack 350 mentioned above. I bought it primarily because I wanted to be able to carry my camera with the 70-200mm lens attached. Using the top section I carried snacks, 2 autograph books and pens, sunscreen, wet wipes, mini first aid kit and a couple juice boxes. I also carried two mister-fans in the side pouch as well as park maps and ponchos/rain coats for 4 in the laptop slot. I found it comfortable and the only ride I could not bring it on was Kali River rapids.

 

[2Tiggies]

The Tamarac Adventure series backpack might work well for you. Tamarac Adventure

All of these have an equipment compartment in the bottom and space for personal items in the top. The Aero's also have a laptop compartment and some of the Adventure's may as well.

I was looking at those last night for similar reasons as the OP. The little one would do me fine as I don't usually put much in my backpack, but like to be able to fit my camera in its bag into the backpack when not in use. I just wondered what the risk is of things tipping out of the bottom when opening it if not set down properly on a flat surface. I would have preferred to have the camera equipment in the top.

Do you guys take all your lenses with you every day or just the ones you know/think you will need?

 

[handicap18]

I have the Tamarac Adventure 9 which is my travel/storage camera backpack. I can get my D300 with battery grip and 17-50mm f/2.8 lens attached in along with my 70-300mm VR, 50mm f/1.8, 30mm f/1.4, SB-600 flash and 1 other lens. In the top part I usually put my video camera, wires, battery charger (for camera and video camera) and if I need I can also fit my Gary Fong diffuser. It also fits our laptop and power cord. It is HEAVY though.

For day trips I use a Slingshot 200 which I can get my D300/battery pack/17-50mm lens, 2 or 3 additional lenses or 1 or 2 lenses and 2 SB-600's and 2 diffusers. It holds quite a bit.

The top parts of most camera bags like these don't really hold a whole lot, but they do make it easier to hold the camera gear and keep it safe.

I don't bring all my lenses to the parks each day. I only bring 2, maybe 3 depending on the park. When I go around the parks I use lens pouches that attach to my belt. I can also fit the 50mm f/1.8 or 30mm f/1.4 in my pocket.

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

Do you guys take all your lenses with you every day or just the ones you know/think you will need?

Definitely just the ones I want to use that day.

Since I have the Aero which doesn't have the same opening options as the Adventure series I'm afraid I can't give any input on that.

 

[mill4023]

Thanks for the ideas.
I think I'll have to try to find them at a local shop to get an idea of how much you could really fit in the cargo compartments. It's hard to tell from looking at pictures.
I've currently got this one: http://products.lowepro.com/product/Nova-180-AW,2105,20.htm (at least I think it's the 180).
I've been happy with it, but it's a pain to carry a shoulder bag and wear a backpack.

 

[2Tiggies]

Thanks for the ideas.
I think I'll have to try to find them at a local shop to get an idea of how much you could really fit in the cargo compartments. It's hard to tell from looking at pictures.
I've currently got this one: http://products.lowepro.com/product/Nova-180-AW,2105,20.htm (at least I think it's the 180).
I've been happy with it, but it's a pain to carry a shoulder bag and wear a backpack.

Nice looking bag, but I agree with you - a shoulder bag 'gets heavy' a lot quicker than a backpack after 12 hours trekking around a park. I also like to have just one bag and since I don't like carrying things around with me if I can help it, one like in the above links would be ideal. In fact, the only thing I don't mind carrying around with me is my camera/cameras and camcorder. So if it's a camera bag with a few things in, I don't mind at all. If it's a normal bag which has other things and happens to accommodate a camera too, I DO mind I admit part of it is psychological, but I think a good camera deserves a good bag.

EDIT TO ADD: When you go to the stores, take your camera and any other kit you want to carry in the bag with you so you can get an idea of size, fit and also weight. Not all bags distribute weight the same way, if you know what I mean.

 

[Gianna'sPapa]

Forgive me for stating the obvious, but remember when traveling you need a bag large enough to transport the gear. Once you arrive, the camera comes out and normally stays out until you travel home. If you haven't already, I would invest in a good strap (or strap system) that works in conjunction with the bag you are carrying in the parks. While I'm traveling, my bag is stuffed and very heavy. While at the parks its very light, because I only take what I think I will need for the day. My heaviest lens for WDW is the 70-200 f2.8. All the rest are light and small. This leaves a lot of room in my bag if I want to carry extras.

 

[2Tiggies]

Forgive me for stating the obvious, but remember when traveling you need a bag large enough to transport the gear. Once you arrive, the camera comes out and normally stays out until you travel home. If you haven't already, I would invest in a good strap (or strap system) that works in conjunction with the bag you are carrying in the parks. While I'm traveling, my bag is stuffed and very heavy. While at the parks its very light, because I only take what I think I will need for the day. My heaviest lens for WDW is the 70-200 f2.8. All the rest are light and small. This leaves a lot of room in my bag if I want to carry extras.

That's very good advice; thank you!

I'm also looking at bags and it may sound obvious, but it is easy to be distracted by a great looking bag without checking what all needs to go in there for travel. The last thing I want is to end up with bags inside bags, inside bags ......