Camera bag or backpack for excursions?

[lmb80129]

We are going on an Alaskan cruise this summer and I'm trying to figure out what to bring on our port adventures. I have a DSLR with an extra lens and might need to bring rain gear and other essentials for our family of 5. What does everyone bring when going out in unpredictable weather? I'm thinking maybe a cross body type camera bag for me and a backpack for my husband. Any specific recommendations for camera bags and/or backpacks?

 

[PoohJen]

How exciting for you!!!

I carry my gear in a Tamrac Adventure Backpack (I think Adventure 7; the upper pouch in the 6 was too small for anything useful). For your purposes, the pouch may fit your rain gear, but not all of your family's. Also, although I LOVE my Tamrac backpack, backpacks are not good for "quick access" to your camera, if you want to be able to whip it out fast. It fits my dSLR with lens and up to 4 other lenses, hoods, batteries, memory, cleaning stick, etc. in the lower section, freeing the upper pouch for other stuff, like my "how to use my camera" book, or my lunch.

I get quicker access with my sharp looking Tamrac...um...looks like in the catalog they call it an Express pack; mine doesn't have side pouches like in the catelog, and can only hold my Canon dSLR (I have both a 40D and a Rebel XT) and whatever lens is on it, MAYBE an additional lens if I take out padding.

Here is the online Tamrac catelog: http://www.tamrac.com/3548.htm

A GREAT place to ask for equipment advice is on the DIS photography board - check it out for great pictures too!!!http://www.disboards.com/forumdisplay.php?f=97

Have a WONDERful cruise!!! Happy shooting!

 

[ssanders79]

I love the Tamrac Adventure 9. I will fit a small benro travel angel tripod, 3 lenses, body, accessories. The top section is for snacks and other essentials and the laptop compartment gets used for packable rain gear. It is a bit big but it is the only bag we need for a day at the parks or on a cruise excursion.


Tamrac Adventure 9 by ssanders79, on Flickr

There are more views of the bag here.

 

[MellieluvsDisney]

I also have a DSLR and 2 lenses. I use a Lowepro 100. There's a also the Lowepro 200 and 300 as well, and are a little bigger than the 100.

 

[Erickson99]

I have a SLR Nikon D60 and no extra lenses. I found that this bag from LL Bean worked perfectly. The bag straps could be long or short and I prefer to wear things across me than on my back. We didn't do any significant hikes or anything. I used this to carry my camera everywhere which is how I wound up with 2000 pictures

http://www.llbean.com/llb/shop/62128?feat=847-GN1

 

[designertravels]

Check out MRock. I have a backpack which can also be converted to a sling. I have the 674, I think i am going to get a bigger one for the Med.

Jill