Photo Backpack?

[SyracuseWolvrine]

Can anyone recommend a photo backpack that doesn't LOOK like a photo backpack?

I've currently got a case that I use for my Canon dRebXT, and it'll fit the camera with a lens attached, however, the case isn't really designed for this purpose and is too small to be really useful.

In an ideal world, I'd like to be able to fit the camera, 1 or 2 lenses, a battery grip, and a speedlight (if I ever get one) ... as well as miscellaneous small stuff like a spare battery or memory card. In an ideal world, said bag would be waterproof.

I'd prefer a backpack style bag, although the "sling" style works as well. I've seen some things that accomplish what I'd like them to do, but they look basically like a box with straps on it, and it's not really comfortable to wear.

Any suggestions? Thanks in advance.

 

[LordAthens]

If you don't mind spending a few bucks ($50-100), take a look at the Tamrac Expedition 3, Lowepro Micro Trekker 100 or the Lowepro Micro Trekker 200.

The Expedition 3 and Trekker 100 both really look like small hiking day-packs. Additionally, both are roughly identical size wise, so I'd if you want something that small, try to find the Tamrac, it's quite a bit cheaper. Infact, they have the green version at Ritz Camera right now for $~35.

I own a Expedition 3 and I find it to small for my liking. I carry a D100 w\ a 24-120mm Nikkor, 105mm Micro\Macro Nikkor and a SB-80DX Speedlite. Granted, the Rebel is a considerably smaller body than the D100, but things just *barely* fit in the bag for me. Taking the camcorder or anything else is out of the question. It's fairly narrow inside and I really have to stuff my D100 in there, the bag simply isn't wide enough for my gear.

The Lowepro Micro Trekker 200 is, in my opinion the perfect park pack. It's "regular" backpack sized and extremely well built. It has enough room for me to *comfortably* fit my D100 with just about any glass I want to throw on it. 80-200mm f/2.8? Not a problem, it will fit. I can also throw my Micro in there along with my Speedlite and still have enough room for my TRV-33 MiniDV camcorder and even an extra T-Shirt (for the evenings) or 2. The Lowepro's, again IMO, are much more comfortable than anything else I've ever tried. They use a lot of padding, especially in the back and on the sides where the "back" of your ribcage would touch the pack. Additionally, even a "small" pack like the 200 has waist and sternum straps which helps if you are really moving in the park. They aren't required to be used however. I've ridden just about everything (except for Kali.. The better half refuses to ride) and it's never been a problem. Even on Space Mountain where you have zero personal room, I simply strap the back pack to the front of me. Nothing has ever been said by a cast member about me riding like that with it.

The *only* thing I don't like about my 200 (and most other Lowepro's for that matter) is they put the tripod straps on the bottom of the pack, which ends up smacking you in the butt if you don't have the pack "pulled up" high enough. The Tamrack has straps on the face of the pack, where the tripod is held vertically. It's not a huge deal, but the Tamrac design does help move the weight around a little better.

Lowepro offers an almost identical bag (it's a tad larger) called the DryZone 200. It is a fully waterPROOF (not resistant) bag. You can actually fully submerse the bag and it will float right back up to the surface. It is very expensive though at 3 times the cost of the "standard" Micro Trekker 200. I'll throw a Disney poncho over mine for $5 if it starts to down pour I've been in some heavy rains with my 200 and never had any issues.

HTH!

 

[Kelly Grannell]

I use Tamrac Velocity 9. To me it doesn't look too much like a photo backpack.

 

[rhiannonwales]

I second the idea of the Tamrac bag.They dont look much like a photo backpack, and they last for a long, long time.I dont know anything about Lowepro.
Sherrie

 

[Magix]

I'm sure it's way more than what you're looking for, but I use the Lowepro Stealth. Holds 2 camera bodies, 3 lenses (or in my case 2 lenses and a flash), a laptop computer (in a removable, strapped case of its own), all required gear and nicknacks. Works great for travelling through airports. Most people would just think you've got a backpack full of clothing and such. There's nothing in its appearance that allows anyone to know there's nifty stuff inside.

 

[fiffy]

Tamrac makes a really good camera bag includeing backpack and sling bags. They also have a pretty decent warentee and have more padding then alot of other brands on the market. I'd definitly suggest one.
Nanopro has a backpack which does not hold as much equipment but does have alot of nice features such as a rain pouch. Its very comfortable as well.

 

[BigRed1]

I'm sure it's way more than what you're looking for, but I use the Lowepro Stealth. Holds 2 camera bodies, 3 lenses (or in my case 2 lenses and a flash), a laptop computer (in a removable, strapped case of its own), all required gear and nicknacks. Works great for travelling through airports. Most people would just think you've got a backpack full of clothing and such. There's nothing in its appearance that allows anyone to know there's nifty stuff inside.

Thank you, thank you I have been looking everywhere for a bag like that...just not in the right place, huh... It looks as if it will hold all my toys!

 

[Limmer]

I use a Roots slingpack. It can hold my Rebel XT body, 2 lenses, my speedlight, my video camera and my compact. Because I can change the configuration I can have either lens on the camera and it still fits. It is really cute as well. I am not sure if is is avaliable in the US. Do you have Roots there? Here is a pic from ebay (and no it is not my auction) http://cgi.ebay.com/ROOTS-DIGITAL-C...ryZ50507QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

 

[Alacrity]

I recently purchased Crumpler photo/laptop combo backpack for traveling. Haven't taken it anywhere yet but it is well made and heavy duty! One of their selling points is not looking like a photo bag so they may be worth a look. Their site (which is a lot of fun) is at:

http://www.crumplerbags.com/home.php

 

[PaulD]

I just got back from WDW and used a Naneu Pro K2:

http://www.naneupro.com/adventure/k2/

It doesn't look anything like a camera bag. It has a waist strap to keep the weight off of your back. It also has a stiff back with webbing which keeps a space between your back and the bag allowing air to flow. Overall, even for it's large size, it's very comfortable to wear. The top portion of the bag is open space for anything else you want to carry. I used this for a change of clothes for my kids. It even has a place to strap down a tripod and a rain cover that folds out.

I was able to carry my Digital Rebel, two extra lenses, a flash, a point and shoot, and some other extra stuff in the bottom camera compartment.

It folds open at the middle to allow access to your camera gear. It's a little weird at first but you get used to it. It does make going through the security checkpoints pretty nice since you can easily open and inspect the compartments.

The only downside is that's it's pretty big. Not any more so than a lot of backpacks but since it's made to protect you camera you cannot smash it down into tight places. But for me having access to different lenses and my flash was worth it.

 

[SyracuseWolvrine]

Wow ... lots of responses. Look like I've got some research to do. Thanks everyone!

 

[amid chaos]

I use an old (14 years or more) LLbean photo backpack for plane travel. I can fit all necessary photo gear (20D, 2 lenses, filters, battery charger and even my phone and ipod chargers) in the bottom and personal items in the roomy top. It fits under a seat in the plane. I find it too big to haul around the parks, however.
I also have the Tamrac travel pack 71. Just fits photo gear and it great for home use when I take it to a game or on a short hike.
I also have the Tamrac Adventure 7. This is new and I haven't had a chance to use it but the size is in between the two I described above. One of the reasons I purchased this one is that it doesnt look like a photo backpack, it doesn't scream "expensive photo gear here".

 

[SyracuseWolvrine]

Ended up going with the Tamrac Adventure 6. Pretty comfortable to wear, fits all my camera stuff, and has a bit of space separate from the camera to store stuff such as a spare t-shirt, or a bottle of water + some small trinkets, or a jacket, etc

 

[Mom Possible]

was actually looking for a good lumbar pack camera bag and came across this at our local store. i probably should have bought it online but I liked the looks of it and thought I would work especially for WDW trips with all my junka nd the new S2IS. Anyone have experience with it?

 

[Chickysmom]

post deleted, duplicate...

 

[Chickysmom]

I have only had exerience with the brand Tamrac and can say they certainly hold up well. If your new backpack is anythng like camera bags I have owned in the past, you will certainly have it for a long time!

 

[AZ JazzyJ]

Congratulations. I will eagerly wait for your review after you have used it for a while. I was looking at the Adventure 5 but haven't bought anything yet. I struggle trying to find the perfect bag and so far I haven't found anything that I like well enough yet so I am always in the market for a new one.


Jeff

 

[amid chaos]

I bought the Adventure 6 but had to return it because it was too small for my 20D and an extra lens. I got the Adventure 7 and i love it. Same as the 6 just a bit bigger. Fits nicely under the seat on an airplane and easy to haul around.

 

[cryssi]

am interested to hear your review. DH wants to get a backpack for our D200...

 

[Mom Possible]

Well i have not had time to play this week much but i can tell you that the Canon S2IS fits great. Plenty of room for it, my treo, another point and shoot camera, mini tripod and whatever else in the bottom portion of the bag. Obviously it is made for cameras with more oomph but it is perfect for my amatuer needs. Have not taken for test run but the top part looks like it will hold my stuff easily and force me to pack light. The straps are great so far. i actually have a lot of neck/shoulder problems so I was looking for a lumbar pack when I bought this. The straps in just trying it out seem to take the weight off my shoulder and neck so I am hoping this will work for WDW long days. I also like the ease of a lumbar pack in getting to the camera better but I will adjust.Side pockets are perfect for water bottles. I will write more when I actually try it outside my house.