Camera Backpacks - Whats Good?

[d1lbert]

What do people use and recommend for a camera backpack.
I am looking for something that ideally can:
- fit a full size DSLR with 70-200 attached, that I can pull out without taking the bag off. Kinda like the Kata sling bags, but one that I can wear all day, while hiking or strolling around.
- isn't brightly colored, advertising all the expensive gear I am carrying.

Thank you for any input/advice you can offer me.
Rick

[KKY]

Kata 3N1? can be worn as backpack or sling bag.

[BigDannyCool]

lowepro slingshot

[FiveFreshFish]

F-Stop Tilopa with ICU (internal camera unit).

http://www.fstopgear.com/en/product/mountain

[AccentAE86]

Curious, but what is your idea of a full sized DSLR? Does that mean like 1D or D3 sized? Or a body with accessory grip? Or a prosumer body with no grip?

[blitz]

I tried the Kata 3N1 series and didn't like it at all, didn't seem like much room and the straps were a little too thin. I use a Lowepro Classified 180AW Sling and I absolutely love it, you could look at the 220 as well, a little bit bigger in ever dimension. I've also read good things about the Tamrac 9x sling, supposed to be good for longer lenses.

[sl888]

Originally posted by FiveFreshFish
F-Stop Tilopa with ICU (internal camera unit).

http://www.fstopgear.com/en/product/mountain

I think I found my next bag. Any stores in Calgary carry F-Stop bags?

[Afrodeziak]

I got a low 200 sling for xmas, need something for my 50d. but I need two backback straps for the ski hill, hiking, etc so likely will return it, for a normal day bag, seems like a good one.

I'm looking at ogio, dakine, burton, but like some of what is posted above.

B

[FiveFreshFish]

Originally posted by sl888

I think I found my next bag. Any stores in Calgary carry F-Stop bags?

I don't think they have a Canadian distributor set up yet.

My brother-in-law got two shipped from the US and gave one to me.

[dragonone]

http://www.booqbags.com/laptop-backp...bp/Python-blur

[im2fst4u]

I received a Tenba "Shootout" for Christmas. Lots of storage, wheels for pulling behind you. Looks like it is well made. I will let you guys know how it performs once all my gear is in.

[bcylau]

I will have to say no to slingshots. I owned one for a bit, but it gets really heavy really fast due to the single strap. I was carrying a 1dmk2 with 70-200 2.8 plus some other stuff and it was just too hard on your shoulders if you are hiking or carrying it for a day.

Right now, I use the Classified 160. It will fit a 1dmk2 with 70-200 attached. Plus its nice looking bag to boot.

Also, I have a flipside 300, which will also fit the said combo. I like the added security of the reverse opening.

edit: forgot to mention thinktank glass taxi, very good bag also. Lots of options. In the end I chose the flipside 300 since it was cheaper for my purpose.

[d1lbert]

Thanks everyone.
After a lot of hands on with different bags, including side entry ones like I mentioned, decided to go with the more traditional Tenba Shootout.
It was nigh on impossible to pull a 1D with 70-200 out the side pockets, plus the Kata sling left no room for accessories.
Thanks to all who replied.
Rick

[Deetz]

i went on ebay and picked up a lowepro Rover + for $80 landed. It has 2 straps and lots of storage

[ex1z7]

I have a bag similar to that Rover, a computrekker lowepro..

Sitting in my bag right now is..

A D300
17-70
70-200 2.8
70-300 vr
85 1.8
50 1.8
SB800 flash
My CF tripod
My 15.6" laptop
Cleaning/charger/batteries/etc..

I weighed it at 32 pounds (airline didn't weigh it.. good thing..) - with the chest and waist straps it wasn't a pain to carry around at all, and was actually quite comfortable.. It isn't the quickest thing to load and unload gear from but everything has a place and everything stays secure.. Might be something worth considering.

[qrankz]

For hiking/boarding..the Burton Zoom is pretty good.

[msommers]

I just picked up a Lowepro Classified 250AW to replace my Lowepro 200AW slingbag. It's quite large and leads to an excuse to buy more lenses The bag itself is quite comfortable with a quality shaped shoulder pad. Plus, the bag opens away from your side and doesn't require a flap to get to your lenses/camera. I was actually baffled by this, the design of some of the other shoulder bags is god aweful.

[Mitsu3000gt]

I use a Lowepro Slingshot 300 AW for travelling "light" and when I need to carry everything, I have a Lowepro Naturetrekker AW II, which is the best bag ever IMO. It will carry my D300 (w/ L-plate attached), 300/4 w/Kirk collar, 70-200/2.8 w/hood reversed, 18-50/2.8, 105/2.8, 50/1.8, 1.4 TC, PN-11 Extension tube, various lens feet, wimberley sidekick, demb flip it, memory cards, remote shutter release, SB-600, batteries, charger, and my tripod w/head strapped to the back. Weighs around 37-40lbs, and I've yet to have an airline check it or weigh it thankfully. It is extremely comfortable and no problem to pack around all day, the harness system is amazing and very well thought out. It even came with an additional backpack to strap to the bag for extra stuff if you don't have a tripod attached to the back. At the time, it was something like $100 cheaper at B&H than the camera store, but B&H has since raised the price I believe.

I am finding more and more though that I could use a bag for just a mid range zoom and the 70-200 or 300/4 as I use those combos way more than anything else, and when I am actually out and about for fun, I tend to go for whats convenient even if I have a slightly better tool for the job.

[C4S]

Don't go slingshot .. unless your gears are small .. and no VG.

If you buy camerabag from ebay, becareful, tons of knock off.

[Afrodeziak]

Good to know. I've seen quite a few on their from "odder" than usual locations that made me wonder.

Originally posted by C4S
Don't go slingshot .. unless your gears are small .. and no VG.

If you buy camerabag from ebay, becareful, tons of knock off.