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Backpack Suggestions for Camera Gear

audioteknika said:
You might fit everything in this one, I own it and it's pretty awesome.
http://www.crumplerbags.com/Lite/English/Products/Karachi-Outpost-KO02A.html

It comes with a 5 years warranty. The quality is mind blowing for a bag.
Click to expand...

Someone else suggested some crumpler bags but I must have overlooked this bag. Man it's a sweet looking backpack and I like the fact it doesn't stick out as a camera bag at all. Can't even tell what type of bag it is until you see someone open it! And it's on sale at Amazon! You may have just convinced me to purchase this :)
 
fridgeymonster3 said:
Someone else suggested some crumpler bags but I must have overlooked this bag. Man it's a sweet looking backpack and I like the fact it doesn't stick out as a camera bag at all. Can't even tell what type of bag it is until you see someone open it! And it's on sale at Amazon! You may have just convinced me to purchase this :)
Click to expand...

That's another thing I like about crumpler's bag : they don't look like your regular ones.
You won't be disappointed by the Karachi Outpost, I guarantee you. It holds a lot of things but it doesn't look that huge when you look at it from profile.

Hope to hear your feedback soon !
 
fridgeymonster3 said:
I'm looking for a backpack recommendation for my camera equipment. I have an over the shoulder bag that's a real pain and becoming too crowded. Here is some of the gear that I like to bring with me:

- Canon 7D
- Canon 15-85 IS
- Canon 70-200 F4 IS
- Sigma 30 mm 1.4
- Canon 50 mm 1.8
- Canon 480 EX II
- 2 x Nikon SB-28
- 2 Diffusers
- Cactus v4 triggers
- lens hoods (for both canon zooms & sigma)
- Misc stuff (extra battery, charger, AA batteries, sync cords)

I also wouldn't mind the ability to hitch this stuff to the side somehow (all bundled together):

- 2-3 Manfrotto Nano light stands
- 1-2 folding umbrellas with shoe mount adapters

Lastly, if there was some sort of extra pouch for random stuff, because my wife is usually with me, either as my subject or just as a companion, and she likes to add random things into my bags. I also would like a bag big enough to hold either the Canon 100-400 or Sigma 150-500 OS because I rent the Canon sometimes and I am considering buying one of them; however, they would only be included in scenarios that had zero lighting gear (for things like airshows, zoo, nature hikes, etc where I usually have no plans at using off camera flash).

Anybody have any suggestions or backpacks they use to carry a bunch of gear? I'm looking to spend less the $150, hopefully more like less then $125, but I'll take any suggestions. This backpack wouldn't be used to transport gear on airplanes. Thanks for the suggestions!!


P.S. Yes I have googled, but I want the opinion of MR members :)
Click to expand...

This works for me: two packs; a medium sized one for you and a small day-pack sort of pack for the female unit. She can carry a couple of lenses, a filter, the most used stuff that you might want to reach for in a hurry without having to take off your pack and dig through a bunch of stuff to get what you want.

And you can stick the replaced lens right back in her pack so there isn't all that stuff laying on the ground waiting to be repacked.

Two modest packs would cost less and then you also have a choice of one small pack and one medium one to use for other occasions. Otherwise you will only have the Everest Expedition giant one.
 
How about a vest?

I, too, am a bag hound. I have gone through many and am still searching for the "perfect" solution. I have bags for car travel, for plane travel, for various types of events. This summer I found what, for me, is the best hiking solution. I got a Domke photo vest:

http://www.adorama.com/DMVMB.html?searchinfo=vest

This sucker has 18 pockets, including a big one across the back where I put a couple of liters of liquids. I can carry my normal day hike gear: 70-200 f4, 24-105, 10-22, (with one of these on the body) filters, remote trigger, small tri-pod, snacks, maps, and room to spare. I find the weight to be distributed MUCH more comfortably than any of my packs and it is also MUCH cooler. Living in Florida that's a big deal.

I also use it to shoot concerts. Every lens is right at hand and I can swap in seconds. Best solution so far that meets my needs.

Jp
 
I've done a ton of hiking with my camera gear -- mostly film large format, but sometimes my D700 + lenses.

For serious hiking I agree with everyone else regarding modifying a real hiking pack -- they also tend to be lighter from the get-go. This company modifies Kelty Redwings: http://www.photobackpacker.com . They focus on LF gear, but the owner is a great guy and could certainly help you fit your stuff to his system. I really love my Photobackpacker setup.

I've also been happy with the Lowepro Flipside 400AW, I carried my D700 + a Mamiya 7II + lenses/filters for both on some long hikes last summer. No problem.

Good luck,

JT
 
fridgeymonster3 said:
I'm looking for a backpack recommendation for my camera equipment. I have an over the shoulder bag that's a real pain and becoming too crowded. Here is some of the gear that I like to bring with me:

- Canon 7D
- Canon 15-85 IS
- Canon 70-200 F4 IS
- Sigma 30 mm 1.4
- Canon 50 mm 1.8
- Canon 480 EX II
- 2 x Nikon SB-28
- 2 Diffusers
- Cactus v4 triggers
- lens hoods (for both canon zooms & sigma)
- Misc stuff (extra battery, charger, AA batteries, sync cords)

I also wouldn't mind the ability to hitch this stuff to the side somehow (all bundled together):

- 2-3 Manfrotto Nano light stands
- 1-2 folding umbrellas with shoe mount adapters

Lastly, if there was some sort of extra pouch for random stuff, because my wife is usually with me, either as my subject or just as a companion, and she likes to add random things into my bags. I also would like a bag big enough to hold either the Canon 100-400 or Sigma 150-500 OS because I rent the Canon sometimes and I am considering buying one of them; however, they would only be included in scenarios that had zero lighting gear (for things like airshows, zoo, nature hikes, etc where I usually have no plans at using off camera flash).

Anybody have any suggestions or backpacks they use to carry a bunch of gear? I'm looking to spend less the $150, hopefully more like less then $125, but I'll take any suggestions. This backpack wouldn't be used to transport gear on airplanes. Thanks for the suggestions!!


P.S. Yes I have googled, but I want the opinion of MR members :)
Click to expand...
That would require a large bag and a strong back to carry it. I have a LowePro slingShot 200, and the following gear inside of it:

-40D with lens attached
-Kenko tubes, plus Kenko 1.4x tele (in the same compartment)
-Also the following lenses (one attached to the camera:
a. EF 200mm f/2.8L USM II
b. Tamron 17-50mm f/2.8
c. Tokina 12.24mm f/4
d. Lens hoods for every one of these lenses
d. Flashcards, lens brushes and cloth, camera manual, filters, etc.

There isn't room left for the 580EX II flash, for the 400mm f/5.6L USM lens, nor for the tripod. Those I carry outside the pack when needed. But let me tell you...this pack is heavy!

Sometimes I put everything, except for the tripod, into a waterfowler's bag like one of these (i have the expensive one):
http://www.stylefeeder.com/i/ghzgywv2/Camouflage-Waterfowler-Apos-S-Bag
 
AlaskaMoose said:
That would require a large bag and a strong back to carry it. I have a LowePro slingShot 200, and the following gear inside of it
Click to expand...

I'm not really worried about the weight of the pack, I played college football so I have plenty of energy and strength (well, what's left of it ;)) to trek around the extra weight! Those lowepro slingshots look really nice, but I need two even straps to bear and even-out the weight. I have enough former injuries that will catch up to me eventually, I don't need my back to be one. I've never felt comfortable with a one strap for anything heavier then my work briefcase. Thanks for the suggestion though! :)
 
BrianMR said:
Check out Crumpler bags. I have two, one a messenger style bag for daily carry from/to the office. I also have a dedicated camera bag from them. Their product names are a little off-the-wall, my camera bag is called the 8 Million Dollar Home:
http://www.crumplerbags.com/Lite/English/Products/8-Million-Dollar-Home-MD0809A.html

For your purposes, check out:
http://www.crumplerbags.com/Lite/English/Products/Customary-Barge-Deluxe-CU07A.html
http://www.crumplerbags.com/Lite/English/Products/Sinking-Barge-Deluxe-SI06A.html

Full list:
http://www.crumplerbags.com/lite/english/products.html

The construction quality is far, far above what I've seen elsewhere. I am sure you've seen ThinkTank in your readings, those are nicely made also but the designs just don't work as well for me.
http://www.thinktankphoto.com/
Click to expand...


I just want to second the Crumpler suggestion, they are really high quality and the backpacks are capable of carrying a lot of stuff! I see you have given the backpacks some thought... :D
 
fridgeymonster3 said:
I'm looking for a backpack recommendation for my camera equipment. I have an over the shoulder bag that's a real pain and becoming too crowded. Here is some of the gear that I like to bring with me:

- Canon 7D
- Canon 15-85 IS
- Canon 70-200 F4 IS
- Sigma 30 mm 1.4
- Canon 50 mm 1.8
- Canon 480 EX II
- 2 x Nikon SB-28
- 2 Diffusers
- Cactus v4 triggers
- lens hoods (for both canon zooms & sigma)
- Misc stuff (extra battery, charger, AA batteries, sync cords)

I also wouldn't mind the ability to hitch this stuff to the side somehow (all bundled together):

- 2-3 Manfrotto Nano light stands
- 1-2 folding umbrellas with shoe mount adapters

Lastly, if there was some sort of extra pouch for random stuff, because my wife is usually with me, either as my subject or just as a companion, and she likes to add random things into my bags. I also would like a bag big enough to hold either the Canon 100-400 or Sigma 150-500 OS because I rent the Canon sometimes and I am considering buying one of them; however, they would only be included in scenarios that had zero lighting gear (for things like airshows, zoo, nature hikes, etc where I usually have no plans at using off camera flash).

Anybody have any suggestions or backpacks they use to carry a bunch of gear? I'm looking to spend less the $150, hopefully more like less then $125, but I'll take any suggestions. This backpack wouldn't be used to transport gear on airplanes. Thanks for the suggestions!!


P.S. Yes I have googled, but I want the opinion of MR members :)
Click to expand...

Wow, that is going to be some heavy packing. I think you will find that you will carry all that once on a hike, and then condense. Even on my most intense hikes (15 miles one way, nothing crazy though) i carried 2 lenses, maybe three. Stuff gets heavy. However with this in mind, here are some recommendations. Remember, you will find there is NO ONE perfect bag. I have gone through maybe 5 in the last 10 years.

Loewpro makes a great Nature Trekker. They have many sizes, and the more expensive models are worth it, as not many bags under $200 will be able to handle all of this plus be comfortable. I had a LowePro AW Rover that was nice, but found the separate compartments to be redundant to open, as it was a chore (due to the all weather material on the bottom compartment).

Tamrac makes nice gear. I would say it is about on par with LowePro. I think LowePro is a tad built better for their rugged line.

Think Tank makes great gear. While I have no direct experience with them, i have had a buddy that had a huge pack from them. Lots of room, but they are pricey. Crumbler is great, as is mountainsmith. Tenba is also worth mentioning.

Best bet is to go into a retailer that carries these. The suggestion for the Canon pack, while may look big enough, is actually really small. I think they carry that at select best buys, so you may be able to check it out in the store. I also second perhaps a hikers' backpack. May be the most comfortable way. Maybe a bit over kill, but those are way better on your back, as they are designed for treks into the high alps and such.
 
The problem with too much gear in the pack is that the added weight makes it very difficult to hike. The 580EF II flash is large and heavy, and so a tripod. On top of that, one needs to carry lots of water, and some clothing.
 
BrianMR said:
Check out Crumpler bags. I have two, one a messenger style bag for daily carry from/to the office. I also have a dedicated camera bag from them. Their product names are a little off-the-wall, my camera bag is called the 8 Million Dollar Home:
http://www.crumplerbags.com/Lite/English/Products/8-Million-Dollar-Home-MD0809A.html

For your purposes, check out:
http://www.crumplerbags.com/Lite/English/Products/Customary-Barge-Deluxe-CU07A.html
http://www.crumplerbags.com/Lite/English/Products/Sinking-Barge-Deluxe-SI06A.html

Full list:
http://www.crumplerbags.com/lite/english/products.html
Click to expand...

So I ended up getting a Crumpler 6 million dollar messenger bag for urban excursions, trips to the zoo, and any sort of day trip that doesn't include trekking around in nature. I liked the suggestions people had of getting woo different bags so this is my medium sized bag. I'll be getting that crumpler karachi outpost in the next few months when I start back up hiking in May. Thanks for the suggestions!!
 
Ruahrc said:
Have you ever thought about/looked into getting a real hiking backpack, and adapting it to hold camera gear? Kind of like approaching the problem from the other end.

The problem I have with most photo backpacks is that they have not a lot of room or convenience for anything that is not a camera or a lens, and also they tend to be pretty heavy for what they carry, due to the huge amount of padding they have. Hiking backpacks are a lot lighter and usually seem to have a much better fit. IMO, a properly fitting and comfortable backpack is of extreme importance when you go out hiking. There may be a great camera bag that holds all your stuff real nice but if it is not comfortable to wear and adjust, then it is going to be a long hike no matter what.

I have been using the Osprey Stratos 24 for my hiking. It's extraordinarily comfortable and it has some airy back feature that REALLY helps with staying cool when hiking in the summer. I picked it out amongst many hiking backpacks specifically due to two large straps that go across the back which can be used to strap in a tripod, however, I found through usage that it is better for me to strap it in the side pocket rather than in the middle on the back. I found that even though the weight is centered, it is very far away from your back and thus you feel a constant "pull" that is trying to pull you backwards. Getting that tripod weight closer to my back made it a lot more comfortable despite the fact that it is off center. It sits really securely on my back and does not shift around at all, so I do not have stability/balance problems from it. BTW I have a 2-series Gitzo CF which weighs about 4lbs including the ballhead.

The stratos 24 also has mesh pockets on the hip belt which were really handy for things like filters, or spare batteries/memory cards, etc. I bought a LowePro lens case that I can strap onto the shoulder strap of the backpack and that gives me easy access to a spare lens without having to stop and take off the bag. If you need more room they make a larger 40L version with the same basic design features. I nearly bought it last summer when it was on sale but resisted.

Anyway, my point is, perhaps have a look at some real hiking backpacks and then look into Domke. They make these inserts which can be mixed and matched to make your own insert to hold camera gear. They also make these squares of neoprene with velcro on the corners which can be used to wrap camera gear (i.e. wrap a lens) that can then be stuffed into the bag in any fashion. The way I see it, with these photo backpacks you need to stop and take your bag off to access the gear inside anyways, so it's not that much different than stopping and taking gear out of a standard backpack. You may get a little more flexibility by going this route, and also you can use the backpack for uses other than photography (even though I found now that anytime I am out hiking, I am bringing my camera along anyways). It's a big job to sort through the available backpacks and coming up with a good scheme, but I believe that once you find a good setup that works for you, the real backpack + inserts route is going to be better than a "photo backpack"

Ruahrc
Click to expand...

This is exactly what I just decided. I just ordered a Kelty Redwing 3100 from Campmor for $60. Then I'm ordering a camera bag insert, probably a Click Elite small. It's orange and ugly(nobody's going to see it anyways), but the reviews say it does the job. I like it better than the domke because it has a zippable top.

The Kelty 3100 backpack is very highly rated and has lots of pockets for extra camera stuff as well as other things like jackets, water, snacks etc... There are many straps for Tri/Mon pods so I'm thinking it'll be all good! :cool:

And it certainly won't scream "Hey! Look at me! I've got $3k worth of photo stuff here!"

Coachingguy
 
You mean the Camera Capsule compact? I'd be interested to know how you like it. Right now I am using my Lowepro shoulder bag as an insert, kinda handy because I can just attach the strap and use it solo, or slide it in the bag. But the front pocket on it makes it a bit wide and a little difficult to get in and out (also due to the design of my backpack) so I've been casually looking at alternatives.

Plus I am thinking heavily about picking up another lens, and I would need to figure out how to keep everything accessible.
 
Ruahrc said:
You mean the Camera Capsule compact? I'd be interested to know how you like it. Right now I am using my Lowepro shoulder bag as an insert, kinda handy because I can just attach the strap and use it solo, or slide it in the bag. But the front pocket on it makes it a bit wide and a little difficult to get in and out (also due to the design of my backpack) so I've been casually looking at alternatives.

Plus I am thinking heavily about picking up another lens, and I would need to figure out how to keep everything accessible.
Click to expand...

Will Do! However, I came across a padded bag by Kiva, that is a smidge bigger than the large Click Camera Capsule, that I'm going to try first. It's got more pockets and a big mouth zippered top. I got it for Xmas and forgot about it. The padding is pretty nice.

http://www.kivadesigns.com/cgibin/listman/listings/l0122.html8-1

Coachingguy
 
Crumpler 7 Mil Bag

Hey everyone...just wanted to update all the posters here. I received the Crumpler 7 million dollar home yesterday and set to fitting my stuff in it today. I'm just using it for urban excursions (i.e. walking around cities, zoos, short day trips, family gatherings, etc) - I'm still on the look-out for a hiking photo backpack, which was the original point of this thread. Anyways, I uploaded some photos of the 7 mil home so people could see it in action. Sorry the quality of some are so bad (iPhone pics) and the others aren't much better, but I was in a rush. Here is what I fit into the bag for my trip to the zoo tomorrow (or next weekend):

Canon 7D w/ 70-200 f/4 IS (with hood reversed)
Canon 15-85 IS (with hood reversed)
Sigma 30 mm (with hood reversed)
Canon 1.4x II extender (shares compartment with Sigma)
Canon 430 EX II Flash (no use at the zoo, but I always carry a flash with me in case I find a reason to use one)
Two CF cards & cases
Battery Charger (won't make the trip tomorrow, but threw it in there)
7D instruction manual

Everything fits just fine, you could easily stick in a 50 & 85 prime (I would stack them in the compartments I have the Sigma 30 and the extender). All in all, the bag is comfortable to wear, seems really well made, and doesn't really scream camera bag at all. After I use it a few times, we'll see if I'd recommend it to others, but so far it's passed the test of holding the gear I wanted it to.
 

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I own several Crumpler bags and have not been disappointed with any of them - I hope you enjoy your purchase!

But I must warn you about a disease I've fallen prey to - BAS, or Bag Acquisition Syndrome. The main symptom is a lightness of wallet, brought about by the continual purchase of camera bags. Since no bag is ever a perfect fit for all situations, I repeatedly find myself drawn in by the siren song of the latest "perfect sling bag" or "perfect camera/laptop commuter backpack" or "perfect messenger bag". I subscribe to Lowepro and Tamrac newsletters. I've got Crumpler USA on speed dial.

It's too late for me, but I'm hoping by bravely sharing my sad story it will help others to recognize the symptoms early on and get treatment!
 
Westside guy said:
I own several Crumpler bags and have not been disappointed with any of them - I hope you enjoy your purchase!

But I must warn you about a disease I've fallen prey to - BAS, or Bag Acquisition Syndrome. The main symptom is a lightness of wallet, brought about by the continual purchase of camera bags. Since no bag is ever a perfect fit for all situations, I repeatedly find myself drawn in by the siren song of the latest "perfect sling bag" or "perfect camera/laptop commuter backpack" or "perfect messenger bag". I subscribe to Lowepro and Tamrac newsletters. I've got Crumpler USA on speed dial.

It's too late for me, but I'm hoping by bravely sharing my sad story it will help others to recognize the symptoms early on and get treatment!
Click to expand...

That, my friend, is a classic and all too true malady. I too have this disease and it drives my wife crazy. You know what I mean: "But, but...you've already got what? 15-20 bags? Do you REALLY need another?" The answer is the one all addicts give: "...yes..." Like Mel Gibson buying all those copies of "A Catcher in the Rye" in the movie "Conspiracy Theory".

Speaking of Sling Bags, I did get a Maxpedition Gearslinger, which is an awesome Sling Bag. 1600 cu in, Lots and lots of pockets, built like an absolute tank, looks cool etc... However, the tapered top/opening is painful to deal with especially with camera equipment... But, honestly, Maxpedition does make awesome bags.


Coachingguy
 
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