Photo Back Pack Recommendations please!

[Black]

Hello all,

I'm in need of a photo back pack for an upcoming trip. I'm planning to take as many of my camera bodies as possible & I'm looking for recommendations. There are a few pre-requisites that I'll require. These are:

Waterproof cover.
Storage for 15" MacBook Pro.
Tripod carrying capabilities.
Comfort.
Enough room for a Pentax 645D w/ 55m lens, Hassy 501C w/ 80mm lens, Leica M6 w/ 2 x ZM lenses.
Lots of pockets.
Not pug ugly.

This will be serving as my hand luggage for the trip. Cost isn't a major issue. Would be nice if it was available in the UK though 😉 All suggestions would be much appreciated. Thanks.

Chris.

 

[Timmyjoe]

Sounds like you'll be carrying quite a bit of gear. When I have my two DSLRs with zooms, flash, laptop, etc., I use a Mountainsmith Parallax Pro Backpack. It's big, but it protects the gear really well, and it rides comfortably on the back. It has a place for a tripod, though I don't use one.

I try not to carry that much gear if I can help it, because after a number of hours, even though the pack is well designed, it starts to get heavy.

Best,
-Tim

 

[Black]

Tim - thanks for the reply. All the gear will be going is said backpack for purposes of travelling only - once at the hotel, I'll be lightening the load somewhat!

Not sure if your suggestion is available anywhere in the UK other than, perhaps, on eBay. Its very square, isn't it? 😉

 

[kdemas]

You might have a look at some of the Crumpler backpacks (many sizes). One thing I like about them is that there is no external access to compartments when worn, nice in a crowded area. The access is via the side that faces gour back when worn.

They are well made and very comfortable.

 

[tstermitz]

You might consider a couple of camera bag inserts, especially as you are bringing two systems. Then you can pick your favorite, comfortable backpack.

When traveling, I usually bring a typical, pug-ugly, largish camera backpack for computer and all my expensive and fragile gear, but I almost never actually use that bag walking about. On a car trip, it is an insulated storage place in the trunk. When flying, I use it as carry-on, and check my regular luggage. I have a shoulder/waist pack stuffed in my check-in that I use when I get to the destination.

My favorite waist-pack is an old Lowepro photorunner, which is rather smaller than the smallest "Speed Demon" from Think Tank. The Lowepro fits a leica plus four lenses and a table-top tripod, or two leicas and three lenses. If you took out the extra padding, the Speed Demon would fit your 645D plus a couple lenses. Go up a model to the "Speed Freak, and I'm sure you could to fit your Leica in too, maybe vertically in one pocket if you have some extra padding.

 

[j.scooter]

I bought a Lowerpro Computrekker about 5 years ago. It meets all of your requirements with the exception of looks. It is not pretty but I don't know of a large photo backpack that is.

I am really happy with mine and highly recommend it.

James

 

[Rob-F]

As to being "waterproof," the Lowepro AW (all-weather) series comes with a rain cover that has its own little storage pocket built into the backpack.

 

[Al Patterson]

The Think Tank Airport Series should be worth a look.