Smallish backpack suggestion

T

Tim Gray

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Hey guys, wanted some ideas on backpack type bags. I normally carry my stuff in a normal messenger bag with an insert and/or a small lowepro bag. However, trips where I'm foot for 8-9 hours a day with my bag always on my shoulder leave me longing for a backpack solution. Besides 1 or 2 camera bodies and 3-4 lenses (all RF), I really want to have some space for other non camera items. A fleece, bottle of water, travel trinkets, etc. I'm ok with slightly non-convenient access to the camera gear; stacking lenses, etc.

I'm totally fine with a normal backpack, just need a suggestion on what to get. The only camera bag that seems to fit my expectations is the Domke F3. But I've never seen it in person, so I don't actually know if it's suitable for what I describe.
 
even with that little gear to carry, it can feel like a ton if the pack does not fit you. if possible, go to a good quality outdoors/hiking/backpacking store to get fitted. then, shop to fit your physical and gear requirements. you can always use slabs of foam to make a pack fit your gear. another option is a waist pack with shoulder straps. mountain hardware and other firms offer such totes. you might start by visiting web sites. for a super lightweight solution, try an ultralight backpacking site.
 
a good waist pack that rides yours hips in your lumbar area can be spun from its place at the small of your back to your front for switching lenses, etc. ...
 
I like Timbuk2 backpacks, but I'm sure there are others that work well. I like that the side pockets are large and zippered vertically, for easy access to water bottles, or a thermos, and there are several little internal pockets for sd cards, bus cards, keys, coins, flashlights, etc. and it has a built in notebook sleeve. I usually get my timbuk2 stuff off the rei clearance site, so it's pretty cheap too, $39 or $49 ish, definitely lower than their main site or ebags, etc., but probably last years models.
 
I've been looking around for a good pack for an upcoming trip.

I've been thinking about a sling though as I like the speed of access.

Checking out the LowePro Sling Shot, but I'm going to go to a few stores because I think, with a bag like this, you need to look it over, try it on, etc.
 
I wouldn't try to piece something together when there are so many photographers backpacks already out there. LowePro makes Micro Trekker that is pretty small (smaller than the Mini-Trekker) with padding already where you want it. LowePro is really hard to beat. If you don't want to buy a new one you should be able to find a good used one. They are really tough and durable. LowePro also makes some belt packs that might work for youl Jim
 
Thanks for the suggestions. I'll look into them.

My only problem with the LowePro backpacks is that they all appear to be for camera gear only. I really am looking for something that is half camera gear and half other stuff.

I travel for about 8 days several times a year for work, so this bag is going to be my personal item on flights, my day bag for walking around, and my camera bag.

My typical setup in my messenger bag is a Tenba insert when I carry a lot of camera gear, or I stick my small LowePro bag (for one camera) and a lens in a pouch in it for when I go light. That leaves me enough extra room for non-camera gear.
 
Paddy C said:
I've been looking around for a good pack for an upcoming trip.

I've been thinking about a sling though as I like the speed of access.

Checking out the LowePro Sling Shot, but I'm going to go to a few stores because I think, with a bag like this, you need to look it over, try it on, etc.
Click to expand...

I've been using a couple of these for a few years now - find them very good, comfortable to wear for long periods and highly versatile. I have a small slingshot 100 AW which will easily do a couple of rangefinder bodies and two or three lenses, or will manage a 5D2, 35mm and 100mm lens. I can also use it for the Blad with 80mm lens plus spare back... I also have a Slingshot 200W which works just as well when I need to take more kit.

Happy bag hunting :)
 
Tim Gray said:
Thanks for the suggestions. I'll look into them.

My only problem with the LowePro backpacks is that they all appear to be for camera gear only. I really am looking for something that is half camera gear and half other stuff.

I travel for about 8 days several times a year for work, so this bag is going to be my personal item on flights, my day bag for walking around, and my camera bag.

My typical setup in my messenger bag is a Tenba insert when I carry a lot of camera gear, or I stick my small LowePro bag (for one camera) and a lens in a pouch in it for when I go light. That leaves me enough extra room for non-camera gear.
Click to expand...

Ah well, now I've read this - you should check out the Lowepro Orion Trekker - padded Camera in the bottom and a normal rucksack area on top - I used to have one of these and went around the world with it....
 
these are all good suggestions, but unless the OP's length of back is an average match to the lowepro, it will not feel right. for example, i take an extra long in back packs even though i am not extra tall at 6-1. i have shortish legs and a loooong back. the lower strap ends of "normal" sized packs ride up under my armpits. not comfortable ...
 
If you're thinking of the Domke Outpack it has three commpartments one above the other
If you go to a larger system in the future it won't adapt well. Same for use with a RF kit.
Too big, compartments not really meant for a small kit.

Something like a sling back might work out. I just use a knockoff of a small Domke (F5b?)
I think the smallish backpacks ride way too high see Paulfishes reply. If they're comfortable they're way to large and if correct size, way too uncomfortable.
 
mountainSMITH, not mountain hardware.
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I have two Lowe Rover AW II backpacks. Use one for slr system and one MF system.
The bag isn't as big as it looks on their website. There is a problem with it though. It has a huge waist strap which is rediculous for the size of the bag and on me it is way too high up. I cut the waist strap off both bags and now the bag is perfect. The lower section takes lenses (and camera) but I just use it for lenses and accessories and put camera in top section which is big enough for water bottle, lunch, fleece and/or jacket packed tightly with camera on top.
They make smaller ones but if you want two cameras(slrs) then the Rover AW II is big enough. If cameras are rangefinders then it would easily be big enough keeping cameras and lenses in lower section. Comfortable straps that take weight well (but no waist band if you cut it off).
 
I like the Tamrac Adventure 7. Comfortable backpack. Can hold a lot. It's top loader, which I prefer. Camera gear in the bottom. Lunch and other items in the top.

I also use the Express Pack 8 when I want to travel lightly. It's also a top loader.

Here's a PDF of the Tamrac backpacks.
 
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I swore off MountainSmith gear when a shoulder strap on a MS pack un-repairably failed on me.

I was 15 miles from the trailhead.

The pack contained ~65 lbs of camping gear and climbing hardware.

It was sleeting.

By the time I got to the car, I didn't care how good their blasted warranty was.

I have had absolutely no complaints about packs from Osprey, ULA, and (especially) Tom Bihn.
 
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