Backpack advice please (in particular on Tamrac Evolution)

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alet

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Hi, I'm thinking about getting a camera backpack and would be grateful for advice please.

Have done plenty of research online, and it seems the Tamrac Evolution 8 and the Kata 3N1-22/33 (with additional tripod holder) meet most of my requirements (list below), though it's really hard to estimate the size of bags without looking at a physical copy. Can anybody help with advice re these bags, or maybe suggest other bags that I have missed?

Here are my requirements:
  • I must be able to get the camera out of the bag without having to put the bag on the ground.
  • It must have a pocket for paperwork / notes / laptop.
  • It must have space for personal items that I might need on a day out (waterproof jacket, sandwiches, phone, etc). It would be really nice if I could adjust the size of the gear section according to my needs.
  • It must be a backpack, not a sling bag.
  • It would be nice if it had a tripod holder.
  • It would be nice if it was waterproof / had a rain cover.
  • It would be nice if I could use it as carry-on luggage.
  • It would be nice if it was at least somewhat pickpocket-proof, e.g. if zips could be locked / tied closed when I'm travelling.
  • It must fit into my budget, which is somewhat flexible but sadly rules out e.g. the F-stop bags.

To be honest, I really like the look of the Tamrac Evolution 8, the only things that are holding me back at the moment are the following:
  • Will it be way too big for the amount of gear that that I have (D3100, 18-55, 70-300 and various bits and bobs)?
  • How big is the top compartment in reality? e.g. will it be possible to fit a waterproof jacket in there?
  • It seems to me from pictures / youtube videos that it should be possible to lock / if necessary cable tie the zips on the back to each other or to the webbing loops on the back to keep them closed when I'm in tricky places. Is this right?

Many thanks in advance for any advice.
 
It's not as big as you think ( the tamrac ) ! I can squeeze into the bottom a gripped 40d with a Tamron 17-50 , Canon 24-105L and 50 1.8 . There's plenty of battery pockets so I never run out . The top compartment is quite small , I think that you could get in a pak-a-mac type thing and maybe a sandwich and can of drink but not much else . I have in the top my flash guns ( 3 yongnous ) cable release , wireless triggers but it very tight . The rain cover is handy but does take up one of the small pockets . The other one is handy for spare cards . I personally feel that I always need that little bit more space and end up leaving something at home , usually the thing that I end up needing lol . The tripod holder is only good for a light weight one , I tried my red snapper and it was far too heavy and over balanced the pack . The laptop pocket should fit a 15" easily , I tend to take my netbook and it fits with plenty of room to breathe .So would I get another pack ? Yes . Can I get another pack with more space for around the same overall size ? I don't think so as I looked at loads before settling for a compromise with this one .
 
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BigJohn said:
It's not as big as you think ( the tamrac ) ! I can squeeze into the bottom a gripped 40d with a Tamron 17-50 , Canon 24-105L and 50 1.8 . There's plenty of battery pockets so I never run out . The top compartment is quite small , I think that you could get in a pak-a-mac type thing and maybe a sandwich and can of drink but not much else . I have in the top my flash guns ( 3 yongnous ) cable release , wireless triggers but it very tight . The rain cover is handy but does take up one of the small pockets . The other one is handy for spare cards . I personally feel that I always need that little bit more space and end up leaving something at home , usually the thing that I end up needing lol . The tripod holder is only good for a light weight one , I tried my red snapper and it was far too heavy and over balanced the pack . The laptop pocket should fit a 15" easily , I tend to take my netbook and it fits with plenty of room to breathe .So would I get another pack ? Yes . Can I get another pack with more space for around the same overall size ? I don't think so as I looked at loads before settling for a compromise with this one .
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Thank you for this. It all sounds reasonable - the bag will give me some room for growth, but it wont drown my gear. I guess having to compromise on the space at the top is inevitable.

Edited to add: In fact I've now decided to just go ahead and get the Tamrac. I've put a wanted thread up.
 
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Good luck in your search , I'm sure that you'll be happy when you get hold of one . For the size the pack has a lot of space .
 
I see that you've made your decision but I reckon that (bar the tripod holder) the Lowepro Fastpack fits your spec. I use one and reckon it will accomodate your equipment and your personal items. I use a third party rain-cover (from another non-camera rucksack of mine but they can be bought for a small price). Rainwear/jumper/jacket can be strapped in under the camera-section flap too (I sometimes use a cinch strap threaded through the top handle to hold a fleece when it's dry).
 
The HAMA 190 is a cracking rucksack for the price :)
 
i was looking into similar backpacks with a view of keeping all my kit it.... after trying them out in the shop i came away with a bag i hadnt even heard of and am loving it....

i'm now using a vanguard skybourne 53 which had ample space for everything and is easy to carry..... the only criteria which is questionable is the opening without puting on ground.... it is possible to do but the weight of the bag somewhat hinders the ability to be able to..
 
My son has just changed from a Lowepro to a Tamrac Evolution 7. He carries a Canon 50D + grip, Sigma 50-500 attached! Canon 200 2.8, +4 other lenses, and the usual bits 'n' bobs. It has a good built in rain cover. He is delighted with it. Look around, there are some good prices to be found. Hope this helps?
 
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