Camera back pack help

Jannyfox

Jannyfox

Suspended / Banned
Messages
5,381
Name
Jan
Edit My Images
No
I've never had a proper camera back pack, so.............
This is mainly to carry gear when I go bird/wildlife watching. There will be other times it gets used but if it fits the wildlifing kit it'll fit anything. It's not for hillwalking photography - I'm well kitted out for that.
I've been using an old 30L back pack but it's falling apart and really uncomfortable to carry. Everything in it digs into my back. So I need the real thing.
Gear that must fit in - Canon 800D with Sigma 150-600mm C and Optec sling attached, Opticron 12x50 binoculars, flask (roughly the same size as the lens), lunch box (one hefty squashed sandwich size), hat, gloves, more gloves. Then the usual bits and pieces - phone, purse, glasses, sunglasses, power bank, small pouch with spare battery/SD cards. Possibly a small tablet, occasionally, but no laptop. The ability to carry a monopod would be really useful too.
What I don't need - secure fasteners, back openings, side openings, the ability to open up the back pack without taking it off. I know whatever I chose will do some or all of those things but they're not a deal maker/breaker.
I'm thinking the Think Tank Back Light 36L. I don't like buying stuff like this unseen but I don't have a choice in this case and it's a lot of money if I don't get it right. Anyone have one? Is it going to do what I want of it? Any good/bad points? Any considerations I haven't thought of? Any better options? Bear in mind I'm smaller than average (5' 1 or 1m 55 in new money) and things like hip belts aren't always designed to go small enough.
Thanks in advance
 
Well, kit bags and choice of is a 'mare'.....

Have you got an LCE shop (or other useful bricks & mortar store?) near you to go into and try a few on as well as to see if all your gear will actually fit. Apart from the contents you need to fit in to it......the carrying comfort aspect is key especially as you infer 'they' are designed with the average person in mind.

Best of luck finding something that will be comfortable and accommodate all the gear you list
 
I recently bought a Back Light 26L and am very happy with it, the build quality is very good and hopefully it will last along time.

I would have liked a few more outside accessible pockets as almost everything has to go "IN" the bag - can't have everything

Main point about the Back Light is the straps are not on the floor getting mucky while you are accessing the contents.

HTH

David
 
Take a look at the Lowepro Flipside Jan. I have the AWii 400, but they do a smaller one and a larger one and there is a newer AWiii series now too.

The best things about them for me are quality, a waterproof cover and the best bit is that they open from the inside. This means you put the outside down to collect dirt (so your shirt stays clean) and no one can open it while you're wearing it.

As BB says, go to a shop and try a few.
 
If you really don't like it Think Tank have a 30 day returns policy

1760366477739.png
 
Good point David.

I bought mine from Amazon so I could send it back without question. I've tried many bags and pouches this way and have never had a problem returning one - their customer service is second to none.

It's just a shame the rest of the way their business operates . . . :rolleyes:
 
I've got a similar dilemma, with a 90D and the same lens as Jan.

Ordered and returned a couple from Amazon. Went into LCE in Oxford - not much choice. So I am planning a trip to Harrisons Cameras in Sheffield, who seem to have a good range. I think being able to handle and try is the best bet.
 
Using the (Mindshift) Backlight 26L, 36L and 45L Elite.

Find them all really comfortable and durable, the 36L is probably the one I use the least but that just down to the kit combinations I'm routinely using.

Can't really help with the fit as I'm 220lb and just over 6ft, also I remove the hip belt as I'm always running a separate belt rig.

GC
 
I’ve quite liked think tank when I had the airport backpack. Felt like good quality and well made.

I’ve been a F Stop backpack user for many years now. The ability to swap in and out different sized ICU’s makes it easy to adjust camera kit to normal kit depending on your requirements. It’s been a while since I bought any of them. They are quite hard to get hold of now.

I definitely get your thoughts on trying them before buying. I’m exactly the same. If you can wait until the next photography show that’s a great place to try out didn’t brands and compare them against each other. Also good that you can often get show discount prices too.
 
Shimoda are worth a look. They have female friendly options.
I have one of their smaller bags. Very well made but a little heavy.
 
I have used a Lowepro Flipside 400 AW II for the past 7 years. Well made, not too heavy and can manage a Canon body with a Sigma 150-600. The opening is against your back to provide to provide security. You can open it without complete removal but I don’t use this facility. I bought it in one of Vitec sales for a very low price, less than £50 and it included a free carbon fibre monopod. However I would pay the full price.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Sky
Thanks everyone for your replies. Looks like I have some more research to do. Size wise I was going by the size of the old one and the kit laid out on the floor. And probably being over generous. The Flipsides seemed too small.
Seeing them is definitely the way to go but I'm in South Somerset and there's not a lot here. I could get to Exeter, Dorchester or Bristol at a push (it's not the travelling I just hate towns) but I've no idea what's there. More research......
 
  • Like
Reactions: Sky
@Jannyfox

I know what you mean about shopping in bigger centres.

I mentioned LCE in my post.

They have branches in both Taunton and Exeter

London Camera Exchange | Our Stores

Visit London Camera Exchange, the UK's premier photo, video specialists for new and used camera equipment! Best deals, trade in prices and expert advice on photography, binoculars, scopes, lenses and more. Shop locations, online sales and click & collect.
www.lcegroup.co.uk

You say you are on South Somerset, so perhaps Taunton is the closest to you?

Were I in your shoes I would phone the branch and discuss which brands they stock and the models available to see and check out. Plus though not too sure, if they have a suitable bag (based on specs) at another branch.......I think they will transfer it from another store without obligation to buy it?

HTH
 
Box Brownie said:
@Jannyfox

I know what you mean about shopping in bigger centres.

I mentioned LCE in my post.

They have branches in both Taunton and Exeter

London Camera Exchange | Our Stores

Visit London Camera Exchange, the UK's premier photo, video specialists for new and used camera equipment! Best deals, trade in prices and expert advice on photography, binoculars, scopes, lenses and more. Shop locations, online sales and click & collect.
www.lcegroup.co.uk

You say you are on South Somerset, so perhaps Taunton is the closest to you?

Were I in your shoes I would phone the branch and discuss which brands they stock and the models available to see and check out. Plus though not too sure, if they have a suitable bag (based on specs) at another branch.......I think they will transfer it from another store without obligation to buy it?

HTH
Click to expand...

I knew there is, or was, a branch of LCE in Taunton but I thought it was a very small shop and they wouldn't stock much. I think I bought a second hand lens there back in my 35mm days but haven't been in there since. Exeter is probably a better bet. I will make enquiries. Thanks
 
Yes, Taunton (in 2015) does look a bit limited

www.google.com

Google Maps

Explore a place through a 360° photo.
www.google.com www.google.com

But Exeter does look a tad bigger with a few more bags on display, again 2015

www.google.com

Google Maps

Explore a place through a 360° photo.
www.google.com www.google.com

Yes, phone enquiries in the first instance :) I do hope that you can find what will suit you.
 
I had a trip to WEX Leeds this morning. I was able to try out a number of backpacks, and eventually went for this one.
https://www.wexphotovideo.com/manfrotto-pl-backloader-backpack-m-3015662

I found the two lowepro flipside 300 & 400 could not accommodate the 90D + Sigma 150-600 without removing the optional pouch. Then tried the above and the combination fits easily. It's also very light.

@Jannyfox if you want a pic of the above with the DSLR+150-600 combo - let me know.
 
Fezman said:
I had a trip to WEX Leeds this morning. I was able to try out a number of backpacks, and eventually went for this one.
https://www.wexphotovideo.com/manfrotto-pl-backloader-backpack-m-3015662

I found the two lowepro flipside 300 & 400 could not accommodate the 90D + Sigma 150-600 without removing the optional pouch. Then tried the above and the combination fits easily. It's also very light.

@Jannyfox if you want a pic of the above with the DSLR+150-600 combo - let me know.
Click to expand...

@Fezman A photo would be great, so I can an idea of the space for the other bits and pieces. Thanks. I'm compiling a list of the most likely ones
 
I've given up with dedicated backpacks, as I've never found one that quite suits. I just use my 25/30l daypack and put the spare lenses in padded lens sleeves.
 
Bodian said:
I've given up with dedicated backpacks, as I've never found one that quite suits. I just use my 25/30l daypack and put the spare lenses in padded lens sleeves.
Click to expand...

I keep veering towards another ordinary backpack but I'm not carrying spare lenses. I'm carrying the camera with long lens fitted and the lens foot digs into my back. My flask fits neatly next to the lens till the camera's out, then it falls over and digs into my back. My binoculars get jammed into the front pocket but get caught up on everything so I can't easily get anything in or out. Hence the proper camera backpack. I am picky though, and it's got to work for me
 
Not my best ever image :-) but you should get a sense of scale from this. 90d + Sigma150-600

The bag at the end of the lens is the external cover.
Screenshot 2025-10-20 at 12.27.16.jpg
 
Box Brownie said:
Well, kit bags and choice of is a 'mare'.....

Have you got an LCE shop (or other useful bricks & mortar store?) near you to go into and try a few on as well as to see if all your gear will actually fit. Apart from the contents you need to fit in to it......the carrying comfort aspect is key especially as you infer 'they' are designed with the average person in mind.

Best of luck finding something that will be comfortable and accommodate all the gear you list
Click to expand...
I wonder what, the average person is.
 
grestall said:
I wonder what, the average person is.
Click to expand...
AFAIK some industries model they designs and even safety features (e.g. cars et al) based on set averages. But camera bags likely dance to their own tune, so to speak?
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top