Camera Backpack

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andrewm

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Need a new camera bag and would like to try a backpack style. So looking for any recommendations for a backpack that will take a single body with several additional lenses, a flash and a light-weight tripod. But I would also like something that will take at least some of the additional items like drinks, guide books and maybe a waterproof that is needed on a typical day trip.

Does such a beast exist?

Andrew
 
There are lots of bags that would be able to do what you want but what kind of budget were you thinking? There is no point anyone recommending something like F-Stop backpacks (which would easily do what you wanted) if you didn't have that size of budget. Have look at Lowepro as they have a few that could do what you want it to do and can be reasonably priced too. The lowepro flipside 400 is quite popular, it has plenty of space for camera, lenses, flas h etc on the inside. A tripod can be strapped to it, pockets on the outside for drink bottles, a large front pocket you be able to get a small book in along with a few bits of food, keys, wallet etc. there are two straps on the top I used to use to strap my coat to the bus knack with. There is also the fast pack 250/350 too that may be right for you. Most bag manufacturers have their own websites that usually show examples of what you can get in a bag. You tube videos are also good.
 
I have a lowepro flipside 400. It will hold my d800 with 24-70 attached, 14-24 and pce24 along with an sb700 and plenty of smaller accessories including a rocket blower, all at the same time. With this lens combination, unfortunately I do have to remove the hood from the 24-70 and store it alongside the body, but the wide angle and tilt lens are very wide. Has external straps for a tripod (although I dont recommend attaching heavy tripods in this way) and netting on both sides for drinks and so on. Not much room left for sandwiches, but baguettes do fit in the netting lol. It's well made and has an integral rain cover.

I use it almost constantly. It's very comfortable to wear, having both a waist and chest strap, in addition to shoulder straps of course.

Can't say I use the flip feature very often, but i like the fact that the main compartment zip is next to my body, would be very hard for a thief to unzip and lift something more than a blower or lens pen.
 
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F-stop Kenti. Models by other makers have similar side-access if you find that useful. It's partly a style decision, in terms of how it looks, and this is inherently subjective. Also the different fabrics used have a different sheen, which impinges on this ...
 
Thanks all. Budget-wise, provided it is not ridiculous then I am reasonably flexible. Would rather spend a bit more if I have to and get something that is comfortable and does the job rather than getting something cheaper that gets left at home.
 
andrewm said:
Thanks all. Budget-wise, provided it is not ridiculous then I am reasonably flexible. Would rather spend a bit more if I have to and get something that is comfortable and does the job rather than getting something cheaper that gets left at home.
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It's depends what you call ridiculous, something like a F-Stop Loka UL and one ICU would set you back around £250. A lowepro flipside 400 would be about £80. The cost difference is due to their build and design.

With F-Stop backpacks you choose the backpack size/type then the size of the ICU that suits the equipment you want to carry. A larger ICU carries more camera gear, a smaller one carries less camera gear but has more room for other stuff (cost, food, water etc). I've recently purchased a F stop tilopa, it's perfect size to carry my telephoto lens, zoom lens, wide angle lens and macro lens in the XL pro ICU. I'm planning to get a large or medium Pro ICU to carry my landscape stuff and have some more room left over for other stuff. It's quick and easy to swap ICU's. Previously I had a few bags that I use depending on what I going to do, now the plan is one bag and swap ICUs. F-Stop bag can expand or contract their camera equipment storage depending on on your needs for that particular outing, with most backpacks you are limited to their one design. It all depends on whether your needs change each outing or whether you always carry the same gear. Another good point with Fstop bags is they look like normal backpacks, they don't shout camera bag like some do.
 
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i had a lowepro, but it was more a side sling style and i found it uncormfortable. swapped it out for an athena nest 70 ( nope i hadnt heard of them either ) and its an outstanding bag.
large padded main compartment holds my canon 60D and 4 or 5 lens, plus 2 flashguns, filters etc, top section i can slide in a 15" laptop ( if i had one) but instead my collaspse 5 in 1 relfector slots in, plus lots more room for batteries, charger, pocket rocket blower, clips, snoot, flash diffuser etc.
add 3 additional side pockets for lens cloths, cards pens, and various other bits and bobs, and also left or right side straps to hold my benro tripod
oh and it cost me £22 on ebay auction, but they can be found for around £60
 
I have a number of ThinkTank bags... Worth a look.. They seem to think of everything.
 
Those F-Stop bags look pretty nice and I like the idea of being able swap between ICUs depending on whether I wanted all my kit or just some of it with some extra space. It looks like the Loka is now discontinued and has been replaced by the Ajna which is a little bigger. Although either is a bit bigger than I really want to be carrying around. It will mostly be for day use. Shame that the Kenti doesn't take the ICUs but the Guru does and it seems to be about the right size and smaller enough to take as carry-on. Hmmm decision, decisions.
 
andrewm said:
Those F-Stop bags look pretty nice and I like the idea of being able swap between ICUs depending on whether I wanted all my kit or just some of it with some extra space. It looks like the Loka is now discontinued and has been replaced by the Ajna which is a little bigger. Although either is a bit bigger than I really want to be carrying around. It will mostly be for day use. Shame that the Kenti doesn't take the ICUs but the Guru does and it seems to be about the right size and smaller enough to take as carry-on. Hmmm decision, decisions.
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If you phoned the paramo store in london they may still have one, there was one there a month ago.

There is also a new thread about the possible changes to airline carry on size. The XL Pro ICU can be carried on its own with the bag folded flat in the hold luggage. It may be something to think about in you fly with your camera gear.
 
Hi Andrew,

I just got a guru with a medium shallow ICU to use as a day bag. Size is just right and you can fit in a fair amount of stuff. I've also pre-ordered an Ajna as I wanted something a bit bigger for longer days out with the kids.

Cheers
 
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