Looking for a new backpack

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Henrica

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Henrica
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Hi all,

I'm looking for a backpack that will not only hold my photo gear but also my laptop and a few other things. At the moment, I'm considering the following models:

  • Kata DR-466i or DR-467i
  • Crumpler cupcake half photo
  • Tamrac speedpack 3385 or 3380
  • Lowepro fastpack 250

The equipment I'm planning of carrying around consists of a body (EOS 550D) plus three lenses (kit lens, "nifty fifty", and Canon 55-250 mm) and the usual extra bits and bobs so the photo-compartment doesn't have to be very big but I would like a little bit of spare room for future expansion.

My preference at the moment is probably the Kata DR-466i, but I also like the side entrance of the Tamrac and the Lowepro. The Crumpler is the prettiest of the list imho and their bags seem to last forever but it doesn't have any outside pockets or tripod loops by the looks of it.

Does anyone have any experience with any of these bags? Or are there other brands/models that I could consider?

Thanks,
Henrica
 
Hi Henrica. Welcome to the forum.
The only one I can review for you is the Lowepro Fastpack 250.
I have similar to put in the bag as you, (except I have a 40d) Mine will hold the body with 70-200mm F4 L attached, 55-250mm IS, nifty, and 18-55mm IS. Also my Speedlight in the same compartment. Ther is plenty of space for bits and pieces, both in the front zipped comparment and inside the main top bit. I can get a light windproof/showerproof, first aid kit, sandwiches and other bits in too! My water bottle sits in the mesh pocket at the side with map. In hot conditions, I put a 2ltr bladder in the laptop compartment, and if needed, a small tripod under the front flap/straps.
I have carried it on many hikes with little or no discomfort.
So far it has been extremely hard wearing with no rips, frays or bare patches and all straps are good. The only minus for me is the lack of waterproof cover, but I bought one fron EBay for £4.00 that works just fine!
Hope this helps a little.
Baz.
 
I bought the Kata 466i for travelling with my laptop and love it, I can carry my D90 with 16-85mm lens, 50mm, flash and other bits and pieces, plus personal items in the top part which can take a fair bit of stuff. My tripod fits in the side pouch as well but it is a bit long (50cm folded) so I use it for a drinks bottle mainly. Its also discrete and doesn't look like a camera/laptop bag unlike many others, plus you can unzip the middle flap and remove the foam pads and use it like a normal backpack. It comes with a lifetime guarantee so I wouldn't worry about it not lasting although the quality is just as good as my Lowepro Fastpack. The side entrance of the fastpack is handy but can't say I miss it when I switch between the two. I'm not that keen on the look of the Crumpler backpacks although I do have a small muffintop for when I go out with just the camera and 1 lens. The only thing with the Kata is that the AW weather cover is not built in but a small wallet sized pack which you'll need to carry inside.

I bought mine from Jacobs so it might be worth popping in if you have one nearby to demo.
 
Have you considered looking at the lowepro mini trekker, a really comfy backpack with plenty of inside space.
 
RyanEustace said:
Have you considered looking at the lowepro mini trekker, a really comfy backpack with plenty of inside space.
Click to expand...

Where would the laptop go in a mini trekker? Also not much space for anything other than camera gear.
 
I have used the lowepro fastpack and slingshot, and have been really impressed with the quick camera access through the side pocket.:)
 
After many failed purchases of backpacks that didn't do it for me for one reason or another, I bought a Kata Bumblebee 210 and love it. More room than the 466, very well made, water bottle holder, tripod holder built in and above all, comfy. I know they're a bit more money, but for me I think it's worth it.
 
I have the older Kata DR465, it's a great rucksack, very comfortable and holds all my gear 5D, 24-70, 50mm and tamron wide angle, the only issue I have is the tripod holder isn't great
 
Thanks for the replies everyone. It looks like both the Kata models and the Lowepro would fit the bill, and I wasn't aware of the Kata Bumblebee 210 but that seems to be an excellent option too. If only there was a shop nearby that stocks them so I could see them in real life, but we only have Jessops here and they don't seem to sell any of the bags I'm interested in.
 
I've got the 467i and its great ! amazing how much stuff it will take and it's comfortable on the back
 
i can vouch for the fastpack 250, loads of room and easy access to the camera. it's light before any equipment goes in which is nice and being able to pop my laptop in too is great too!
 
i have a jessops trek 2 which i bought to house my sony a390 which was fine for a smaller camera(room for a body, 18-55 kit lens, 50mm, 70-210mm and flash). but i have just bought a gripped 30d from the classifieds and i don't think my current bag is gonna cut it. i was in jessops looking at the lowepro bags, with the fastpack 250 and 350 really catching my eye.

they have the 250 for £49.99 and the 350 for 59.99 which is bloody tempting in my eyes

http://www.jessops.com/online.store/products/74337/show.html
 
I have a fastpack 350 and very pleased with it loads of room and the side access to the camera is very useful. Does weigh in at almost 2Kg even when empty though.

What I would say is take time to actually go to a shop to see them and try them out. I rejected a couple I was considering as the internal compartments were far smaller in real life than they looked in the pictures! Another one was a good size but did not feel very comfortable so it does pay to try them first, even if you intend to use mail order.
 
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