Questionnaire: Current Available Photography Backpacks

[DP709]

A similar request would for an internally waterproof section to hold a water bottle, flask, etc. secure in the knowledge that should the primary container leak (EG I fail to put the top back on properly) the waterproof section will mean my camera equipment doesn't get wet!

You raise a very valid suggestion of preventing water damage! Based on your comment, I’m inferring you’d like it to be completely sealed (i.e. including above the bottle with a waterproofed zip) - is this the case? Or would you prefer a sort of drop the bottle into a waterproof pouch and it catches water given the back isn’t turned upside down?

 

[DP709]

As has been said everyone's requirements are different. I'm currently using an Osprey Stratos with an ICU. My previous experience with specialist camera bags is they over protect with padding, dividers etc and this eats into space if you want to carry non photo items. Alternatively you end up with a larger and heavier bag to fit everything in.

Will my bag work for everyone? Of course not. You can't access via the back and it's not the quickest to get to your gear. However this is compensated by the trampoline mesh panel, which keeps the bag off your back and allows air flow in hot weather. Together with a good harness and waist belt that makes it feel lighter to carry over a distance. It also has the ability to carry non photo gear in a relatively small bag.

My recommendation is to consider using a hiking bag with an ICU if your priorities rest more on the carrying side rather than quick access

I’m now wondering to what extent those on this thread use / see others using hiking focused bags? Do you often look through the hiking selection when looking for a bag for your photography gear?

 

[Faldrax]

You raise a very valid suggestion of preventing water damage! Based on your comment, I’m inferring you’d like it to be completely sealed (i.e. including above the bottle with a waterproofed zip) - is this the case? Or would you prefer a sort of drop the bottle into a waterproof pouch and it catches water given the back isn’t turned upside down?

I was thinking more of an internally waterproof section - perhaps a 'drybag' style top section - with a roll top to allow you to adjust size - having liquid potentially escape if the bag was put down (so the 'top' became a 'side') would not be a huge problem - it's ensuring liquid can't get from this section into the camera section that's the priority.

 

[TheBigYin]

Since we're on the subjects, I believe (from memory) that Lowepro started life as a cottage industry, making everything by hand.

I vaguely remember that Lowepro was "a side project" from the team that Founded Lowe Alpine Systems - the climbing/backpacking rucsac brand - I remember buying a Lowepro bag primarily because WAAAY back in the day, I had a Lowe Alpine bag that was absolutely fantastic, and i was hoping that the same "carry quality" would transfer to the Lowepro. But, yeah - Lowe Alpine did start in Greg Lowe's parents basement, and got their start making internally framed climbing packs which were a bit of a revelation when nearly everyone else was making external frame packs, or frameless packs with no way of load sharing to the hipbelt.

 

[snerkler]

Thanks for this idea, to what extent would making this lining securely waterproof, as Faldrax suggested, be important to you?

It would depend where it is located, I had the idea making a side pocket like this into a cool bag kind of thing. If it's on the outside of the bag it's less important for it to be waterproof, although as I mentioned before I'd like a waterproof bag to save having to use a waterproof cover which limits access to the bag.

 

[DP709]

Hi all, just wondering if anyone here has any recommendations of spaces that would help further my market research for this project?

 

[taxboy]

It would depend where it is located, I had the idea making a side pocket like this into a cool bag kind of thing. If it's on the outside of the bag it's less important for it to be waterproof, although as I mentioned before I'd like a waterproof bag to save having to use a waterproof cover which limits access to the bag.
View attachment 456558

Waterproof hiking bags are already available but usually are top access only, presumably to limit the potential failure points e.g. zip openings. This obviously restricts quick access to your gear, although probably similar to using the traditional rain cover. However in dry conditions you will have greater access to your gear.
I guess it comes down to what feature is most important to you

 

[LeeRatters]

I’m now wondering to what extent those on this thread use / see others using hiking focused bags? Do you often look through the hiking selection when looking for a bag for your photography gear?

For my backpack, I use an Osprey Kamber 42 - more hiking (snowboarding) bag than a photography bag. Plenty of space, plenty of attachments & rear opening and top opening.