Spec me a Backpack

Jase

Jase

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I'm really struggling to find a Backpack to replace my Tamrac Expedition 6X which is a little small (mainly not very deep).

I wan't something slightly bigger but not over the top big.

I ordered a Tenba Shootout 32L last year and didn't like it, the bag was nice but the inside dividers made it difficult to organise and there was a lot of wasted space.

I need to carry :

Nikon D850 with Grip
16-35 f4
24-70 2.8
70-200 2.8
100 macro or 14-24 2.8 (depends on what I'm doing)
Flash (maybe) or a 2nd Body
Extender
Lee Filter Pouches and holder
plus bits like remotes, torch, memory cards, Rhode Mic Pro, Hoodman Loupe etc

I was thinking of putting my Mavic Pro in there as well but not top priority


It also need to be able to attach a tripod (Gitzo GT3542LS)


Thanks
 
Tamrac 7x?
 
F-Stop Anja with a large ICU, expensive but lovely and fits everything you have listed as well as additional clothing for when it's wet and cold.

Currently, mine has :

Canon 5d
24-105
100-400
16-35
105 macro
Lee filter pouch
Another pouch with assorted filters
Lee hood
pouch with assorted accessories (spare batteries etc)
Tripod
1 ltr water bottle
down jacket
water proof trousers
gloves
hat

Plenty of room left for so many lens cloths and lunch and the 14mm Samyang that gets thrown in and a flask sometimes.
 
tijuana taxi said:
How about a Lowepro Mini Trekker AW, that would probably fit the bill.
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/278343-REG/Lowepro_LP19900_PEF_Mini_Trekker_AW_Backpack.html

If you think it might be any good let me know because mine is sitting unused in a cupboard
Click to expand...

Many thanks for that, I've had a look and it seems very similar in size to what I have now so I don't think I'd gain much with it.

I have looked online and spotted:

https://www.lowepro.co.uk/brands/lowepro/trekker/pro-trekker-450-aw/pd317/



Mark twiglet said:
Tamrac 7x?
Click to expand...

They don't make them anymore although I guess I should have bought that one at the time. I actually liked the bag but it's dated now and didn't come with any rain cover. I think it's been replaced by:
https://www.tamrac.com/collections/backpacks/products/anvil-27
which may be an option I guess

Phrasemaker said:
Got one of these, I can get two Canon Pro bodies with grips, 100-400 and additional lenses and a heap of other stuff into it no probs.

https://www.wexphotovideo.com/manfrotto-advanced-travel-rear-backpack-black-1593846/
Click to expand...

Good price, but again I don't think it will carry what I need, also forgot to mention a 15" macbook pro, which I don't carry often but the option would be nice

Andrew Benbow said:
F-Stop Anja with a large ICU, expensive but lovely and fits everything you have listed as well as additional clothing for when it's wet and cold.

Currently, mine has :

Canon 5d
24-105
100-400
16-35
105 macro
Lee filter pouch
Another pouch with assorted filters
Lee hood
pouch with assorted accessories (spare batteries etc)
Tripod
1 ltr water bottle
down jacket
water proof trousers
gloves
hat

Plenty of room left for so many lens cloths and lunch and the 14mm Samyang that gets thrown in and a flask sometimes.
Click to expand...

I've looked at those before and certainly look good but I would like to see one first as they look quite awkward in the shots, also I can't believe they put the water blander in the same compartment as the camera gear (or at least thats what the review said).


Any thoughts on the Vanguard Alta series?
 
I've looked at those before and certainly look good but I would like to see one first as they look quite awkward in the shots, also I can't believe they put the water blander in the same compartment as the camera gear (or at least thats what the review said).
Click to expand...

The main reason I got the Anja was that it was big enough to fit everything, including a 15" macbook, but small enough to fit on a plane.

I don't find it awkward, it's very comfortable on your back IMHO.

The water bladder does go in to it's own pouch inside the bag but it's an option I decided not to go for, I'm happy to carry a bottle which goes in to an outside pocket.
 
Have a look at the Backlight 36L, it's my first choice to replace a Lowepro Flipside 400 which isn't deep enough for my 5D Mark III with battery grip and L plate. It's available at Wex.

F-Stop would be on my list but supply and quality issues over the last few months have put me off.
 
LostInSpace said:
Have a look at the Backlight 36L, it's my first choice to replace a Lowepro Flipside 400 which isn't deep enough for my 5D Mark III with battery grip and L plate. It's available at Wex.

F-Stop would be on my list but supply and quality issues over the last few months have put me off.
Click to expand...

Ohhh I think you may have found one for me and I like the green.

I didn't realise Mindshift was part of Think Tank and like my other 2 Think Tank Bags.

Pity Wex don't have them in stock though, I know with Wex if it arrives and I don't like it I can just return it.
 
Jase said:
Many thanks for that, I've had a look and it seems very similar in size to what I have now so I don't think I'd gain much with it.

I have looked online and spotted:

https://www.lowepro.co.uk/brands/lowepro/trekker/pro-trekker-450-aw/pd317/
Click to expand...

That is a big old bag, the gear storage insert from it fits my carry on case https://www.lowepro.co.uk/brands/lowepro/highline/highline-rl-x400-aw/pd372/
Handy if you wanted to combine the two I suppose, but not sure I would want to lug it about all day
 
Have a few packs but about 6 months ago I bought a used Thinktank streetwalker pro for flying in Africa where small planes and cabin bag limits were an issue and this bag seemed to fit the bill. Have been really impressed by the quality of the bag and what will fit inside from the shape of the bag. My BIG Lowepro bag had a multiple zipper issue a couple of months ago and I've been using the Thinktank but know that I'm not carrying everything I'd like to for a shoot because of space issues and I need to replace the big bag. Bit of digging and have just ordered up the Mindshift Gear First Light 40L. Was a big plus when I realised Thinktank and Mind Shift are the same company and share quality values. 30L and 20L available also. Looking forward to it arriving but fully expecting this to be better than the BIG Lowepro.
 
I've been looking at the specs of the Mindshift, and it looks ideal however it is really long.

I'm only 5'7" tall (or short as the case may be) so a little concerned that it may be too big or uncomfortable to carry. Any idea how flexible these bags are to suit different heights etc?
 
The thing I like about the FStop bags is the modular system, you can use whatever ICU you need to fit your camera gear and the rest is free for jumpers, snack and coats etc. Granted their direct supply has been somewhat of an issue, but I got mine from Camernu.nl and it arrived next day
 
Andrew Benbow said:
F-Stop Anja with a large ICU, expensive but lovely and fits everything you have listed as well as additional clothing for when it's wet and cold.

Currently, mine has :

Canon 5d
24-105
100-400
16-35
105 macro
Lee filter pouch
Another pouch with assorted filters
Lee hood
pouch with assorted accessories (spare batteries etc)
Tripod
1 ltr water bottle
down jacket
water proof trousers
gloves
hat

Plenty of room left for so many lens cloths and lunch and the 14mm Samyang that gets thrown in and a flask sometimes.
Click to expand...
Or as in ny case a full chamonix 45F1 system (in a large pro ICU) . One of my medium slope ICU's take a Rz67proII with extra filmback, 50mm, 110mm and 180mm lenses and film, the other my F100 with 25mm zf, 50mm f1,4, 85mm f/1,4, 105mm, flash and room for extra bits and pieces though apart from the zeiss the AFD lenses ive got are smaller than newer primes not to mention zooms. Then i have two small pro ICU's one of which carry my A6000, 3 lenses, 2 flash and a lot of other stuff. My Guru takes the small Pro and medium slope ICU's, my Tilopa BC also take the large pro ICU. Only negative on the system id like F-stop to fix is the issue of the big gap in the opening when using small ICU's in big bags. Seems like the harnes has been redesigned since i bought my bags to be not so thick and well padded (Tilopa ->Ajna) though if thats a concern i dont know.
 
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Jase said:
Ohhh I think you may have found one for me and I like the green.

I didn't realise Mindshift was part of Think Tank and like my other 2 Think Tank Bags.

Pity Wex don't have them in stock though, I know with Wex if it arrives and I don't like it I can just return it.
Click to expand...

Will drop them a line to see when stock will be available - I'm not in a hurry, but would like one in the not too distant future. 2018 GAS is underway.... :)
 
LostInSpace said:
Will drop them a line to see when stock will be available - I'm not in a hurry, but would like one in the not too distant future. 2018 GAS is underway.... :)
Click to expand...

Would be interested to hear what they say, I really need to change my bag as soon as possible, I may just order one from someone who has one in stock... if it doesn't suit me you'll find it in the Classifieds very soon :)
 
I was/am a little concerned about the length of the Mindshift so I contacted them for advice, this is their reply (they replied quickly):

The best way to get an idea of pack size without seeing it is to measure your torso height and compare it to the bags torso height. The BackLight 36L is quite large, with a torso height of 19". I hope this helps.
 
Jase said:
I'm only 5'7" tall (or short as the case may be) so a little concerned that it may be too big or uncomfortable to carry. Any idea how flexible these bags are to suit different heights etc?
Click to expand...

First Light arrived today. Has a system like a modern hillwalking/ trekking pack to adjust the backplate to your height. I'm 6'1" and my daughter is 5'2" and she's borrowed my pack and travelled around the world for a year with the reduced length available in these systems.
 
Jim_Tod said:
First Light arrived today. Has a system like a modern hillwalking/ trekking pack to adjust the backplate to your height. I'm 6'1" and my daughter is 5'2" and she's borrowed my pack and travelled around the world for a year with the reduced length available in these systems.
Click to expand...

Thanks, that's good info. I realise you have only just got the bag but what are your first impressions? why did you go for this one and not the Backlight 36L?

I was very close to ordering the Backlight today just couldn't decide in time, I have to order tomorrow for Friday delivery so would be interested to hear your feedback.. When you have put your gear in it any chance of a quick pic so I can see the layout?

Cheers!
 
Jase said:
why did you go for this one and not the Backlight 36L?
Click to expand...

First impressions are reasonably thinktank in qualirt of materials. Better zip loops so will try not to break these ones.

The image below is the reason I didn't order the Backlight 36L.


BackLight-36L-backloading-145_grande.jpg


I'd rather the bag got wet than I had some perceived ability to stop that whilst significantly increasing the chance to drop £20k worth of gear on the ground. This is bigger than the BIG Lowepro Vertex 200AW (image below) it will replace. I know the weight I've had in the Vertex and the idea that this 36L bag would sit like it's shown without something tumbling out (or breaking my back/ neck) is marketing hype. Put the waterproof cover on the ground and put the bag on the cover- lets consider the real life use of the bag when you're buying something this big and not what the marketing wonks want you to believe. I have a lot of confidence in the Thinktank stuff from a few months experience including international travel. I'm transferring that on quality of materials to the Mind Shift stuff but if they show me the picture above as a realistic expectation of a fully loaded 36L bag in the field then they've lost the plot. I still have to be convinced in the field about the firstlight but I'm expected to take it off my back and put it on the ground with 15-20kg in it- seems realistic- quality of materiqals seems in the same place from a look at what's arrived.

91g6TsoEsfL._SL1500_.jpg

If you can wait till the morning then I'll be looking at filling the bag and will try to send an image or two with it filled up if it helps.

Would have like the green bag though!
 
Jim_Tod said:
First impressions are reasonably thinktank in qualirt of materials. Better zip loops so will try not to break these ones.

The image below is the reason I didn't order the Backlight 36L.




I'd rather the bag got wet than I had some perceived ability to stop that whilst significantly increasing the chance to drop £20k worth of gear on the ground. This is bigger than the BIG Lowepro Vertex 200AW (image below) it will replace. I know the weight I've had in the Vertex and the idea that this 36L bag would sit like it's shown without something tumbling out (or breaking my back/ neck) is marketing hype. Put the waterproof cover on the ground and put the bag on the cover- lets consider the real life use of the bag when you're buying something this big and not what the marketing wonks want you to believe. I have a lot of confidence in the Thinktank stuff from a few months experience including international travel. I'm transferring that on quality of materials to the Mind Shift stuff but if they show me the picture above as a realistic expectation of a fully loaded 36L bag in the field then they've lost the plot. I still have to be convinced in the field about the firstlight but I'm expected to take it off my back and put it on the ground with 15-20kg in it- seems realistic- quality of materiqals seems in the same place from a look at what's arrived.


If you can wait till the morning then I'll be looking at filling the bag and will try to send an image or two with it filled up if it helps.

Would have like the green bag though!
Click to expand...

Yeah there is no way I was going to use the bag like that, a side opening for the camera maybe but not a fully loaded bag, as something will give either the strap or my back lol

I may hold off to see how you find it, I'm doing a brecon hike on sunday/monday and wanted it for that really but in the meantime I ordered a rain cover for my current bag just in case.

My next trip will be 2 weeks later so if I miss this one I still have the next.
 
Jase said:
I'm really struggling to find a Backpack to replace my Tamrac Expedition 6X which is a little small (mainly not very deep).

I wan't something slightly bigger but not over the top big.

I ordered a Tenba Shootout 32L last year and didn't like it, the bag was nice but the inside dividers made it difficult to organise and there was a lot of wasted space.

I need to carry :

Nikon D850 with Grip
16-35 f4
24-70 2.8
70-200 2.8
100 macro or 14-24 2.8 (depends on what I'm doing)
Flash (maybe) or a 2nd Body
Extender
Lee Filter Pouches and holder
plus bits like remotes, torch, memory cards, Rhode Mic Pro, Hoodman Loupe etc

I was thinking of putting my Mavic Pro in there as well but not top priority


It also need to be able to attach a tripod (Gitzo GT3542LS)


Thanks
Click to expand...


:)
View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5ARBYZ54qLc&feature=youtu.be
 
ChrisHeathcote said:
I struggled with bags until I discovered Fstop, I love them for the versatility of the ICUs
Click to expand...

I'm struggling to get my head around their bags. Their website is pretty poor and doesn't give many product images or examples of how you could configure the ICU's.

I've had a look online and really can't find an example of the setup that would suit/hold my gear. I like the look of the bag but the difference is with the mindshift I can picture how I would put my gear in it.
 
Jase said:
I'm struggling to get my head around their bags. Their website is pretty poor and doesn't give many product images or examples of how you could configure the ICU's.

I've had a look online and really can't find an example of the setup that would suit/hold my gear. I like the look of the bag but the difference is with the mindshift I can picture how I would put my gear in it.
Click to expand...
What would you like to see and I’ll try and help. I have the larger 40l Ajna with a small and large Pro icu. This is how I configure the small when I am going out. I also have a holster which goes onto the waist belt which holds the body. I i could easily leave the 35mm behind (and frequently do) to make room for the body. The small takes up the lower 1/3 of the bag leaving loads of room for waterproofs, snacks, jumper etc

IMG_0028.JPG
 
@Jase to try and give you a bit more idea, Ive tried packing my bag with my lenses to give you an idea of options. They are very quick packs due to the time, with more effort it would look at lot neater


Space in top of bag - Small ICU
IMG_0035.JPG


Small ICU in Bag
Untitled by Chris Heathcote, on Flickr

Large ICU - A7rii+16-35mm f4/Sigma 35mm +MC11/Sony FE55/Sony 85/Sigma 120-300 Sport f2.8/TT350s/Space for chargers etc
IMG_0031.JPG

Large ICU in Bag
Untitled by Chris Heathcote, on Flickr

Space in top of bag - Large ICU
IMG_0033.JPG
 
Jason

Jase said:
I need to carry :

Nikon D850 with Grip
16-35 f4
24-70 2.8
70-200 2.8
100 macro or 14-24 2.8 (depends on what I'm doing)
Flash (maybe) or a 2nd Body
Extender
Lee Filter Pouches and holder
plus bits like remotes, torch, memory cards, Rhode Mic Pro, Hoodman Loupe etc
Click to expand...

Here's a photo of the firstlight 40L bag with roughly equivalent kit. I've not tried to optmiise this in any way, just put them in the slots as they came in the bag- plenty of space for chargers, cards, torch, remotes, cloth and I suspect the 30L bag might be enough for your needs.

D810 gripped and with sigma 24-105 F4
16-35 f4
Samyang 24mm TSE (roughly same length/ larger dia than a 100mm macro)
70-200- this can almost but mot quite stand on end in the bag to give a feel for depth
2 flashes
gripped D500
Filter pouch and holder

IMG_0222-small.jpg

There's a tripod holder bag that pops out of the front of the bag at the bottom - don;t know what would be a comfortable size of tripod to fit in there although there's also a tripod suspension kit accesory if you need to carry extended?

https://www.mindshiftgear.com/products/tripod-suspension-kit - thta's it shown with the firstlight 30L in the picture


Hope this helps

Jim
 
Thank you very much for the replies all, guess it's decision time.

I like the idea of the Fstop but just not convinced I'd get on with the ICU's and the top bit not being segregated from the bottom. But may suit me for the outdoor winter treks I want to do.

That Firstlight looks great, clearly what I had in mind in terms of storage and organisation. I think the only thing it lacks is more storage for non-camera gear ie some clothing, food, drinks etc as it looks more travel than outdoor which I think the Fstop or Backlight may be more suited to but I could be wrong (if that makes sense).
 
Jase said:
but I could be wrong
Click to expand...

If there's one thing guaranteed about camera bags it's that you'll be wrong- we all want the unreachable nirvana of a bag with the inside of the tardis able to chew up everything we can throw at it in terms of capacity both camera and personal gear, not be too big or heavy for travelling but everything fits, be just the right shape, have easy access and be able to carry anything we want strapped on the back like a tripod. If you get into the mindset that the ideal bag simply doesn't exist and it's a choice of which compromise solution you can live with best at the moment then the decision is a lot easier to make.
 
Jim_Tod said:
If there's one thing guaranteed about camera bags it's that you'll be wrong- we all want the unreachable nirvana of a bag with the inside of the tardis able to chew up everything we can throw at it in terms of capacity both camera and personal gear, not be too big or heavy for travelling but everything fits, be just the right shape, have easy access and be able to carry anything we want strapped on the back like a tripod. If you get into the mindset that the ideal bag simply doesn't exist and it's a choice of which compromise solution you can live with best at the moment then the decision is a lot easier to make.
Click to expand...

LOL you probably have a good point :)

I made a decision and ordered the the backlight (in green!) which is the one that caught my eye at the start and again I think the layout will suit me and the big pocket in the front will be handy for a jacket, gloves and food etc.

I am still a little concerned that it will not fir me properly and if it doesn't I'll send it back and get the Firstlight.

Thanks again all!
 
Jim_Tod said:
If there's one thing guaranteed about camera bags it's that you'll be wrong- we all want the unreachable nirvana of a bag with the inside of the tardis able to chew up everything we can throw at it in terms of capacity both camera and personal gear, not be too big or heavy for travelling but everything fits, be just the right shape, have easy access and be able to carry anything we want strapped on the back like a tripod. If you get into the mindset that the ideal bag simply doesn't exist and it's a choice of which compromise solution you can live with best at the moment then the decision is a lot easier to make.
Click to expand...

And then we’ll find it and really it was actually something else that we wanted. I swear I’m getting to the point where I have nearly as many bags as the wife (and that’s saying something!)
 
ChrisHeathcote said:
And then we’ll find it and really it was actually something else that we wanted. I swear I’m getting to the point where I have nearly as many bags as the wife (and that’s saying something!)
Click to expand...
Ehh ICU's don't count as bags, right?(n) :) For my most used gear Im set with my Tilopa BC and the Guru, but then I have 5 ICU's :wave:
 
soeren said:
Ehh ICU's don't count as bags, right?(n) :) For my most used gear Im set with my Tilopa BC and the Guru, but then I have 5 ICU's :wave:
Click to expand...

I don’t suppose I could ask a favour, if you happen to have a small Pro ICU, could you share a couple of pics of it in the Guru. I currently have the Ajna which is great but it’s sometimes a bit big for the odd day out. I’ve been thinking of getting the Guru for Small trips. (Sorry for the hijack)
 
As you wish Mylord :D
The small ICU in Guru. Ive removed a divider at the end of the 2 speedlights (stacked). The camera (A6000) usually sits on the blower. 2 lenses are also stacked and batteries, the camera charger etc occupies the mid section. the orange box contains a remote trigger/reciever for the camera and an extra battery. On top of that a small cooler bag with my lee filters right now the polarizer and Bigstopper. Planning on getting the little stopper a 3 stop ND and the 3 stop grap in hard and soft. The trigger is on the camera used to take the photos
DSC02083 tilpasset.jpg
DSC02091 tilpasset.jpg
4X5" Chamonix in Large pro ICU in Tilopa BC incl 3 lenses (65mm, 75mm and 150mm) and five DD's
DSC02085 tilpasset.jpg
The medium slope ICU holding my Nikon F100 with 50mm f1,4 ( +180mm AIS right, 105AFD micro, 55 f3,5 ais on top of a tube, SB26 and the kit zoom for the A6000 :thinking: 25mm ZF and 85 f1,4)and the one with my Mamiya RZ67ProII (+ extr filmback, 50 f4,5, 110 f2,8 180 f4,5 and 10rolls of film +bits and pieces
DSC02087 tilpasset.jpg
 
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Jase said:
LOL you probably have a good point :)

I made a decision and ordered the the backlight (in green!) which is the one that caught my eye at the start and again I think the layout will suit me and the big pocket in the front will be handy for a jacket, gloves and food etc.

I am still a little concerned that it will not fir me properly and if it doesn't I'll send it back and get the Firstlight.

Thanks again all!
Click to expand...

Looking forward to your feedback on the Backlight.....
 
LostInSpace said:
Looking forward to your feedback on the Backlight.....
Click to expand...

Well it was out for delivery, the driver was at delivery 13 and I was 14 (he was about 500m away) then I got a txt from DPD saying he we's delay and delivery time uncertain.

That was 2 hours ago and still no sign, I went out to find him but no luck... guess on that basis I wont be getting it today which will be annoying as I wanted it for the weekend/monday.

I will leave feedback when (if) I get it!
 
:popcorn:
 
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