Which backpack?

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NotMandatory

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I'm looking for a backpack to carry with me on day-long walks through the Lake District and Pentland Hills near Edinburgh.

I'm looking for the following features:
- waterproof or waterproof cover (very important)
- easy access to the camera while walking (pretty important, though I'll be carrying a P&S in my pocket as well so not essential)
- ability to store enough non-camera equipment for a short hike
- space for a tripod

I'm definitely a newbie to the DSLR world; I just got a Nikon D40 with kit lens. I don't have any extra lenses (although I'm sure I'll be buying one or two over the next year) so it's just the camera, some filters, spare battery, etc.

At the moment I'm looking at the Redsnapper, Kata, and Lowepro Fastpack ranges. Each brand seems to have advantages and disadvantages compared to others, so I'm just looking for more personal impressions; most of the reviews I've read just talk about capacity, not what they're like to use.

Thanks!!
 
Most backpacks require you to take it off to gain access. The Lowepro Slingshot doesn't but its not to everyones tastes and you may find it uncomfortable on longer treks as it only goes over one shoulder.
 
Doesn't the Fastpack's side pocket allow acces while it's on your back? That's why I was thinking about that range. I was wondering how easy it is to actually get the equipment out from that position, though.
 
If I'm on a days hike with the Camera gear and the gear needed for the hike I forego some convenience for comfort/space and carry everything in my Osprey Atmos Rucksac, brilliant piece of kit..lightweight and THE most comfortable rucksac I've ever owned, wouldn't buy anything else in future..you can alway put your camera gear in a small camera bag & pop it in the rucksak together with the tripod (depending on size).

http://www.ospreypacks.com/Packs/AtmosSeriesMens/

I looked around for ages for a decent camera backpack for hiking but just couldn't find anything suitable, if just out for photography I use a Tamrac Adventure 7.... backpack waterproof covers cost around £5 so I wouldn't make this a priority criteria

simon
 
NotMandatory said:
Doesn't the Fastpack's side pocket allow acces while it's on your back? That's why I was thinking about that range. I was wondering how easy it is to actually get the equipment out from that position, though.
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I have a Lowpro Slingshot 200AW.
It allows side access so you can remove the camera but you need to removed it from your back to be able to change the lens etc.
 
NotMandatory said:
Doesn't the Fastpack's side pocket allow acces while it's on your back? That's why I was thinking about that range. I was wondering how easy it is to actually get the equipment out from that position, though.
Click to expand...

The side acces works very well, I'm very happy with my fastpack 350 :)
 
Thanks! This is giving me some great food for thought.

I hadn't thought of buying a separate cover (stupid me), so that will definitely make a difference...
 
The Lowepro Mini Trekker AW's are very good, lots of room for lenses and other non-camera stuff. However as its a backpack you do have to take it off to access the camera area.
 
I have a Lowpro Slingshot 200AW.
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ditto, £88 in Jessops, £44 on the bay, brand new. Delighted with it so far.
 
iant said:
ditto, £88 in Jessops, £44 on the bay, brand new. Delighted with it so far.
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I made the mistake of paying the extortionate Jessops price for my Lowpro Slingshot 200AW when I bought my 450D last year.
I'm currently looking at getting Lowepro Stealth Reporter D200AW and when I compared the price between Jessops and UK ebay seller, I nearly fell on the floor with fits of laughter.
 
The lowepro/Tamrac etc are decent camera bags but reading the OPs brief and considering what you need to carry for a "normal" uk hiking day they don't have the space...might be useful if "Notmandatory" gave a bit more info on the "typical" type of non-camera gear to be carried...if it's anything like mine then a photography pack won't do the job...

My Tamrac Adventure 7 fits all my camera gear together with a waterproof coat and little else, no chance of carrying additional clothing/first aid kit/maps etc..not to mention lunch !!

simon
 
Have a look at the Lowepro Primus AW or the Tamrac Aero Speed 85
They might be closer to your needs.
 
I have a Lowepro Slingshot which enables me to get at the camera quickly when needed, and serves well. However it does not contain much and you need to plan what will be carried.

This week I have added a Tamrac Expo 7 backpack to hold all of the kit, at which it is excellent, but it does not have the easy accessibility of the Lowepro.

I guess the real answer is to acquire a selection of packs and bags to meet your intended needs, as just one will not do all jobs.
 
simonkit said:
The lowepro/Tamrac etc are decent camera bags but reading the OPs brief and considering what you need to carry for a "normal" uk hiking day they don't have the space...might be useful if "Notmandatory" gave a bit more info on the "typical" type of non-camera gear to be carried...if it's anything like mine then a photography pack won't do the job...
Click to expand...

Normally I'm walking with my partner, so he would be carrying a rucksack and I wouldn't need to carry very much. I would only carry the one bag if we were going for a short hike - 3-5 miles and an easy route - and the weather was good (not that that's ever guaranteed!). So I'd probably want to carry two bottles of water, one map just in case, a spare t-shirt, a very small first aid kit, sunglasses, that sort of thing. I don't tend to like walking in hot weather, so I'd usually be wearing my waterproof or have it tied around my waist (same for hubby). Being able to fit two waterproofs in the bag would definitely be a bonus, but I'm thinking that would be too much to ask for!

Erin
 
The top compartment in a Fastpack 350 comfortably fits a safety helmet, gloves, goggles & a high-vis vest :D
 
I have a Lowepro Fastpack 350 and it's fine for fairly flat walks, but not so great if any of your routes involved scrambling or climbing. Ideally, you want to be able to carry enough of the essential, non-photographic equipment yourself in case the worst happens and you get stranded on your own.

I was looking to replace my 350 with something from the F-Stop range, but they're having issues with supply so my Christmas present never materialised. So, I'm still looking now.

See this thread for the responses I got when I asked about a suitable bag for trekking.
 
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