Backpack advice?

SkvLTD

Senior Member
Even checking out a big local shop still left me completely at a stand-still as to what bag could suit me. My criteria are: fit all my main junk (70-200, 24-85, 90 macro, SB910 (+probably a YN565EX), d600, and 12" laptop plus all the little things like batteries and so on. Preferably nicely waterproof in one way or another, and not any bigger than what it needs be. Price hopefully in 100-150 range.

Mostly want proper padding and rain safety as my regular old backpack is hardly up for that kind of task right now.

Closest I've seen was I believe Manfrotto pack at BestBuy for $99, but I don't think that had waterproofing nor laptop compartment.
 

SkvLTD

Senior Member
@gqtuazon checked out one and 1/3 the shop were backpacks and nothing that quite fit my size/laptopability criteria. That actually surprised the heck out of me.
 

Dave_W

The Dude
I spent many years using a backpack and as long as you travel light, it's fine but once I moved into larger bodies/lenses, my backpack turned out to be a complete failure. I now use a shoulder bag. Not only can it hold more gear, it's actually far more handy on-the-fly than my backpack ever was. I use a Tamrac 5612 Pro 12 bag and while it's fine and holds quite a bit, I wish I had gone with the larger 5613 bag.
 

MrF

Senior Member
Look at the Tamrac Evolution series too. Has a laptop slot and rain cover. I have an Evolution 8 and fit my D7000, 18-105, 75-300, and 35mm 1.8G with all their hoods in the bottom with no problem. Plenty of room in the top for the speedlight and other accessories along with two external pockets. The 10 is even bigger if you need more room.
 

SkvLTD

Senior Member
Tamracs look pretty good. Also remembered that during October I will virtually live in NYC on weekends, so will be lots of Adorama/BnH flocking involved and both carry just about all of these packs.
 

SkvLTD

Senior Member
So this is what I ended up getting in the end-
DSLR Pro Camera Backpack by Incase

Fits all my current gear with enough room for that 24-70 and a 2nd flash in the future. Allows you to stick 70-200 mounted for quick access. And unlike just about ALL other bags I sniffed and licked @ BnH, this one does not waste space nor size. Front section has a nice room for a few extras too.
 

SkvLTD

Senior Member
Well, its quick access isn't as quick as the ones made on the side of the body of other packs, else I like the fact that the main interior is completely customizable. I even used extra dividers to make a little gap from the very bottom in case I take a spill and everything goes straight down. The long pieces have 1 end without velcro for use with the top, so its like having extra pockets with flaps for quick access- I did for my flash and cam battery charger.

Else its pretty comfortable to wear and straight-forward. Lack of a waist strap is also a plus for me since I never use them and they always end up just dangling around.
 

STM

Senior Member
This is what I use. Since I do a lot of nature photography and wear my issue BDU camouflage uniform, I wanted a bag that was roomy but matched the camouflage that I was wearing. Mismatched camouflage can be as distracting as none as all This one is pretty roomy (25L) and comes with an extra bag which can be attached to the main bag. None of them will fit my mm f/4 beast so I just wind up carrying it.

Amazon.com: Dakine Mission Photo Backpack, 25-Liter, Camo: Sports & Outdoors
 
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