The pefect DSLR backpack/ College student edition

[mscognamiglio15]

​Hey Guys! ,

I'm looking into what I thought would be an easy and quick buy. Shortly after googling "DSLR backpack", I realized how many options there are! What I seem to be looking for is impossible. I want a bag I can use for school, while at the same time bring along my Camera and some lenses. I will also be using the bag for hiking. The ideal bag for me (as a college student) includes:
-Space for one DSLR + 3-4 lenses
-One 15.6 laptop
-Tripod holder
-Hold some binders and a book/s
-Some space for bits and bobs......

Now this seems to be a difficult find....but so far I have some ideas...but from the looks of it, none of them looks like they can carry any books.

Does anyone have similar needs? I would love to have any suggestions!


This is what I have so far:
Mountainsmith Spectrum http://mountainsmith.com/index.php/camera/spectrum.html

Lowepro Fastpac 250 AW

Vivitar DKS-20 Vivitar DKS-20 Photo/SLR/Laptop Sling Backpack, VIV-DKS-20 B&H

Case Logic SRC 206 Case Logic SLRC-206 SLR Camera/Laptop Backpack SLRC-206 B&H

 

[jdeg]

I have the Fastpack 250 and I love it. Getting out the camera without taking off the pack is amazing, especially when traveling. The only thing it doesn't have is the tripod strap, but I see that the AW version does, although it's about $30 more expensive right now.

 

[MrF]

Here are some that I was looking at when I was trying to make a similar decision. Although the requirement to carry books makes it a little more complex. I wound up settling on the Tamrac Evolution 8, and it's been great, but again, I'm not carrying books in it too. I settled on it because it'll fit under an airline seat, so there's no risk of having to gate check it and have my gear abused by the baggage handlers. The two Tenbas might be the closest to fitting your requirements. There are definitely more brands out there than you listed in your post, but some of them can get pricy.

Amazon.com: Tamrac 5788 Evolution 8 Photo/Laptop Sling Backpack (Brown/Tan): Camera & Photo

Amazon.com: Clik Elite CE713BK Pro Express, Black: Camera & Photo

Amazon.com: Tenba 632-512 Shootout Backpack Ultralight (Silver/Black): Camera & Photo

Amazon.com: Tenba Discovery 637-331 Large Photo Daypack - Black/Gray: Camera & Photo

Hope this helps!

 

[mscognamiglio15]

First off, thanks for the replys!! MrF: I do like the look of the evolution 8, but it is lacking in space for a book or binders ( I will not be carrying a crazy amount, just a couple) It is also on the pricey side, I failed to meniton that I want to spend around $100-130. SO that will have a large impact...lol.

Jdeg: How much space is there in the storage? could you put a slim binder? maybe in the laptop compartment? (Laptop+ slim binder)?

Thanks for the help!

 

[jdeg]

I can fit my 17" laptop in there even though it says it's for 15", but it might be a little much with a binder in there too. I guess it depends on how slim your computer is. Mine is about an inch. You could definitely fit a binder on its own.

 

[PapaST]

If I were you I'd get a good backpack that you liked and didn't mind hauling around campus and just buying a Mountainsmith Camera Cube to fit as a sleeve in your backpack.

Mountainsmith Kit Cube

I have a camera backpack (Tamrac Adventure 9) but for hiking, biking and going around campus I'd use my Osprey bike backpack with the Moutainsmith Camera insert. I have the Momentum before they recently updated it (not really digging the new style).