Camera Backpacs?

Creagerj · 03-07-2010

So I've been dragging my D200 and lenses around in an ordinary camera bag for some time now and I'm getting tired of it. It is just too much weight for one shoulder to bear all day long, especially when I am also carrying my backpack with all of my school stuff as well. I need a backpack that will pack my D200 and lenses, as well as my 13" macbook and maybe a very slim binder. Any recommendations?

I have had my eye on the national geographic NG 5159 small backpack. I like it on paper, but I have never seen it in person. Does anyone have any experience with this bag? I would like to get it because it looks nice, but not fancy, and it is made from hemp, which is a big plus. The only thing I don't like is that it doesn't have a waist strap, which probably isn't a big deal because I doubt I will ever carry that much weight.

If you think that this is a good bag, or if you feel that there are better options, please let me know.

ZeissFan · 03-07-2010

LowePro makes backpacks that can handle laptops.

Crumpler also has a couple of backpacks that are laptop-friendly.

But I would bring your Macbook and see if it fits.

My own feeling is that a laptop and a big dSLR is a lot of weight to haul around. I always think that a backpack is the way to go, as you've indicated.

It's not something that you'll notice now, but a backpack (worn properly) will ease a lot of strain off your hips. And when you hit your mid-40s and 50s, your back and hips will thank you.

ZeissFan · 03-07-2010

I have the Crumpler, and it's a decent bag. However, I added some Domke inserts, because otherwise, all your stuff just sits in the bottom without protection.

I can fit a small Sony laptop. Not sure if your Macbook would fit.

By the way, when it comes to camera bags, I usually buy last year's model, which often isn't that different from this year's model, except that stores dump them at half of the price.

Same goes for digital cameras. No reason ever to be the first idiot in line paying full price. Wait for the price to come down. It will -- it's digital. And when the successor model arrives, the price will really come down.

mrisney · 03-07-2010

I have the ThinkTank streetWalker, and I really like it. A backpack, isn't something that you reach into and pull a camera out of quickly. But then again hiking around and setting up my wind angles and carrying gear around, I use it a lot more these days then my Domke F2. I like both bags though, I would recommend the StreetWalker, that's just me, I think it would be fine for a D200. I carry a LumixGH1, a Mamiya 6, and a Contax G2 in it and 6 lenses

rover · 03-07-2010

I have the NG medium pack. It is ok. It is heavier than I prefer, doesn't fit a lot, ergonomically it doesn't carry well with a load, the suspension system is simple, not like a modern bag (Lowe Pro) and it is hot on your back.

It is ok.

ruby.monkey · 03-07-2010

How much camera gear do you carry on a daily basis? My bag, a Crumpler Turkish Shower, provides separate compartments for a 15" laptop, a dSLR body with a couple of mid-sized zoom lenses (padded dividers are included), and general odds and ends. No waist strap but the shoulder straps have an extra connector to secure them if necessary. It also comes with an extra rain cover.

Having said that I tend to carry my camera over my shoulder and just keep spare film and accessories in the bag.

flip · 03-07-2010

I had the karachi outpost crumpler and was disappointed. Nice spine accommodation, but in the end a tamrac worked better for my thin / tall frame. You really have to try them out.

Creagerj · 03-07-2010

Quote:

Originally Posted by ZeissFan

Same goes for digital cameras. No reason ever to be the first idiot in line paying full price. Wait for the price to come down. It will -- it's digital. And when the successor model arrives, the price will really come down.

Couldn't agree more, I buy everything used for the most part.

Creagerj · 03-07-2010

Quote:

Originally Posted by JSU

The LowePro CompuTrekker AW if you anticipate needing to pack a 15" computer and a D3 size body, OR the LowePro Mini Trekker Classic with a computer size specific laptop hard sided sleeve (such as the quality sleeve by Spire) will accommodate a 13" computer and a modest amount of gear.

The CompuTrekker AW is the more modern design and is a better built pack, and what I currently have, but I put many, many miles on a MiniTrekker Classic with a Spire sleeve.

The CompuTrekker is probably over kill in my case. I don't use any zooms so my four prime lenses don't take up a ton of room.

I mainly need a bag that can accommodate a:
-D200 w/grip
-four prime lenses
-metz ct-4
-macbook

ruby.monkey · 03-07-2010

Four lenses? Just how far do you travel to school?

Creagerj · 03-07-2010

Quote:

Originally Posted by ruby.monkey

Four lenses? Just how far do you travel to school?

Not far, but I carry my gear on me almost everywhere I go just in case there is something worth photographing. I've done this ever since a police chase ended right in front of me. The guy crashed, and about 20 seconds later the cops were on him pulling him out of the car and what not. I saw the guy coming down the road really fast and flashing lights in the distance and I knew something was up. I didn't have my camera, and I would have had time to catch a lot of it if I did. I refuse to make that mistake again.

I don't necessarily always take four lenses, sometimes I only take one or two. Likewise, I don't always carry my flash.

Creagerj · 03-07-2010

Quote:

Originally Posted by JSU

You may want to budget some extra space for peripherals such as the computer power supply and extension cord, cell phone charger, camera battery charger, CF card reader and a couple of FW cables, outboard hard drive, headphones, rain poncho, etc....

Good plan.

bennyng · 03-07-2010

I use the Kata 467. Check it out. I think it may fit your requirements quite well. It has a camera compartment that can take a camera and up to 5 lenses. A paded laptop section. Another section for other stuff like sweaters, book, etc. Although it has waist straps, it's not the padded type.

Cheers,

Creagerj · 03-07-2010

Quote:

Originally Posted by bennyng

I use the Kata 467. Check it out. I think it may fit your requirements quite well. It has a camera compartment that can take a camera and up to 5 lenses. A paded laptop section. Another section for other stuff like sweaters, book, etc. Although it has waist straps, it's not the padded type.

Cheers,

That is a pretty nice looking bag, and pretty reasonably priced as well.

I'm not too concerned about waist straps as my backpack has nice padded straps that I never use.

BishT · 03-07-2010

I've used a couple of Lowe backpacks, but my current favorite is the ThinkTank Streetwalker. It's very well designed and built like a tank (go figure!). The shoulder straps are well-padded and there is a waist strap that can be used.... or removed.

Shac · 03-07-2010

I used to use Lowe now use Think Tank - take look at their offerings

Frank Petronio · 03-07-2010

Think Tanks are the best for dedicated pro camera backpacks. But now I just use a $34 EMS daypack that holds my laptop and D300, two lenses, and a ton of other junk. I just use fitted neoprene cases for the photo gear and toss it all in. Seems to work just as well - fast and protective - as any Think Tank, Lowe, etc. I've used so why blow $200 on one of those? Also it doesn't scream "steal me" (although laptops are what the thieves want).

Creagerj · 03-07-2010

Quote:

Originally Posted by Frank Petronio

Think Tanks are the best for dedicated pro camera backpacks. But now I just use a $34 EMS daypack that holds my laptop and D300, two lenses, and a ton of other junk. I just use fitted neoprene cases for the photo gear and toss it all in. Seems to work just as well - fast and protective - as any Think Tank, Lowe, etc. I've used so why blow $200 on one of those? Also it doesn't scream "steal me" (although laptops are what the thieves want).

My current backpack works OK if only want to carry my DSLR and one lens, but I don't feel like it is very safe in there. Also, I like to be organized. I like the NatGeo bags because they don't look like a camera bag, nor do they look like a new bag or a bag that would hold a laptop. The think tank looks really nice, and it is about the same price.

BillBingham2 · 03-07-2010

Quote:

Originally Posted by Creagerj

..... but I don't feel like it is very safe in there......

I kind of think the same thing about backpacks. I was carrying one with some baby stuff and a video camera around late on Queens day a few years back and a few guys tried to look inside. Nothing lost but never felt good about backpacks in crowds again. When I do carry then they are under one arm.

I know it's silly but what about cutting back to two lenses? Perhaps going with a P&S for everywhere (Ricoh GRD III) rather than the D200? Maybe a D40X and two lenses?

Are you trying to solve the wrong problem?

B2 (;->

Creagerj · 03-07-2010

Quote:

Originally Posted by BillBingham2

I kind of think the same thing about backpacks. I was carrying one with some baby stuff and a video camera around late on Queens day a few years back and a few guys tried to look inside. Nothing lost but never felt good about backpacks in crowds again. When I do carry then they are under one arm.

I know it's silly but what about cutting back to two lenses? Perhaps going with a P&S for everywhere (Ricoh GRD III) rather than the D200? Maybe a D40X and two lenses?

Are you trying to solve the wrong problem?

B2 (;->

I'm not a fan of the d40x, had it, and traded it for a D200. It was small in the wrong way, just didn't suit me, also, no AF motor. Don't get me wrong, it's a great little camera, but I love the size of my d200, I love that it is big and fills my hand.

Now the GF-1 or the oly 4/3 I think I could get behind, but I won't be buying a new camera any time soon. Maybe I'll get it as a grad present from my parents and grand parents. Personally, I'm a little tapped out on funds, at least to the extent of being able to get something that I would really want like the oly EP-1.

I'm not so much trying to solve a weight problem, rather I'm trying to solve the problem of carry two bags, one for cameras, the other for schools stuff, it's just awkward that way. I want one bag to carry it all as I'm usually taking both to the same place.

cmogi10 · 03-08-2010

I'd reccomend this one. http://www.naneubags.com/products.mdv?p=ug-u60

I've had it for a couple years now and it's held up well. The size is great for gear+laptop. It's also become my go to carry on bag when I fly.

BillBingham2 · 03-08-2010

Quote:

Originally Posted by Creagerj

....I want one bag to carry it all as I'm usually taking both to the same place.

It's good to be young with a good back!

B2 (;->

ruby.monkey · 03-08-2010

Quote:

Originally Posted by Creagerj

Not far, but I carry my gear on me almost everywhere I go just in case there is something worth photographing. I've done this ever since a police chase ended right in front of me. The guy crashed, and about 20 seconds later the cops were on him pulling him out of the car and what not. I saw the guy coming down the road really fast and flashing lights in the distance and I knew something was up. I didn't have my camera, and I would have had time to catch a lot of it if I did. I refuse to make that mistake again.

I don't necessarily always take four lenses, sometimes I only take one or two. Likewise, I don't always carry my flash.

That's a good reason to keep the camera out at all times and work with only one lens - then all you have to worry about is framing and firing.

Creagerj · 03-08-2010

Quote:

Originally Posted by JSU

I have a set of very small luggage locks, three that are keyed the same, that are supposedly approved by the TSA. I keep the zippers of my LowePro CompuTrekker locked together unless I am actually getting into the pack. It is just an added degree of piece of mind. I take them off during TSA inspections at airports as I believe they would rather cut a lock than fumble for a key. With all the crap I carry, lots of wires, etc., I nearly always have to do a hand check, ...so it goes.

If you are worried about the TSA, check your luggage with a gun...no seriously, put a starter pistol in your bag, and tell them you have a firearm to declare. They will inspect your bag separately, and do it in front of you. On top of that, it goes in a locked container for the duration of the flight so that no one else can get at it.