New Bag on the way.

[iamntxhunter]

I just ordered the Tamarac 5588 Expedition 8X series. I am ready to get my hands on it and I will post up what my initial thoughts are on it. Anyone else have this backpack? If so give me your thoughts. Here is a link for those that would like to check it out. Hit the demo icon that is under the picture of the bag and it will play a short video showing the layout of the bag.

Tamrac 5588 Expedition 8x Backpack (Black) 558801 B&H Photo

[iamntxhunter]

Well I got my bag yesterday so here are my initial thoughts on it.

Here are the Pros.
1. Build quality seens to be top notch with great zippers and has solid stitching.
2. Room galore. For those that like to take a lot of gear in a remote area to shoot this bag is up to the job.
3. This bag is laid out really well with ease of access overall.
4.Plenty of room for your laptop and well protected.
5.This bag has great straps that evenly distributes the weight across your hips and your shoulders. ( I only kept it on for 30 minutes so that was not fully tested on a long hike.)
6. Even though it is heavy to pick up with your arms (fully loaded) once you have it on your back it is comfortable with more than adequate padding.
7.Tripod straps are strong and functional that hold a tripod very well.

Here are the Cons.

So far none. I would have to have this on my back for a while and really put it through some repetative use to find some I think. Right now nothing has jumped out at me.
My one comment I guess is that this is a backpack only. You would not want to try and use this as a bag at all for anything other than what it is designed for which is a backpack. So right now I would have to give this a rating of 8. Not because I found anything really wrong with it but with very limited time of having my hands on it I want to leave some room for that number to be moved up if it is warranted. If you have any questions let me know.

[stephenpinn]

I just received my 5589 9x, the thing is HUGE, think I may need a bag support when it is filled up :)

[Abel]

great write up about the bag... i remember I bought a lowepro phototrekker bag without see it in person. got it from ebay new and as soon as it came it i realized how big it was and relisted it on ebay immediately! way too big for me and my small rig at the time. lol

[Flea77]

I looked at one of these before getting my Tenba. It just was not "for me". I remember it was pretty well laid out and very well built, just did not sit well for me. I am sure you will enjoy it for years to come. Congrats!

Allan