Camera bag backpack

[mmuhlenkamp]

Originally Posted by Melany

I need to narrow my search peramiters LOL
Under $200 (I ain't rich!)
I've never carried my laptop in the camera bag, so I don't need that option.
Tripod pocket thingie
Waterbottle pocket
Camera body
5-6 lenses (plus the flash would be nice, but not necessary cos I hardly ever use it)
Filters
Other accessories
Maybe a "snack compartment"

WHO pays $500.00 for a backpack? seriously!

I think the Lowepro 400AW would fit all you need. There's two mesh pockets on the either side (hold water bottle or flash), a tripod pocket thingy and a pretty good sized pouch on the back (away from the main compartment) for snacks and accessories. It really holds a lot without breaking the bank.

[Tom]

Originally Posted by Melany

WHO pays $500.00 for a backpack? seriously!

If is going to protect thousands of dollars worth of camera gear, it sounds like a good investment.

[crbeveri]

Originally Posted by Tom

If is going to protect thousands of dollars worth of camera gear, it sounds like a good investment.

+1 to this.... I would rather spend 500$ now on a bag that I know will hold up to what I put it through than spend 100$ on a bag and then thousands later replacing what it couldn't protect.....

However, I will say that just because it's cheaper means it wont protect. I use a Tenba Large messenger bag that hold 1 body (pro or not) and anywhere from 3 to 5 lenses depending on the glass. The bag runs about 100$ and is great b/c no one I have ever run across realizes it's a camera bag. Currently, (as I sit in the airport waiting for my flight) my bag has my 5D2, 70-200 2.8 II, 24-105, 15mm fisheye, charger, computer, 480 EXII flash, extra memory cards, card reader, external hard drive, and a rapid camera strap.

There's many options but the thing about being crazy to spend 500$ is not crazy when it comes to protect your investment.

[LWimages]

Originally Posted by Melany

WHO pays $500.00 for a backpack? seriously!

I have an Airport Addicted 2.0 that I use often on my travel gigs. I can always carry this on the plane, granted that it's gotta have a large enough over head bin. Airport Addicted

Seriously, carrying all those gears requires a bag that will have ample protection for them, and those bags don't come cheap.

[Melany]

True. I hate airports, and I'll DRIVE before flying again.
I carry my stuff myself, and to be honest, I'm more worried about theft than damage. As long as stuff is packed properly, I think it'll be as safe in a $100. bag as it will be in a $500. bag.

Now, if I was flying all the time (and had to check my stuff!) I'd for sure be more worried about it. Maybe when my ship comes in and I get to take that African safari I'll spend $500 or more.

I suspect all my research this morning doesn't matter anyhow. Hubby and son have been shopping, and I know they went to the camera shop. I just hope I don't have to return it LOL (and if he spent $500. I'll kill him!)

[crbeveri]

Originally Posted by Melany

True. I hate airports, and I'll DRIVE before flying again.
I carry my stuff myself, and to be honest, I'm more worried about theft than damage. As long as stuff is packed properly, I think it'll be as safe in a $100. bag as it will be in a $500. bag.

Now, if I was flying all the time (and had to check my stuff!) I'd for sure be more worried about it. Maybe when my ship comes in and I get to take that African safari I'll spend $500 or more.

I suspect all my research this morning doesn't matter anyhow. Hubby and son have been shopping, and I know they went to the camera shop. I just hope I don't have to return it LOL (and if he spent $500. I'll kill him!)

NEVER CHECK your gear when flying!!!1 NEVER!!!!.... always carry your gear on the plane with you.

[Ty_]

I just ordered a Kata PL220. It has most of what you require. It does have a laptop compartment that you don't want. It's $179.95 at Amazon.com. I was looking for almost the same thing as you but I did need laptop storage. I checked out many of the bags mentioned here and many of them are fine bags. The thing that swayed me to the Kata is that the "gut" strap, the lower strap that goes around your waist, is sewn into most of the other bags like the Lowepro. It is removable on the Kata. I'm thinking that with the hot weather we get here, I need the air circulation better than the support that the strap offers. Plus I can always put it back on if I'm going on a long hike.
It's really light empty. It has a couple different ways that you can mount a tripod. It also has a reversable cover. One side is for rain protection and the other side is reflective to protect from the heat. There are two removable compartments that go in the main storage area. I'm not sure what I'll use them for but it's nice to have that option. The Kata also seemed to have more pockets spread around the bag than others.

Happy Birthday! I hope you get your wish!

[ggeen]

I use a Tamerac Expidition 7x which is a large backpack with room for up to a 17 inch slim profile laptop (MacBook Pro fit nicely). The 5x is a medium size bag which may be more practical. I had this bag on the plane round trip to Hawaii in 2010 so I know that it fits under the seat and in the overhead bin. The 7x has a waist strap as well to help control the pack when being worn.

In the bag as pictured from top of bag, clockwise:
D700 with grip
50mm f1.4
35mm f2
85mm f1.4
105mm f2 Micro
TC-20E
SB-600 and rocket blower
24-70mm f2.8
70-200mm f2.8 (center)

[Melany]

Well,
They came home with a Lowepro Pro Trekker 400AW. This thing is HUGE!
I just can't see me hiking, wearing it. If I WERE to fill it up with lenses, it would be to heavy for me to carry LOL Thank GOD they didn't have to pay $375. for it.

I think I'll visit the camera shop and look at the smaller version ;-)

[PhotoTexas58]

For what it is worth, the Amazon Deal of the Day features two Case Logic backpacks for under $56. I'm ordering the Case Logic SLRC-206 SLR Camera and 15.4-Inch Laptop Backpack (Black) for $55.34 & this item ships for FREE with Super Saver Shipping.

[Melany]

Originally Posted by mmuhlenkamp

I have this bag Lowepro Flipside 400AW.

I made a thread a while back that has a photo of all that I crammed into it...
Lowepro Flipside 400AW

I like it because main compartment opens to your back and allows you to get to stuff without have to take the backpack off. Nice if it's muddy or just no good place to set anything. It still needs to be supported with your leg, especially if fully loaded, but isn't too hard to mess with. I wish it would stay on it's bottom more steadily when on the ground and it would be nice if it opened up a bit more fully for packing away, other than that I like it a lot.

My only REAL problem is now is that now I have a laptop and this has no laptop compartment.

Originally Posted by Melany

Well,
They came home with a Lowepro Pro Trekker 400AW. This thing is HUGE!
I just can't see me hiking, wearing it. If I WERE to fill it up with lenses, it would be to heavy for me to carry LOL Thank GOD they didn't have to pay $375. for it.

I think I'll visit the camera shop and look at the smaller version ;-)

I went back to the store today with that big honkin' bag and asked the girl if I can exchange it. She says "Sure!" and asks with a smirk "did you want something bigger or smaller?"

I swapped it for the Lowepro Flipside 400, and a little over $100. credit back to my bank account

I'm much happier, and my bank account is happier.

Thanks for all your help!

[LWimages]

Congrats on the first of many bags :)

No sure if anyone told you, but there was a sale at Amazon.com:

http://amzn.to/pylKT0

[Melany]

Originally Posted by LWimages

Congrats on the first of many bags :)

I'm on bag # 3. Each one is bigger than the last, and holds more stuff!

[truongdo]

I have an Ape Case Pro Backpack. Does anyone know if this fit the plane overhead compartment? This thing look huge, I'm afraid once I take it on a trip with me the airline will force me to check-in my gears.

[FrayAdjacent]

Originally Posted by Tom

If is going to protect thousands of dollars worth of camera gear, it sounds like a good investment.

This is perfectly valid logic. IF you're either VERY hard on your gear (klutz, not careful, don't care about it) or you're going to be in extreme environments where unintentional damage may easily occur.

I just ordered

this

this

bag for use with my camera, gear and laptop. I'm very gentle and careful with my equipment, so I expect I won't have any problems.