Better backpack for laptop/camera

[DSL_PWR]

I have a Lowepro 350AW which is a sling bag and I am not really happy with it when loaded up. Anyone have any better solutions as I think I want to go with a full back pack now.

I know that Lowepro has a few, are there any others that could be recommended?

Thanks...

[Carl Stone]

You might want to look at Think Tank offerings.

[groovyone]

I use a Fastpack 350 with my 16.4" Sony and my work 17" HP. Works great.

[Kalrog]

I have 2... a Tenba messenger bag for the daily use (with just the camera and attached lens - maybe a flash). And a think tank for when I want to go heavy (with everything). The Think Tank with all the gear is too heavy for daily use so it stays at home most of the time.

[DSL_PWR]

Awesome... Thanks I will check those out..

[snakesat]

The KATA is a great bag. Great for hiking. I believe they make one with a laptop section. Check this one out, may be more than you want. I have the R-102, its a great bag.

Kata | R-106 Rucksack | KT R-106 | B&H Photo Video

[mmuhlenkamp]

I recently got a LowePro Flipside 400AW that I'm very happy with, even fully loaded it feels a lot better than my shoulder bag (though the shoulder bag is lower profile). It holds a lot and isn't terrible in price.

ETA: This bag can hold a small laptop if necessary, but isn't actually built to hold one. I forgot about that part of your requirement. LowePro backpacks are pretty nice though, so maybe a different style would work for you.

[DSL_PWR]

Thanks I will look into those listed as well.

[brewercm]

When taking my laptop with me I use my Lowepro Compudaypack Lowepro - CompuDaypack

My day to day bag is the Lowepro Slingshot 200 AW when I dont ned my laptop or too much other gear.Lowepro - SlingShot 200 AW

[dryicerx]

Originally Posted by groovyone

I use a Fastpack 350 with my 16.4" Sony and my work 17" HP. Works great.

Another chime for the fastpack 350. My friend has the fastpack 350 and I have the fastpack 250, their excellent. (350 is just a tad bit bigger). My favorite is the ability to just quickly take the camera out through the side without anything else coming out.

[athompson]

I have the KATA R-103, which is an R102 with a laptop slot. Very happy with it. Comfortable and holds a lot of stuff. typically I have three bodies (D2x, D2H, D70, 70-200, 18-70, 50, three Nikon flash units, extra batteries, and there is still room for cables, tickets, etc etc. Good protection for your gear. Highly recommended.
-ANDY

[Dobick]

don't overlook tamrac's bags -- they have some very nice options that hold a lot of gear

[Tommy1005]

I have a naneu pro that I bought for my Alaska trip and I like it alot. Swallowed my laptop, chargers, cables, XSi w/ grip, 24-105, 100-400, 50 f/1.8, and strapped my tripod on top for walking around. Mine is a messenger bag, but has a single mesh backpack stap that attaches to it. The one I bought is the Tango-N. When I buy another one it will be the Alpha-L. The nice thing is that I bought it at Houston Camera Co-op on Durham. The only reason why I would prefer the Alpha is that with all the gear in it got a little heavy carrying it on one shoulder by the end of the day. A backpack would balance the load a little better. It's a well made case though and fills the roll nicely.

[Linn_Boyd]

I tell you what I hadn't looked at Think Tank until Canon sent me a Think Tank Glass Taxi as a thank you for being a CPS member. This thing is great, I just ordered some more Think Tank pieces because of how nice what they sent was.

[Carl Stone]

Originally Posted by Linn_Boyd

I tell you what I hadn't looked at Think Tank until Canon sent me a Think Tank Glass Taxi as a thank you for being a CPS member. This thing is great, I just ordered some more Think Tank pieces because of how nice what they sent was.

I have been really impressed with the Think Tank offerings that I own, and I would absolutely look at them for any future needs. Designed by photographers, and that is what sets them apart. I have yet to see any other make that is better made.

Of course everyone has their own favorites. But, I own two Lowepro shoulder bags, and the last one that I got, a D650AW, is a disappointment. When loaded with gear it won't even set up straight, it tilts forward onto it's front. I really have to be careful when I open it up, as it easily tilts forward, and some of the loaded gear could fall out. It's a design flaw, IMO. My older Lowepro bag doesn't do that, nor did my Tamrac that was sold to a BIL. I like the access that the newer Lowepro gives me, and the all weather rating, but that doesn't offset the basic stability issue that really gives me pause.

Yes, I know this thread is about back packs, but, it should be noted that not all designs of bags, shoulder or back pack, or what have you, are what they're cracked up to be. No matter where I purchase a new bag, I will first find a local dealer to check them out for myself before I commit. YMMV