Recommend me a Backpack

[byronling]

I am on my quest to find the perfect backpack. I was set on the Dakine Sequence or the Burton Zoom for a while, but decided they would not be able to hold my 15" Powerbook.

So here are my specs:
I dont carry a ton of photo equiptment, but would want a backapck with photostyle dividers/protection. My last trip to South America with my body and lenses wrapped in clothes was so annoying.

I only carry a 20D, 24-105L, 10-22 and perhaps a 70-200, but not often. Other than the normal batteries, charger, cards, and a portable storage device, thats about it for photo stuff.

In addition, I would like a slot for a 15" notebook, as I also carry my computer somtimes. I also need some room for spare items, as this also serves as a daypack and not just photo gear. (ie raincoat, knife, food, water canteen etc)

I really like the back access design of the Burton and Dakine, but it seems once the camera block is in, there is very little room for anything else, and not even a computer.

I've also looked at the Computrekkers, but they dont seem to have any space for anything other than camera gear. I also dont like the kind of Tamrac design with the camera gear in the bottom compartment.

Any suggestions would be appreciated,

Byron

[Dah-Dee]

National Geographic NG-5737 Earth Explorer: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=176&A=details&Q=&sku=428389&is=REG&addedTroughType=categoryNavigation

:shock:



Kata HB-207 GDC Hiker Backpack: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=176&A=details&Q=&sku=368034&is=REG&addedTroughType=categoryNavigation

Kata R-103 GDC Rucksack: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=176&A=details&Q=&sku=368038&is=REG&addedTroughType=categoryNavigation

Lowepro CompuRover AW Backpack: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=176&A=details&Q=&sku=388729&is=REG&addedTroughType=categoryNavigation
:?:

[purelithium]

A lot of people like the Tamrac Adventure series, too

I personally LOVE the National Geographic bags. I really can't get enough of them. haha

[bigman606]

Does the Kata R-103 come with the TRT Tripod Holder pouch?

[Hollywood703]

I use a Dynatran Ab-1633, will hold a 15.4" Dell so yours should be fine. Extra back padding between you and the laptop, then more between the laptop and the Camera equipment. Lots of Room for accessories....Do a search on Ebay for ab-1633 they run under $50 shipped, just dont get into a bidding war. I am glad i bought it , and more glad that i didnt waste an extra $100 just to get a "name" bag.

also, It has a waist strap to take some of the weight off the shoulders.

[byronling]

thanks for the recommendation

does anyone know if a Dakine Ridge w/ camera block willl hold a 15" powerbook WITH the camera block in?

Thanks
Byron

[deadpass]

Crumpler Keystone, Whickey and Cox, or Karachi Outpost. depending on the size you want.

[Dah-Dee]

Kata R-103 GDC Rucksack: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=176&A=details&Q=&sku=368038&is=REG&addedTroughType=categoryNavigation


Does the Kata R-103 come with the TRT Tripod Holder pouch?


From the 'Features' tab on the linked product page:

"The R-103 includes a TST tripod holder with its connecting V shape device and an upper adjustable strap (the tripod can be carried on the central part of the Rucksack or on one of the sides)."

Hope this helps.

[Faolan]

An additional bonus of the Kata range some of their backpacks can be converted to trolley loaders. This is one of the reasons why I am seriously looking at some of their kit now.

[unferth]

I've got a Delsey pro and it's got plenty of room for all manner of things....

I've had in it.... (all at once)

1 - 15" Asus V6j notebook
1 - 20d
1 - 70-300 4-5.6 IS
1 - 17-55 2.8 IS (mounted)
1 - 50 1.8
1 - Canon HV10 HDV camcorder
2 - Metz 58-AF1-C (awesome btw)

And the front was full of other stuff.. filters, cf cards batteries and chargers (for aa's and for the bp511a) AC adapter for the notebook.....

It's also got a rain cover that hides nicely against your back... Has straps to attach a tripod...

I think that's it.......

[J3ffro]

I've got a Lowepro Computrekker plus AW and I love it. I might be a little bit for your gear, you'd probably have a few empty compartments, but it holds a notebook, camera gear, and a tripod nicely.

[byronling]

I've considered the Computrekker Series, and still am.

I dont know your gear setup, but how do the other compartments hold other accesories, ie a fleece or raincoat?

Thanks

[terriyaki]

Crumpler Customary Barge. It sounds like it's perfect for you.

I wanted a bag that could carry my gear along with my laptop if need be as well as random every day essentials such as an extra sweater, books, and a lunch. The Customary Barge covers all of those bases.

In the camera compartment I can fit my XTi w/ grip w/ 24-105/4L IS attached, 17-40/4L, 70-200/4L IS, 50/1.8, 430ex, and all of my other accessories like extra CF cards, cables, blowers and what not.

Edit: If you want to go slightly smaller there's also the Sinking Barge. The camera compartment I think is roughly the same size. My brother is able to fit his XTi w/ grip w/ 17-55/2.8 IS attached, 10-22, 70-200/4L IS, 50/1.8, 430ex, and all of his other accessories in there. It's the main compartment and laptop compartment that are smaller.

[Az2Africa]

I take the National Geographic medium to Africa and love it. The large is a bit too big for me. I still get all the main camera gear and a flash you see in my signature in it.
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=176&A=details&Q=&sku=428388&is=REG&addedTroughType=categoryNavigation

[Tapeman]

I like Lowepro back packs. Mini Trekker AW II or Nature Trekker AW II for larger, heavier loads.

[takatumi]

it seems like i'm looking for a similar bag as some ppl on here. Has anyone have any of the following bags? Ive been researching and its really hard to find some of these in the stores to actually see them in real life. Keep in mind that im a newbie to the digital photography world(used to shoot more film until my camera broke years back), I am not as hardcore as alot of the people on the forum, and I want something that is functional and looks decent. I have had a couple dakine packs in the past and liked the look of them. I'm looking for something similar possibly and i want it to have some room to throw a change of clothes in and use as a carryon bag when i travel and a walkaround bag elsewhere.

Lowepro: Dryzone Rover, Rover Plus AW, or Rover AW II
Dakine: Ridge or Guide pack with the camera block
Burton: AK 29 Zoom

Any help will be appreciated. thanks all. Sorry also if anything has been covered already. theres soo much content on this board.

[chet79]

Crumpler Customary Barge. It sounds like it's perfect for you.

In the camera compartment I can fit my XTi w/ grip w/ 24-105/4L IS attached, 17-40/4L, 70-200/4L IS, 50/1.8, 430ex, and all of my other accessories like extra CF cards, cables, blowers and what not.

I too have a Customary Barge, and I can't struggle to fit SOME of that gear in my camera compartment. ATM, I have my 30d + Sigma 17-70 attached, 50/1.8 and 55-200 (kit lens). I can put my 430ex in the front pocket.

Do you mind posting a pic or two of how you fit all your gear in?

[NoLight]

Crumpler Keystone, Whickey and Cox, or Karachi Outpost. depending on the size you want.


My vote also!!!!

[tunin]

I keep suggesting this site, it helps quite a bit: www.cambags.com