Need Camera Bag Recommendations

[LR Max]

So I'm looking for a specific bag for a specific application. Basically, I'm looking for a day hike backpack with a nice camera compartment in it. Pretty much all the camera backpacks I've seen don't have any extra storage space for a lunch, rain gear, etc. So a backpack with a lot of normal-people storage space and a small space to store a DSLR with one lens mounted (maybe a little bit of storage for a 50mm as well) would be great. I'm not going to carry a bunch of lenses, probably a 24-70 or a 10-22 or the 18-200 or something like that already mounted on my DLSR body.

I prefer Lowepro, I've got like, 4 of their camera bags and I like their stuff. However any recommendation would be great.

Thanks!

 

[ISUHawkeye]

I carry my gear in a GoRuck GR2. It's not designed to be a camera bag, but it works great for me.

 

[Pathfinder]

Look at some of the bags from Crumpler to carry photo gear and a sandwich and a jacket, like the Farmers Double, but it is not apparently still made. Maybe The Sinking Barge, then which is similar, or The Karachi Outpost.. -- http://www.cambags.com/bag-type/sho...er-bags/item/327-crumpler-farmers-double.html http://www.crumpler.com/US/Camera-Bags/Camera-Backpacks/Sinking-Barge-Deluxe.html http://www.crumpler.com/US/Camera-Bags/Camera-Backpacks/Karachi-Outpost-M.html

They are not cheap, lightweight bags, but heavy nylon fabric ( 1000 nylon denier ) built for the long haul and hard use. I own two Crumpler bags, and they both have sen hard use without a whimper. I also own Lowe Pro and a couple Kibokos, but Crumpler bags do have their uses, especially if you are going to carry other gear than just photo gear.

http://www.crumpler.com/us/Camera-Bags.html?LanguageCode=EN

 

[ywen]

This bag is essentially made for what you described.. I've got one and it works great

 

[maxingout]

I like Lowepro, but I have gone away from the bigger bags to smaller ones for each camera that I carry. I have three cameras with three lenses - wide angle, telephoto, and macro each mounted to a camera body and in it's own case.

Why three cases? Security is better with three cases. I have a Tuffy security box that holds all three cameras with attached lenses. Using this arrangement, I can take whatever camera I need for the desired shots, and the other camera/cameras remain securely locked up in the tuffy security box which is bolted to the floor of my Landrover.

Now when I leave my vehicle and go to take pictures, I don't have to take all of my gear with me. I merely lock up the equipment that I will not use.

Sometimes you choose your camera case because it is great on the trail. Other times, you choose camera cases because they can be locked securely when you are away from the vehicle. I used to carry a ton of gear because I did not want it to get stolen. Now I carry only what I need in my modular cases.

 

[Lostmanifesto]

I have been using a Tamrac Adventure 9 pack for 6 years. It has been all over the entire US on countless assignments in off-road trails. Enough room for a Canon 1-series body (or smaller body) with 24-70 mounted, two more lenses, flash, etc. The top compartment will hold food and a light jacket. Side pounches hold 32oz Nalgene bottles perfect and it also has a laptop section where I carry my 15-inch MacBook Pro. Love this bag and have found nothing that compares in the past 6 years. http://www.tamrac.com/5549.htm

 

[goodtimes]

I have a Lowepro Fastpack 250 that works pretty well. The top 1/2 (maybe a little less . . .) is basic open storage with a couple of smaller pockets sewn in on the sides (plenty of room for a rain jacket & lunch), the bottom half is camera storage with somewhat customizable dividers.

The camera compartment access wraps around the back and left side of the pack - so you can just unzip the side (double pull zipper) and slide the camera out - no need to stop and open the whole thing up. I can pull my camera out without taking the pack off - just slip out of one shoulder strap, slide it around front, & pull the camera from the side opening. You can also push both pulls around to the back, which is subsequently covered by a flap (secured with a pair of plastic buckles), making it much more difficult to open without the person wearing it knowing (pick pockets, etc).

I don't like the fact that it pretty much screams "tourist". Even with a light load, it holds it's shape, so it looks like it's absolutely stuffed. I don't think it will ever get that nice worn in look. It also comes with a waist strap/hip belt. I guess that would be OK if you were doing some technical climbing or something . . . I don't really like it. I don't carry big loads with it, so I don't need to put any of the weight on my hips like you do when you're backpacking. A sharp knife or razor blade can fix that problem though.

 

[LR Max]

Thanks for all of the replies! I now have a few options...when before I didn't have any!

@maxingout, yes, I have camera bags based on what I want to do. I've got a Lowepro Nova 2 that holds my "grab n' go" setup. I use this A LOT. Its one DSLR with a lens, one 50mm lens, and a strobe. Some little extra crap like note pad, cards, batteries, etc. It works great. Then I've got a big photo backpack for when I want to carry everything with me. This is also my primary work bag so it is setup for working (and works great!). Easy to get to and I've got it strapped to my body.

This bag would be minimalist in terms of photography. As mentioned, probably just one lens that would be attached to the DSLR. Then space for another small lens or a strobe. Then keep the extras to a minimum (when having fun, I rarely use more than 4gb). This bag will be primarily hiking with a nice camera compartment.

Thanks again for the suggestions!

 

[BretEdge]

Not mentioned but I feel the very best backpacks on the market for adventure photography are made by f-stop gear. I've been using their Tilopa BC for about 18 months. It's super comfortable, bomb-proof, carries a ton of camera and day hiking gear. It's also modular so you swap out what they call the ICU (internal camera unit) to carry as much or as little camera gear as you need. I've carried mine for many miles and many hours without ever suffering from poor suspension. Their packs aren't cheap but they're the best on the market. In fact, I like them so much I'll be selling them at my gallery next year.

 

[ywen]

Another idea is you take any of your backpacks.. and then buy this camera cube, and voila.. convert any backpack into a camera carrier + room for the day hike..

http://www.mountainsmith.com/produc...ategoryId=22&subCategoryId=0&subCategory2Id=0

 

[cnynrat]

You might check our Kinesis. They make a full line of photo carrying gear oriented towards outdoor activities. I have one of their holster bags that I use to carry my camera all the time. When I am day hiking I just put it in the top of my regular day pack where it's reasonably accessible.

One of their more innovative ideas is an aluminum pack frame that you can attach a variety of their products to and essentially create your own custom day hiking/photo gear carrying solution. Way overkill for the amount of photo gear I carry, but great for a photog with lots of gear.

I don't think you can beat the quality of their gear. Frankly, I think it surpasses the quality of all the normal recommendations you will get.

 

[Anderson11]

I have a couple of backpack style camera bags they can travel anywhere with me including small commuter flights
one backpack holds two dSLR's four lenses and all the accessories i will need and the large one can hold larger
lenses like the 200-400 mm and a monopod..

 

[Kiddmen57]

If you haven't already purchased a bag, I highly recommend Clik Elite. I have a medium hiker which is no longer offered and it can fit a ton of stuff plus regualr hike stuff, plus has a sleeve for hydration bladder and built in rain fly. They've expanded their range quite a lot since I bought mine. Very very very well made.

 

[FireGirl_Photo]

LowePro makes solid bags. I have several of theirs (backpack and shoulder) and am always impressed with the functionality and durability. For light day trips, I have a very old canvas backpack with a lower camera compartment that will fit a body with up to a 300mm lens, and extra room in the top compartment for a second lens. It's a good bags to have if I know the situation where I'm headed and know exactly what kit I need to bring.

(source: newspaper staff photographer / professional freelance photographer)

 

[owlxxx]

you probably already bought one. But in case anyone else comes in this thread looking at options, I bought the lowepro slingshot 202. I've had it for a year and I hike with it often. It still looks new and it carries everything I need. When I was in bridgeport last august, I was in the middle of a hike and a storm moved in quickly. Lucky for me, the bag has a built in all weather cover. I just slipped it over the bag and nothing got wet. It's really quick and easy to reach in and grab something out of the bag while wearing it.