Camera backpack -which one?

[ullihoeger]

Hi Folks,

20+ years have taken its toll on my current photobag. I recently bought a Tamrac Velocity 9 sling bag. Nice, works great, but a bit to small (escpl. since a Bigma now has to come along). To bad there isn't a Velocity 10 .......
So I am looking right now into a photo backpack to fit all my stuff I want to drag along with me. I narrowed things down to LowePro's Photo Trekker AW II or Nature Trekker AW II. I don't want a shoulder bag again, since the current one proved not very suitable crawling through the woods, it tends to slide off the shoulder and the weight distribution is a bit one sided.
Since I am here in the shopping diaspora I will have no chance to look at either one to ease my decision. On paper the differences appear marginal in size and features, and both would offer the required space.
I would appreciate any comments which one (or maybe a third contender) would be preferable for our trade! Anyone here using either one of the two?

Looking forward to your input.

Thanks

UH

[666taz]

I have a viper assault vest used by the army plenty of pockets my 100-400mm fits in the large pocket plus theirs even a pocket on the back to put a hydration unit in if you want to have a drink on the move mine takes all my gear three lenses cards filters and all the other stuff we carry with us plus its cammo and well built for crawling through the undergrowth lol

[Corvus Corax]

I use a Blackhawk X-1 R.A.P.T.O.R. backpack - you get a whole lot more bag for less money.

http://www.blackhawk.com/product1.asp?P=603D05&C=C1010

You get a bag built to the most exacting standards that comes fitted with a hydration system (an essential item in my opinion).

I regularly cart around an Apo 77, pair of 20D's with grips, 70-200 2.8, flash, macro and wide angle lenses. All of this for all day with no fatigue or shoulder/neck pain.

[ullihoeger]

Thanks guys,

equipped with a Viper vest and a Blackhawk backpack, all photo and birding gear packed up in it for carry-on how far will I get when I leave the cab at the airport?

On the other hand when I get on the plane I don't have to wait till it lands. I can just parachute in with my gear and save on ground transportation to the destination............

o:D

Tempted but still more interested in a designated Photo backpack......

UH

P.S. I recently got a pretty decent priced, excellent quality photo-vest from these guys.
http://cgi.ebay.com/Deluxe-Pro-Photo-Vest-Olive-Khaki-XL_W0QQitemZ160211143243QQihZ006QQcategoryZ15215QQ ssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

[gochasco]

How about sticking with tamrac?
I've got an expedition 5 which is almost big enough to carry all my gear. Canon 40D with battery pack, 100-400. 150mm macro and a 28-105. Plus all the other bits and pieces (batteries, cf cards, remote cord etc) fit in the front pockets.
I've never actually carried a tripod on the front of this pack but it feels secure.
(I say almost as my bins have to go round my neck.)
I am considering getting a bigger bag and will probably go for the expedition 7 as the equivalent Lowepro is just too expensive especially as I'm saving for a gitzo tripod.

[Corvus Corax]

equipped with a Viper vest and a Blackhawk backpack, all photo and birding gear packed up in it for carry-on how far will I get when I leave the cab at the airport?

Hey don't forget to wear your ghillie suit under the Viper :-O

On the other hand when I get on the plane I don't have to wait till it lands. I can just parachute in with my gear and save on ground transportation to the destination............

Plus you get the ideal chance for some stunning close up "bird in flight" shots on the way down. :t:

[ullihoeger]

How about sticking with tamrac?

SNIP

I am considering getting a bigger bag and will probably go for the expedition 7 as the equivalent Lowepro is just too expensive especially as I'm saving for a gitzo tripod.

Thanks for the suggestion,

Had those ( Exp. 5 or 7) top on my initial list till I found the Lowe's for a better price. I just double checked.

UH

[alan carr]

Another vote for Tamrac Expedtion 5. Bigma fits nicely into central slot on camera, or into a side slot when not on the camera. Be careful of the bigger bags as you tend to put too much stuff in it - my BiL has an Expedition 7 and with all the stuff he has in it, it's almost impossible to use while birding because of the weight.

[ullihoeger]

Just a final follow-up.
I went with the Nature Trekker II AW, mainly because it's dimensions are still compatible with most airline carry-on measures (and it is large enough for my gear).
I got it brand new for ~185 CAD (inclusive 13% sales tax and shipping). Pretty good deal considering the best local offer was 250 before tax......

Thanks to those who responded (and all others as well)

Cheers

Ulli

[Pluvius]

I have just travelled to Namibia from Uk with Lowepro Vertex 300 as Airline Carry on luggage. It contained 1 Macbook. Canon 1d2n Canon 40D Canon 100-400 Canon 400 f5.6 Sigma 500 f4.5 Flash Extenders Canon 17-40 So I was very happy with it apart from it weighed a ton.

[wildlifeweb]

A word of warning about the Nature Trekker II AW- depends on the airline, airport, and check-in staff! It is too big for some of our UK dimension baskets. I had to swap it for a slingback before getting on a Flybe flight last week.

[James]

Got really interested in this thread as I have run out of room!
If I am correct the size limit for airline hand luggage is 56cm X 45cm X 25cm.
Nearly all these packs are deeper than the 25cm measurement which means there is a risk of being rejected?
Really liked the look of the Tamrac Expedition 7 or 8 but doubt whether these would be allowed on the plane. Anyone got experience of this problem? Whats the biggest it is safest to carry?
Might buy one for "home" use and cram all in a smaller bag for hols.

James

[hollis_f]

Got really interested in this thread as I have run out of room!
If I am correct the size limit for airline hand luggage is 56cm X 45cm X 25cm.


Depends on the airline. Easyjest are a lot stingier than others. Their limit is 55x40x20. It's that 20cm dimension that's the real pain. I tend to stand there at check-in trying to look as big as possible (which is pretty big) so that the bag looks really small.