[RusherRacing]

Well I think my next purchase is going to be a backpack. I got my camera used and it came with this small lowepro side bag. But it isn't large enough for the stuff I have now (not much) let alone when I start to add to my collection. I also travel a significant amount to all types of places climates etc.

I would like something durable, moisture resistant, cleanable.

It would need to hold my Nikon D90 w/18-200 lense an additional telezoom lense, and two primes. Atleast one larger flash. Batterys, mem cards, remote, etc.., and tripod holder

It would be nice to be able to fit my 17" HP workstation in it also but I am having a heck of a time finding one to fit a 17" laptop. This however isn't a requirement it would only be convienent for work trips as the 17" is my work computer. My personal is a HP Mini.

I also need easy access to the camera. Say I am on a muddy 4wheeler trail and want to pull it out to shoot a shot of a deer etc. I don't want to have to take off the backpack to get the camera out. This is a requirement! Easy Camera access is a must preferably one handed.

Is there anything that fits this bill? I know I am asking for alot.

The Lowepro fastpack 350 looks close what are your thoughts on this bag?

[BillLee]

i think the lowepro slingshot 350 fits your description best. i have the slingshot 100 and it's great for whipping out the camera for a quick shot. i might upgrade to a slingshot 350 also once i get a D90.

[UdubBadger]

get ready for Alex the Kata fanboi...


I'm a big Lowepro fan also. I had a slingshot 200 and it was good for like bringing to sporting events and such... just doesn't hold my 70-200 so I had to upgrade.

The Vertex series is a nice mix of photo backpack and laptop carrier. Even has a place for your tripod too.

I'd just check out lowepro's site and see what you like. The slingshot is nice but the sling style gets kinda annoying after a while, plus when its full it stick out a LOT and you end up banging it on people/walls easily.

[lucky7]

i have a canon backpack. not sure of the model name because it's a pre production model i found. its almost identicle to the lowepro microtrekker 200 i have. i have friends that carry slingshots around, and over they will complain that their 1 arm is tired. just something to think about.

[RusherRacing]

I don't think the sling will work for me. When I am active I want to keep my hands free. More inlikely it will spend some time on my back while out fourwheeling, hiking, doing stupid ****, etc. Also I travel a significant amount so it will get used. In the last year I have been to mexico, seattle/cascades, Big Bend texas, MI (about 26 times), india, all over upper midwest.... I travel alot.. cost isn't a major factor but I have found you typically can get high quality bags for a fair price if you know what you are looking for.

Wish wenger swiss or northface made camera bags...
Quality is very important. I have found the lowepro bags to be alright.

The Kata DR-466i has caught my eye also. I the camera pouch. also the 3N1-33
I like the ergo stuff from kata also (prism U) my concern with that one specifically is the size. I am a rather large guy. with a wide neck wide shoulder and a wide belly lol. Smaller bags typically don't fit comfortable. I wish I had a place locally that had a ton of these in stock for me to check them out in person. guess thats what I get for living in BFE

[UdubBadger]

yeah... Alex has the Prism U.

how about a lowepro fastpack 350?

[Carnifex]

+1 for Kata gear. I use the R-103 backpack which is great. Very comfortable and adjustable even when fully loaded. You might want to look at the R-104 if you want to carry a 17'' laptop though. I've had mine for about a year and a half and traveled all over with it, quality is top notch.

[RusherRacing]

I went back to the local shop and looked again. I tried on some of the back packs and decided then and there a backpack won't work. They did have a fastpack (not the 350 but I believe 250) but there was no way they would fit comfortably on my back for a day. None of them would have. So I have decided to get a standard bag. I liked the quality (materials) of the Kata and tamrac ones I looked at better than the lowepro.

Probably will pick up the Tamrac Adventure 5 but I am also looking at the Tenba shootout, and one from mountainsmith. Nothing special but anyone of them should do the trick.

[UdubBadger]

Originally Posted by RusherRacing

I went back to the local shop and looked again. I tried on some of the back packs and decided then and there a backpack won't work. They did have a fastpack (not the 350 but I believe 250) but there was no way they would fit comfortably on my back for a day. None of them would have. So I have decided to get a standard bag. I liked the quality (materials) of the Kata and tamrac ones I looked at better than the lowepro.

Probably will pick up the Tamrac Adventure 5 but I am also looking at the Tenba shootout, and one from mountainsmith. Nothing special but anyone of them should do the trick.

check out the tamrac system 5 or system 6... good size for what it sounds like you are looking for in a shoulder bag.

[scollins]

I have the Tenba Shootout Medium backpack and I'm real happy with it. But I consider it an "expedition" pack. In other words, the pack to get my gear somewhere but not necessarily the "walk-around" bag. I'm still looking for that and trying to figure out how to make it a system.


My one complaint about the pack is the weight. When fully loaded with camera gear, chargers an a laptop, it weighs nearly 30lbs!