Recommend me a camera backpack

[stavroshamster]

Hi all,

I am looking to get a backpack for my camera gear, capable of carrying my dSLR (currently a 300d, but should soon be upgrading to a x0d model), lenses, flash and tripod. At the moment lens-wise I use a Canon Nifty Fifty, a Tamron 17-50, and a Canon 100mm Macro. I am looking to buy a telephoto sometime in the not-to-distant future as well.

Ideally I'd like a bag that can carry this, (perhaps leaving one of the lenses behind, or strapping it to the side in a seperate lens case, plus stuff for day-walks e.g. water bottle, coat, food. Basically, it needs to be day-pack sized, and suitable for carrying as hand-luggage on planes.

I have been looking at the LowePro Versapack 200 but wondered if anyone had any other suggestions of manufacturers/models??

[Stephen C]

I've got a Tamrac 3375 Aero Speed Pack 75, can't fault it.. has plenty of room!
http://www.tamrac.com/3375.htm

[g8ina]

Mine is an ebay special, cost me 35 quid and is fantastic.

GEM, look at item number 330427553248

or their own website :
http://www.gem-bags.com/gem-photo-ba...enses-81-p.asp

[Blastuk]

I have the Tamrac Aerospeed pack 85
http://www.tamrac.com/3385.htm

There's a top compartment that can fit a light coat, but I use it to store more camera gear..
I wouldn't recommend putting food in the same bag as camera gear so I don't do that.
There's attachments available at the bottom of the bag for a tripod but it doesn't come with any straps.
There's also a mesh on the side of the bag for a water bottle and a compartment for a laptop at the back.

I have my camera with grip and attached lens, 2 flashes and an extra lens in the bag with room for potentially 3 more lenses, but I put gels and filters in those places instead.

[CAT-THE-FIFTH]

Tamrac is definitely worth a look at as they make good value for money camera bags IMHO!

[Gerrard]

Thanks for the recommendations. By lucky coincidence, I was looking for exactly the same! Don't suppose anyone knows if there's anywhere that you can go and get hands-on with them? Would be nice to see them in the flesh before buying.

[Stephen C]

Edit: Ignore that, didn't realise there was only one Park Cameras retail outlet!

[stavroshamster]

Thanks for the suggestions.

Do the Tamrac bags come with a rain cover? I don't want my stuff to get wet...

[Blastuk]

No rain cover, they have weather flaps and some of the zips (the side opening and laptop zip on mine) have like a rubber lining that keeps water out.
I don't think it's as good as a dedicated cover but I think it is definitely more convenient if you need access to your gear without having to take the cover off.

[g8ina]

The GEM does have a rain cover.

[CAT-THE-FIFTH]

Here is a list of official Tamrac distributors:

http://www.tamrac.com/ukdealers.htm

If the OP lives next to one they could look at some of the bags in person.