Waterproof camera carrying bag/backpack

What is your current weatherproof system?

I'm getting ready for a trip out there and looking for a good waterproof system. I actually need a new bag anyway as my current lowepro mini is just too small. It actually works ok but has no room for anything else. And of course it is a daytrip only bag. So I am open to a variety of systems (eg - slings, hip bags, all-in-ones, etc...). Modular seems like a good thing.

So far I am looking at:
* Lowepro Orion AW - a modual belt bag with top compartment (day use only).
* Lowepro Toploader 75 AW - sling type for easy access. Goes good with regular backpack.
* Osprey Atmos 50 - multi day backpack. Zack recommemded this one a while back.

The one thing I am not sure about is if these modular belts or slings will be enough to carry my gear - DSLR, 70-200L, 12-24, 35-70 lenses. The main goal is to keep things dry and accessible.

Any recommendations appreciated. Thanks.

Have you checked out any of the Crumpler bags? I've been curious to know if they meet these needs at all. I have a Photo Trekker AW and am not that happy with it - it is pretty heavy before you even load any gear in it.

Derek-
I use the Toploader 75 AW quite a bit, it's a great pack that I wear on a harness on my chest when going lightweight. Unfortunately, I think it would be too small for the gear you want to carry. Another option I've looked at is Think Tank
http://www.thinktankphoto.com/ttp_products.html
Perhaps something like the Speed Racer, you can always add one of their modulus side pouches - although I don't have any personal experience with the product, I have friends who swear by Think Tank and their customer service.
Hope this helps.
dt
www.sixtyonenorth.com

David,

I was thinking about a toploader for the body and lens of choice = quick access. Then use attachment holders for the other lenses. Do you ever combine the toploader with a normal backpack? I guess I am wondering if it flops around wildly or does well on hikes.

Another one that looks interesting is the LowePro Street and Field chest harness system. Several folks on NWHikers seem to like it: http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_ss_p/103-1566429-5675067?url=search-alias%3Dphoto&field-keywords=LowePro+Street+and+Field++

The Think Tank stuff looks nice. I don't know about Crumpler. Their website is seems very, well, trendy, but lacking in real technical info.

I use the Toploader with the supplied chest strap system-it doesn't move at all, which was something I was concerned with as well. I got it for for hiking where I was using trekking poles for stability and needed my hands free yet need fast access. I really like it, the price was right too. The only problem I've had with adding side pouches - and this would probably go for any setup - things can get unbalanced and lopsided. You may want to consider adding a water bottle holder on the opposite side to equal things off partly.
As for the S&F system, my business partner was a combat camera photojournalist that travelled to all sorts of unsavory locations around the world for the Navy, and he swore by the system, customizable and comfortable. They're not for me, but to each his/her own.
dt
www.sixtyonenorth.com
Alaska

I just ebayed a lowepro dryzone rover backpack that I won in a contest, and I was impressed. If I didn't already have so many packs I would have kept it. Here is a link to it at B&H:
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/407128-REG/Lowepro_34732_DryZone_Rover_Backpack_Gray_.html

I tried a Dryzone Rover for a few weeks. Its very well built, will definitely keep your gear dry. I returned mine because the waterproof zipper is an IMMENSE pain to close unless its absolutely loaded down with lubricant (a point which I couldn't get it to), and the straps for carrying a tripod on the pack are way too cumbersome.

I exchanged it for a Primus AW, which isn't waterproof, but it comes with a waterproof pack cover that stowes at the bottom of the pack (though this makes strapping a tripod to the back almost impossible) and I love this thing. Its a little tight for all my gear (40D, 17-70, 10-22, 70-300 + filters and accessories, but its thus far the best pack I've ever owned for my photog stuff.

I use the LowePro Slingshot 200 AW (all weather) and really like it. It's easy to access your camera, lens, etc without having to take the bag off. Mine has a rain cover that normally stays stuffed in a pocket at the bottom or the bag. When it rains I pull the cover out and slip over the bag. Mine holds the SLR, 2 or 3 lenses and accessories. I saw one last week (300 AW) that was bigger than mine.

Derek, I just bought a new pack that (thus far) has kept everything dry during all-day outings in rain. I think that qualifies as "weatherproof" (as opposed to waterproof - it is not waterproof). I'm generally very pleased with it, but was primarily looking for a camera pack that was more like a pack than a camera bag. It's definitely on the pack end of the spectrum, albeit with a very large, compartmentalized camera compartment inside the back of the pack. Here's a review that I posted a few weeks ago. It was also fairly affordable - a relevant consideration for weekend warriors like yours truly.

Tom

I have a dryzone 200, the larger of the two Lowe packs. I have taken it on extended sea kayak trips, fully loaded and it has been dry without fail. In it, I pack a 500mm, telextender, 2 lenses, and a D2X. The zipper is a hassle, but if you learn how to do it and keep it lubricated, it will work for you. Most of the lowe packs have a waterproof cover that is located in a velcro compartment. Bring a small umbrella and you can keep your equipment dry, even when you are using it...

Wow,

You guys have a wealth of information is this dept! Thanks for all the great ideas and personal experiences. I think I have a better idea of what I will look for 'this time around.' It almost seems like the pursuit of the holy grail in finding the ultimate bag/backpack combo.

I think I might be leaning more toward a better day bag like the ones Tom, Zack, Brian and David mentioned. That is really all I need right now for my trip anyway.

Later I will probably also get something for extended overnight backpacking trips. I guess I was looking for an all in one system or solution intially. But the more I think about it I must admit I am primarily a weekend warrior/hobbiest, the daypack will just get more use (90%+). I don't really want to haul around a 'full overnight rig' every time I go out the door to do a day shoot.

But I still like the idea of the slings or toploaders. For day hikes that means I will always bring two bags. One for the camera and one for everything else. I guess that is really not that bad though and the easy access is still rather appealing. Plus the multi-purpose use of a sling or toploader with an overnight rig is also a plus. I guess I need to sleep on it and check for some killer deals to nudge me over the top either way.
Thanks again for all the great advice and ideas.

I am probably going to move to what Bryan mentioned, the Crumpler or something similar, when I get around to it. I have a nice Lowe Pro AW Trekker II. It's a great pack with lots of features but I honestly don't like the comfort for longer hikes with it. Regular spacious daypacks are mort comfortable... I have several and all would feel better on any long hike over my AW Trekker. But again Lowe Pro makes good stuff and it will take a beating, do the job, and store all your gear safely.

Adrian,

That is interesting that you mentioned the Trekker. I was just looking at the AW Trekker II and that thing seems like a beast for longer hikes!

Another option that some go with is converting a normal hiking pack into a photo pack. Since you already have several that may be a viable option for you. Here is a thread on the topic I just found with some interesting approaches: http://www.naturephotographers.net/imagecritique/bbs.cgi?a=vm&mr=26182&CGISESSID=77dbccd6bec5764db4f31144c2651e3c&u=7573

Dakine also make a 'Camera Block' that fits inside their normal packs: http://snowboards-for-sale.com/dakine_backpacks/camera_block/

I think many other 'smaller' camera bags or holders could provide the same functionality. With a toploader, sling or holster holder these could also double as an inside/outside the pack item. If I went this way I am really partial to the new Kata T-214: http://www.kata-bags.com/Item.asp?pid=324&cid=58&perentId=4&ProdLine=4 It only weighs a pound but can hold a lot of stuff!

Another LowePro Dryzone user here. I have other packs for normal trips, but if my trip includes traversing streams, or anything to do with boating, my gear goes in the DryZone pack and its water tight as a frogs behind.

Wouldnt use it for a daily hiking bag though....as others have said...that zipper is pretty crazy.

Roman

Well guys,

I finally made a decision! I have really been waffling between a 'camera' backpack and a 'hiking' backpack. The thing is I love to hike and have three young children who will be hiking more and more as they get a little older. I also need to carry some of there gear for them.

After doing an extensive amount of research I have decided to go with a hiking backpack like an Osprey, Gregory or Deuter. I really like the suspensions, versatility, lighter weight and extra carrying capability. I can then use smaller camera only bags, holsters etc... inside or outside. For example even my Lowepro Micro Trekker could possibly work. It is very small, has great padding/protection, only weighs ~ 1 lb and can hold a lot of gear (DSLR+3lenses). I could just place that inside a regular pack.

Here is another really good thread on this subject from large format shooters/hikers:
http://www.largeformatphotography.info/forum/showthread.php?t=10103

I am sure some of the newer 'hybrid' camera packs that have been mentioned here are nice as well. There are really so many choices now it is great!

Thanks again for your help.