Backpack Choices?

I have outgrown my current backpack. I just added a Canon 100-400L and it put me over the top. I want a bag that not huge but will store 4-5 lenses, camera body, all the small stuff (cards, batteries, charger) and strap on my tripod.

Any advice from anybody on a good sized comfortable pack that will protect my equipment? I’ve been looking at the Lowepro Comp Trekker Plus, and Kata the R-103 GDC Rucksack models.

Is there anything better? I don’t want to make an expensive mistake.

I have used Lowepro for over 10 years, top quality, no complaints. I think the Nature Trekker AW would fit the bill perfectly. I have seen some Mountainsmith photo backpacks around lately, they look promising. I have been waiting for a backpacking company to start making photo backpacks, they should at least be comfortable to haul around all day! I reviewed a Kata bag once, wasn't really impressed, built well, but very uncomfortable.

I use a bag sold by Moose Peterson. There are 2 sizes. the largest will hold a 600 f4, a couple bodies, additional lenses, and accessories. it's well made but no frills - not overly padded. i have a couple lowepro bags but got tired of all the dangling straps and buckles, plus this bag fits in every overhead compartment of any plane I've been on. http://www.moosepeterson.com/gear/index.html

Mike, I've got a Tamrac Cyberpack 8 that holds two bodies, the 100-400, 100 macro, 17-40, flash, extension tubes, TC, collapsed reflector disks and a few other small items in the main compartment. That gear fills the main compartment, leaving zipper pouches (and plenty of them) for batteries, cards and all other incidentals. Excellent padding, and a compartment in back holds a laptop so this can function as a lightweight traveling setup. Loops hold the monopod tight to one side and the tripod tight to the other, and the straps and hip/cradle make this a pack I'm comfortable walking with all day on wilderness trails.

I like my Lowe Pro Computrekker Plus. It has a slip slot for my laptop, so I can carry my darkroom with me as well. Might be overkill for you...

I use the Lowpro Nature Trekker AwII. I carry a medium format body 5 lens, two film backs, macro rings, teleconverter, filter stack, film, spot meter, spare batteries, rain cover, grey card and other odds and ends on three to five mile hikes through the mountains. The backpack is very comfortable Imo and the inside can be configured to fit almost any body and lens. It also has plenty of zipper pockets. One of my favorite features is the ability to securely fasten my heavy tripod to the back and not have it hitting my legs on my hikes. The bag is highly water resitant and comes with a built in rain cover, it is also fully adjustable. The inside provides what I consider excellent padding and protection for my gear. On the out side it has slots for add-on pouches. On top it has a large zipper pocket that could hold most laptops but not any padding.

I also like the MP-1 & MP-3 bags sold by Moose Peterson! Love them to bits!

Also consider Tamrac expedition series - very well built and plenty of space inside
http://www.tamrac.com/frame_exp.htm

Check out:

www.thinktankphoto.com

Very happy with their design and quality.

Brent.

Sounds like some great backpacks are out there. Thank you all very much for the feedback!!! Now I just have to pick one (or two).

You guys are great!!!

If you don't mind spending a little extra money, Dan McHale in Seattle will custom-make a pack to exactly fit your body dimensions out of nylon or spectra cloth. He has many configurations and his quality is top notch. I have been using one of his custom packs for ten years and it is the most comfortable pack I have ever owned. http://www.mchalepacks.com/

I've got the Lowepro Rover II AW which I find to be great. The bottom half fits your camera gear (body + 4-5 lenses and accessories) and the top half fits your day hiking gear (food, jacket, etc). The tripod will even strap on, though I tend to carry it and use it as a walking stick.