I'm in need of a new camera bag, and would love some suggestions as to what you guys like/dislike.
I'm looking for a backpack style bag that will hold a DSLR, several lenses, filters, batteries, hiking items, etc.
Any advice is greatly appreciated
Thanks
Kevin
Posted by John Mumaw on January 5, 2010 at 9:40 AM
I use the Mountainsmith Borealis AT pack and have been extremely pleased with it. Holds a camera with lens attached (5DII w/17-40) and two lenses (24-105 & 70-300) in the lower bag, although it can be a tight fit. I usually just carry one extra lens as that's all I need while hiking. The upper bag can handle a lunch, first aid kit, light jacket, and there are lots of pockets throughout, too. I use the laptop pocket for maps, magazines, etc. if needed. Has an attached rain pouch, too. Best of all, my lightweight tripod (2.3 lbs.) fits well on the back of the pack. Mountainsmith usually manufactures backpacks for climbers and hikers, so needless to say the fit is very comfortable.
You can see quite a few pictures of this pack here at Flickr.
Even though you didn't ask, I always use and highly recommend an OpTech DSLR Zoom neoprene pouch to protect my camera and lens. This has been one of the best purchases I've ever made as it's paid for itself time and again to protect my camera from small falls, scrapes and sheer clumsiness on my part. Fits well in any camera pack, too.
You'll probably receive quite a few recommendations here, Whichever pack you eventually choose, be sure to buy from an outfit with a liberal return policy.
Hi Kevin,
Like many long-term shooters, I've gone through several bags over the years, and seem to cycle through the best every now and then. Right now my favorite backpack is the Kata 3N1. It is available in a few different sizes; I chose the -30 which is the largest. This bag is ingeniously designed. It is a comfortable backpack, and it can be a sling bag (left-sided or right-sided), and one can carry it with the shoulder supports across the chest for super-easy access. Has a padded waistband that you don't have to use.
The fabric is extremely strong. The interior is a very bright light orange which makes it very easy to locate those small items in dimmer lighting (all bags should have something like this). The bag is also just plain good looking and it does not look like a camera bag. I get compliments on the "look" all the time.
There is also a strap for using a wheeled cart if one needs that (and on some assignments through airports etc, I do)
Lots of storage for a DSLR, 4-5 lenses in the main section, and more on top if so desired--I actually fit a Bigma up there. Also you can get a tripod carry strap. The top compartment is separate, so you can use it for non-photo stuff like a water bottle. Two side pockets, compartments for cards and cords.
While the bag is fairly weather resistant, there are some zipper gaps due to the cool design for accessing the equipment compartment. Included is a rain cover that you pull over the whole thing similar to Lowepro bags. I live and shoot in Puget Sound and have never has any weather-related leaks or issues.
I have the Tamrac Aero Pack 3375:
http://www.tamrac.com/3375.htm
I really like it (love the side access for when you are shooting along the way, not just camped out somewhere for a couple of hours) and it holds my 40D with 100-400mm attached and then my 24-105, Sigma 10-20, and filters. I wish I had bought the 3385 with the laptop sleeve. I like to hike with a gardeners kneeling pad to sit on, and that would slip right in there. The top has room for lunch and a jacket, but not a lot more. Having something that allows you to get to your camera equipment without pulling out other stuff, is a must for me, and this works fine for that.
I want to add that, looking at the Kata above, I think I would like that better. The Tamrac I have doesn't have a waist belt (which I like on some hikes, but which would make the side entry less efficient) and it also doesn't have a good system for attaching a tripod, and carrying it gets old on steep hikes.
The Lowepro Flipside 400 is my favorite bag. Sturdy hip and waist belts for long use, and a brilliant "table top" design for you to access your gear without setting your bag on the ground.
Posted by Sarah Marino on January 5, 2010 at 10:41 PM
I have the LowePro CompuRover AW and use it as my main camera bag. I wanted something that I could take on a plane with a laptop in it and then I could use it for long day hikes. Overall, I am really pleased with this bag. It is really comfortable for long hikes and holds everything I need (tripod on the front, 5D Mark II, three lenses, a G10, a small bag of camera accessories, a water bladder in the laptop sleeve, and lots of room up top for food and other hiking things). I spent a long time (over-)analyzing bags and this is the only one that I found that met all of my needs and is really comfortable.
Two complaints: Although this bag is designed for hikers, I do not think it was actually tested by hikers. The bag comes with some elastic cords for the tripod holder. They get caught on EVERYTHING so I cut them off and replaced them with straps with plastic clips from REI. Five dollars later and I am 95% happy. The bottom compartment is also a little snug, so it takes two hands to zip it (can by annoying when you are in a hurry).
I found the Mountainsmith Borealis after I had used my pack too much to return it. I would definitely consider that bag if I were buying something now. I know someone who has it and LOVES it. The Mountainsmith definitely has a better tripod holder than the CompuRover…
Posted by Phillip Noll on January 5, 2010 at 10:42 PM
I've used LowePro (Nature Trekker, Pro Trekker) for years but, IMO, they are just too big, heavy, and bulky. My next camera bag will probably be one of these:
Posted by Reed Bowman on January 19, 2010 at 12:55 AM
I recentyl bought the LowePro Pro Trekker 300. So far I love it. It is heavy, but it handles all my gear and enough hiking supplies and it rides like on my back like a feather
Posted by Douglas Graham on February 2, 2010 at 12:26 PM
I'm a closet bag guy. I have one of each it seems so when this thread popped up I jumped on it. John offered some info on the Mountainsmith Borealis AT and a link to some great photos on flicker. Well it seemed like the perfect day hike bag so I started looking for one. Of course it has been discontinued and it was really hard to find one but I did. Amazon has a few left if anybody is interested. You can find them in the discount warehouse section. They are used but at a good price point. Shipped I got mine for 100.00 and it looks almost new. When I ordered they still had 5 or 6 left. I got mine today and it really is a nice bag.
Discussion
9 repliesI'm in need of a new camera bag, and would love some suggestions as to what you guys like/dislike.
I'm looking for a backpack style bag that will hold a DSLR, several lenses, filters, batteries, hiking items, etc.
Any advice is greatly appreciated
Thanks
Kevin
You can see quite a few pictures of this pack here at Flickr.
Even though you didn't ask, I always use and highly recommend an OpTech DSLR Zoom neoprene pouch to protect my camera and lens. This has been one of the best purchases I've ever made as it's paid for itself time and again to protect my camera from small falls, scrapes and sheer clumsiness on my part. Fits well in any camera pack, too.
You'll probably receive quite a few recommendations here, Whichever pack you eventually choose, be sure to buy from an outfit with a liberal return policy.
I actually own a Mountsmith backpack already and am quite pleased with it. Unfortunately it looks like that model might be discontinued?
I will also look into those Optech pouches as well, I've taken a couple of tumbles and have been rather lucky for far.
Like many long-term shooters, I've gone through several bags over the years, and seem to cycle through the best every now and then. Right now my favorite backpack is the Kata 3N1. It is available in a few different sizes; I chose the -30 which is the largest. This bag is ingeniously designed. It is a comfortable backpack, and it can be a sling bag (left-sided or right-sided), and one can carry it with the shoulder supports across the chest for super-easy access. Has a padded waistband that you don't have to use.
The fabric is extremely strong. The interior is a very bright light orange which makes it very easy to locate those small items in dimmer lighting (all bags should have something like this). The bag is also just plain good looking and it does not look like a camera bag. I get compliments on the "look" all the time.
There is also a strap for using a wheeled cart if one needs that (and on some assignments through airports etc, I do)
Lots of storage for a DSLR, 4-5 lenses in the main section, and more on top if so desired--I actually fit a Bigma up there. Also you can get a tripod carry strap. The top compartment is separate, so you can use it for non-photo stuff like a water bottle. Two side pockets, compartments for cards and cords.
While the bag is fairly weather resistant, there are some zipper gaps due to the cool design for accessing the equipment compartment. Included is a rain cover that you pull over the whole thing similar to Lowepro bags. I live and shoot in Puget Sound and have never has any weather-related leaks or issues.
Worth checking out.
http://www.amazon.com/Kata-KT-D-3N1-30-Sling-Backpack/dp/B001BP1YEE
ME
http://www.tamrac.com/3375.htm
I really like it (love the side access for when you are shooting along the way, not just camped out somewhere for a couple of hours) and it holds my 40D with 100-400mm attached and then my 24-105, Sigma 10-20, and filters. I wish I had bought the 3385 with the laptop sleeve. I like to hike with a gardeners kneeling pad to sit on, and that would slip right in there. The top has room for lunch and a jacket, but not a lot more. Having something that allows you to get to your camera equipment without pulling out other stuff, is a must for me, and this works fine for that.
I want to add that, looking at the Kata above, I think I would like that better. The Tamrac I have doesn't have a waist belt (which I like on some hikes, but which would make the side entry less efficient) and it also doesn't have a good system for attaching a tripod, and carrying it gets old on steep hikes.
Marylynne
Two complaints: Although this bag is designed for hikers, I do not think it was actually tested by hikers. The bag comes with some elastic cords for the tripod holder. They get caught on EVERYTHING so I cut them off and replaced them with straps with plastic clips from REI. Five dollars later and I am 95% happy. The bottom compartment is also a little snug, so it takes two hands to zip it (can by annoying when you are in a hurry).
I found the Mountainsmith Borealis after I had used my pack too much to return it. I would definitely consider that bag if I were buying something now. I know someone who has it and LOVES it. The Mountainsmith definitely has a better tripod holder than the CompuRover…
http://www.fstopgear.com/
http://www.clikelite.com/
http://www.thinktankphoto.com/
http://products.lowepro.com/product/Pro-Trekker-300-AW,2165,16.htm