Backbacks

I am desperately in search of the perfect backpack (I already own many of the imperfect ones) for my camera gear. My needs are as follows:
• My longest trips will be day trips or long weekends. This may be an all day hike in the Smokies, a day of shooting around the water or a trip around the city. I will not need the pack to carry clothes or camping supplies other than snacks and water.
• Although I may not carry it all, I would like to be able to fit all of my equipment into the bag. This includes 2 camera body’s with grip, 4 lenses, flash and the miscellaneous things like remote shutter release, filters, tripod etc.
• It would be nice if the empty pack was a reasonable weight and durable.

I just can’t seem to find the perfect way to move all of my gear around. I would love to hear your solutions and suggestions. Any feedback or suggestions would be very welcome.

Thanks,
Julie

Hi Julie! I think currently you'll get many accolades for the F-Stop gear line of backpacks. They're a relatively new company and I know many on here, including myself, has taken them up on their Group Buy deals that they've offered here. So you might check www.fstopgear.com. For a daypack you might be interested in their Tilopa or Loka line. Happy Shopping!

Check out this fellow's detailed 'blog post on the F-Stop Loka pack with the accompanying internal camera units of different sizes.
My bet is that this is the pack you've been looking for.

Hi Julie - I highly recommend the F-Stop Loka. After suffering through a wide variety of other photo packs, I recently bought the Loka and love it. The shoulder straps are my only complaint - the sternum strap goes right over the bust area and is not adjustable enough to move it higher (like you can do on most packs made for women). I hope they make a women's version in the future that has contoured shoulder straps and an adjustable sternum strap. The pack is very comfortable and almost perfect for my needs. Their ICU system is also a very elegant and flexible solution, as well. I have the medium ICU and it works well for my 5D2, 17-40, 24-105, 70-200 f/4, a Canon G10, and some other small gear items. If you have any specific questions, feel free to email me.

Absolutely check out F-stop. I recently purchased a Loka and I think it the best designed and functioning camera pack I have ever used, and I have had quite a few. Very comfortable and plenty of space. I have the medium ICU

Well - looks like everyone else already has this one covered. :) I agree. I carry the f-stop Loka bag, and I love it. It's just the right size for my small frame (I'm 5'6", but I am very thin and have very narrow shoulders). I use the large ICU, which comfortably holds three lenses, a camera body, and a variety of filters and attachments. There's enough room above the ICU for a jacket or two, and a lunch. It's an excellent bag. Best I've owned. No question. Good luck!

Thank you all! I ordered the Loka last night.

Here's another vote for the F-Stop Gear backpacks. I've got the Tilopa and Tilopa BC, and they're both fantastic packs. I wrote a pretty thorough review of the F-Stop Gear Tilopa backpack on my blog.

Hi Julie,

I am looking for a backpack with similar usage. I am thinking of F-Stop of Tamrac adventure 10. Could you please post your opinion after some use????
I really appreciate it.
Has anyone used Tamrac Adventure 10?

Cheers

Julie, Have you used your new backpack?

Yes I have used it and I love it! It feels much lighter and roomier then my Tamrac Expedition. I like the back side opening and the ability to slide it around and use it "as a table" (thanks for that tip Varina). I wasn't sure initially if I liked the ICU concept but have since become a big fan. So far, the best pack I have used, I am extremely happy.

Julie