Camera backpack

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capercaillie
Posts: 9336
Joined: Mon 01 Sep 2008, 3:04 pm
Location: Leominster

Camera backpack

Post by capercaillie »

Hopefully someone in the same predicament can help me with this, as my Lowepro backpack I've had since 2003 is struggling with the new additional lens!

Can anyone recommend a suitable strong weatherproof (as best it can be) backpack that can carry safely two DSLRs, plus a Nikon 200-500 lens (big), 70-300 lens (not very big) and 24-120 lens in the padded compartments.

From comments scanning through Amazon, some of the Beschois look big enough but strength in the material seems to be an issue. Still not sure if some of the Lowepros are big enough and they are three times the price of some other makes. Any advice welcome.

Cheers
Paul
"The surrogate voice of st24"

My flickr photos https://www.flickr.com/photos/146673712@N06/

Mike
Posts: 2798
Joined: Sun 31 Aug 2008, 5:08 pm

Re: Camera backpack

Post by Mike »

A few years ago I would have unreservedly recommended a Kata. Sadly Vitec bought them up, ran them for a few years and eventually shut them down. A real shame, their bags were great. The company started out making bullet-proof vests for the Israeli military. I dread to think what I’ll do when my long-serving Kata backpack finally gives up the ghost.

Beyond that, I can’t help I’m afraid. I hope you find something suitable.

rebel14
Posts: 147
Joined: Mon 01 Sep 2008, 5:02 pm

Re: Camera backpack

Post by rebel14 »

Hi Paul
Just decided to replace my trusty 21 year old Lowe pro magnum aw shoulder bag. Opted for the Lowe pro protactic 450 aw backpack. Unfortunately I haven't received yet as was at work when delivery was attempted so cannot comment just yet but will update once I get my hands on it

xkekeith
Posts: 134
Joined: Wed 07 Oct 2015, 9:44 am

Re: Camera backpack

Post by xkekeith »

I bought a second hand Kata backpack off a well known auction site many years ago and its still in excellent condition despite being taken all over the world. If you can find one they are very robust.

Gregson
Posts: 64
Joined: Thu 06 Jan 2022, 9:24 pm

Re: Camera backpack

Post by Gregson »

Shimoda would be my recomendation. https://shimodadesigns.com/

I've been using the Action X50 for several months now, high quality in every way. Not waterproof but very water resistant, I have the waterproof cover but so far in the last sixth months I've not had to use it once. Very well thought out by adventure photographers.

All being well I will never need to purchase another camera bag for the rest of my life.

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GeorgeP
Posts: 675
Joined: Sat 25 Jun 2016, 11:20 am
Location: Melbourne, Australia

Re: Camera backpack

Post by GeorgeP »

FWIW, my choice a few years ago was a thinkTANK StreetWalker HardDrive V2.0 with which I am very happy.

https://www.thinktankphoto.com/collecti ... rddrive-v2

I can comfortably fit the following:

Canon 5D IV + Canon 100-400L II
Canon 6D + Canon 24-105L II
Canon 17-40L
Canon 430EX II flash
Backpack raincoat (Gortex)
Cleaning kit + Giotto blower
Small laptop/tablet (if necessary)
Tripod (with external tripod straps)

It comes with a waterproof Gortex raincoat that has proved its worth during Oshkosh 2019(?) when the skies opened and we were >100m from shelter. Further, it will fit into the smallest regional jet's overhead bins without trouble. This is important for me when flying to Osh via Chicago and Appleton in a United AL Embraer ERJ-145. It also has some useful side pockets for drink bottles, wallet, 'phone, whatever. Under $400 Australian, often under $300 on sale.Hope this helps.
Cheers,

George

Melbourne, Australia.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/30699732@N05/albums

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capercaillie
Posts: 9336
Joined: Mon 01 Sep 2008, 3:04 pm
Location: Leominster

Re: Camera backpack

Post by capercaillie »

Cheers all for the replies, I'll have a look over the weekend and do some comparisons.
"The surrogate voice of st24"

My flickr photos https://www.flickr.com/photos/146673712@N06/

Gt5500
Posts: 497
Joined: Tue 09 Jul 2019, 4:40 pm

Re: Camera backpack

Post by Gt5500 »

Mike wrote:
Wed 08 Jun 2022, 6:10 pm
A few years ago I would have unreservedly recommended a Kata. Sadly Vitec bought them up, ran them for a few years and eventually shut them down. A real shame, their bags were great. The company started out making bullet-proof vests for the Israeli military. I dread to think what I’ll do when my long-serving Kata backpack finally gives up the ghost.

Beyond that, I can’t help I’m afraid. I hope you find something suitable.
Sure I saw a Manfrotto bag which was identical to my Kata

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