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Tuesday, March 2, 2010

Gadget Bag: Photo Backpacks


For trekking into the backcountry of a national park, a backpack is the best way to haul your photo gear

By Jon Sienkiewicz
Labels: Gadget Bag, Photo Backpacks

This Article Features Photo Zoom


Serious hikers depend on backpacks to carry their shelter, clothing and chow. This popularity has provided fuel for variety, innovation and attractive prices. But not all backpacks are suitable—or sensible—for carrying camera gear. Properly designed photo backpacks protect your equipment while making it easier for you to carry a heavy load. Those with neck or back problems appreciate the redistribution of weight afforded by backpacks. Most offer space to stow personal items, music players, raingear or a lightweight jacket, food and a bottle or two of water. Many photographers carry a notebook computer with their photo gear on a daily basis. Photo backpacks really shine because all of your equipment can be packed into one easy-to-carry bag.

Check these details when selecting a backpack. Starting with what you plan to carry, will it hold everything you need? How many cameras and how many lenses? What size computer? Then look for telltale signs of comfort (strap construction, padding), accessibility (how easy it is to reach your gear) and durability (weather-resistant with sturdy snaps and zippers).


Tamrac Adventure 10
The Tamrac Adventure 10 Model 5550 is designed for photographers who use a pro digital SLR. The pack will accommodate a large camera with grip and zoom lens attached, plus additional lenses, a flash, accessories and a laptop. The bottom portion provides protective padding while the top affords space for personal items like a jacket or snacks. The computer compartment is separated from the other storage areas and easily holds the largest MacBook Pro or similar 17-inch computer. Two mesh side pockets provide quick access to accessories and water bottles. The strap harness is secure and comfortable enough for a long haul with a heavy load. Smaller models are available in the Tamrac Adventure series.


Think Tank Photo Airport Addicted V2.0
The Airport Addicted V2.0 from Think Tank Photo is the frequent-flying photographer’s best friend. Designed specifically with airport travel in mind, it holds the maximum amount of gear you can take aboard a plane as legal carry-on. Features include a beefy security cable and combination locks that allow you to lash your bag to an immovable object, plus a fully removable computer case that allows easy access to a 15-inch laptop once you’ve boarded the plane. Inside the lid there are pockets for odds and ends, and you’ll find a zippered top pocket to stow your ticket, passport or reading material. The shoulder harness is nicely padded and provides two stretch pockets on the front, two D-rings to attach accessories and an adjustable sternum strap.


Mountainsmith Spectrum Daypack
The Mountainsmith Spectrum Daypack has been redesigned for 2010 and is now made with 100% recycled PET ReDura material. Sized for popular compact DSLRs in the Nikon D90 range, it offers a comfortable, molded back panel, rubber molded haul handle, contoured shoulder straps, adjustable sternum strap and a load-stabilizing compression system for all-day carrying comfort. The top-access padded computer compartment will hold most 17-inch laptops, and the net side pockets fit oversized water bottles.


Lowepro SlingShot 200 AW
Lowepro offers gadget bags, backpacks, cases and shoulder bags to meet every need. One of their most imitated is the SlingShot series. The unique and highly practical design allows the bag to be quickly shifted from “carry mode” to “ready mode.” Simply swing the bag around from your back to your front and open the zippered flap. The SlingShot 200 AW model will hold a DSLR and up to six lenses, and features a pair of roomy pockets for smaller accessories like flash units or filters. There’s even a permanently sewn-in microfiber cloth that covers and protects the camera’s LCD, a memory card pouch and a place to stow your lens cap so it doesn’t get lost when you sling into action.


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17 Comments

  1. Denise makes this comment

    Friday 5 March, 2010

    Most camera backpacks are surprisingly heavy and it would be useful to have a comparison of weight across bags (maybe a table comparing weight, size, strap type, etc). Serious travelers/hikers usually need a padded waist strap and go for the lowest weight possible (without compromising durability and features). I expect that a company that produces lightweight, well constructed bags for the serious traveler/ hiker would make a lot of people happy and capture a big part of the market (even if it cost more).

  2. Stein makes this comment

    Monday 8 March, 2010

    The ThinkTank is weighing only 1 kg, lightweight and room for even a 500/4, I've used Lowe for years but not more! Stein, Norway

  3. Gac makes this comment

    Friday 19 March, 2010

    I'm a little surprised to see the LowePro Slingshot on this list for hiking. It's a great bag for urban work or where quick access to the camera is required, but it's a terrible bag for a hiking trip. The single-strap design does a terrible job with the weight on a longer trip. I use either a Tenba Shootout or the LowePro Primus on my hikes. The Primus takes priority if it's a multi-day hike.

  4. Nobodeuno makes this comment

    Sunday 28 March, 2010

    The Think Tank Airport Antidote V2 is one of the best backpacks for airline travel when carrying allot of pro equipment and a Macbook 15 pro, it is however heavy when loaded...the MRock Canyonlands is best for general hiking (works as a slingbag or a backpack according to your preferred setup). It has stunning access options and is fairly weather proof. Another great bag I have used around the world is the National Geographic medium backpack but it has issues holding a pro sized body or a DSAL with a grip. (not very deep). Has a ton of pockets and nooks!

  5. Bartstar makes this comment

    Sunday 28 March, 2010

    Ditto on the Think Tank Antidote V2...this bag is almost perfect for travel...a bit lacking in for serious hiking...but certainly doable. The quality of this bag and careful design puts it far ahead of the average backpack. It is my personal favorite especially for foreign travel. It is SWEET!

  6. Tom Hanks makes this comment

    Sunday 28 March, 2010

    Think Tanks for sure built tuff and intelligently for pro's they are famous in design, ruggedness and professional stature. IMO they are timeless and I carry exclusively Think Tank and Domke...trust me they will satisfy your needs. (built like tanks...designed by photographers)

  7. John makes this comment

    Tuesday 30 March, 2010

    I have tried many many camera bags, and the Gura Gear Kiboko bag actually gets awesome reviews and I would love to buy one. When looking at the specs, the 4lb weight is very very appealing, even though it isn't a small bag.

  8. Cotton Bags makes this comment

    Friday 23 April, 2010

    You are fantastic! What an awesome surprise! Its very big thing about this matter. Really wonderful idea. And everyone can’t do this

  9. louis vuitton bags makes this comment

    Thursday 6 May, 2010

    An antartian walks into a bar down south around Christmastime;

  10. Ed Hardy makes this comment

    Wednesday 12 May, 2010

    In America many people have a romantic idea of life in the countryside.

  11. Ed Hardy makes this comment

    Thursday 13 May, 2010

    In America many people have a romantic idea of life in the countryside.

  12. Ed Hardy makes this comment

    Thursday 13 May, 2010

    In America many people have a romantic idea of life in the countryside.

  13. brandon makes this comment

    Friday 23 July, 2010

    I am suprised to not see the f-stop Tilopa on this list, it truly is an AMAZING bag. Interchangable camera units provide enough variable amounts of storage for any traveling photographer. Compartment access is simple and secure with plenty of room for various pieces of equipment. One of the few bags that is framed and it is very comfortable on an extended trip.

  14. Larry makes this comment

    Monday 26 July, 2010

    I think they were trying to hit a happy medium with this article and trying to indicate bags for each specialized field trip. Overnight and you want a bigger back pack to carry personal items and camera gear. Day trip the Lowepro Slingshot would do the trick etc. Each bag listed has features for different sorts of backpacking experiences. I have the Lowepro 220 and it is perfect for me and what I shoot. I have reached the age where roughing it is a Motel with only 20 channels. If I drive long distances or fly. I* have a metal case with pluck foam that all my gear fits into. Lockable for airflight (which I don't do anymore)or car travel with suitcases stacked around it. So everyone has a favorite that fits their needs. That is what the article is trying to cover, just whatever fits your needs.

  15. Larry makes this comment

    Monday 26 July, 2010

    Can someone please explain why you would want to backpack into some backcountry locations and haul a 15-17" laptop with you? Without hauling a portable generator or extra batteries (weight) what good would it do you? I just don't get it. I don't understand the technology minded young people of today. Digital is great and it has lightened the load since you no longer have to carry multitudes of film. 1000 pictures does not make your camera weigh any more but 100 rolls of film would. I am not knocking anyone that does that I am more curious than anything else. When I first looked at the Lowepro 220 slingshot, I thought, "There is no place for the laptop." Then I laughed at myself since most if not all of our travel is by auto. I have never had any problem finding enough space for the laptop back with charger, mouse, etc. Again I am not knocking anyone but just curious about the thinking behind that?

  16. Michael makes this comment

    Sunday 8 August, 2010

    Larry, I like to carry a light laptop with me on multi-day photo excursions because at night I can review what I have gotten during the day. This way I know if I need to go back and reshoot something because my clients are unlikely to pay for me to go back "in country" to reshoot. Yes, the extra battery weight is a pain, but having to reschedule and return to an out-of-the-way location is a greater pain.

  17. Tim makes this comment

    Sunday 8 August, 2010

    I'm with Larry on this one. And the thing with all of these bags, in fact, a serious flaw with any photo backpack, is the lack of space available for storing food, water, extra clothing, and the other items necessary for hiking in the backcountry. I've found that a multi-day pack designed for backpacking offers more usable space and a better fit, for less money than these photo backpacks.

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