Backpack advice please

[cas]

Hi,
I am looking for a backpack for my photo gear. I need space for a 35mm SLR 3 lenses, 1 flash gun, several batteries, a few films, a Cokin filter set and a Manfrotto 055 pro tripod with a 322 rc head on. I looked at the Lowepro Mini Trekker AW and it seems pretty matching my needs, but I don't know, if my tripod will fit in the back.
Phone a friend? :telephone
Thank you

[lostmysnorkel]

I use the Mini-Trekker and love it to bits.

The only thing you will find annoying is that the tripod probably won't fit unless it is a 'mini' model for travelling. There are no loops or clips to clip it to the outside either.

Manfrottos usually have a convenient clip to attach a shoulder strap somewhere so when travelling I usually:

a) Carry my Lowepro on my back with all camera gear in.
b) Pack the tripod in my cargo bag.

Some good deals on Lowepros on eBay at the moment.

[tonymidd]

Look at the extensive Tamrac range, well made(IMHO better than Lowepro). I use a TamracCyberpack8 for the D200 plus 15-30 and 70-200 EX Sigmas, 35-70, 50, and 55 Nikkors, Nikon bellows, Metz 340 and a stobeframe with a Manfrotto 055/115 and a 681 monpod on the out side. Oh yes there's an Acer Travelmate laptop in the back. There are lots of cards, filters, cables etc in the lid pockets. With all that gear it's heavy but perfectly carriable for short distances without any strain. Basically I use it to keep all the Nikon stuff together, less chance of me forgetting something on a shoot, and it protects it all in the car boot. For walking etc I use a Tamrac Velocity 9 Pro to take the body and say the two Sigmas.
Details here http://www.speedgraphic.co.uk just type in Tamrac in the search panel. There's also details of Lowepro and others.
The only disadvantage I can see is there's a lot of fairly expensive gear all in one easily removable place.

[Tim]

Hi Cas.. I'm using a Lowepro Nature Trekker AWII and it's perfect.. I carry a 5D, 4 lenses, flash-gun, batteries, chargers and all the other bits n bobs and the tripod is securely strapped to the outside.. It's really well padded and adjustable for long hikes... Worth checking out

[cas]

Hello,
thank you for your answers so far. I came across the tamrac expedition 5 as well and found them both very nice, but I can't decide...any practice experience with the tamrac?
Thank you

[tonymidd]

Hello,
thank you for your answers so far. I came across the tamrac expedition 5 as well and found them both very nice, but I can't decide...any practice experience with the tamrac?
Thank you

Find your local stockists, suggest a bit of goggling, and try them, nothing better than trying the actual item. I use two Tamracs and I know several others with Cyberpacks but equally I know those who use Lowepro and swear by them. All I can say is the Tamracs are well made and comfortable.:banana::banana:

[cas]

Hi Tony,
the trying is the problem, I live in Swansea, except of Jessops, who hasn't got the Tamrac, there is not much here to try. Have to wait until I come to Cardiff... :-(

[cas]

Good morning,
I just wanted to say, I decided on the backpack and bought a Tamrac expedition 5. I liked the padding better. Hope it was a good choice..time will show.
Thank you for your help again.

[StagePhotography.co.uk]

When you get it... Take a few shots for us and let's see how it is and how it handles.. A mini review.. :)

[tonymidd]

Good morning,
I just wanted to say, I decided on the backpack and bought a Tamrac expedition 5. I liked the padding better. Hope it was a good choice..time will show.
Thank you for your help again.

I'm sure you'll not be disapointed, both my Tamracs have to stand mistreatment so the gear inside does not. The big one mainly lives in the back of the car or in my office, the small one really takes some knocks but the gear is always safe. One tip, goes for any backpack, always open it lying on it's back on the ground or a firm surface when taking gear out. A mate did not, had his Lowepro standing upright on a bench, and as he was getting a lens out he tipped the bag forward and a nice Canon L lens fell out, they don't bounce!!! Expensive repair and it was never the same. Also after taking stuff out or putting it back make sure you fasten any restraining straps and that you zip the front up again or you may have gear falling out. Like a lot of things they ain't fool proof, not that I'm saying you are a fool you understand :grin::grin:

[tonymidd]

When you get it... Take a few shots for us and let's see how it is and how it handles.. A mini review.. :)

George that's a brilliant idea; get people to do mini reviews on their gear, I'd even tolerate a new board for them.:yahoo: Not just cameras, bags, cards, printers anything photographic. It would be very interesting to see the difference between hands on real life reviews and the rather naff ones most mags print. Steve Astley's reviews are the only ones I take any notice of at the moment. XXXPenguinXXXXXXPenguinXXX

[cas]

Hi,
received my wonderbag today :yahoo: ! First impression: Very versatile, roomy and well made. I will "knock it" around a bit on the weekend, make photos of it and will write a "mini review". May be the moderator has opened a new board until then :wave3: . Not only would it save a lot of questions here, it would also help newcomers.

[bartonflyer]

I've struggled for years with this problem - the conclusion I've come to is that if you into reasonably "serious" hillwalking then you need a decent rucsak - I've finally come down to the Berghaus freeflow range as they keep the sac away from direct contact with your back & to some degree alleviate the soaking back syndrome. I've also got a Lowepro Orion Trekker which splits nicely into two sections, lower for camera stuff, upper for hiking stuff - BUT it's just nowhere near as comfortable to carry as the Berghaus.
Now, what is needed is some way to put your camera stuff, adequately protected, in a "proper" rucsak, and have it stay near the top and not keep sinking below the overtrosers, cagoule, sandwiches, chocolate bars, first aid kit, survival blanket etc etc - if anyone can solve that they'd make a fortune (well a few bob from me:Dm )