Camera + laptop backpack

[Fuzz]

Looking for a new camera + laptop backpack for my travels.

I have a Lowepro Vertex 200 AW which I use for flights/main travel. Very comfortable to carry around, but in order to access the camera compartment (through front only), I have to take the whole pack off and lay it flat -- not good for when I'm out shooting.

So I have to also carry my Lowepro Slingshot 200 AW (in my suitcase). It's perfect for when I'm out shooting (no need for laptop then) -- swings around to change lenses without taking it off, small. But because it's a swing pack, it kills my shoulder after long days (8-12 hours).

So I'm looking for one do-it-all backpack:

- Backpack with good padding/support
- Must have side access to camera compartment (so I can swing the pack around to change lenses without taking it off)
- Must carry 1 camera body + 70-200 lens (unmounted) + 2-3 other smaller lenses (35, 50, etc.).
- Must carry 15.3" laptop
- Must have zippered storage on the outside for storing flat items (e.g. passports, boarding passes, Kindle, etc.)
- Either waterproof of easily accessible rain cover (like Lowepro's design where the rain cover is attached and stows away underneath -- quick/easy on and off)
- Loops to strap on a carabiner (to carry water bottle)
- Additional storage for smaller items (e.g. power adapter, charger, etc.)

So what are my options? Bags I'm looking at:
- Kata KT D-3N1-33: Looks like it can hold a lot of camera gear; has both side and front access to camera compartment; like the ability to convert to a sling bag if needed
- Tamrac 5789 Evolution 9: Holds a lot of stuff, like the ability to convert to a sling bag; cannot tell much about external storage
- Lowepro Video Fastpack 350 AW: Holds a lot of stuff as well, but little/no external storage/loops

Thoughts, suggestions?

[iscariot]

You should pm fuzz.

He's a rediculously good photographer who knows his shit.

[AKgeoSkier]

Thinktank has some cool stuff, not sure about backpacks though... but I like their shoulder bags.

[DeutschBag]

I still haven't found the perfect, do-it-all bag, and likely never will. I would really, really like to try one of the f-stop bags one of these days, though. I've tried a lot of Lowe Pro bags, and just haven't been that happy. It seems each bag has some great features, some not so great (like the AW200).

DO NOT GET THAT TAMARAC PACK!! It's a piece of shit. I only used mine on a couple of city trips and had a main zipper fail. Like, main zipper, as in your camera would just fall out if you didn't notice it was broken. So, I fixed that zipper, and then a strap clip snapped. It just isn't designed well, and doesn't fit or carry well when used as a sling bag. Feels flimsy too, and with it loaded down, I wouldn't trust it to protect anything if the bag were dropped (or a clip broke or something). Especially your laptop. It's not padded enough to check it at the airport either. Must be a carry on when flying. Did I mention this bag is a huge pile of steaming shit?

That Lowe Pro pack looks intriguing. One thing I didn't like about the AW200 (or AW 300) was how flimsy they were. I also had a strap break on my 200 once. Whole bag dropped to the pavement, slightly denting the side of one lens (it was fine, thankfully). I didn't like how it wore, either. Don't know if the 350 would be any different, but it looks nice!

My skiing/hiking DaKine Sequence pack is still going strong. I have had to jerry rig two broken gear pocket zippers and had to sew up a water bottle side pocket with dental floss, but I still trust that bag to protect my gear (I've rode her hard and put her up wet, as they say..). Actually, re-reading through your requirements, the Sequence comes pretty darn close. Just no side access to gear. I know the DaKines aren't popular on here, but out of the 10 camera gear bags I've owned over the last 5-7 years, it's by far the best and most durable I've had. I wouldn't want to use it for long city trips, though.

I am using a Kalahari messenger type bag for my city trips now. Perhaps next time you're in Germany, or elsewhere in Europe where they may sell them, you can check them out. They are canvas bags, but are very durable. They sell some really nice looking backpacks and business type packs too. Most of them fit standard camera blocks. Nice thing is, they don't look anything like the standard camera bags you see everyone else schlepping around. I can fit my MB Pro 15" in it, along with the 5D, the 70-200, and a couple of other lenses and other small gear. It's a bit tight with the 70-200 mounted, but still closes up. I also don't like that I can't really fit any water in the bag when it's fully loaded. Guess that's why I bring the wife along on trips sometimes - personal water sherpa Here's a link to Amazon UK with some of the Kalahari bags. Amazon US doesn't have them, and I'm not sure why. Tons of styles to choose from, too: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Kalahari-Kap...d_sim_sbs_ph_2

Good luck in your search. Let us know what you find!

[time2clmb]

F-stop has a slick looking new side loader. F-stop is pricey as fuck but good quality.
http://fstopgear.com/en/kenti

[supermodel159]

F Stop- ANYTHING

I have a Tolipa BC, which I love. If fits under the seat, so you can can always carry it on. Some pleople think it is too big, but for travel, it is perfect. Get a pro-small (not a low profile one), and it will fit what you need.

[Supermoon]

I've always had pretty good luck with Dakine packs in general, and I like their camera packs a lot. This one seems to have everything you want: http://www.dakine.com/p/packs/photo-...mer-2012/quest

[Fuzz]

DO NOT GET THAT TAMARAC PACK!! It's a piece of shit.

Too late! I ordered it from Amazon just before you posted. I'll take a good look at the zipper and i it doesn't look good I'll return it.

One thing I didn't like about the AW200 (or AW 300) was how flimsy they were. I also had a strap break on my 200 once. Whole bag dropped to the pavement, slightly denting the side of one lens (it was fine, thankfully).

That's too bad -- my Slingshot 200AW has been awesome -- I've abused it in every possible way while hiking, biking, skiing, traveling and it's still rock solid. But the one shoulder does get sore.

Actually, re-reading through your requirements, the Sequence comes pretty darn close. Just no side access to gear.

Unfortunately that's a deal-breaker -- side access is my main requirement.

F-stop has a slick looking new side loader. F-stop is pricey as fuck but good quality.

F-stop is the first place I looked, but the Kenti holds 13" laptops -- I need one to hold at least 15". Plus with their low inventory/long shipping time, it wouldn't work -- I leave in a week and a half for a month-long Europe trip and am hoping to get a new pack before then.

This one seems to have everything you want: http://www.dakine.com/p/packs/photo-...mer-2012/quest

Okay, that does look good. If the Tamrac looks questionable, I think I'll go for the Quest.

[RedWolf]

Clik Elite Klettern...? I've been looking for pretty much the same kind of bag as you to work as a quiver-of-one for the office, school, and camera. Seems this is the closest I can come up with...

http://www.clikelitestore.com/product_p/ce735.htm

[DeutschBag]

Perhaps you'll have better luck with yours. My Tamarac went to crap on me in Paris last Spring. I had a helluva time finding duct tape in that city to patch it up for the rest of the trip! I had to be sooooo careful about which side faced up when I wore it. Otherwise, the camera would just fall out. I do know what you mean about needing the side access - very important when on city adventures. That's what I like about my messenger style bag - just flip the top open, and there everything is. It's not the best for my shoulders or back, so I rarely carry it with all my gear in there. My back just isn't fully recovered from the surgery yet.

If there's any chance you'll be around the Regensburg or Nürnberg areas (or even Munich), let me know. It would be great to meet up for a couple of hours, and I'd be more than happy to offer up a hot, home-cooked meal and a place to crash if you need it! Looking forward to seeing your pictures from the trip!

[systemoverblow'd]

Clik Elite Klettern...? I've been looking for pretty much the same kind of bag as you to work as a quiver-of-one for the office, school, and camera. Seems this is the closest I can come up with...

http://www.clikelitestore.com/product_p/ce735.htm

You obviously didn't read any part of this thread. There isn't a single clik elite bag that specifically meets his requirements. You picked the only Clik bag that has "laptop functionality."

[Fuzz]

Perhaps you'll have better luck with yours.

I'll get the bag today, so we'll see how I like it.

I do know what you mean about needing the side access - very important when on city adventures. That's what I like about my messenger style bag - just flip the top open, and there everything is. It's not the best for my shoulders or back, so I rarely carry it with all my gear in there.

I love my ThinkTank Urban Disguise messenger bag, but as you said, it kills the shoulder/back. I was destroyed after a day and a half in Prague (L-O-N-G days climbing all the towers). My problem is that I'm usually visiting many places only for a day or two -- since I don't have a lot of time, I like to carry almost all my gear (5D2 + 15 fish, 16-35, 35L, 50, 70-200 f/2.8 + tripod + filters, extra batteries, cards, etc.) because I may not come back to the same place for another shot at it.

If there's any chance you'll be around the Regensburg or Nürnberg areas (or even Munich), let me know. It would be great to meet up for a couple of hours, and I'd be more than happy to offer up a hot, home-cooked meal and a place to crash if you need it!

Thanks! Germany is the one big hole in my European travels so far (only flown through Frankfurt a few times). This trip will take me to Istanbul, Amsterdam, and London only.

[uglymoney]

Click elite contrejour 35. Perfect size for carry on weekend trips. Waterproof rain cover built in. Side access for easy laptop removal and side access for camera with 70-200 and room for two or three big lenses and a couple smaller ones. Top access to main compartment with another compartment for keys phone wallet passport etc. Skis awesome. Hikes awesome. Love this pack.

[uglymoney]

You obviously didn't read any part of this thread. There isn't a single clik elite bag that specifically meets his requirements. You picked the only Clik bag that has "laptop functionality."

See above. Works for me with a sixteen inch laptop even though it wasn't specifically designed for it. Storage is tight for clothes with a laptop though.


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[Fuzz]

Click elite contrejour 35. Perfect size for carry on weekend trips. Waterproof rain cover built in. Side access for easy laptop removal and side access for camera with 70-200 and room for two or three big lenses and a couple smaller ones. Top access to main compartment with another compartment for keys phone wallet passport etc. Skis awesome. Hikes awesome. Love this pack.

I got the Contrejour 35 this summer and have been loving it for hiking. I think you mean storing the laptop through the back access (kind of "under" the camera stuff)? I tried it and it is VERY TIGHT for my laptop (really have to struggle to get the corners in and out). I guess that could be an option too if the Tamarac doesn't work out.

[uglymoney]

I got the Contrejour 35 this summer and have been loving it for hiking. I think you mean storing the laptop through the back access (kind of "under" the camera stuff)? I tried it and it is VERY TIGHT for my laptop (really have to struggle to get the corners in and out). I guess that could be an option too if the Tamarac doesn't work out.

My laptop will not fit into that space afaik. I use the unpadded space in the bottom of the main compartment. I just tested it since I was out with it waterskiing this morning and putting my 16 inch laptop in and out through the side zipper is 'not' easy as I stated above. Rather it is possible but much easier to slip it in and out from the top. If you already have it you already know and are obviously looking for something different. I tend to pack very light for weekenders so it works perfectly for me. Glad you like it for what it is though!

[Fuzz]

I use the unpadded space in the bottom of the main compartment. I just tested it since I was out with it waterskiing this morning and putting my 16 inch laptop in and out through the side zipper is 'not' easy as I stated above. Rather it is possible but much easier to slip it in and out from the top.

Yeah, I did think about it when I got the bag first. Two problems with that though -- it is obviously unpadded and with amount of time I'll be taking the bag on planes, trains, subways, buses, taxis, boats, all over the world (a return to Asia and a possible trip to Africa are on the cards for next year), I'm not very comfortable with no protection. Also, the laptop would slide in to the bottom and I'd have to put any other stuff (e.g. adapter, cables, etc.) on top -- and that makes it a pain for taking it in and out at airports security (and the curved back won't make it that easy to slide in and out so quickly). I may still give it another shot later today.

[Fuzz]

So got the Tamarac yesterday. Wore it around the house with gear this morning. Thoughts...

- The functional design is fantastic -- love that the camera compartment can be accessed from both right and left sides; means I don't have to stack lenses and root through them to get to the bottom -- I can access all 4 of my extra lenses just by opening one zipper. Laptop compartment is roomy. The storage compartment on the top can hold my Kindle + space for adapter, charger, etc. External zippered side storage holds my passport perfectly. Lots of internal storage slots for cards, filters, etc.

- The build is disappointing though. DeutschBag, as you mentioned, the zippers are not as beefy as on my Lowepro, ThinkTank, or ClikElite bags -- they work fine now, but definitely a bit on the thin side. The biggest disappointment are the straps -- very thin with a lot of extra length that just flaps around. The shoulder straps are my biggest concern at this point. I wore it around the house with just my camera gear and after 45 minutes my shoulders were itching to get them off. The straps are quite narrow so they don't distribute the load well and they're also a bit abrasive. Not the cushiony feel of a Lowepro or ClikElite.

So I have a decision to make -- I love the functional design, but am wary of how uncomfortable it will be after many hours out. I am now seriously considering returning the Tamarac and going for the Dakine Quest suggested by Phildo_Baggins -- although the Dakine has only left side access, it looks like it would be more comfortable than the Tamarac.

[mtcham]

Fuzz-have you checked out the Lowepro Flipside 400AW. I use this bag when I go overseas and love it. Camera gear is accessed through the side against your back. I swivel the pack around on the waistband to enter the pack for a lens change so it never comes off. I carry a netbook in the outer pocket which might be a bit small for a full size laptop, could be the only downside for this pack.

[Fuzz]

Just got the Dakine Quest today. Initial impressions...

- Lots of storage areas of varying sizes.

- The camera compartment is a bit tight. I can fit all my gear, but it is quite snug and the compartment opening is small, so it takes a bit of maneuvering to get to long/fat lenses.

- Much more comfortable to carry -- way better than the Tamarac. Nice padded shoulder straps. The back is a bit contoured so it sits better (compared to the flat back of the Tamarac).

- Looks smaller than the Tamarac -- this can be useful at airports where check-in agents often eyeball the carry-on luggage -- this bag could conceivably squeeze by as a "personal item".

A few nits:

- You have to carry your tripod on the side -- I like designs where the tripod is carried on the front (of the bag) -- I keep knocking into things if it's on the side.

- No belt loops, so the extra strap lengths just flap around.

- No loop on the shoulder straps to put a carabiner (for carrying my water bottle).

I think I will keep the Dakine and return the Tamarac. I'm okay trading a bit of tightness for comfort. Just tried the Tamarac on empty and it's itching my shoulder after 5 minutes.

[systemoverblow'd]

Nice to know. I was looking for a pack similar to your needs and was wondering as I use Dakine big packs for my big gear and love them. Thanks!

[Supermoon]

Thanks for the review Fuzz. I have a Sequence that I really like for shooting in the snow (back access FTW), but it's not big or practical enough for travel really.

Stoked to see your next Euro TR.

[systemoverblow'd]

So, Fuzzy one, any more word? My Slingshot 302 AW is killing my bad shoulders. I need pretty much everything you stated. Side access, laptop compartment, 2 shoulder straps. What did you find out? Anything good? Really need something different.

I have a Dakine Mission (old model without the camera block) for when I want to travel (actually two) but I need something smaller for when I just want to bring the camera, maybe an extra lens, tripod and other random crap.

[Fuzz]

I spent 10 hours each day exploring Istanbul the last two days with the Dakine Quest. Liking it quite a lot.

For traveling/flights, I've been carrying:
- 15.6" widescreen laptop
- 5D2
- 35L mounted
- 15/2.8 fisheye
- 16-35L
- 50/1.4
- 70-200/2.8 IS II
- Laptop adapter (quite bulky)
- Camera batter charger, extra battery
- Power adapters for Europe
- Kindle
- External HDD
- Lens hoods, filters
- Water bottle
Total weight 26lbs. Felt quite comfortable getting around airports and stuff. Easy to get stuff in/out for security.

While exploring/shooting out, I carried:
- 5D2
- 35L
- 15
- 16-35
- 50
- 70-200
- Filters, extra battery
- Tripod
- Kindle
- Water bottle

Things I like about the Quest:
- Fits a lot of stuff
- Quite comfortable to carry around for long stretches -- no shoulder discomfort after two days
- The chest and waist straps add a bit more support when needed (end of a long hot day)
- Despite my initial fears, it's not too difficult to get stuff in/out of the camera compartment (the velcro in the camera section is easy to open/stick (unlike in my ClikElite where it sticks on REALLY strong))

Things that could have been better:
- The stiff/padded portion of the waist belt curves OUT instead of in/around the waist -- so that means it flares/sticks out on either side and can run into people/things in narrow places (and there are a lot of places like that in Istanbul!)
- The shoulder straps only adjust from the bottom; so it feels a little loose around the shoulder (kind of droops off); in order to keep the pack close to my body, I have to cinch them really tight, which makes it hard to take the pack off really easily. Wish the shoulder straps could also be adjusted at the top so the pack would stay close to the body at the shoulder. This was a problem at the end of a really long day with a lot of climbing up and down in the hot sun.
- Don't like the tripod being on the side rather than on the back -- weight is a bit lopsided (especially since the water bottle is on the same side as well, and the main counterweight on the other side, the camera body, is usually out of the pack when I'm exploring); but not bad actually since my tripod isn't that heavy and I end up putting most of the lenses on the other side anyway
- The extra strap lengths just flap about because there are no loops to run them through -- quite annoying

I know it seems that there are a lot of negatives, but it's not really -- the negatives just require more explanation. Overall I'm very happy with the pack -- very comfortable and easy to go shooting -- pretty much everything I was looking for. Like I said, I averaged 10 hours each day the past two days, walking all over, up and down steep city hills, under the blazing sun, and my shoulders and back feel fine. Would have been dying with my Lowepro Slingshot or ThinkTank Urban Disguise, or frustrated with my Lowerpro Vertex pack.

[Fuzz]

Another big positive I forgot to mention...the zippers open and close easily. With my other bags, sometimes if the zipperline isn't exactly straight/flat, it catches and I have to make sure the area is smoothed out before I can pull it. With the Sequence, I haven't had to do that -- all the zippers open and close very smoothly with a single pull -- a huge plus in my book since I change lenses quite frequently and appreciate not have to jerk the zippers around to close them.