Planning a trip to Europe and in need of a camera backpack

The Dakine Sequence Backpack I mentioned above, opens from the rear only. Or at least to main compartment which holds the gear.

First onto your initial topic:

 

I have a great time with my Lowepro Slingshot 200. You can nicely fit a SLR with 2-3 lenses and other gear in it and have excellnet access to your equipment.

 

On the Europe topic:

 

I am from Germany and i can't really understand, why european countries should not be as safe for travellers as any western country. Maybe in some areas of London or Paris or something, but certainly not in most german cities (i live in Munich).

 

Just as a sidenote: the feeling i had driving through some parts of Los Angeles at night on a trip to the southwest of the USA was far more fearsome, than anything i could imagine here...

Backpacks are abundant here in europe. Very popular with everybody from schoolgoing youth to commuting 50+. So it won't stick out very much just because of it. The Slingshot series is something you have to try. I have one and don't really like it.

 

Neither can I -as a european- understand it completely. But looking flashy with a large bag that screams "expensive gear inside" is a bad idea everywhere these days, tourist or not. And pick-pockets like to operate in crowded areas full with people ignorant of the situation (of wich tourists in very touristic places are a good example). So far the only encounter I had was a Russian acosting me to ask the way because I ran around with a Kiev around my neck...

Hi, Jennifer.

 

After living in Portugal for almost twenty years, my advise regarding backpacks is: Get one you can use in front of you as well as on your back and doesn't hinder the movement of your arms.

 

Avoid the hottest hours, the light won't be good for photos, anyway, too harsh shadows.

 

About thefts: as in any great city in the world, european cities force you to be conscient about the valuables you carry. Important documents should NEVER be left behind (not even in your own hotelroom). Airline-ticket, passport etc. should be in hotel safe during all your stay, you won't need them until your return. Creditcard and money: pay all you can with cards, almost everything can be payd with plastic nowadays, only carry money you expect to spend 'today'.

 

Regarding clothes: Trainers and BASEBALL-CAPS will say tourist if they say new. Worn footwear, cap and t-sirts without 'Paris, London or Roma' won't say 'tourist' either. Get some polo shirts at K-Mart or Wall-Mart or whatever all in one colour before you come and no-one will know you're not local.

 

If you come to Portugal, call me. It's very photogenic... :-)

I must agree with the CRUMPLER

plus their backpacks open from the back so you need to take it off to open.

I travel lots with my 2 children, all my gear and the only way I could carry it all with me rather

then check it was to have it on my back.

heather

consider orion trekker, if your gear just one body and 2 lens