What is the benefits of backpack style cmerabag?

[chiny_t]

<p>Hello everyone,</p>

<p>I have used 2 Domke shoulder back(J2 and F4af), very please for them. However, I've seen many of photographers turn to use their bag in backpack style. Doses it more comfortable or it has any other benefits than shoulder. I just thinking about getting one. Thanks</p>

[remco-jan.woldhuis]

<p>Main benefit is that you can carry a lot more stuff on your back than on your shoulder. Disadvantage is that you're not as flexible compared to a shoulder bag. You have to stop, take off the backpack, put it on the ground to get something. A slingback bag can be a compromise.<br>

I used to have a shoulder bag but had neck and shoulder problems after 2 or 3 hour walking. Now I have a backpack and carry my equipment for the whole day without any problems. </p>

[tudor_apmadoc]

<p>I started with a shoulder bag, found that for long walks it really hurt my shoulder.</p>

<p>I switched a few years ago to a Lowepro Micro Trekker 200. In there I get a Canon 5D MKII with 24-105 lens, a 70-200, 16-35 lenses, a 580EX flash, lens hoods, cords, extra batteries, CF case, lens cleaner, etc. I've been very happy with it.<br>

I find it easy on the shoulder and back. I've carried it all day with no problems. Another benefit - it looks more like a book bag - way less obvious than most camera bags which look like they have cameras in them - an invite for thieves.</p>

[nathangardner]

<p>More room, more comfort, easier to carry for long periods of time. One thing I do whenin large crowds is turn it around backwards and wear it on my front so no pick pockets try to get at it. I do the same with my wallet, either put it in a shirt pocket or my front jeans pocket.</p>

[chiny_t]

<p>Thank you guys<br>

I was wondering if anyone has experience with a Crumpler Whisky and Cox model. I think it looks nice.</p>

[jim_j2]

<blockquote>

<p>What is the benefits of backpack style cmerabag?</p>

</blockquote>

<p>To carry all your S***f! . . . No, it's Stuff!</p>

<p>Seriously, as other's have indicated. I personally like the backpack because I carry alot of gear, usually two bodies and at least three lenses with blower and accessories. Mine also has a "rain cover" which I have found very useful in a couple of downpours.<br>

The downside to the backpack is that you do have to remove it from your back to get to most of the packed gear.<br>

I use a Lowpro AW which also will hold my 17" Notebook HP when traveling for extended photo opportunities.</p>

 

[g dan mitchell]

<p>Carry more stuff, and better access to it once you have the pack off and can set it down. I use one when I carry all or almost all of my stuff.</p>

<p>For me, no single pack covers everything. I do also have a traditional style camera bag - a somewhat large one - that works well when I have to work out of the bag, don't need to carry everything, and may not always be able to set the bag down.</p>

<p>I sling pack works well as a compromise between the two in that you can bring it around if front of your for access to gear without removing it, yet it carries a bit more gear more comfortably for longer periods of time. But I wouldn't try to carry a sling pack that is as large as the backpack style bag I use.</p>

<p>But I'm not finished... ;-)</p>

<p>I have yet another large pack for photography on the trail. This one is more in the style of a traditional backpack with a bottom section for holding lenses, an upper section that works roughly like a smallish day pack, and attachment points for a tripod.</p>

<p>For street photography I like a much smaller pack that doesn't look like a camera bag at all - more like a messenger bag. I can be swung around in front and camera can be quickly taken out and replaced.</p>

<p>Whew.</p>

<p>Dan</p>

[eric_brody]

<p>Looks might matter for some things, you choose, but not for camera backpacks. What matters is comfort, comfort, and comfort, since if it hurts, you won't use it regardless of how much it holds or how pretty it is. After comfort is capacity and convenience. If you can, go to a large camera store and try on a bunch of different ones WITH all your gear inside. Then you'll know and understand. People tend to have very strong feelings about camera packs. I try to be objective and see for myself. I have many, way too many, packs, almost all Lowepro because they work for me. They may or may not work for you.<br>

Good luck.<br>

Eric</p>

[tdigi]

<p>Finding a comfortable bag that fits your gear is harder then picking cameras or lenses. I find its better to come up with 2 or 3 that meet your various needs then 1 bag that does it all. Domke and Thinktank are my personal favorites. </p>

[mark_pierlot]

<p>In addition to its greater capacity, the main advantage of a backpack over a shoulder bag is that it evenly distributes the load and is easier on your back. This is particularly true of packs with padded waist straps.</p>

<p>As for access, Lowepro makes backpacks that can be swung around on your shoulder to your front on one strap, with side access compartments that accomodate a body with lens attached. They function much like slings in this respect, since the bag can be swung around and your gear accessed without removing the bag.</p>

<p>I use my backpack only for longer excursions. For most walkabouts I just use one of my Lowepro shoulder bags, and keep the load light and lean (usually just a body and single zoom).</p>

<p> </p>

[jaydesi]

<p>As everyone says, there's no one bag that's great for everything, and you have to find bags that work for you, and are comfortable. Here's what works for me.</p>

<p>I have a ThinkTank Airport Accelerator 2.0 backpack, and it's very comfortable...it holds all of my gear and my laptop, all in the space of a carry on, so I can travel with it and not have to check my gear with the luggage. However, it's fairly big, and as others have said, you have to take it off and set it on the ground to access your gear. For me, this bag is great for carrying my gear from one place to another, but not as useful when going out shooting.</p>

<p>I also have a shoulder/hip bag, the Lowepro Outback 300 AW, that has a shoulder strap and also a waist strap for comfort, the waist strap really helps to shift some of the load off the shoulder strap. It also gives extra security vs. snatch and run thieves, since you've got two straps going around your body. You can even use it without the shoulder strap if you wish. It doesn't hold as much gear as the backpack, but it holds enough for a day's shooting, and has several fabric loops on the outside where other gear can be strapped with velcro or bungee cords. The two side lens pouches are detachable if a smaller bag is desired.</p>

[Robert DeCandido PhD]

<p>Think outside the box too - large day packs by Osprey and Gregory are more comfortable (and less expensive) than photo type backpacks - so if you are in a sporting good store have a look at the backpack section. Look for extra large zippers (YKK); and a nice (padded) shoulder/hip/harness design.</p>

[m._scott_clay1]

<p> I like the Kata 3n1 series. They are great backpacks, but work as sling bags as well. Very handy and holds a ton of gear (depending on the size).</p>

[vivid_earth_photographics]

<p>I second the Kata 3n1 series. Very clever design lets them be used as slings, one-strap shoulder pack or back pack. Well laid out and nice construction.<br>

For large loads, the Tamrax Expedition series is incredibly comfortable, very nicely made with quality materials, and extremely flexible. I used a 6x from Africa to Alaska as my primary transport bag. The Kata was my bag for day trips. </p>

[nathangardner]

<p>Not sure about Crumpler Whisky; I like Four Roses, Knob Creek, and Maker's Mark myself.</p>

[loren_cain]

<p>Another, even farther-out-there, option is to take the aluminum frame from an external frame pack and strap whatever sort of camera bag you like to it. If the frame is large enough, you can also attach a separate small bag for lunch and a raincoat, or a tripod, or whatever else you need. I did this a few times for long (10-12 mile) day hikes, using an old ALICE frame I bought for two dollars at an army surplus store. It works fine in a national park setting, but maybe not appropriate for a city street :)</p>

[g dan mitchell]

<p>Joining the throng who report what they have:</p>

<p>I also have the Thinktank Airport Accelerator as my "big rectangular bag." Actually, there are bigger bags, but this is large enough for me. It has been a reliable and solid performer and I'd buy another one.</p>

<p>I have a Lowepro Rover II for heavily loaded trail photography. It is a very comfortable carry even with heavy loads and has performed admirably. I'd buy another. The only downsides are a) tricky access to the lower compartment, and b) complexities of using the fine rain cover when a large tripod is attached.</p>

<p>I also use a Slingshot 200AW for lightly loaded (mostly) urban excursions. Also a fine bag that combines small size, comfortable carry, good access.</p>

<p>I have others, but you get the idea.</p>

<p>Take care,</p>

<p>Dan</p>

[tdigi]

<p>The Kata 3 in 1 is a nice looking bag but my one friend had his 16-35 fall out into the street using that bag, luckily it was not damaged but I never trusted it after that so I never purchased one. The design does look good but I have heard others tell me the same. I guess when it appears closed gear can still slip out somehow. </p>

[frank_skomial]

<p>Main reason for backpack is that it frees your hands to do other things. </p>

<p>E.g. in airport for check-in you can have backpack, and yet manage 2 suitcases. Not always luggage carts are available.</p>

<p>I am sure there are many other reasons to have your hands free...</p>

[w_t1]

<p>if you go for a photo-specific backpack (eg Lowepro, Tamrac, etc) make sure you physically handle and try on at the store, rather than buying online without seeing first. A few years ago based on chatter here I thought I just had to have a lowepro backpack, being happy with their older orion beltbag, but when I tried it on was no deal for me. I am much happier and comfortable with what is called "technical" packs, usually a bit bigger than a daypack, has aluminum or fiberglass stiffener, lighter than the photo backpacks. </p>

<p>The Alice frame is a good idea, but you have to have cajones the size of bowling balls to carry those around a modern city...I know one guy in Seattle that does, everyone gives him room (not me lol).</p>

<p>And cambags.com if hasnt' already been mentioned.</p>

[jim_krupnik]

<p>Here are a few choices. The Canon branded bag (200EG) is shown here twice, front and back views. It is currently about $42.00 US, and the two shown have been dragged all over the world for years, and cost between $26, and $35 when purchased. They are super bargains to this day, and have fully customizable interiors, as well as top handles to tote like handbags.</p>

<p>They are bread and butter bags. Cheap, durable beyond reason, and the perfect size for a day trip, or hike. Two bodies, four lenses, and a boatload of "stuff" can be loaded securely.</p>

<p>The big Tenba bag is a monster. It holds a 17" wide screen laptop inside, as well as rain gear, and all sorts of quick access to lenses, strobes, etc. It is a serious sized backpack, and isn't cheap. I use it for going into the field with a complete Mamiya RX67 kit. Everything fits. I included it here for perspective. The cheap Canon bags are perfect for carry on luggage, and cheap enough to buy several over time to set up field kits of camera gear, lighting gear, etc.</p>

<p>Of course, there are a million bags to choose from, and good luck. This is just one suggestion for a seriously cheap, durable, functional, and very comfortable mid sized photo-backpack.</p>

<p>The second shot shows the Canon bags stuffed with "things" to give an idea of what it can hold, and a bit of a sense of the layers, and types of compartments available for use.</p>

<p><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4049/4572984867_c105b69392.jpg" alt="" width="497" height="500" /><br>

<img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4025/4573055705_a8c3b6da38.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="375" /></p>

[john_rocha1]

<p>Hi<br /><br />I agree with most people here that the main points are that a backpack is easy to carry but the problem is getting at your equipment - I'm also worried about gear falling out with some of the bag designs.<br /><br />I've found another problem is that many of the bags as well as being very expensive identify you as a photographer carrying lots of gear which is a problem if you like to be inconspicuous.<br /><br />I've written a couple of posts about this on my blog at<br>

http://johnrochaphoto.net/its-in-the-bag-part-1/699/<br>

Briefly this approach which might not suit everyone is to use my top loading shoulder bag and carry it in a battered old backback which will not attract too much attention. When I get to my destination I can take my shoulder bag out which is more convenient.</p>

<p>Hope this helps.<br /><br />John</p>