Advice on choosing a backpack

[shayz_p._kandy]

<p>Hello,<br>

I am looking for some DSLR backpacks options around the budget of 150-200 dollars. I have upgraded my gears recently and my current bag won't fit all these gears. From the list of gears below what are my best options for the given budget?<br>

5D Mark III Body<br>

24-70 Tamron Lens<br>

70-300 L Canon Lens<br>

2 Speedlites<br>

Cokin Filter Kit<br>

15" Laptop</p>

<p>I don't have much options for the bags at my local place and I need to rely on the online stores from US or elsewhere.<br>

Looking forward to your valuable advises.<br>

Thanks</p>

 

[Aoresteen]

<p>The laptop is the killer. I have a nice Canon brand backpack model 200EG that sells for $50 or less:<br>

<a href="http://www.ebay.com/itm/Canon-Deluxe-Backpack-200-EG-for-2-Digital-SLR-with-3-4-Lenses-Flash-and-Acces-/321263304841?pt=US_Camera_Cases_Bags&hash=item4accc90089#ht_2174wt_1366">http://www.ebay.com/itm/Canon-Deluxe-Backpack-200-EG-for-2-Digital-SLR-with-3-4-Lenses-Flash-and-Acces-/321263304841?pt=US_Camera_Cases_Bags&hash=item4accc90089#ht_2174wt_1366</a><br>

No room for a laptop. When I need to haul a laptop arround I use a Samsonite backpack that looks something like this:</p>

<p><a href="http://www.ebay.com/itm/Samsonite-Tectonic-Large-Laptop-Backpack-Black-Orange-44331-1070-/131041265035?pt=US_CSA_MWA_Backpacks&hash=item1e82ab058b#ht_759wt_1128">http://www.ebay.com/itm/Samsonite-Tectonic-Large-Laptop-Backpack-Black-Orange-44331-1070-/131041265035?pt=US_CSA_MWA_Backpacks&hash=item1e82ab058b#ht_759wt_1128</a></p>

<p>I use Domke F2 inserts for padding. There are some after market inserts that will fit:<br>

<a href="http://www.ebay.com/itm/271308882163?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1439.l2649#ht_3221wt_1366">http://www.ebay.com/itm/271308882163?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1439.l2649#ht_3221wt_1366</a></p>

<p>When buying a Samsonite backpack, take your laptop to the store to make sure it will fit. My Compaq laptop fit well even though Samsonite said it would not! I bought my Samsonite from a Samsonite factory outlet store and paid more than it would cost on eBay but I knew my laptop woud fit.</p>

[AlanKlein]

<p>Buy one that has a belt at the bottom that you can tighten around your hips. There may be a frame support there as well to help. That will distribute the weight to your hips so you carry it better and longer and avoid back pain.</p>

[Ed_Ingold]

<p>I suggest you look at a backpack from Think Tank ((http://www.thinktankphoto.com/categories/camera-backpacks.aspx). This company was founded by a group of engineers who think like photographers. Unlike traditional backpacks, ThinkTank bags are rectangular with a semi-rigid outer shell, deep enough to hold a professional DSLR without bulging the top. They have three handles, making them easy to hoist into an overhead compartment, or the trunk of a car. I have three so far, including two Airport Commutor bags (medium sized) for one or two large camera bodies, and four or five lenses and accessories. One is for an Hasselblad kit with seven lenses, and the other for a Nikon D3 with a 17-20/2.8, 28-70/2.8, 780-200/2.8 and 300/4.0.</p>

<p>The padding and straps are not quite as elaborate as some outdoor packs, but handle the weight nicely, and are easily stowed for travel. My kits weigh about 35 lbs. There is a removeable belt and a sternum strap in addition to the shoulder straps. There's space for an 15" laptop in the cover, including a padded sleeve and zippered compartment. Most of the time I carry the laptop separately, but there's room for it if I wish.</p>

<p>There are some taller, narrower bags which are ideal for use on public transportation. If you've every tried to hoist an heavy shoulder bag on to a bus and down a narrow aisle, you know what I'm talking about.</p>

[shayz_p._kandy]

<p>Thank you all for your informative responses.</p>

[nathaniel_alpert]

<p>The Loka backpacks are probably what you but more than your budget. <br>

The problem with things like the Think Tank is that they are not backpacks, just a rectangular case with straps. If you are over thirty years old they are killers for hiking with a load like you are talking about. A possible solution is the Deuter Act 32, a real backpack with an internal frame. Couple that with a internal camera unit from eBay.</p>

[ismadi_hussain]

<p>The Lowepro Fastpack 350 would work quite well. Its old compared to current models but that means its cheap if you can get one pre-owned in good condition.