Backpack/Slingbag Advice

fullofpaint

So I've been using an older Lowepro backpack (not sure the exact one) but I can't fit all my gear inside it very easily. Looking to replace it but i can't seem to find anything that really fit what I need.

-Fit a 17" laptop
-Fit at least one 5dMk2 with a battery grip (ideally two)
-Fit a 70-200 L lens, plus two more lenses
-Fit at least one speedlite.
-Preferably something not super bulky but I can live with that

Ideally I'd like to be able to leave a lens attached so I can easily grab the camera out of the bag and start shooting.

Any recommendations for these specs? I looked at Thinktank and the shape shifter seems to be the only one that really fits but I have to disassemble everything to fit it inside.

Mr Eddy

Yep, that's pretty much exactly what I've been looking for. The best option I've found is the Thinktank Urban Disguise 60. Lowepro seem to have quite a few bags (CompuRover/Trekker/Daypack/etc) that look like a reasonable fit.

Art Scott

A LOWEPRO Slingshot 350 would hold all of your gear minus the laptop, it would even hold all your gear if you added another 5D MKll and allow you to have the 70-200 attached and if you got a 2nd 5D MKll could could have a lens attached to it also unless they are twice the size of my Nikon D300....it will hold a 15" laptop...that is the only thing I do not like about my slingshot is the laptop compartment...it would be a freakin fantastic bag if it did not have that compartment all...A LowePro Pro or Super Trekker would give you lots room to grow, I won a PRo trekker and it has carried my gear around the US and Europe (35mm gear as well as Medium format)....I am one of those that will not carry my laptop to locations for shooting but I do keep it with me for processing and that is done after the days shooting is done, so the laptop stays either in the Hotel room or in my car in its own very padded Swiss gear case......

fullofpaint

Yea the laptop is the killer, nothing fits really that 17". I'm using my 5D to shoot video as well so I need to lug it around to dump cards until I can afford more, plus shooting on campus means a lot of days I go from event to event without downtime so it's nice to be able to dump cards courtside or wherever I get a chance. The 350 according to their site actually would hold my laptop, so that might be an option then. The trekker's are way too big for anything I see myself needing anytime soon.

rwells

My Thinktank Urban Disguise 60 will easily hold everything you've listed, (including a 17" laptop), and MORE!!!

You can also purchase the optional harness to carry the bag on your back like a backpack if you wish.

As with all ThinkTank bags, excellent quality!

Art Scott

fullofpaint wrote: »

Yea the laptop is the killer, nothing fits really that 17". I'm using my 5D to shoot video as well so I need to lug it around to dump cards until I can afford more, plus shooting on campus means a lot of days I go from event to event without downtime so it's nice to be able to dump cards courtside or wherever I get a chance. The 350 according to their site actually would hold my laptop, so that might be an option then. The trekker's are way too big for anything I see myself needing anytime soon.

i have the 350...guess i can check in the morning to see if my Dell Studio 1745 will slide in to it and still close.....if it does and you are interested I will make you a great deal on it......I bought it loaded it up and took out on one excursion and just did not like having "wasted" space,....that is the laptop compartment but I never put it up for sale and by the time I decided it really wasn't for me..... I had it to long to return.......

Art Scott

Well tried to get my Dell Studio 17 into the LowePro 350AW and it does not fit....

fullofpaint

Hmm, well that's unfortunate then.

Rwells- have you use the Urban disguise as a backpack before? I look at those but the backpack setup looks like it would be kind of uncomfortable.

rwells

fullofpaint wrote: »

Hmm, well that's unfortunate then.

Rwells- have you use the Urban disguise as a backpack before? I look at those but the backpack setup looks like it would be kind of uncomfortable.

Like anything else, it's probably subjective, but for me, it's a convenient option for carrying the bag. If it's loaded heavy, and for some reason my bags always are, the harness/backpack option is nice to relieve your shoulder from the normal strap. (A quick note here: the strap that is included with this bag is their best strap)

Is it as comfortable as a dedicated backpack? ~ No
Is it very convenient for hauling around your kit, when you don't need immediate access (you would use it as a shoulder bag for immediate access) ~ Yes


BTW; I learned (for me) a long time ago, that I would require several bags to fulfill my needs, depending on my assignment at hand.

I currently own:

(1) ThinkTank Airport Security (roller bag)
(1) ThinkTank Speed Racer (This is my most used bag ~ holds tons of stuff for it's size)
(1) ThinkTank Urban Disguise 60, w/optional harness
(1) ThinkTank belt system with several component pieces
(1) Old, old, old (32 years old to be exact) "Nikon" canvas bag. (When I run out of the house, I always try and grab a camera, and this is the simple bag that I use for that)
(2) Backpack photo bags (1 Large Tamrac, 1 Medium Canon)

Several bags and Pelican cases for lighting gear.


Hope that helps...