Travel backpack?
bike21
Registered Users Posts: 836 Major grins
Ok, 'grinners looking for a not so normal camera/travel backpack. I have one or two in mind, but wanted to see if anyone has any other ideas. I've been toting my Timbuk2 messenger bag with me all over the globe for quite awhile. Trouble is, the messenger bag hurts the shoulder after awhile and doesn't have a whole lot of capacity. I did add a camera insert which is handy, but then I don't have room for much else after that. So I'm considering getting a backpack that is more versatile as a camera bag and all around travel bag.
My requirements:
- comfy (padded shoulder straps, chest and/or waist belt)
- stealthy (no advertising to "steal me I contain expensive cameras!")
- good number of pockets for organization
- side or quick camera compartment access a plus
- weather resistant or pack cover a plus
- big enough camera compartment for one body, usually 1 or 2 spare lenses, batteries, flash
- external straps for tripod when needed
- other stuff carried is usually -> rain jacket, small umbrella, bottle of water, sunscreen, etc.
Considering sticking with Timbuk2, the new Sleuth looks legit ... http://bit.ly/SWtnUu
I do already have a LowePro Sport 200 AW for other pursuits, but don't think it's the best bag for international travels ... http://bit.ly/TWC1mG
Any other thoughts? Thanks! :thumb
My requirements:
- comfy (padded shoulder straps, chest and/or waist belt)
- stealthy (no advertising to "steal me I contain expensive cameras!")
- good number of pockets for organization
- side or quick camera compartment access a plus
- weather resistant or pack cover a plus
- big enough camera compartment for one body, usually 1 or 2 spare lenses, batteries, flash
- external straps for tripod when needed
- other stuff carried is usually -> rain jacket, small umbrella, bottle of water, sunscreen, etc.
Considering sticking with Timbuk2, the new Sleuth looks legit ... http://bit.ly/SWtnUu
I do already have a LowePro Sport 200 AW for other pursuits, but don't think it's the best bag for international travels ... http://bit.ly/TWC1mG
Any other thoughts? Thanks! :thumb
0
Comments
F-Stop just released a lighter-weight version of this bag, the Loka UL.
Here's a link to a review that I posted in my blog - http://denisegoldberg.blogspot.com/2012/04/gear-review-f-stop-loka.html.
--- Denise
Musings & ramblings at https://denisegoldberg.blogspot.com
I keep my 6D with L-Bracket and a lens attached, and an additional lens, along with a towel, camera rain cover, filter and holders, batteries and extra memory cards in the rotating piece. All larger stuff like more lenses, overshoes, etc.. go in the main compartment.
As much as I love the Mindshift bags, I haven't found any I like better style wise than the F-stops. I just love their styling!
www.zblackwood.com
Since I have a magical crew badge this isn't a worry for myself
Mmmm...liking the Loka UL, just wish I could get my hands one before buying.
Mindshift looks promising, though I agree f-stop has better styling and I'm a sucker for aesthetics.
F-Stop has a 45-day satisfaction guarantee so if you don't like the back it looks like they will take it back - http://fstopgear.com/content/2012-02/45-day-satisfaction-guarantee. Looks like you can only return it on this program if you haven't used it, but at least that means there shouldn't be an issue if you don't like it. I've also found them to be very helpful on the phone.
--- Denise
Musings & ramblings at https://denisegoldberg.blogspot.com
From a size standpoint it is the same size as the Loka - but with a medium shallow ICU in it, it feels a bit smaller. I think that's primarily because I have a large (regular) ICU in the Loka. I've used the UL around home, and I used it on my recent wander in Newfoundland. The backpack makes a lot of sense to me; with the hip belt it is very comfortable to wear / use.
What are you comparing it to? And why do you think it may be too big?
--- Denise
Musings & ramblings at https://denisegoldberg.blogspot.com
Timbuk2 Sleuth - great looking pack, but dislike that the tripod mount would cover up access to the zippers on the back pockets. Might be a touch small too.
Vanguard Sedona 51 - actually have this one on the way from B&H, so we'll see how I like it. It seems to check off most of my list. I got the smaller version last week, but it was waaaay too small.
Dakine Sequence - I dig the aesthetics and the storage cube seems to have plenty of space. Not sure how much extra storage for other goodies though.
Kenti & Guru from fstop - both have great features, and seem to be the right size.
Manfrotto Prolight - also expensive, but I'd like to see it up close.
Burton Focus - just found this one and looks promising.
I just think 37L is overkill for a travel/carry on bag that will be used for many different missions. Perhaps I'm just over thinking this one
I'll be interested in hearing both your decision and how you like your choice after using it for a while.
--- Denise
Musings & ramblings at https://denisegoldberg.blogspot.com
facebook.com/robertchenphotography
Hmm...like the look of that one was well. Does it have any small organizer pockets beyond the fold out portion on the front? Anything you'd change about it?
http://muenchworkshops.com/blog/2014/3/17/review-mindshift-rotation180-panorama
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There's a small pocket with zipper (for business cards and the like) on the exterior where the top portion folds over, and two(?) small pockets without zipper/velcro inside the top compartment.
I use the bag when I road bike (the messenger bags were killing my shoulders), and love it. It's very solid, and certainly satisfies many of the bullet points that you identified.
I think I have about 10 camera bags, each for its own purpose...combine all 10 bags into one, and that would be ideal...lol. Seriously, I wished the bag would have a dedicated pocket for keys, wallet, phone, etc. Other than that, it's great...plus, you can't beat Timbuk2 customer service. If you're in SF, get to the retail store.
facebook.com/robertchenphotography
I think I should design my own backpack
I've been very happy with my Loka. The thing about FSTOP Gear is the ability to choose the "right" ICU for the job. I have a medium and it gives me a bit of room for other stuff in the top. Goes in the OH bins pretty easily too.
Anxious to hear your opinion on the Kenti.
Can't wait. Which ICU did you get?
None the above, which is part of the reason I like it. It's their only bag that doesn't need an ICU and you can access your gear from both sides of the bag. It has configurable dividers like other bags do.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00CF5OGP8/ref=pd_lpo_sbs_dp_ss_2?pf_rd_p=1535523722&pf_rd_s=lpo-top-stripe-1&pf_rd_t=201&pf_rd_i=B002VPE1WK&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_r=0Q2D0VWWSMBKX8T273K8
It's "Amazon Basics" so about as nondescript as you could get and it'll hold a decent amount of gear and a laptop. I've used it for about a year so far and it seems to be a good quality bag and worth way more than the 25 bucks I paid! Even at 45 it's a deal.
Have a look in your local military surplus store. Troops carry an astonishing amount of stuff over very long distances. The packs designed for their use are rugged, ergonomically padded, and have lots of pockets for stashing small things. If you are doing serious hiking, look at the Camelbak and Osprey websites. Both have packs that include integrated water systems.
Another good idea, I've seen some cool looking black military bags out there. However, I just loaded up the Kenti for a test run around the house (it's cold & wet outside!!) and I think I've found the bag I wanted. Loaded everything I needed just fine and feels comfy. 4 lenses, 1 body, misc accessories, tripod on outside, filter sleeve, rain jacket, book, passport, mtb magazines (a must), headphones, pen, USB cable, etc. Ready to travel!
Taking a holiday in about two weeks somewhere far off so I'll report back after that
Safe and fun travels! Looking forward to the photos!