Need a backpack suggestion

scottcolbath

I'm looking at the Tarmacs on B&H. I think the 5258 CyberPack may be my choice, but I wanted to check with you guys first.

This pack is primarily for me to use while on the motorcycle. I'll be doing dual sport riding and sport bike riding. I'll surely be taking my Manfrotto tripod along for the ride.

Now, does anyone else out there ride and use a pack like this, with a tripod mounted to the pack? My biggest concern is that once loaded up and on my back, I will not like the center-mounted tripod. I've seen others with a side mount for tripods, but that seems like it would be very unbalanced and get annoying real quick.

What say you?

S.C.

scottcolbath

Bump.

Nothing?

S.C.

starky987

I have a Kata 101 Rucksack and absolutely love it. I originally purchased the 103 but found it to be a little too wide for my liking. The quality and protection of this bag are second to none. The interior is completely customizable as well. You can carry a tripod on the outside with special straps that come with the bag and it comes with a waterproof cover as well. I'd check out kata's website. They have tons of bags. Even though mine is called a rucksack by Kata, it is actually just a backpack.

cecald

recommendation
I just got a new pack, but haven't gotten to test it out much (and not at all on the motorcycle). Have you thought about using a tank bag? I have a joe rocket magnetic bag (also has the straps) which is close to perfect. It's big enough to hold my powerbook, and the interior can be divided/padded using those velcro dividers. It allows really quick access to the camera, etc etc etc.

anwmn1

scottcolbath wrote:

I'm looking at the Tarmacs on B&H. I think the 5258 CyberPack may be my choice, but I wanted to check with you guys first.

This pack is primarily for me to use while on the motorcycle. I'll be doing dual sport riding and sport bike riding. I'll surely be taking my Manfrotto tripod along for the ride.

Now, does anyone else out there ride and use a pack like this, with a tripod mounted to the pack? My biggest concern is that once loaded up and on my back, I will not like the center-mounted tripod. I've seen others with a side mount for tripods, but that seems like it would be very unbalanced and get annoying real quick.

What say you?

S.C.

Have no immediate experience with riding a motorcycle with my camera gear though I plan to do so as soon as I get one.
I think the tripod even mounted center of a pack will still play with your balance as will the pack if it is loaded down pretty good. Though you may tighten the straps down the pack will still move as you take sharp corners and go over bumps

If you have a dual sport do you have a rack & box system on it? Maybe you can attach the tripod (in a tripod bag or case)to the bike much like one would a rifle. This would alow you to use any backpack you thought would work best without the tripod being a concern.

Best of luck and post some photos of you on the bike once you have made your decision.

ian408

Have a look HERE.
There are some useful tips in the thread. Oh, it's a motorcycle thread too

scottcolbath

cecald wrote:

I just got a new pack, but haven't gotten to test it out much (and not at all on the motorcycle). Have you thought about using a tank bag? I have a joe rocket magnetic bag (also has the straps) which is close to perfect. It's big enough to hold my powerbook, and the interior can be divided/padded using those velcro dividers. It allows really quick access to the camera, etc etc etc.

Both my bikes have tank bags. I don't mind using it for street use, but when I go off road, things get knocked around pretty hard. I want the back pack to help cushoin the lenses and camera. Also, my tank bag barely holds my 400mm.

S.C.

ian408

By definition, riding off road is going to be hard on your gear. It's going to rattle
around whether it's in a tankbag or backpack.

If all you want to carry is a camera, you might check the Crumpler line of bags.
Why? Because they tend to be more form fitting. They've got a waist strap
too.

DavidTO

I don't ride a bike, but I wear a Crumpler. They're awesome, and Ian's spot-on about the fit.

scottcolbath

DavidTO wrote:

I don't ride a bike, but I wear a Crumpler. They're awesome, and Ian's spot-on about the fit.

That's one screwed up website they have.

S.C.

cmason

scottcolbath wrote:

That's one screwed up website they have.

S.C.

No kidding, it has discouraged me from spending much time evaluating Crumplers....try here:

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/shop/10187/Crumpler_Cases_Backpacks_Laptop_Cases.html

ChuckM

I just picked up a SlingShot 300. I haven't filled it with gear yet but I think it would be a good riding bag. I don't know about the tripod, but with the waste strap, I would think it would stay pretty stable.

If you are interested, I'll take some pictures for you.

scottcolbath

I'm still liking the Tamracs more. It's purpose built and allows me to haul my tripod.

S.C.

darkdragon

ChuckM wrote:

I just picked up a SlingShot 300. I haven't filled it with gear yet but I think it would be a good riding bag. I don't know about the tripod, but with the waste strap, I would think it would stay pretty stable.

If you are interested, I'll take some pictures for you.

I love my slingshot300, but it really has no good way to carry a tripod with it. I have my tripod in a manfrotto tripod bag and I just sling it over the other shoulder.

Alas, I have never ridden a dirtbike or motorcycle with my gear, so I'm no help there.

Art Scott

scottcolbath wrote:

That's one screwed up website they have.

S.C.

YES IT IS.....

I use a lowePro Trekker Pro and heve the option of where I put my pod(s).....the one I have is (waas) the largest that I could carry on airlines in 2003......but I truly pefer my LowePro 75aw's on a military pistol blet with suspenders....make for a balanced ride also I carry water on my back so noramlly I don;t want to have the cam back pack also.....but the 75aw's won;t fit a 400mm on a body either................

ChuckM

darkdragon wrote:

I love my slingshot300, but it really has no good way to carry a tripod with it. I have my tripod in a manfrotto tripod bag and I just sling it over the other shoulder.

Alas, I have never ridden a dirtbike or motorcycle with my gear, so I'm no help there.

Agreed. It's not looking good for that. I wish it had another one of those straps along the bottom of the bag like the one that continues from the "zipper stop" clips.

ian408

scottcolbath wrote:

That's one screwed up website they have.

S.C.

Yeah but they got Timtams