Hi, kids,

I'm looking to get a new bag to haul my stuff around, so I thought I'd solicit some advice from fellow photographers. I need to carry a Canon 30D with two lenses, a small tripod, and the other "stuff" we always have with us: cleaning supplies, filters, etc. For vacations, I also need a bag that will carry my laptop, since I need someplace to store a week or more of images, and I'm really paranoid about leaving a nice, easy-to-carry computer in a hotel room.

I currently have a Tamrac Adventure 9, which will hold everything, but has virtually nonexistent waist support, so all the weight is hanging off my shoulders, and the pack is always right against my back, so my shirt always ends up soaked with sweat.

I'm looking at something like a LowePro CompuTrekker, but I haven't actually tried one out at a store, so there's still time to talk me out of it if you know of something better.  :unsure:

Thanks,
Dennis

I use a Lowepro slingshot 200AW.

I have a DELSEY GOPIX 90. Well suited for my need and for my walet!

seeya Tunde

I have a Lowepro Nature Trekker AW for main trips in the field... But it came with a lightweight bag and I tend to use that most of the time..

i have a tamrac velocity 6 - and it is surprising what you can get into it, although it is a squeeze, the easiest fit is with the 50mm on the camera (30D) and then the 105mm and 17-85mm (both medium sized lenses) in the side compartments, then i have two extra filters (which arent on the lenses at the time) in their cases, space for a mini tripod (i dont use mine anymore since it wasnt designed for an slr), cleaning cloth and extra cards, and it looks rather inconspicuous/small.  It has the expansion compatibility straps on the side, so maybe if you could find some way of hanging your tripod off the side, but then i would imagine it would swing into your back incessantly. I'm planning on getting a monopod so it will double as a walking stick so i wont have that concern ;) 

Cosine: I bought the Lowepro CompuDaypack to use with my Canon 30D and 24-105 F4 IS L lens. Unfortunately the camera section was just to small for me. To store the camera with the lens attached I either had to (1) rearrange the velcro compartments into one big compartment (no room for other accessories or future upgrades), or (2) disassemble the camera and lens each time I put it in the backpack. So, I returned it.

Now I have the Lowepro Computrekker, and it fits everything I have to put in it plus lots of room for expansion. My 15.4" Toshiba Satellite barely fits in the laptop compartment. There is no way a 17" laptop would fit. A 14" or smaller would be ideal. There is enough room in the camera storage area for my laptops power adaptor.

The backpack also has waist straps and a strap-your-tripod-to-the-back-of-the-backpack tiedown system.

Overall, a thumbs-up from me!

I ordered mine through Newegg and it shipped from Tennessee to Washington in 6 days.

Matt**
**

Talk about timing...I've been shopping for a new bag..great info..

Also, In the March/April 2007 issue of PC Photo magazine there is a three-page article titled "D-SLR Camera Bags" that might give you a few more options.

Matt

I have two Lowpro bags, one small one large. The small one is just fine with a belt to wear around the waist for short trips and city stuff.  For trecking, I would need something more like Danny has.  The large bag for me is to travel with and hold the gear, not for the woods, more like a suitcase and not a travel baq.  Best wishes in finding what you want and may it be comfortable to wear.

Hi Cosine,
Well i have back pack called tamrac expedition three. I dont seem to use it much anymore.
But i just invested in a waterproof port. It holds my two cameras and five lenses and its waterproof. I also have a pouch that i do up around my waist for weddings and trekking. It holds spare battery, cards and two lenses.
So really depends what you are going to do.
Takecare
Chris

I've got 2 Tamrac bags (a 608 and a 610  - both are fairly big and hold a LOT for location shoots) and a Nikon $30 jobbie that is nice and small for going "out and about" without the need for all my doo-dads. I know shooters that live for their Domke and LowePro bags, but I really like Tamrac.

Then I have 2 Pelican 1650 cases - those are massive, heavy, and will survive the next world war, and are waterproof. These are the only things I'd feel safe with cameras AND a laptop (as mentioned above) not bumping each other inside, but good luck carrying it up a set of stairs! They have rollers but sometimes you just have to pick those puppies up - and it's no picnic!

I also have a Lightware 4-section rolling bag/case for a travelling light setup. They have rollers, but agian - sometimes you run into stairs!

Whatever you pick - and there are many good brands out there - get good padding (for those times you didn't mean to bump into something, or drop the bag so fast) and good workmanship quality (as something STARTS to fall apart... it's only the beginning...). LowePro, Tamrac, Domke, Lightware, F65, Tenba - all good names with good quality. Buy the best one you can afford - this is an area you shouldn't skimp on price.

Because you're carrying "sets" of things, I'd suggest you have multiple bags so they don't damage each other in just one bag - but that also means carrying MORE BAGS - yeah, tricky situation you've got there.

Good luck - hope that helps-
-Lew ;-)

Eventhough my Lowepro bags are not the best for trecking, I did get the "all weather" ones, with the lining to keep water from coming through. That simple addition has saved me more than once when rain hit!

Thanks for all the replies and advice. I'll probably go with the Lowepro Computrekker if I can find one before we leave for Hawaii in two weeks. I'd really like to see one and wear it loaded before buying it. I have smaller bags for local trips and hikes, but for a long vacation trip, I really need something that will carry all the camera equipment and my laptop.

Dennis

Yeah a few other points is access to the equipment my Lowepro Nature Trekker is fine even when fully loaded the expedition harness with waist belt can even out the load, but I am getting too old to go humping it around for several hours... I tend to use the bags that come with the Canon lens and use the lightweight bag that was included.... Access to lens can be improved on the main bag with the addition of external lens pouches

 I have now got a trolley with a waterproof carrier on wheels  ... The best ones are those designed for anglers... If you do use one of these the top loading bags make sense then.. 

As a   final point to consider Airways are now charging a lot extra for baggage being over the limit, and charge an hefty penalty without advertising this!  So check before you leave... And one trip I went on would not allow the fully loaded bag  to go anywhere other than the hold.. Not a good idea to have all your gear down there!! Or let those guys throw it around!!