Daysack/Camera backpack

[Arthritic Sloth]

Hi.

I hope that this is the correct forum to post this......

Your thoughts/experiences are invited on my quest for a new camera backpack.

I have a Lowepro Flipside 200 camera backpack link.

I like the basic form and function of the bag - security, main compartment can't be opened whilst wearing on your back and that when you open the main compartment, you can access almost all the inside of the bag at once. The real problem is size, I have outgrown the bags camera carrying capacity nor does it allow for the carrying of other items such as waterproofs, snacks etc.

Cost is a major consideration, along with functionality, so I am currently thinking along the lines of a 20-30 ltr Molle backpack such as the Viper Recon Extra Pack. The main compartment of this bag can be opened giving access to the whole compartment and it contents.
I also realise that I will most likely need to make up some padding with some closed cell foam and get a waterproof bag cover.

The advantages that I can see (to me) are:

• Lower cost when compared to equivalent specialist (lowepro) type.
• Doesn't look like expensive camera bag containing expensive camera equipment.
• Can be used as camera bag or as daysack as required.
• Can add storage via Molle pouches and the like.

My real question is if the bag I have selected is suitable, or if you have done something similar.

I'll shut up now and stop rambling on.

Thanks.

 

[ArkAngel]

I have to admit I have only ever used a camera bag for camera equipment.

While you indeed have the bonus of it not looking like a camera bag you don't have the same level of protection.

I've gone up in sizes over the years as my equipment has increased and now use a Lowepro Pro Trekker 400AW (got in a sale) and the internal dividers are only one part of the story. The whole bag has a much higher level of protection than a normal rucksack. Every side has increased padding to protect against knocks. I have room for other walking items and the built in rain cover. There are attachment points everywhere on it so other smaller pouches can be added

I have used smaller bags like a lowepro toploader inside a normal rucksack but I find that a poor compromise as it takes up a lot of room.

I do know people that have done what you are thinking about but for me It's the right tool for the right job. And the people at Lowepro have always made the right tool in my opinion

 

[bilmo-p5]

Check out this thread, particularly post #13.

 

[nic a char]

I'm in favour of DIY - closed-cell foam is good to the outside of your bag + you need open-cell foam too against the photo-gear for max protection.
Decide the size of pack you need, cut soft foam to take your main fragile items (camera, lenses, flash) surround that with cut-up camping mat, and allow PLENTY room for the inevitable "extras" as well as combinations (eg lens on/off body/ies). I found chest and waist straps helped a lot with security while travelling.
As to other gear, I found it much better to have the photo-pack on the front, with a separate back-pack - it's hard enough keeping photo gear clean & dry without mixing it up with wet-weather/cooking/camping gear etc.
Great feeling when you've got it sorted to suit YOURSELF!

 

[Arthritic Sloth]

Thanks for your replies everyone.

I have to agree with what you say about specialist bags ArkAngel and when you consider the value of the camera equipment carried, it's not a lot of money to protect your investment, but I still feel as though they don't do all the things I would like to see in my bag and I'm too tight to spend that kind of money


Interesting thread bilmo-p5, some food for thought after reading through that. Might be more adventurous with possible modifications.

nic a char is pretty much where I was thinking. Either cut my own foam (I already have plenty of open cell foam) or I have been told that I can buy ready made closed foam inserts/dividers and then I should end up with the bag I wanted (or not, which is entirely possible with my skills!).

I will post something up if it goes well.........

 

[Elgatoloco]

I would go with 5.11 Moab 10, Sling, easy to "rotate" so you don;t have to take it of your back, plenty of storage pockets, the only downside is the MIL look tho, but you can get different colours other than Olive drab

S

 

[Arthritic Sloth]

Hi Elgatoloco, had a look at the 5.11 Moab 10 sling bag. Nice idea and I don't mind the Mil look. The real problem is that the bag would be too small for the amount and actual size of kit I was looking to carry, to that end, the 5.11 Rush 24 is a nice looking bag, but was hoping to keep the spend down, choices, choices

 

[janso]

Maxpedition Sitka in black? May have one for sale shortly,....


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[Macaroon]

Maxpedition Sitka in black? May have one for sale shortly,....

A Sitka would make an extremely good camera pack on all sorts of levels; space, protection, accessability and flexibility, and they spin on the shoulder to act as a table/platform to work and shoot from