[TWiTCHY]

Hey guys I'm looking for a backpack that's a little more comfy than my current shoulder-bag but also one that will hold a few lenses, a camera, a tripod on the side, and a laptop.

If any of you guys are using one right now or know someone that has one, let me know what they think about their particular model - I'm in a hurry to get one pretty soon.

I've been looking at some Lowepro Computrekkers and Compurovers but I'm not too fond of the the tripod attachment and the inaccessibility to the camera if you happen to have a tripod mounted to it at the same time.

I've also been looking at the Kata R-103 which looks better and can hold a tripod off to the side which allows for you access the camera not only because the tripod isn't in the way anymore, but because there's a port dedicated to the camera itself on the outside.

Problem is, my laptop (15.4") is slightly too big to fit in the Kata based on it's interior dimensions of the laptop space, and owners have been saying that even if the laptop is slightly larger than the size the bag was designed for, the backpack will not zip up all the way. Kata does offer a larger size but it's just too expensive for a little more space.

Anyone know of any good camera/tripod/laptop backpacks out there? Different brands, like Tamrac?

Thanks

[Vudoo4u2]

kata has been my favorite as of yet, theyre stretchy and waterproof!

havent found a good solution for dragging a tripod around

[Mr Tonka]

Tenba. It's like a friggin cave for photo equipment.

It's big, but gets the job done. They have one for a 17" laptop and 15" lap top. My 17" MBP fits in it fine.

I keep the following in it:

Body
16-35
24-70
70-200
1.4x
all lens hoods
pocket wizards
sony handy cam
sensor brush
charger
batteries
lap top
lap top batteries
lap top cords, chargers etc...
all manuals
all camera interface cords
beanbag tripod

It also has a strap for attaching a tripod on the bottom as well as a self contained cover for protection from the weather.

[scollins]

Ha! I've been looking/researching the same exact thing! My work laptop is a 15", but my wife's laptop is a 17". Ideally, I'd like one that would fit the 17" laptop. I've yet to hit the store to get some "hands-on" with most of them.

The Think Tank Shape Shifter sounds interesting, but spendy at $250: http://www.thinktankphoto.com/ttp_product_ShpShftr.php


The Think Tank Streetwalker Hard Drive, at $180, fits a 15" laptop:
http://www.thinktankphoto.com/ttp_product_StWlkrHD.php


The Tamrac Aero Speed Pack 85 Model 3385 at $120 looks like a contender to me:
http://www.tamrac.com/3385.htm

[Mr Tonka]

One thing to keep in mind is the storage space for you lenses. That tamrac bag will hold a 70-200 sized lens, but only on the camera. Its a pain in the ass to change your lens every time you take the camera out.

[scollins]

Originally Posted by MP0WER

One thing to keep in mind is the storage space for you lenses. That tamrac bag will hold a 70-200 sized lens, but only on the camera. Its a pain in the ass to change your lens every time you take the camera out.

Good point. I also like the looks of the Think Tank Airport Addicted V 2.0. I've been doing a ton of business travel lately, and I'd love to bring my camera along. But a computer bag plus a carry-on maxes me out. Now a camera bag that also has space to swallow my laptop bag contents (not much really, I run a pretty small laptop bag) plus another for clothes would rock.

Damn thing is $350 though. I can probably get my boss to spring for a bag around the $100-$150 mark, but $350 won't fly.

Unrelated question, anyone carry a tripod through security?

[TWiTCHY]

Keep in mind that I DO want to use this backpack all around, so camera space is essential. It's much more important than accessory space for the laptop. It should consist of most of the bag. Also, it should have a tripod attachment. Thanks for the suggestions, Scott, but it doesn't look like the two bags allow for a tripod attachment.

My budget is around $150, so I am already limited to a degree.

[asdflkijd]

I have the Kata DR-467, bought it for around $80 at Adorama NYC. This bag is great, but it kinda looks funky without the backpack full.. The laptop compartment is great and my 15" MBP is safe inside, the space for the camera (at the bottom) fits my 40D + 50mm, 28-135mm and a 18-55mm with no problem. I could probably also fit a 430ex flash in there too. The accessories compartment is what I like the most about the backpack, its large enough to carry 2 or more lenses or your lunch, even a lightweight track jacket (I can fit my 800fill REI down jacket) As your concerns for a tripod holder, it does not have one, but I just carry a monopod which you can fit on the side where the water bottle holder is. You should try out the kata website http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&sourc...pRBC4q0SnLv-Gg they have lots of great stuff, specifically designed for what you're looking for. Good luck!

[asdflkijd]

actually, it says it can hold a tripod as well..
http://www.kata-bags.com/product.asp...&Version=Photo

[asdflkijd]

Originally Posted by Vudoo4u2

kata has been my favorite as of yet, theyre stretchy and waterproof!

havent found a good solution for dragging a tripod around

+1, for Kata, I think you were the one that recommend it when I made a thread a while back regarding a similar situation

[scollins]

Originally Posted by TWiTCHY

Keep in mind that I DO want to use this backpack all around, so camera space is essential. It's much more important than accessory space for the laptop. It should consist of most of the bag. Also, it should have a tripod attachment. Thanks for the suggestions, Scott, but it doesn't look like the two bags allow for a tripod attachment.

My budget is around $150, so I am already limited to a degree.

All three bags (all four if you count the Airport Addicted) indicate the capability to carry a tripod too.

They're all budget-busters though, except for the Tamrac.

Think Tank Streetwalker Hard Drive:


Think Tank Shape Shifter:


Think Tank Airport Addicted V 2.0

[TWiTCHY]

Originally Posted by MP0WER

Tenba. It's like a friggin cave for photo equipment.

It's big, but gets the job done. They have one for a 17" laptop and 15" lap top. My 17" MBP fits in it fine.

I keep the following in it:

Body
16-35
24-70
70-200
1.4x
all lens hoods
pocket wizards
sony handy cam
sensor brush
charger
batteries
lap top
lap top batteries
lap top cords, chargers etc...
all manuals
all camera interface cords
beanbag tripod

It also has a strap for attaching a tripod on the bottom as well as a self contained cover for protection from the weather.

Thanks for the suggestion, I just ordered the Shootout Medium in black. Seems kind of big though, and I'm a small guy...wonder how it'll work out

[TurboFan]

What kind of environment do you need the bag for? Are you looking to transport gear in a more urban setting (aka may want wheels?), in and out of cars / busses / cabs / airplane / subway, or are you thinking a more off-road environment, like trail hiking, skiing, etc?

I have a Lowepro Computrekker that I use when I travel, and it's a great bag for my laptop, an assortment of lenses, a couple bodies and a speedlight. However, it's not a very good "backpack", not something I'd want to hike with for 3 days. For that I use a LoweAlpine Contour IV, with a little padding to keep everything safe. Off the shoulder straps I like to hang a torso bag on the D rings, to hold a body with lens attached at the ready.


EDIT - to the OP, I just saw another post from you. Depending on how much gear you want to carry, I'd look into a daypack with a sleeve for your laptop. Most daypacks have lash points on the sides where you can attach a tripod or monopod with lash straps.

[TWiTCHY]

I plan to use this backpack for EVERYTHING. Taking it up on the mountains, around downtown, transportation of gear/storage. It'll be on me all the time while I'm out.

[- Paul -]

I've just bought one of these as it was cheap! - BTW Twitchy - I added you on Flickr (Rozter)

[TWiTCHY]

I should get one of those as a daily...

I added you, too