the ideal camera backpack for m8

[leolaksi]

Over the years, I've been looking for the ideal backpack. These are the attributes I am looking for:

1. Compact design with the capability to hold two M-8's with attached lenses, three or four other lenses and assorted accessories, preferably with slots for SD cards, filter cases, etc.

2. Body hugging design that is both comfortable on two shoulders as on one.

3. Quick access to camera equipment, with either back loading or two compartment top loading.

4. Water resistant or built in rain cover.

Any recommendations? I've tried several backpacks recently including the Crumpler Customary Barge and the Kata DR467 and neither work for me. In the case of the Crumpler, it's too larger and heavy, the Kata lacks capacity in the lower padded camera compartment.

Happy New Year!

Thanks, Leo

[waileong]

Originally Posted by leolaksi

Over the years, I've been looking for the ideal backpack. These are the attributes I am looking for:

1. Compact design with the capability to hold two M-8's with attached lenses, three or four other lenses and assorted accessories, preferably with slots for SD cards, filter cases, etc.

2. Body hugging design that is both comfortable on two shoulders as on one.

3. Quick access to camera equipment, with either back loading or two compartment top loading.

4. Water resistant or built in rain cover.

Any recommendations? I've tried several backpacks recently including the Crumpler Customary Barge and the Kata DR467 and neither work for me. In the case of the Crumpler, it's too larger and heavy, the Kata lacks capacity in the lower padded camera compartment.

Happy New Year!

Thanks, Leo

M8 is for quick shooting. One should not use a backpack. A fanny pack should be more than enough to carry the M8 + 2-3 lenses.

[leolaksi]

Thanks, I normally use Crumpler and Lowe Pro Inverse 200 camera bags that I shoot out of. Both are wide mouthed and easy to work out of. They are suitable for most situations. But I am looking for something that I can carry on my back for those times where I want to transport my gear and not necessarily shoot out of.

[mboerma]

Hi Leo,

I use this backpack, the Lowepro Primus AW:
Lowepro - Primus AW

It is divided into to sections. The bottom section is available for you camera's and lenses. It has an easy access zipper on the side. This way you can take out your camera without taking off the backpack.

It is light and comfortable. It has a raincover built in.

[leolaksi]

Thanks Martin. I checked out the Primus AW on the Lowe Pro website. Will visit the store tomorrow. Cheers, Leo

[kameraguy]

If a backpack is what you desire, and something quite flexible in both wearing options as well as gear access, check out the Kata Sling series. I have one for when a backpack is the best option for whatever reason and it is quite ingenious:

Video bags camera bags Kata - Manufacturer of camera bags

Works as both a sling as well as backpack. Very easy to access gear while you are still wearing it, and comes with a nice raincover. It seems quite water resistant by itself anyway.

[Mauribix]

Originally Posted by waileong

M8 is for quick shooting. One should not use a backpack. A fanny pack should be more than enough to carry the M8 + 2-3 lenses.

That's obviously just your personal point of view.

[cocker]

Originally Posted by waileong

A fanny pack should be more than enough to carry the M8 + 2-3 lenses.

A gentleman couldn't possibly use something with such a disgusting title.

[styx]

I use the Lowepro Orion Mini :

Lowepro - Orion Mini

It holds my M8 with lens attached, two other lenses and some small stuff, like battery and filters.

Rudy

[gwelland]

If you are looking for a bag combination that you can use either as a shoulder bag and a back pack, plus that has a traditional look and quality then you could always consider the Billingham backpack harness plus whatever size Billingham Canvas Bag suits your outfit.

It might be a better looking alternative to the mainstream black nylon rucksacks ...

[afineman]

I really like the ArcTeryx Arro 16 backpack
http://www.altrec.com/arcteryx/arro-16-backpack?sku_id=312361?cm_mmc=Mercent-_-Froogle-_-Arc'teryx-_-36592-312361-B&mr:trackingCode=601BB294-E9D4-DD11-8F1F-0019B9C2BEFD&mr:referralID=NA
I put a Domke 4 or 2 lens insert inside and I am good to go.
I do not use the water pouch because I am afraid of leaks inside. That said, the bag is not 100% waterproof, but it does a great job for me. I also sometimes use a small fannypack type bag to hold a lens or cards while shooting, but the bag can easily be swung around and accessed.

Also, Tenba makes a slingbag that would work well for what you need and I think it's cheaper than this bag.
Tenba - Shootout: Small Photo Sling Bag

[vanhulsenbeek]

Originally Posted by leolaksi

Over the years, I've been looking for the ideal backpack. These are the attributes I am looking for:

..............................
4. Water resistant or built in rain cover.
..............................

Caution is warranted here. There are some terrible stories on this Forum's archives about a M8 dying in a backpack in very cold and wet conditions.
The best would be to shield the camera from these conditions before they become ugly.
Certainly do not store in a wet and damp backpack, with no ventilation, without first taken out the batteries. And, before use, let dry in a ventilated place.

[guy]

I realise this isn't at all what the OP is after, but since this is a backpack thread I thought I'd risk going a little off topic.... If what you're after is a camera-friendly backpack that doesn't look like it's got an expensive camera in it, do check out the National Geographic range. They're nicely compartmented, have tons of flaps and pockets, a laptop slot etc; but best of all, once you've put them through the washing machine a couple of times (!) they look like just another scruffy backpack. Nothing about them screams "pro camera gear".

Which is what some people, me included, are looking for!

[anupmc]

Perhaps not the most practical of camera backpacks, but certainly worthy of the look & feel of your M8... Check out the backpacks at Saddleback Leather

[Red Dot]

Leo
I have historical have been a Billingham user. This spring I was introduced to "Think Tank" and purchased a disguise bag with a backpack harness. The setup worked great for a 5 day trip through cities and some hiking. I also use their harness system and own a Tenba backpack and large camera bag. My personal favorites are my Billingham bags and as mentioned above they make a Racksak. I vote for Billingham because I have never has a piece of equipment damaged, and or water problem (no rain cover required like others). I been carry my one billingham for 20 years and I still have a 10 years guarantee .

Cheers
George C

[leolaksi]

Originally Posted by Red Dot

Leo
I have historical have been a Billingham user. This spring I was introduced to "Think Tank" and purchased a disguise bag with a backpack harness. The setup worked great for a 5 day trip through cities and some hiking. I also use their harness system and own a Tenba backpack and large camera bag. My personal favorites are my Billingham bags and as mentioned above they make a Racksak. I vote for Billingham because I have never has a piece of equipment damaged, and or water problem (no rain cover required like others). I been carry my one billingham for 20 years and I still have a 10 years guarantee .

Cheers
George C

George,

Great minds think alike.

I just returned from the photo shop with a thinktank "streetwalker pro". It's a relatively narrow smallish backpack with plenty of padding. I can even fit my Billingham Hadley (small) inside as an organizer. As I travel frequently, I can see this setup being my travel kit. The streetwalker (really!!) to organize my gear while on the road and the Hadley as my shooting bag.

Also this bag will fit my 5D and four Canon lenses as an alternate kit.

Thanks to all for your recommendation.

Leo

[Red Dot]

Leo
That's great... If you have and question and interest in product you can not find locally, Think Tank's customer service out of Santa Rose, Calf. is fantastic. They have helped me on a couple of occasions.
As a note, I have the small Hadley also and do exactly what you are suggesting.

Enjoy
George C

[gwelland]

I'm another fan of the Think Tank products (despite my earlier Billingham recommendation ) - I use the Urban Disguise bags for my Leica gear which is just about perfect even if not a nice hand made product like the heavier & bulkier Billonghams. I've now recently transitioned to the 'Shape Shifter' for my Nikon outfit. The 'Airport Security' works great for traveling further afield and I can also pack the 'Shape Shifter' in my luggage since it's not all padding. Nicely made stuff.

[icqcq]

I'm another fan of the non-dedicated pack solution: if it looks like it holds camera gear (either by nametag or by its lumpy design), then at best it will hold gear in the basement, or perhaps on a dedicated project (theaterwork), but not in public.

My favorites are the MountainSmith Lumbar packs, and you can buy shoulder straps for them, as well (aka 'strapettes'). I've carried up to 15lbs comfortably all day in the Mountainsmith DayPack. Buy some name-brand inserts to fit your gear, and you're set. And if, in preparation, you drag it behind your car for a ways, it will look aged and people will think it holds nothing more than an old fleece and a used Nalgene bottle, which is the way we like it.

If waterproofness is a higher priority, you could go with a waterproof roll-top bag inside the main bag, or... I have a large fanny-pack... er... derriere-tote... that is waterproof by design: WxTex; there are some nice looking packs there, as well.

Well, I look at what I wrote here, and then back at what your request, and it's clear that I've failed to answer you directly, but perhaps it will help someone else who's looking, or help you think about some other options....

[Double Negative]

Honestly, I prefer backpacks for transporting gear... And shoulder bags for working out of.