Photo backpack with place for notebook and camera kit - recommendations?

[Sarasocke]

I need to pick you brains yet again, or at least ask you what you would recommend.

At the moment I'm using a Lowepro Flipside 300. It's served me well, but it's too small now.
I need something to hold a D700, 70-200 2.8, 24-70 2.8, a couple of smaller lenses, the usual odds and sods and a small netbook.

Suggestions? What not to buy?

Looking through Amazon I came accross a Tamrac Expedition 6 (does that really only weigh 700gr??) and a Lowepro Runner 450AW.

[Andrew]

both will meet your needs - the Tamracs are pretty much what I've used. Yes, they are light, when empty - and can really carry the weight.

Just remember, it's not the weight when empty that's the issue - it's when you've filled it up that's the problem.
The phrase 'back breaker' is oft used with these size of rucksacks when loaded - and i can certainly vouch for that.

But if needs must - if you're happy with LowePro up to now, why change make? It is the cheaper of the 2.

[Alfonso_Frisk]

Have you considered 7dayshop?
http://www.7dayshop.com/7dayshop-photographers-rucksack-camera-and-laptop-version-black
Ive had a couple of their smaller bags over the years (still have 2) and not had any issues with them at all.

[Sarasocke]

Thanks for your replies guys!

I'm off to Romania again next Thursday so I had to be a bit quick in ordering. I ordered the Lowepro.
It's not a rucksack that I'll always have with me, just when I'm going away and need to take all my gear.

My last flight was a real tangle - backpack, laptop in a separate bag (didn't yet have the small netbook), and another shoulder bag with stuff in it.

Hopefully this next trip will be less of a hassle.

[Andrew]

Goodluck with Romania - when ever I hear you talk about such trips, they are never tales of joy.
I've never really understood why people can abuse any animal - let alone one that we went out of our way to domestic for our personal use!

[WillyP]

I have this one: Case Logic SLRC 206 SLR Camera and 15 4 inch Laptop Backpack Black | eBay

Pretty happy with it, though two complaints, one that the tripod straps are useless, and two, there isn't a deep outside pouch for things like a battery charger. Neither are big complaints for me, but then, I don't do a lot of hiking. The battery charger generally stays home anyway, and my tripod has it's own carry bag.

Of course, for some people no one bag will ever be big enough, and I need a second bag just to keep organized with all the extras, some things I don't often use, or don't need to go with me every-time.

So, in this bag I have my Canon 60D with battery grip, 3 lenses hoods and some filters, 2 speedlite flashes and stofen diffusers, extra batteries for the camera and for the flashes, and also cleaning stuff, cord for the camera, some misc. stuff, and when I hit the road I can fit my ASUS 15" laptop in if I want to bring it.

[Sarasocke]

Strange you should mention the Case Logic ...

I received the Lowepro Runner and it is ginormous! I couldn't possibly carry it around with me 

So, sending that one back and I've just ordered a Case Logic SLRC 206 

[Sandy]

Hi

I got a think tank a few years ago and use that most time. It wise not to chose a large bag because you just start putting in more lenses and gear.

Sandy

[Markulous]

For travelling/holidays, I use a PacSafe backpack. Looks like a small backpack and not a camera bag and has metal mesh to prevent slashing and hidden zips. Otherwise, ThinkTank Streetwalker (small amount of gear), Tamrac Expedition 7 (for reasonable amount of gear), Lowepro Trekker II (enormous amount of gear) or Tamrac Pro8 shoulder bag for photocall type work

[Sarasocke]

Sandy, Mark, thanks for your replies!

I've looked at so many bags now on the net, it's made me quite dizzy!
One's too big, the other's too small/too heavy/too flimsy/no place for my netbook/whatever.

Anyway, fingers crossed that the Case Logic arrives tomorrow! Otherwise it'll be the old Lowepro and a shoulder bag.

[SimonW]

A few years back I bought an expensive backpack from a camera shop having been assured it would fit my needs. At home I realised that it was extremely heavy even when empty, and very inconvenient to get kit in and out of. Although I'd never used it the shop refused to take it back, even in exchange for another, and eventually I sold it privately at considerable loss. With this in mind, fairly recently to went to a shop with all my camera gear, explained what I wanted and the very pushy salesman showed me a bag which really wasn't what I asked for. He proceeded to put all my gear in it, moving the velcro pads about to make it fit. I still wasn't happy,  but he'd spent so long and been so persuasive that I succomed. At home I found I couldn't get my kit out without first removing some of the velcro pads! This shop also refused to take it back for a refund, though they did give me a credit note' I eventually used part of it to buy a shoulder bag. And with the padding in the only suitable positions its vecro fixings catch on the camera's lens hood (on the lens inverted), making the camera difficult to get out. I still don't have a bag I like!

I'd much rather support local shops, but after this I'm now tempted to order one (or even several) on line, safe in the knowledge that I can give them a good try out (at home) and return them for a refund within 7 days.

[Alfonso_Frisk]

Dont overlook 7dayshop just because they appear cheap.
As I said in my earlier post I have 4 of the bags in use now the oldest with a little tear in acts as my flask and snack holder.
The little tear came about as I tried to get too much gear in one day

this one I use for my film gear
http://www.7dayshop.com/7dayshop-canvas-photo-messenger-shoulder-bag?backUrl=L3Bob3RvLXZpZGVvLXN1cHBsaWVzL2dhZGdldC1iYWdzLWNhbWVyYS1jYXNlcw==

and I have 2 similar to the following
http://www.7dayshop.com/7dayshop-photographers-backpack-rucksack-camera-bag-for-digital-slr-cameras-black?backUrl=L3Bob3RvLXZpZGVvLXN1cHBsaWVzL2dhZGdldC1iYWdzLWNhbWVyYS1jYXNlcw==


Also I think  if you link to them from here then Mick gets paid a few pennies in roayalties to help the site