Tamrac Expedition 8x or 7x bag advice needed

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khurram1
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p.1 #1 · Tamrac Expedition 8x or 7x bag advice needed

I'm looking at getting a bigger bag for hiking, but am having a trouble finding a bag that is airline compliant and can hold the gear i want.

My main issue is Depth of the bag. I need a bag that I can have two bodies (1DIII and a 5D with vertical grip and RRS L plates attached), in the bag with lenses attached. THe issue I have is that the height of the camera and caemra/vertical grip (in the 5D's case) is around 6 1/2" to 6 3/4". However most bags have a depth between 6 and 6.5 inches. I also want to be able to carry a laptop when flying.

There are 3 bags i considered:
-Tamrac Expedition 8x
-Lowepro Vertex 300
-Tenba Shootout Large

The Tenba and the Lowepro are the only one's available in town. I had actually purchased teh Tenba as my eqipment fit perfectly and i also liked the side pockets that you can access the main compartment. Unfortunately, the day I brought it home the zipper for the main compartment broke. I wasn't impressed with the workmanship, so i ended up returning it.

I considered the Lowepro Vertex 300, as according to Lowepro's specs, the bag is supposed to have a depth of 6.5". However, the actual depth at the bag of the bag is around 5 1/4 inches. For some reason the top of the bag is deeper then the bottem, so that bag was out.

The only other choice I have is the Tamrac Expedition 8x. However neither Vistek nor The Camera store carry it (the two major stores in Calgary), so my only option is to order it from B&H or Adorama, so I won't actually be able to see if my equipment fits.

I'd apreciate some advice from those that have the Tamrac Expedition 8x bag (or the Expedition 7x, since it has the same depth) whether the 5D with the battery grip/RRS L plate and 16-35L II attached, along with the the EOS 1DIII, with an RRS L plate and 24-105L will fit in the bag. The width and lenght seem perfect my main concern is whether the depth of the bag (6 1/4 inches) is going to be an issue when the height of the camera's are 6 1/2 inches. Will the pentaprism be sticking out too much at the top and put the camera's at risk
Will the bag close OK considering that the camera's are higher then the body

Edited on Jul 27, 2008 at 05:50 PM

Jul 27, 2008 at 05:46 PM

karl_yyz
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p.1 #2 · Tamrac Expedition 8x or 7x bag advice needed

khurram1 wrote:

The only other choice I have is the Tamrac Expedition 8x. However neither Vistek nor The Camera store carry it (the two major stores in Calgary), so my only option is to order it from B&H or Adorama, so I won't actually be able to see if my equipment fits.

I have no experience with the bag, but checkout http://www.henrys.com/ they carry the Tamrac Expedition. Might be easier than ordering internationally. I'm thinking in terms of shipping, customs and returns.

Edited on Jul 28, 2008 at 12:22 AM

Jul 28, 2008 at 12:21 AM

bjornssh
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p.1 #3 · Tamrac Expedition 8x or 7x bag advice needed

Check out: http://www.cambags.com/. Review of camera bags/backpacks with photos.

Because of the weight of most camera backpacks empty, I recently purchased a Kelty Redwing Backpack - 2650-3100 cu in for a trip to Europe. Plan to pack lens in Lowepro lens cases and camera bodies in OpTech sleeves - looks like there should be ample space. During the day I carry essential camera gear in an innocuous LLBean shoulder bag with added padding.

Jul 28, 2008 at 12:33 AM

Daniel K
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p.1 #4 · Tamrac Expedition 8x or 7x bag advice needed

What kind of hiking are you planning on doing? As for the Expedition 8 is concerned, it is HUGE! Even the 7 is way to much for me! I use the Naneu pro, Alpha and bravo for different occasions. I found that I don't use ALL the equipment I bring along and when I did bring a lot of equipment, I tried to use it all (kinda forcing myself) so I wouldn't feel I wasted my energy bringing everything along. In the Alpha I put an assortment between 1DM3 or 5D with L-brackets, 16-35, 70-200 f/4, 24-105, 100 macro depending what my goal for the particular trip is for. If I know I'm going to come across flowers and such I'll bring the macro. If not, I'll pack something else, I use the 16-35 mostly for landscaped. Plus I have the bogan 190 pro with ball head and kirk plate.

In addition to equipment I bring survival gear that can last me a few days "JUST IN CASE!" From emergency flares, emergency rope, trail blazers, gps, signal mirror, poncho, emergency blanket, fire starters, MRE's, camel back (fits inside a slot of my Naneu pro's) 2 extra canteens of water (depending on mission) etc...
I just mention all of this because I see some guys really struggling with soo much unnecessary gear that they never make it to their destination! Plus their starving, thirsty, etc.. and didn't bring enough of any of the important stuff!

Jul 28, 2008 at 12:54 AM

khurram1
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p.1 #5 · Tamrac Expedition 8x or 7x bag advice needed

Daniel K wrote:
What kind of hiking are you planning on doing? As for the Expedition 8 is concerned, it is HUGE! Even the 7 is way to much for me! I use the Naneu pro, Alpha and bravo for different occasions. I found that I don't use ALL the equipment I bring along and when I did bring a lot of equipment, I tried to use it all (kinda forcing myself) so I wouldn't feel I wasted my energy bringing everything along. In the Alpha I put an assortment between 1DM3 or 5D with L-brackets, 16-35, 70-200 f/4, 24-105, 100 macro depending what my goal for the particular trip is for. If I know I'm going to come across flowers and such I'll bring the macro. If not, I'll pack something else, I use the 16-35 mostly for landscaped. Plus I have the bogan 190 pro with ball head and kirk plate.

In addition to equipment I bring survival gear that can last me a few days "JUST IN CASE!" From emergency flares, emergency rope, trail blazers, gps, signal mirror, poncho, emergency blanket, fire starters, MRE's, camel back (fits inside a slot of my Naneu pro's) 2 extra canteens of water (depending on mission) etc...
I just mention all of this because I see some guys really struggling with soo much unnecessary gear that they never make it to their destination! Plus their starving, thirsty, etc.. and didn't bring enough of any of the important stuff!

I need to carry the following:
-1DIII with L plate
-5D with grip/L plate
-2 580EX II flashes
-16-35L II
-24-105L
70-200L 2.8L IS
-2x converter
-ND Grads and polarizer (the ND Grad/Lee filter hood are carried in a utility case with a lowe pro belt along with water bottles)
-RRS Ultimate Omni Pivot Panorama plates

Most of my hiking is in placing like Glacier NP, where I'm mainly shooting landscape, but need the longer glass for when I come across wildlife. Most hikes are anywhere between 3 hours to 8 hours.

I've got the advantage of having my wife who carries a small backpack with more water, juice and food

Edited on Jul 28, 2008 at 01:22 PM

Jul 28, 2008 at 01:21 PM

Neill
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p.1 #6 · Tamrac Expedition 8x or 7x bag advice needed

I was in the same dilema and went with the Lowepro Super Trekker. I carry a 5d with grip, 40d with grip (both have kirk attachments on them). I also carry a 300 f2.8 IS, 24-70,70-200mm, 100-400mm, 16-35mm 1.4x, 2x, 100mm macro lens, 580 EX flash, better beamer, wimberly sidekick, a giotto tripod and acratech ballhead as well as a seat/chair that weighs 8 ounces. The ususal accessories, ie blower and filters... The bag still has room on the inside and outside for other lens as well as a tripod holder on the outside and compact flash holders. It has another pack that can be attached to the outside for extras (clothing etc) and a rain cover, and adjustable back pack adjustment for different body types. It took me a while to decide just as you are...the pack will fit in the overhead sideways but depending on how its packed may or may not fit lengthwise. Either way I always carry my camera gear and check my clothes...boots and tripod. It gives you some flexibility in gear and weather protection. They're pricey but so far I really like mine.

Neill

Jul 30, 2008 at 04:37 AM

Daniel K
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p.1 #7 · Tamrac Expedition 8x or 7x bag advice needed

As for the Depth, and overall size, you may be well off with the Expedition 7x. It holds my 1D series bodies easily. and should fit everything you had mentioned. I had the 8 and it is HUGE! way too much for me!

Jul 30, 2008 at 07:36 PM

cheson74
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p.1 #8 · Tamrac Expedition 8x or 7x bag advice needed

The Expedition 8 is huge. The 7 isn't too much smaller. If you plan on carrying ALL your gear, then the 7x or 8x is fine.

I own a 7x and it holds my 5D with grip without any issues. However, I wouldn't take the bag on a hike. It's just way too big.

Jul 31, 2008 at 09:39 AM

khurram1
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p.1 #9 · Tamrac Expedition 8x or 7x bag advice needed

thanks for all the feedback. I just got the Expedition 8x in. I didn't think i'd be able to fit the RRS Ultimate Pro omni pivot panoramic platesin the expedition 7x.

As it is the pack just barely holds my gear. The 5D with the grip/L-plate and the 1DIII with the L-plate do stick out about 1/2", but with the computer pocket on the top of the pack, i'm hoping the extra padding will protect the cameras.

I find the harness MUCH more comfortable then the harness on my Cyberpack 8 (which i think lenght/width wise is the samesize as the Expedition 7, but the Cyperbpack is around 1 inches more deeper then either the Expedition 7 or 8.

i'm leaving for Glacier NP today, so i'll see how comfortable it is for long hikes and if there is any issues with the tops of the camera protruding from the main compartment.

I was tempted by the Think tank Airport Addicted, which looks like it can actually hold more gear then the Expedition 8, but is carry-on compliant. However for hiking, i didn't like the harness and having the tripod holder on the side of the bag. I'm actually thinking of picking one up at some point to be the designated flying bag and then just use the Expedition 8 for road trips where i'm going to be doing a lot of hikes. The price for the Think tank is steep - $470 in canada!!! I had orginally planned on holding on to the Cyberpack 8 as a backup for flying, but I may just put that on the buy sell if i do decide to get the think tank as my designated flying bag.

Edited on Jul 31, 2008 at 03:01 PM

Jul 31, 2008 at 02:57 PM

dfresh
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p.1 #10 · Tamrac Expedition 8x or 7x bag advice needed

So the Expedition 7 is carry-on compliant but the 8 isn't?

Aug 06, 2008 at 08:11 PM

khurram1
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p.1 #11 · Tamrac Expedition 8x or 7x bag advice needed

dfresh wrote:
So the Expedition 7 is carry-on compliant but the 8 isn't?
I don't believe either is. Both have a depth greater then 9 inches. the only difference is really that the expedition 7 at least meets the length restrictions (i think it is around 18.5 inches, limit for domestic carry-on in canada and the usa is 22"), while the expedition 8 exceeds also exceeds the lenght restricstions by 0.5 inches (it is 22.5").

I actually just ordered the Think Tank Airport Addicted bag from Adorama - won't be in until the 3rd week of August though. I'm basically going to use the Tamrac for all of my road trips (which would include trips to the Tetons, Yellowstone, Moab, Sedona, Monument Valley, Glacier NP, Banff, Jasper, etc), and will use the Think Tank when I have to fly. It looks like both will hold about the same amount of gear.

THe pentaprism of my 5D with grip and L-Plate still sticks out on the Expedition 8, but from the Think Tank bags i've tried, there is no issues with the Aiport Antidote (smaller then the the Airport Addicted). No one has the Airport Addicted in stock, so I wasn't actually able to try it.

Aug 07, 2008 at 04:54 AM


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