I'm looking for some suggestions on a good backpack for me to take my Canon 5D 24-105mm gear around with me. I will be getting a flash unit soon so i need that to fit also. I don't plan on having a ton of lenses so i don't need something HUGE. I received a Canon 200-DG bag for christmas but i think i might want a backpack style instead. I like to do a combination of types of photography from Indoor stuff to images taken on a hike. I think something more portable/easy to carry would be better.

What do you guys use? What do like/dis-like about them?

thx

I'm using a backpack made by a company called "Naneu Pro". They make a nice range of camera backpacks which are just as good as the "Big Brands" like lowepro and have the same build quality for a fraction of the price! I'm using the U120 Urban which has heaps of space for your camera gear, storage pockets and compartments, drink bottle holder, tripod holder, and a laptop compartment. There are smaller models (Without the laptop compartment) which are also good.

The bags have also been getting good reviews in allot of the camera magazines too!

Here is their website:

http://www.naneupro.com/

Not that I'm a camper or hiker or anything, but I have yet to find a camera backpack that is comfortable to wear for long periods of time.

In a nutshell, an IMNSHO, the ergonomics stink

I've tried a few Tamrac and LowePro models and all just are NOT comfortable at all for long days of shooting......an hour or two, yes....but not for the long haul....I've done 13-15 hour shoots.....BLEH!!!!!!!

I really think one of the backpack manufacturers could make a KILLING designing a TRUE backpack for us 'togs....

That being said, I have been using a LowePro Mini-Trekker AW for a few years now. I love the size and what I can store in it.

2 Canon 20Ds, one with a 28-135 mounted, the other with the 10-22.
100-400
100mm macro
580EX flash
ST-E2 IR transmitter
Sekonic L-358 light meter
Lumiquest pocket bouncer kit
Off shoe cord
Epson P-2000 (plus 1 extra battery)
Nifty Fifty in neoprene pouch
LensPen
gloves/hat (for colder months)
12 CF card wallet snapped to the outside of the backpack
Bogen 3221 tripod with RRS BH-55 tripod in tripod holder
2-3 72mm filters
20D manual
Bulb blower
3-5 ZipLoc™ baggies for inclement weather
about 10-12 BP-511 type batteries and about 8 AA batteries in outer pouch
under tripod foot cup

The Mini-Trekker fits nicely in an airplane overhead compartment, or when I'm carrying 2 bags on board, fits underneath the seat in front of me (I'm 6'2" 195 lbs....LONG legs )

Just my .00000000000000000000000000002˘

Tom D

I've worn my fully-loaded Kata R-103 for days at a time, with no discomfort. Of course, every body is different, and it's not a huge pack, but that's my favorite. I really only use it for long trips awaty from home, though, and in most cases use a Domke shoulder bag, like an F-3X or F-4AF. Access to a shoulder bag is far better than even the best backpack, as you've always got to remove the backpack, find a place to set it down, undo the usually large zippers . . .