I was wandering what compact backpack are you using. As there is not a perfect one, it would be very interesting for me to know what you guys are using.
I use a sony a7 with 3-5 small lenses or 2 batis + small one and a gitzo 1 series tripod. I do not know how to move around comfortably with the tripod when I use a messenger bag. Also, when walking some time the messenger bag becomes uncomfortable although the weight of the lenses is not so dramatic. I would like to keep the backpack in the car.
The Peak Designs Everyday Backpack 20L is a good start. I think that pack fits much, much better on skinny people. They need an "American Size!" But it would fit your gear well and is not overly large. It is better for walking and working out of a bag because it works kind of like a double sling bag - you can sling it from wither arm and each side will zip open exposing the gear on the right or left side of the pack. If you are working out of a car, then you have to turn the pack on its side. I can never remember what gear I put on which side so it can get annoying unless you are very organized. A front opening backpack is better for working out of a car but not as good for walking around.
In general, you want a backpack that is 20L or less for that amount of gear. The no longer made Gura Gear Kuboku 22L is a good pack for working out of a car, but not as nice as the Peak Designs for walking around.
I use a similar kit of gear and just picked up a Mindshift Gear Photocross 13 sling bag which I think will suite my needs. It is not a backpack but a sling bag and the size is right for the gear. Kind of like one half of the Peak Designs Everyday Backpack with (I am hoping) a more comfortable suspension system.
Depends on what I'm doing. If it's just city walking without tripod, I go with the Mindshift Photocross 13. Adding a tripod and extra weight makes it kind of uncomfortable, in which case I'll go with my Deuter Speedlite 20 or Think Tank backpack. If hiking with light gear, Osprey Stratos 24 or Deuter Speedlite 20
Look at trekking packs rather than camera packs. My experience is the photo packs are heavier and less comfortable than trekking packs. I use an Osprey Talon for my travel pack.
I'll put in a good word for the Atlas Pack Athlete. It's a bit spendy, but works great as both a pack and as a camera pack … and that's a rare combo. Plus, it's perfectly designed for the gear you are looking to carry.
Depending on your height/size a small pack may not work very well, at least when it comes to fit/comfort. Quite often they are too short and rarely have a good waist belt. At 6'4" I find most packs are too small for me. YMMV.
I have an Osprey Daylight that is 10 liters that is ok for a small camera, jacket and an extra lens but not for anything heavy as it has no real waist belt. There are some decent 20-25 liter packs that might work and have a decent waist belt, use a small ICU with them and you can carry a fair amount of gear while still having g all day comfort. My normal "small" bag is either a belt pack with my NEX 6 or I jump to a Osprey Kestrel 32 and use a small ICU. That is a great hiking pack.
Most small camera backpacks are too bulky, don't hold much and don't fit right. So I go the regular pack route.
I recently used a Patagonia Nine Trails 20L daypack with a Tenba backpack insert for a trip. Very comfortable, tripod can be strapped to the side, hydration available.
chez wrote:
Look at trekking packs rather than camera packs. My experience is the photo packs are heavier and less comfortable than trekking packs. I use an Osprey Talon for my travel pack.
I second this. An actual daypack with an insert is so much better.
Great question. I actually got extremely lucky and found this excellent small backpack, made by Vanguard (Veo 42), for $4.00 brand new (yes, you're reading that correctly). This was an overstock item at Adorama. I did a quick search just now and found this informative review: https://www.nomadasaurus.com/vanguard-veo-travel-series-camera-bag-tripod-review/
BTW, have never even looked to see what ratings it got until just now...but I'm seeing many great reviews, such as this:
Anyway, highly recommended and I can only say that if it was lost or stolen tomorrow -- I wouldn't hesitate to buy another. Maybe not for $49.00 as it sells for right now on Amazon, but for $30.00 or less -- Heck Yes!!
I've been using a Lowepro 400 AW for a few years now and really like it. Starting to look and feel like an old pair of comfortable jeans.
The tripod mounts in the center which I find ideal for distributing the weight and not tripping to one side while hiking.
I pack a ton of stuff into this little pack. I can fit two bodies (one with lens mounted) another "landscape" lens and my 100-400II with 1.4x tele attached. With plenty of room for a full pano rail and swivel base, filters, intervalometer, small cleaning supplies, extra batteries, extra front and rear lens caps, rain cover for camera/lens, extra SD cards and god knows what else I have buried in there.
Then in the outside pockets I have a headlamp, flashlight, bug spray, a few plastic shopping bags and some other crap.
you meant flipside 400 aw? i did not find the model 400 aw without anything else.
thanks and regards
lighthound wrote:
I've been using a Lowepro 400 AW for a few years now and really like it. Starting to look and feel like an old pair of comfortable jeans.
The tripod mounts in the center which I find ideal for distributing the weight and not tripping to one side while hiking.
I pack a ton of stuff into this little pack. I can fit two bodies (one with lens mounted) another "landscape" lens and my 100-400II with 1.4x tele attached. With plenty of room for a full pano rail and swivel base, filters, intervalometer, small cleaning supplies, extra batteries, extra front and rear lens caps, rain cover for camera/lens, extra SD cards and god knows what else I have buried in there.
Then in the outside pockets I have a headlamp, flashlight, bug spray, a few plastic shopping bags and some other crap....Show more →
you meant flipside 400 aw? i did not find the model 400 aw without anything else.
thanks and regards
Yep, the Flipside 400 AW. Mine is the older version not the newer II version. I'm not sure if much has changed other than the outer material looks different.
I’ve had $600 wotancraft bags. And $400 billinghams. But this bag is not like those. This bag is practical, affordable, and perfect for someone who is a working photographer.
I recently bought the lowepro flipside 400 aw ii. I can fit an a7rii, batis 18, batis 25, batis 85, two filters in their boxes (which are big considering how slim filters are). I can also fit my tripod inside the bag, yes inside, not on the exterior. The ball head does need to be removed, but the ball head fits inside the bag as well, with the rest of my gear. I normally don't put my tripod inside my bag, but will, if i travel, and I'm going on a plane.
This bag is similar to the tamrac bag (space and size wise) you are looking at, except the flipside opens from the rear. I find it so convenient, not to ever have to put my bag down to change lenses. The waist strap allows the bag to open handsfree while attach to your waist, and you have access to all your gear. Its like having a table a portable table (almost) with you at all times. Your bag never touches the dirty ground, unless you want to put it down.
I haven't spent much time with the bag yet. I've only used it twice. However, its much more convenient than my previous backpack. Plus i like how it opens from the rear.
The only thing i don't like about the bag. The waist strap seems to go around my stomach, rather than my waist. I'm not tall by any means. I'm 5'8, its sort of weird having the strap around your belly.
I bought my bag from groovesland.de but it looks like the price jumped up. I paid $124 usd + $4 surcharge to use paypal. The bag is now $148.87 usd though.
I'm going to try to do a review and post it to youtube, as i couldn't find any detailed reviews on this bag.
Never really thought of the depth as a problem. Your kit and use may be different than mine. I feel the depth makes it more versatile. I can fit anything from a 500 f4 to a macro kit depending upon what I'm doing. At times something else may work better but I find versatile generally trumps specialty.
I was wandering what compact backpack are you using. As there is not a perfect one, it would be very interesting for me to know what you guys are using.
I use a sony a7 with 3-5 small lenses or 2 batis + small one and a gitzo 1 series tripod. I do not know how to move around comfortably with the tripod when I use a messenger bag. Also, when walking some time the messenger bag becomes uncomfortable although the weight of the lenses is not so dramatic. I would like to keep the backpack in the car.
Check out the Peak Design Everyday Sling 10L for that amount of gear. I have had one for about a year and a half and absolutely love it for everyday use. I also have the PD Everyday Backpack 20L and it's really nice when I travel and want to take a little more gear and my laptop. These two bags are perfect for my "everyday" use. I rarely wear them for more than an hour at a single time so I don't need the extra strap padding and other weight distribution features found on "adventure" backpacks.
