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Best backpacks for 2 bodies + 3 lenses
  
 
graham_martin
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p.1 #1 · p.1 #1 · Best backpacks for 2 bodies + 3 lenses


I'm looking for a new backpack to replace an old Lowepro AW bag. Like a lot of you, I have been researching and researching, and looking at a lot of YouTube videos. So here is what I am looking for with a $250 budget (new or lightly used).


    Able to hold 2 mirrorless bodies (Nikon Z6ii and Z7) plus 3 or 4 lenses including a 300mm f/4 and/or 70-200 f/4
    Has sufficient room to hold some snacks plus side pockets for water bottle.
    I prefer Think Tank or Peak Design, but am open to other manufacturers provided that they are good quality.
    I don't do much, if any, air travel, and so I am not bound by airline restrictions. Almost all of my travel is day trips by car.
    I am 78 years old, and so I have to be mindful of weight.
    Any suggestions would be welcome.
May 12, 2024 at 03:46 PM
aCuria
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p.1 #2 · p.1 #2 · Best backpacks for 2 bodies + 3 lenses


If quick access to the camera with a long lens like the 70-200 attached is important, this tremendously reduces the number of backpack options because you need access from the top of the bag

Think tank backstory 13 and 15 are bags with top access.

The Temba 20L also has top access but does not come with dividers long enough to support this layout

Backpacks with side access are much more common, but i don’t think a longer lens will fit in sideways with the camera attached.

Side access backpacks are similar to sling bags in this regard

Edited on May 13, 2024 at 11:33 AM · View previous versions
May 13, 2024 at 11:25 AM
graham_martin
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p.1 #3 · p.1 #3 · Best backpacks for 2 bodies + 3 lenses


Thanks for the info. I don't necessarily need quick access. The 70-200 I have is a Nikon f mount 74-200 f/4 plus an FTZ adapter. I will probably buy one of the Think Tank bags. Right now I am looking at their Mindshift 26L which is a bit above my budget meaning I may have to look for a used one.
May 13, 2024 at 11:32 AM
chez
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p.1 #4 · p.1 #4 · Best backpacks for 2 bodies + 3 lenses



aCuria wrote:
If quick access to the camera with a long lens like the 70-200 attached is important, this tremendously reduces the number of backpack options because you need access from the top of the bag

Think tank backstory 13 and 15 one such bag with top access.

The Temba 20L also has top access but does not come with dividers long enough to support this layout

Backpacks with side access are much more common, but i don’t think a longer lens will fit in sideways with the camera attached.

Side access backpacks are similar to sling bags in this regard

No mention of lens needing to be attached to the camera while being transported. For that weight I’d seaiously look at a trekking pack like Osprey and get an insert to hold your gear. There are some Osprey packs that open from the back giving you full access to your gear. These packs are designed to put the weight onto your waist and away from your shoulders. I personally have given up on camera packs due to their weak harness systems and overly heavy designs.
May 13, 2024 at 11:36 AM
aCuria
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p.1 #5 · p.1 #5 · Best backpacks for 2 bodies + 3 lenses


graham_martin wrote:
Thanks for the info. I don't necessarily need quick access. The 70-200 I have is a Nikon f mount 74-200 f/4 plus an FTZ adapter. I will probably buy one of the Think Tank bags. Right now I am looking at their Mindshift 26L which is a bit above my budget meaning I may have to look for a used one.

https://shuttermuse.com/think-tank-backlight-sprint-review/

This review may be useful for you, the number of lenses you can fit into the backlight sprint, 18L and 26L is the same!

The 26L’s extra space is only useful for thinner accessories like filters and microphones, because you can’t fit 3 rows of lenses in.

If you want to run 3 rows of lenses, I would suggest a rolling luggage instead… as I get older the large backpacks are killing my back


May 13, 2024 at 11:37 AM
aCuria
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p.1 #6 · p.1 #6 · Best backpacks for 2 bodies + 3 lenses



chez wrote:
No mention of lens needing to be attached to the camera while being transported. For that weight I’d seaiously look at a trekking pack like Osprey and get an insert to hold your gear. There are some Osprey packs that open from the back giving you full access to your gear. These packs are designed to put the weight onto your waist and away from your shoulders. I personally have given up on camera packs due to their weak harness systems and overly heavy designs.

I do this too but quick access is a pain using a TMP pack

I am beginning to think the smaller camera backpacks are probably acceptable when not doing a long hike… it has to be at least more comfortable than the sling I use when I need quick access



May 13, 2024 at 11:44 AM
 


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graham_martin
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p.1 #7 · p.1 #7 · Best backpacks for 2 bodies + 3 lenses


Thanks Chez, I have had a Think Tank Airport Roller Derby for several years, and it was a fantastic bag to use back when I was shooting freelance for our local newspaper. The venues were mainly stadiums or sports arenas where I could easily roll the bag on concrete surfaces. Now that I am no longer doing that and am just a hobbyist, I find myself going to parks where I am sometimes walking on unpaved trails where the Roller Derby just couldn't manage that terrain.
May 13, 2024 at 11:47 AM
pwschladen
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p.1 #8 · p.1 #8 · Best backpacks for 2 bodies + 3 lenses


I have been going through the same search and have recently bought a ThinkTank Retrospective 15L and a Nomatic Peter McKinnon 25L here on the B&S forum. Both have top access. I need to try my gear in both to see which works best for me. Different pros and cons but one will have to be catch and release as they are too similar to keep both.
May 13, 2024 at 04:25 PM
graham_martin
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p.1 #9 · p.1 #9 · Best backpacks for 2 bodies + 3 lenses


I placed an order this afternoon for both a Think Tank Mindshift Outdoor Daypack (18L) as well as the 26L. They should both arrive tomorrow. I will check them out, and just keep one.
May 13, 2024 at 04:30 PM
graham_martin
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p.1 #10 · p.1 #10 · Best backpacks for 2 bodies + 3 lenses


I was unable to find any used ones, and wound up buying new.
May 13, 2024 at 04:31 PM
AZHeaven
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p.1 #11 · p.1 #11 · Best backpacks for 2 bodies + 3 lenses


graham_martin wrote:
I placed an order this afternoon for both a Think Tank Mindshift Outdoor Daypack (18L) as well as the 26L. They should both arrive tomorrow. I will check them out, and just keep one.

Make sure you check the bottom of the bags. I bought and returned 5 of the Mindshift backpacks. From the 18, twice, 26, twice and a 36. For some odd reason they put a knot at the bottom of the plastic bag which causes the bottom to get damaged.


May 14, 2024 at 08:24 AM
graham_martin
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p.1 #12 · p.1 #12 · Best backpacks for 2 bodies + 3 lenses


I will definitely check that when they arrive. Thanks for the heads up.
May 14, 2024 at 08:26 AM







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