Outdoor Backpack for cameras

[JPZone]

Hi all,

I have a Canon R7 and an RF 100-500mm lens. I'm looking for a backpack that is:

• Lightweight and Durable: Ideal for the outdoors.
• Spacious: Can comfortably fit the camera and lens attached, plus essentials like a lunch box, water bottle, layers of clothing, laptop, and possibly a tripod.
• Travel-Friendly: Suitable for air travel.

I'm open to all suggestions and don't have a strict budget in mind.

Has anyone had good experiences with any specific backpacks? I'd love to hear your recommendations!

Thank you in advance!

 

[snowbear]

Lowepro has a number of bags, slings and packs. I'm happy with the quality.

 

[Jeff15]

Hello and welcome, Amazon is the place to look ...

 

[JPZone]

Thank you both for your replies.
I was asking if anyone has had their own experience with similar backpacks. I have Googled and found some but wondering if anyone has experienced any specifics.

 

[snowbear]

I started with the equivalent of the Lowepro ProTacric TLZ 70 (top load bag) which was perfect for the Nikon D40 with the 18-135 Kit Zoom. As I added a couple more lenses I went with a typical shoulder bag - Lowepro Nova 180. No complaints other than I wanted the ability to carry more so I picked up a Lowepro ProTactic BP 450 AW (a backpack with MOLLE straps). I still use the shoulder bag when I want to travel light - say the D750 and two lenses.

It comes down to what you want to carry. Like most things, anything relatively close in price will havethe same features and functionality

 

[JPZone]

Thanks for that @snowbear. Looks like camera bags now days don't have compartments for other things. But like the Lowepro ProTactic BP 450 AW will look into that.

Was thinking of getting the PeakDesigner cubes and one of their new outdoor backpacks.

 

[snowbear]

Thanks for that @snowbear. Looks like camera bags now days don't have compartments for other things. But like the Lowepro ProTactic BP 450 AW will look into that.

Was thinking of getting the PeakDesigner cubes and one of their new outdoor backpacks.

I have one of their straps but I'm not familiar with their other things.

 

[JoeW]

First, the first and most important rule about backpacks is: do NOT buy unless you try it first. A backpack that works for my wife may not ride well on my shoulders. A weight I find tolerable may be one that strains your back or unbalances you. Camera backpacks are terrible things to buy unless you try them first. So either go to a store where you can try it and walk around with it. Or buy it several months before you need it and the store has a good return policy. I absolutely guarantee that a backpack that works for you is likely to not ride right for me. If you're talking about wearing it for a full day or taking it on a hike, then how it rides and distributes weight is critical. And you can't know that until you try it.

Second, I actually oppose the idea of buying a camera specific backup (and I say that as someone who has owned 3 different camera specific backpacks). Here's why: if you buy a Lowepro or a Peakdesign or another brand that designs for cameras you are advertising "EXPENSIVE CAMERA GEAR INSIDE!" with the bag logo. If you really want to do a backpack, I suggest you go to a hiking gear store like REI and buy a good daypack. My son has a daypack from UnderArmour he swears by. Someplace like Staples or Target will have them. And then buy a camera insert (it could be Timbuktu or just a generic one) and put it in the daypack. All the adjustment you would do with a Lowepro (moving the velcro around to fit your lens) you can do with the insert as well. And when you aren't traveling with camera, then you've got a useable daypack. And all of this (the daypack and the insert) will be less than a camera backpack and will be less likely to invite a mugging or theft.

Third, what I've personally opted for 90% of the time is a messenger bag. I have a black Lands End bag that I use the most often. It's long enough to handle by 600mm zoom when I go shooting eagles. Or I can put an insert in it and it will hold a body and 3 lenses. Or I can throw in a lunch, a windbreaker or fleece top and use that to cushion a camera with lens.

The only piece of camera-designed carrying gear I have is a small Tamrac holster/sling which is pretty secure because it isn't behind me but usually on the front of my hip.

 

[lenspeeper]

Hi all,

I have a Canon R7 and an RF 100-500mm lens. I'm looking for a backpack that is:

• Lightweight and Durable: Ideal for the outdoors.
• Spacious: Can comfortably fit the camera and lens attached, plus essentials like a lunch box, water bottle, layers of clothing, laptop, and possibly a tripod.
• Travel-Friendly: Suitable for air travel.

I'm open to all suggestions and don't have a strict budget in mind.

Has anyone had good experiences with any specific backpacks? I'd love to hear your recommendations!

Thank you in advance!

Having accumulated a lot of backpacks until I found one I like, the most important factor is the carrying system; i.e., the back pad, the straps and the waist strap. Look for comfort and adjustability first. Then consider how large, accessibility of the equipment and so forth.
If it doesn't fit you must acquit as the late attorney Johnny Cochran once said. The same goes for backpacks.

 

[JPZone]

Thanks both.
@JoeW - yeah that's the sort of thing I am looking for. Something that would fit a good insert that would fit both camera and lens. And good for the outside.

 

[10acres]

https://a.co/d/6iOJ07Q

This is the bag I purchased and it has worked well so far. I have a smaller bag below for travel.

Amazon.com

 

[Destin]

Hi all,

I have a Canon R7 and an RF 100-500mm lens. I'm looking for a backpack that is:

• Lightweight and Durable: Ideal for the outdoors.
• Spacious: Can comfortably fit the camera and lens attached, plus essentials like a lunch box, water bottle, layers of clothing, laptop, and possibly a tripod.
• Travel-Friendly: Suitable for air travel.

I'm open to all suggestions and don't have a strict budget in mind.

Has anyone had good experiences with any specific backpacks? I'd love to hear your recommendations!

Thank you in advance!

I spend a lot of time hiking with camera gear, and the Mindshiftgear backlight series is *by far* my favorite bag. I use a 26L.

I have a review of it on my YouTube channel if you’re interested:

I’ve tried bags from lowepro and definitely like this better in terms of quality and layout. I’m curious about some of the F-Stop and Nomatic bags, but have no first hand experience with them.