Camera backpack

[bnk1953]

Looking to replace an old smaller backpack with something a little more sturdier and more comfortable.  I want it to be able to carry my Robus 5570 with Manfrotto 500 AH fluid head. Space for Nikon D7500  with Nikon 18-300 lens and a 35mm lens with 77mm filters (NDs, CP), speed flash, small chargers, etc.  along with a place for a water bladder. And no - I don't want to hire a Sherpa (LOL).  It will be used for day hikes of up to 10 miles.  I have found the new Shimoda Action X30 starter kit as a possibility    www.shimodadesigns.com/actionx-30
Does anyone have other suggestions that I should look at. Thanks in advance for any input.
~bruce.

[BuckSkin]

My wife got me this for Christmas and I really like it: (Zecti Camera Backpack)

www.amazon.com/dp/B07B5Y53LX/?coliid=IZ0V1RT6HO4GX&colid=3VSOK1KP1CLI9&psc=1&ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it

The separator between upper and lower compartments can be opened.
The lower camera compartment comes completely out as a self-contained draw-string bag.
It is supposed to be pretty much weather-proof as-is, but also has a separate water-proof slip-on cover.(I have not yet tested it's weather-proof abilities - not that we haven't had continuous monsoon weather for months. I guess I should put a couple rolls of tissue in it and hang it outside on a post for a rainy day and see how things fare.)
I currently have a second DSLR with attached lens and a few necessities in the bottom compartment; I stash snacks and lunch in the top compartment.
The plan is, if I get caught in the rain, to remove the contents of the top compartment and carry them in a separate bag and put my main DSLR and lens in the top compartment until the storm passes.
For years, I have stuffed a few Walmart bags in my pockets and have often ended up carrying my camera open-side-down in them to protect it from the rain; this nice Zecti should prove to be an improvement on that plan.
It may or may not be what you have in mind, but I sure like mine.

I clicked on your link and my security program blocks me from seeing it, something about ad tracking or somesuch.

[bnk1953]

not sure about the blocking. If you really want to take a look do a search for Shimda Action X30. thanks for the insights on your bag.

[pontiac1940]

bnk1953
Good camera backpacks are a problem. I've been using this for years:
www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/577390-REG/Lowepro_LP35269_PEU_SlingShot_350_AW_Sling.html
It has some great features. It can be rotated on the shoulder and you have immediate access to cameras without having to take the backpack off. Very good. It is large and comes with a built-in rain jacket. It is very well padded and lenses are camera are well protected. However, there are some issues with it. 
1) It is no longer available. 
2) It was great for hiking (say) with a 300-mm lens, however, if I put three lenses, including a 400-mm, lens then the strain on the one carrying shoulder became a problem on a long trek. The weight is carried by one shoulder vs two.
3) Last year, I purchased a 200-600-mm lens and it simply will not fit in this bag when attached to a camera.  

So when hiking now I've reverted to an older padded two-strap backpack. It carries the long lens well and weight is distributed over two shoulders. Far from ideal (not enough padding) and it's a pain when I want to get the camera out. I am looking for something better. 

Good luck. Let us know. 
Thanks
Clive

[BuckSkin]

I will say this about photography backpacks: in the description photos of a pack, they will show a whole mess of things neatly organized in there; two or even three DSLR bodies and a whole arsenal of lenses, plus more accessories than one could imagine.
It doesn't work so well in real life; all that ton of space just disappears after the first camera/lens is put in there.
One could probably get all the things in the description in there when the bag is laying on the kitchen table, but not so easy out in some briar thicket.

On EDIT:
After seeing Clive's post, I looked this up:

www.amazon.com/Lowepro-SlingShot-All-Weather-Digital-Backpack/dp/B000BAX50G/ref=sr_1_5?keywords=lowepro+slingshot+camera+backpack&qid=1583775799&s=electronics&sr=1-5

I am fairly certain this is the one the wife has; I believe it is a smaller version of the one Clive linked to.

If I am thinking correctly, it has a zipper compartment on the bottom that turns loose a water-proof rain bonnet of a thing that I believe stays attached to the compartment.

[pontiac1940]

Mar 9, 2020 17:24:18 GMT BuckSkin said:

It doesn't work so well in real life;

Yup! 

[bnk1953]

Just thought I'd let people know that II ended up ordering the Shimoda Action X30 starter kit. Will have to wait as it is on backorder (coming from China). Which is probably OK as I won't be taking any long trips/hiking trails until this pandemic ends. I'll let you know when it arrives and I put it through it's paces.

[molsak]

Choosing a camera bag is not as easy as it might seem at first. There are many different things to consider when choosing a bag. I needed a bag that would hold all my belongings and one that would allow me to access certain pieces of equipment. After weighing all the criteria when choosing, I chose a leather camera bag here leather-toolkits.com/reviews/best-leather-camera-bags/ The camera bag turned out to be very roomy and sturdy enough to fit all my gear.

[pontiac1940]

Thank you molsak
I took a look at the website. Nice looking packs.
Do they make a pack with back straps for hiking hands free? 

Clive

[srmoment]

I upgraded to the LowePro Flipside400 awii through B&H. It takes all my mirrorless lens and camera.
I am small so the slingshots just sling off my shoulder. The Flipside is like a regular backpack, complete with built in rain cover. With all the lens and camera it is a little on the heavy side, but I use it to build up my shoulder and leg muscles so I can hit the golf ball further.

[pontiac1940]

srmoment
Pat, love my LowePro sling camera pack. BUT, even tho I have the large one, it does not hold my 600-mm lens. I use two packs now. Only one when hiking.
Mainly what I need is a Sherpa or princess to schlep my stuff. HA HA Snap out of it Clive.  

 

[tonyw]

I too just got a LowePro Flipside 400 AW-II and I see what you mean about weight when fully loaded. It does hold my Fuji mirrorless and 5 lenses including the 100-400mm plus spare batteries an iPad and a laptop but having loaded it to see if they'd all fit I am going to have to start unloading to be able to carry it!

Tony

[BuckSkin]

Aug 13, 2020 23:16:02 GMT pontiac1940 said:

srmoment
 even tho I have the large one, it does not hold my 600-mm lens

 

I had already read the many reviews and articles about the big lenses before I got my Sigma 50-500 and I still had no idea just how huge the thing was going to be until it got here; that thing is a monster, and I didn't get the hood extender thingie for crop sensor cameras which looks like it would add another four inches.

The length/weight doesn't bother me in the least when I am using it; but, finding somewhere other than a wheelbarrow to put it when not using it is not so easy.

Mine came in an O.E.M. padded shoulder bag that is bigger than most peoples fully stocked backpacks.

With two 2x Tele-extenders, it is worth the extra length and weight when I can see the eyelashes on something that I can barely see the whole thing without the camera.

My main desire for any kind of pack is as a rain-proof place to put everything when it starts pouring; with this big monster lens, I have rethought that plan and use the backpack to carry my oilskin duster instead; with both cameras/lens one each side on shoulder slings, when it starts raining, I put the duster on over me, backpack, cameras, and all.

I defy a drop of water to get past that oilskin; there is not a roof on a house as water-proof.