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UER Mobile > UE Tutorials, Lessons, and Useful Info > Best backpack? (Viewed 8100 times)

post by highlines

Best backpack?
< on 3/31/2018 5:25 PM >

Not only am I wondering what backpacks people use, but whether or not people use them.

Between a camera and equipment, I feel a backpack is a must for me. I need a new one however, and looking for suggestions and people's experiences.

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post by fredomurban

Re: Best backpack?
<Reply # 1 on 4/1/2018 2:02 AM >

The best backpack doesn't exist! It depends on what you looking for, the budget you put on it. I was looking for a backpack which I can use for books and camera, so I can shoot before or after school. Something that didn't scream camera bag. I have used Evecase, love the design, really cheap, but it didn't fulfill what I want. I also wanted a place where I can attach a tripod and my penny board. Manfrotto, Peak Design, Wandrd, Brevite, these are what came up. But I finally buy the Thule Convert. Really expensive though. It got good quality, good design. Can easily take your camera for a fast shoot. But the bag itself it's super heavy. And pretty big for me, 5,7. I know also a lot of people use Lowepro, really great camera backpack!

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post by highlines

Re: Best backpack?
<Reply # 2 on 4/1/2018 8:51 AM >

I really like the camera access on the side, that's a nice bag! I like the look too. I'm looking for something halfway between camera and day/weekend trips.

I've been looking at the GR1 26L and like the way it opens and it's size, reputation, warranty. It also looks great and that's important for what could also be an EDC. I'm also looking at the Fast Pack Litespeed.

I will have to come up with a solution however for safe storage and easy access to the camera in them though unlike your Thule. Will be looking in to that.

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post by YotaMan20

Re: Best backpack?
<Reply # 3 on 4/1/2018 11:49 AM >

I have the Lowepro ProTactic 350 AW.
It was the best thing I could possibly purchase and it still inst what I really want. The only way you're going to be 100% happy with your bag is if you make it yourself. lol

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post by faux-tographer

Re: Best backpack?
<Reply # 4 on 7/13/2018 2:08 AM >

I have two bags that I swap between, one is a small backpack and the other is a dedicated camera bag.

I'm sorry I don't have the names of either right now, but one is just a cheap backpack from Old Navy, and the other is an over the shoulder camera bag from the 90s.

When I'm doing big photography projects I'll take the camera bag, which can fit a body, ~4 lenses, a flash, remote shutter, and small things like SD cards or batteries.

For first time explorations I'll take the backpack, which holds the classic supplies such as flashlight, first aid kit, gloves, water bottle, small tools etc... As well as a DSLR body and a lens or two.

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post by bigladchad

Re: Best backpack?
<Reply # 5 on 12/24/2018 4:35 PM >

I think most people don't use one but I do because some of the places I are long ass up hill walks. I always use one since I broke my camera visiting a ghost town in the N.C mountains. I still need to get a replacement.

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post by tx3000

Re: Best backpack?
<Reply # 6 on 3/17/2020 3:26 AM >

Posted by bigladchad
I think most people don't use one but I do because some of the places I are long ass up hill walks. I always use one since I broke my camera visiting a ghost town in the N.C mountains. I still need to get a replacement.

Oh that really sucks. What camera was it?

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post by Tatz

Re: Best backpack?
<Reply # 7 on 3/17/2020 6:01 PM >

I had a Lowepro Flipside 200 for about 8 years and just recently bought a 300 as replacement. It can carry more than enough camera equipment, decent storage organization, small enough that I don't need to take it off very often when I explore (climbing thru holes and what not). It's heavy duty, stands up to a lot of beating, and very weather resistant. I can easily fold my harness and store it inside, plus attach rope outside of the bag.

They've made new versions of the 200 and 300 (called "AW II"), but I like the OGs better. Pic related.

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post by tx3000

Re: Best backpack?
<Reply # 8 on 3/18/2020 2:11 AM >

Posted by Tatz
I had a Lowepro Flipside 200 for about 8 years and just recently bought a 300 as replacement. It can carry more than enough camera equipment, decent storage organization, small enough that I don't need to take it off very often when I explore (climbing thru holes and what not). It's heavy duty, stands up to a lot of beating, and very weather resistant. I can easily fold my harness and store it inside, plus attach rope outside of the bag.

They've made new versions of the 200 and 300 (called "AW II"), but I like the OGs better. Pic related.

click to view

The 300 is really nice, I especially like the security feature it has.

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post by Natchraz

Re: Best backpack?
<Reply # 9 on 3/18/2020 4:40 AM >

If you want a camera bag with plenty of space for gear among other things, I’d recommend the Canon 200EG Backpack.

(https://www.bhphot...ckpack_200_EG.html)

Usually I’ll have something in the front covering the “Canon” insignia for areas that you don’t necessarily want to be caught carrying around a camera bag.

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post by Abby Normal

Re: Best backpack?
<Reply # 10 on 3/18/2020 7:13 AM >

I have yet to find the best backpack for me. I've tried to go more slimline with fewer straps or mesh water pockets that seem to get caught on every nail I walk past.

Right now I'm using a smaller, military style backpack. It's getting near retirement after getting dragged through so many mines. A lot of squeezes are too tight to wear a backpack so we push them ahead of us or drag them behind. It can wear them out pretty quick.

I can't tell you how many times I've been on rope, squeezing through a tight opening only to get my backpack hung up on snag. Depending on the situation, it can be very difficult to raise up far enough to clear the snag. It's even worse when I'm the last one down since there is no one left to help.

Still they are a fun bit of kit to shop for, then abuse in the field.

Abby Normal

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post by tx3000

Re: Best backpack?
<Reply # 11 on 3/20/2020 4:02 PM >

Posted by Abby Normal
I have yet to find the best backpack for me. I've tried to go more slimline with fewer straps or mesh water pockets that seem to get caught on every nail I walk past.

Have you gone through many backpacks?

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post by GusBus1995

Re: Best backpack?
<Reply # 12 on 3/26/2020 3:59 AM >

I’m in the process of making a camera bag out of a military backpack. The MOLLE bags are awesome, csuse theres all kinds of crazy shit you can buy for it. Like I have a pouch that’s basically another backpack pocket and I can put my film holders in there, and then sling my tripod along the side, and have the water bottle on another. Plenty of companies make stuff for them and prices arent too bad. I got mine off this site Varstuleka or something like that. Its called a smarma bag, its like their house brand.

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post by BrandonFireKing

Re: Best backpack?
<Reply # 13 on 1/29/2024 10:22 AM >

Sorry for necroing. Interesting to find out what backpacks are people using today. I’m using the Peak Design Everyday backpack. It's got a really smart design that gives you customizable dividers for different camera bodies, lenses, and accessories, which I’ve found super handy.

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post by explorateur us canada

Re: Best backpack?
<Reply # 14 on 1/31/2024 10:52 AM >

I've been using this convertible leather backpack from Von Baer. Its flexibility as both a backpack and a shoulder bag is a feature I really appreciate. Also, the aesthetics of leather means it fits various settings, from outdoor shoots to more formal events.
It's not a camera bag per se, but the main compartment is spacious, and I use separate padded inserts for my camera and lenses.

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post by crimzon

Re: Best backpack?
<Reply # 15 on 3/24/2024 10:12 PM >

I always try to go with something light weight so I can run, but also big enough to fit stuff. I usually bring a old school backpack if I’m going for awhile but if it’s a quick adventure, usually just a drawstring bag works.

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post by Aran

Re: Best backpack?
<Reply # 16 on 3/25/2024 2:42 AM >

Finding the right bag is an ever present struggle. The bigger the bag, the more gear you can carry- but by that same token, bigger bags weigh you down and get in the way. I've used several bags over the years.

Small backpack
Pros- plenty of room for gear, good weight distribution. Easy to run/climb/jump while wearing it.
Cons- Have to stop and take it off to retrieve gear. Gets in the way in tight spaces like tunnels/caged ladders.

Satchel
Pros- Plenty of room for gear, easy to retrieve gear on the go.
Cons- Poor weight distribution, gets in the way while running/climbing/jumping.

Purse (technically a camrecorder bag, but it was basically a purse)
Pros- Easy to run/climb/jump, good for tight spaces
Cons- Minimal space for gear.

Sling Bag
Pros- Good for tight spaces, decent gear capacity and doesn't usually get in the way
Cons- Poor weight distribution and cumbersome when carrying lots of gear.

The search for the perfect bag continues.

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post by Abby Normal

Re: Best backpack?
<Reply # 17 on 3/25/2024 9:01 PM >

Another thought...

Looking for a single "best backpack" is unlikely to be successful. Aran's pro-con list is a good starting point.

You don't have to limit yourself to a single bag. You can have a couple of backpacks on hand. One could be organized for camera gear if that is the purpose of the explore. Another might be stocked with everything for a night time explore.

I try to keep my underground backpack as small and light as possible. Climbing 500 to 1,000 feet out of a mine after a long day of exploring is getting to be hard work for me.

I have other backpacks for hiking and camping.

Abby

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post by NeuroticMatt

Re: Best backpack?
<Reply # 18 on 3/29/2024 3:34 PM >

I have a few I use.

I have the Lowepro protactic 450 that can hold a ton of gear. Light panels, tripod, four lenses, go pro, my camera and even my wifes camera, plus filters, spare batteries, chargers. It is a super pack.

Then I have just a good normal backpack that I bought a camera bag insert for that I can carry my camera with like a 50mm or 35mm lens on camera and one extra lens.

Also have a over the shoulder type bag, and it can hold my camera with two lenses and a bit of other gear.

The protactic is my go to.

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