Backpack recommendations

[Plan-B]

In a couple of months, I'm going to be taking a trip to Alaska and I'm trying to find a good camera backpack to take with me. I'll be carrying a Rebel XT (350D) with three lenses (EF-S 17-85 IS USM, EF-S 10-22 USM, EF 70-300 IS USM), 430EX speedlight, a small tripod, and various other small accessories (batteries, charger, etc).

I'll be doing some light day-hiking (no overnight camping) and stuff like that so I don't need anything super heavy duty. I'd like to be able to slip a 2-liter Camelbak bladder in it. I'll have a laptop with me, but it won't be going on the hikes so if it has a computer sleeve that can hold the hydration bladder, that would probably work fine. An all-weather cover would probably be nice too (I don't know Alaska's climate well and would probably want to use it for other trips in the future).

Anyone have any recommendations around the $150 range that would fit?

[Rhys]

That's pretty close to my kit.

I would suggest that you actually visited a camera shop to try your gear in their backpacks. Buying blind never works when you need to fit things in. I would suggest you get a bag slightly bigger than you need because you will be putting extra in at some point on your trip - I guarantee that.

[nqjudo]

I have the Tamrac Expedition 5 and it sounds like it would do the trick for your stuff. I got mine used but you can get them new for around 125$. The camel back would probably fit in one of the outer zip pouches though you might have to keep it less than full. I would actually recommend against the use of a camel back in such close proximity to your equipment though. I have a lot of experience travelling, much of it involving hiking, and in my opinion a couple of nalgene bottles clipped or strapped to the bag would be much safer and it would make it way easier to balance out the load - a big consideration when carrying stuff on your back.

[kgosden]

I think that only Lowe makes a camera bag that actually uses a bladder (not a Camelback). I have the previous generation Tamrac Expedition 5 and it was fine for hiking in the Grand Canyon. I carried an Olympus E500, two kit lenses, a 50mm macro and a 11-22mm zoom. Also stuck my Velbon CF640 tripod on the outside. I clipped on a 24oz or so water bottle to one sie of the pack. Since I had my camera and one lens out during the day I used that space to pack a snadwich and some fruit in the pack.

[Plan-B]

I checked out the Expedition 5 at a camera store today and I think it carries more camera stuff than I'd really need. The Adventure 9 seems to meet what I was looking for except it doesn't have an integrated way to carry a tripod. There are loops for straps on the bottom so I may just go with some Velcro or ladder-lock straps to carry a tripod. Now I just need to figure out what tripod to get.

[T06]

That's pretty close to my kit.

I would suggest that you actually visited a camera shop to try your gear in their backpacks. Buying blind never works when you need to fit things in. I would suggest you get a bag slightly bigger than you need because you will be putting extra in at some point on your trip - I guarantee that.

Very, very good advice!!!;)

[hrmccoy]

Plan-B,

I've had the Canon backpack for 2 years now and love it! Friends and family also loved it so much that now it seems like everyone on the block has one.

You could fit your hydration pack in the large outer pocket (there's 2 outer zip pockets - a large one and a slightly smaller one). And the tripod connects on the bottom.

It is quite a multipurpose pack with the movable/re-movable dividers. It can hold a bunch of lenses, or as I use it: DSLR, 2-3 lenses, palmcorder, binoculars, a P&S camera, and still room to spare. It will hold your extra batteries, cards, lens cleaner, etc. I took this to Alaska last summer and it worked great! You can re-arrange how you use it or how much weight you load custom for each outing with no hassle. And it's rugged so it takes a beating pretty well. The water resistance was also good for piece of mind in AK's diverse climate! I can't think of any cons, except that an outer water bottle pouch would maket this pack perfect for me since I don't use the bladders.

Price at a local camera store 2 yrs ago was ~$60. And it looks like it's dropped a bit, listed on Amazon for ~$50, and Amazon has a bunch of customer photos of the pack, showing how diff't folks have organized it for their various gear. Would be worth the browse if you're a visual person.

Here's the official info:
Technical Description:

Bag fits two smaller SLR camera bodies, 3-4 lenses, and additional small accessories
Constructed of waterproofed polyester and nylon
Water repellant and urethane coated for extra durability
Padded divider system for on-the-go organization; includes tripod straps on pack bottom
Lightweight, with padded shoulder straps and back for comfortable use


From the Manufacturer
A nicely apportioned backpack with Canon's recognizable black and olive color scheme, the 200 EG backpack comfortably holds a dedicated shooter's needed gear for a daytrip hike. Constructed of waterproofed polyester and nylon, it is finished with a crosswoven fabric to ensure years of practical use.
Features include:

Tripod carrying straps on the pack bottom
Two velcroed side pockets
Padded internal dividers, waist and shoulder straps
Constructed of water-repellant, durable urethane-coated nylon
Room for two smaller SLR camera bodies, 3-4 lenses, and additional small accessories

Product Description
Made of rugged nylon Canon Deluxe Backpack 200EG holds up to 2 camera bodies, 4 lenses, plus accessories. Due to its lightweight construction it features a well-arranged divider system for a secure storage and an easy access, padded shoulder straps and a comfortable back padding. Add to this tripod carrying straps and a front webbing ideal for lashing light jacket, sweater, etc.

[calpchen]

Plan-B, what did you finally settle on, and how is it working out for you? I'm looking for a daypack that will be able to fit my 1.5 liter Camelbak bladder as well.