slr backpacks

[jsnail]

Without breaking the bank (best case scenario, under $100...) I'm looking for that "perfect" backpack. Right now all I have is the D80, Nikkor 50mm f/1.4 and Nikkor 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6. I'm looking for a backpack that provides protection (I don't want to skimp here), is waterproof, and will fit the Nikon, WITH the 18-200 lens attached, plus the 50mm lens (and probably a few spots for some other goodies), PLUS a separate compartment for "stuff" (jacket, purse, water, laptop...if I ever purchase one...etc).

One day I'd love to get my hands on some professional lenses, so I'm battling between finding a pack that could accommodate those lenses as well (probably ON the camera body) OR just settling on one that fits my currents needs (and budget).

I've looked at the Tamrac, but nothing really jumped out at me. I currently own a regular Tamrac bag, and, its fantastic! However if I go loping around a city or countryside, I have no place for my purse, jacket, water, etc.

Any ideas?

[Rhys]

I have a Tamrac bag from Ritz. It's OK for my 30D, 17-85, 70-300 and small extras. I doubt it's waterproof - I imagine it's splash-proof though. I would hesitate to take any "waterproof" bag anywhere really wet if it had zips as those leak better than they do anything else. I'd carry it in a light shower but in anything heavier would most likely get through the zip.

[rdub202]

some packs have like an elastic waterproof cover that goes over them.

[Rhys]

some packs have like an elastic waterproof cover that goes over them.

I use a plastic bag :p

[hankbeblazin]

im about to get a tamrac expedition 7 but i saw a Lowepro bag at ritz for 219 kind of expensive but its fully waterproof

[Turn]

I use a plastic bag :p

now thats a man with a brain

[sjseto]

In the Tamrac line I think either the Aero 80 Photo/Laptop Backpack (http://www.tamrac.com/3380.htm), or the Adventure 9 Photo/Computer Backpack (http://www.tamrac.com/5549.htm) would best suit your needs. They each have a camera/lens compartment on the bottom and a separate compartment for personal items on the top, as well as space for a laptop. The Adventure 7 (http://www.tamrac.com/5547.htm) and Adventure 6 (http://www.tamrac.com/5546.htm) are smaller versions of the Adventure 9, without the laptop compartment. I personally have the Express Pack 8 (http://www.tamrac.com/3548.htm) which is probably a bit too small for your needs. I use it around town when I want something that is a little more stylish looking but don't need to carry a lot of equipment. It will hold my D80 with 18-70 lens and my SB-600 flash in the bottom compartment, and a few accessories and some personal items in the top compartment. It has a small zippered pocket on front and one on each side as well.

Lowepro has the CompuRover AW (http://www.lowepro.com/Products/Backpacks/notebook_camera/CompuRover_AW.aspx) which I like because it has a fold-out tripod carrier as well. I have the non-laptop version, the Rover AW II (http://www.lowepro.com/Products/Backpacks/allWeather/Rover_AW_II.aspx), and it is a pretty substantial, rugged backpack. The waterproof version is called the DryZone Rover (http://www.lowepro.com/Products/Backpacks/waterproof/DryZone_Rover.aspx). There's also the CompuDaypack (http://www.lowepro.com/Products/Backpacks/notebook_camera/CompuDaypack.aspx) for something a little less rugged looking. If you don't need the laptop compartment, there is the Orion AW (http://www.lowepro.com/Products/Backpacks/allWeather/Orion_AW.aspx), which featuers top and bottom compartments that detach from each other.

On the Adorama.com web site, there are listings for a series of Lowepro packs called "Fastpack" which look promising but for some reason I am unable to locate them on Lowepro's own web site.

A lot of people like Crumpler bags (http://www.crumplerbags.com/) because they don't scream "camera bag". In their line, take a look at the Sinking Barge and Customary Barge backpacks.

The Lowepro DryZone Rover is the only one that claims to be waterproof. The other Rovers and the Orion AW have a built-in cover that can be wrapped around the pack to protect it from rain. All the others are likely just water-resistant.

Stephanie

[jsnail]

^very thoughtful post! Thank you very much for your input! I'm going to check out all those packs...

I wonder why more bags aren't "waterproof", or, at least "water resistant". Not that I'm planning on trudging my gear through a torrential downpour, but, it can't be sunny and butterfly-y and rainbow-y EVERY day :p

[GaryS]

Most packs are water resistant... I have a Lowepro Slingshot that I like very much for its quick access feature. Its zippers are designed to resist water, as is the material. It also has an integrated rain-cover which you can pull over to protect your gear if you are out on a hike and it starts to rain.

I've been caught in the rain many times, and my gear has never gotten wet. But its not designed to be dropped in a lake!