Travel Photography - SLR Backpacks

Will they be camera specific?

If I have a Cannon T2i is there a particular style or shape that I should purchase to travel with?

I have a Lowepro Slingshot 202 AW (http://products.lowepro.com/product/SlingShot-202-AW,2192,4.htm) for my T2i. It holds the body w/ lens and battery grip, another lens, batteries, cables, manuals, even a rain jacket. Plus, it has several pouch attach points, and a place to strap on a tripod. All in all, a great travel bag.

That being said, most bags will hold most cameras, and the driving factors should be how much gear you plan to carry, how well it's protected, and how comfortable the bag is. I would do some research on-line (like this), read reviews, and pick two to three bags you're interested in. Head to your local camera store w/ your camera and do a test fit. Take a look around at their other bags as well because you may find something you like more. Once you have a bag that is comfortable and holds everything you need, you can start looking for a good deal.

Most if not all camera /laptop bags have adjustable compartments to hold different "things". Plenty of info online. e.g. amazon dot come etc....

What about bags that can hold both a laptop and slr together?

Any experience with that kind of combo?

I will continue to do my homework though, thanks!

I've got a ThinkTank ShapeShifter, and it's a nice backpack for both camera and laptop gear.

The bag will hold two DSLR bodies plus one fairly large lens (think Canon 300 f4 or 400 f5.6), two more lenses, and tons of accessories. The laptop pocket doesn't really have room for a separate laptop sleeve, but it's fairly well-padded and very deep. Weight distribution is decent--I hiked with it on an 8.5 mile hike down into Bryce Canyon without wearing my shoulders out too much. You can attach stuff to the shoulder straps (hanging heavy cameras from them helps avoid neck strain), and use it with the ThinkTank belt system. It also fits in my rollaboard.

Cons include: interior pockets aren't adjustable (though they're sized generously); attaching a tripod to the outside is doable but could be easier; have to dismount bodies from lenses to pack them (you should for travel anyway).

Its not camera brand or model specific its more a long the lines, the number of lens you have and the number of cameras and the size of the cameras. The difference is full frame or smaller as well as the size of a lens. my 10-24 lens takes more room then the 18-105 so make sure you know the size of your lens as well as what your really need. If your taking a flight you won't check the bag and it counts as a carryon and some companies limit the amount of stuff and weight you can carry on.

I've got a Kata DR-465 as well as one of the LowePro Slingshots and prefer the kata

It's got a padded bottom drawer for the camera and a few lenses, separate section for the laptop at the back and a top compartment I can fit my e-reader, sunglasses, iPod etc in

http://www.adorama.com/KADR465IRD.html

I carry a regular pack or a large hip sack and use the Domke Wraps. I wrap my camera body and have small ones for my other lenses. Fairly cheap on amazon

These are good suggestions - thanks. About to make my first backpack purchase.

I carry a regular pack or a large hip sack and use the Domke Wraps. I wrap my camera body and have small ones for my other lenses. Fairly cheap on amazon

I like the wraps--one for the camera body and one for my longer lens. It allows me to carry my camera in a shoulder bag/purse.

These are good suggestions - thanks. About to make my first backpack purchase.

What did you end up getting?

The more I travel, the more I realize that there is not a 1 bag solution for my camera gear.

Be careful when carrying camera gear with a backpack in crowded touristy locations. Due to security it is better to carry the backpack kangaroo style in front of you where you can keep an eye on it.

I've got a ThinkTank ShapeShifter, and it's a nice backpack for both camera and laptop gear.

The bag will hold two DSLR bodies plus one fairly large lens (think Canon 300 f4 or 400 f5.6), two more lenses, and tons of accessories. The laptop pocket doesn't really have room for a separate laptop sleeve, but it's fairly well-padded and very deep. Weight distribution is decent--I hiked with it on an 8.5 mile hike down into Bryce Canyon without wearing my shoulders out too much. You can attach stuff to the shoulder straps (hanging heavy cameras from them helps avoid neck strain), and use it with the ThinkTank belt system. It also fits in my rollaboard.

Cons include: interior pockets aren't adjustable (though they're sized generously); attaching a tripod to the outside is doable but could be easier; have to dismount bodies from lenses to pack them (you should for travel anyway).

I have a ShapesShifter too and I really like it. Whether the laptop compartment takes a sleeve or not depends on the size of your laptop. I have a 13.3" model and it fits with a sleeve and plenty of space to spare.

What did you end up getting?

The more I travel, the more I realize that there is not a 1 bag solution for my camera gear.

We bought the LowePro Fastpack 100. It was perfect for us: the bottom held a Nikon D5000 with a standard lens, plus a 55-200 lens and a couple of hoods. The top pocket held Rick Steves and my wife's ID and a little bit of cash.

We put a travel tripod in the side pocket and then sewed on an extra loop above it to keep the tripod from flopping. It worked perfectly and we got tons of shots of us that we wouldn't have had without the tripod (hiking on a quiet trail, for example).

Be careful when carrying camera gear with a backpack in crowded touristy locations. Due to security it is better to carry the backpack kangaroo style in front of you where you can keep an eye on it.

One feature I like about the LowePro Flipside that I have is that the zipper is on the inside against my back, so I don't worry about somebody undoing the zipper.

I have the Kata 467I. While a bit expensive, it is a top quality bag. I can hold my SLR, with a few lenses. Space for a laptop, and also a top compartment to fit anything else.

The other great thing about this bag is you can remove the 'camera holder' at the bottom of the bag when you are not using the camera to turn it into a 'normal' backpack. Very useful.

One feature I like about the LowePro Flipside that I have is that the zipper is on the inside against my back, so I don't worry about somebody undoing the zipper.

That's why I have one as well. Worst case, someone gets my used earplugs in the side pocket.

I am using Lowepro Orion trekker for many years... compact and can put a few more additional things other than the DSLR.

I use the Lowepro Compurover. I would definitely recommend this bag.

http://products.lowepro.com/product/CompuRover-AW,1923,16.htm

Done extensive travel in very rough conditions and this is a bag you can carry all day long during long hikes.

I put my SLR , a few lenses ( even a 70-200f2.8 can fit in ) , a tripod, a few items like a sandwich, bottle of water. Also it's all weather.