Travel Photography - Camera bag advice?

I currently have a Lowepro sling 200 as my main camera bag, but with the addition of some extra equipment and a laptop i need to upgrade.

I would prefer a backpack to the sling type and some sort of rain cover is a must.

Any suggestions would be great.

Really depends on the amount of gears that you have and their respective sizes. Lowepro makes tons of bags (so do many other brands). Take this one as an example:

http://www.amazon.com/Lowepro-CompuTrekker-Camera-Backpack-Black/dp/B0000AQJ7J/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1253668860&sr=8-6

I have a Kata DR-467 backpack. It is large enough to fit a laptop with 16" screen/DSLR w/grip + 4 lenses, but also small enough to fit underneath the seat in Y. It also comes with rain cover for the bag. The padding might not be as nice as the one from Crumpler, but I think is more than adequate.

http://www.amazon.com/Kata-Manfrotto-KT-DR-467-BGMP-Promotional-Manfrotto/dp/B001D7SWSG/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1254071436&sr=8-4

Take a look at Crumpler bags. They do a big range and make super sturdy gear.

I have the Computrekker (or one extremely similar to it) and really like it. Fits everything I own into the pack, easy to carry. Easy to go through security (all the gear is flat, not like some packs where some equipment is stacked on top of each other).

Negative? I have heard complaints that it is too big. For my trips to Alaska, it works perfectly.

John

Take a look at Think Tank. Their Urban Disguise shoulder bags are very good, and I believe they have announced a backpack.

How much equipment? How big of a laptop? If you like LowePro bags, look at their fastpack series. It has space for a laptop, SLR, a few lenses/flashes/the like, and fits under a Y seat. I like mine.

I have the Computrekker (or one extremely similar to it) and really like it. Fits everything I own into the pack, easy to carry. Easy to go through security (all the gear is flat, not like some packs where some equipment is stacked on top of each other).

Negative? I have heard complaints that it is too big. For my trips to Alaska, it works perfectly.

John

I have had a look at the Computrekker and it seemed to meet most of my requirements.

I ended up with a Delsey Pro 33 backpack, which is a bit heavy but will serve its purpose. I can say it is extremely well made and provides excelent protection my equipment.

I use a RedOxx Gator bag. Works just dandy for me.

How much equipment? How big of a laptop? If you like LowePro bags, look at their fastpack series. It has space for a laptop, SLR, a few lenses/flashes/the like, and fits under a Y seat. I like mine.

+1 about the LowePro bags. I use the CompuDaypack and like it. Been on many international trips with it. That said, with my camera equipment collection growing (incl accessories), I find the DayPack somewhat lack in adjustability to meet my growing need.

I might look into the Kata bag that was previous mentioned. Like the fact you get a monopod with it too.

The Think Tank stuff is great!
Check out the "Speed Freak"
http://www.thinktankphoto.com/products/speed-freak-belt-pack.aspx

I have a small review on my Picasa page too
http://picasaweb.google.com/hvacstud/ThinkTankSpeedFreakReview#


This particular model wont carry a laptop. I use a backpack as a carry on for the laptop and other items and dont generally walk around with a laptop. This on lets me have a bag with my Canon body with a 17-40 mounted, as well as a 70-200 and another smaller wide angle lens all of this in a small bag I can easily carry on and also carry with me when exploring. Whats cool is that it transforms into a very comfortable waist pack.

Really depends on sizes which you need

I use a RedOxx Gator bag. Works just dandy for me.

Was just packing for a month-long trip. Was going to use my Lowepro Classified AW160 (fits a netbook perfectly by the way) along with all my gadgets, DSLR + 2 extra lenses. With some extras I was planning on bringing it didn't fit so I went instead with my trusty RedOxx CPA bag. It's heavy but the Absolute strap will help.

Try the Think Tank Airport Acceleration. It works on all flights (including RJ's), holds a laptop in the front pocket (which you remove before placing in the overhead), and keeps your equipment very safe. You can buy a cheap combination lock for locking the zippers while walking through airports or cities and, I think, you will find the quality, ease of use, and weight distribution fantastic.

I have about eight Tamrac bags of all shapes and sizes and use them all regularly depending on the job. Some of them have been with me for years and have held up well. Although I don't have any backpack style bags it looks like they have several listed on their website.

www.tamrac.com

I own a dry bag from Blood Red. Mine is a back pack, a medium rectangular type and it's waterproof as well. It's big enough to hold a laptop and other gadgets.

I just got back from a 2 week vacation to Egypt and Jordan. I bought a Kata DR-46x (I can't remember if it was a 466 or a 467) to take my camera gear with me. It looks like a "normal" daypack, so no clue that cameras are in there. The bottom portion held my Nikon D40 with 2 lenses, card case, hard drive (for my netbook) and some other stuff. The upper portion held my carry-on stuff (toiletries, meds, etc.). The back part held my netbook and my Kindle easily. I'm sure I could put a larger laptop in there, but I only travel with my Acer Aspire One. There are straps on either side of the front to hold a tripod (or fishing rod canister) and a zip-out water bottle holder (could be bigger). It totally met my needs and it sure seems to be sturdy enough to take the occasional bumps and bruises. Sometimes I forgot I had a camera and a netbook in there when I dropped the bag - no problems.

Here's the absolute best way to find a bag that is perfect for you.

Take all of you gear that you plan to put into your bag down to the largest camera store in your area. Keep trying out bags until you find the one that holds everything just the way you like it.

Leave a little extra room for new, to-be-acquired gear.