Hartmann

I am currently looking for a backpack to hold my DSLR, 1-2 extra lenses, my laptop, and a few power cords. I would like something fairly streamlined (not huge) and one that has a rain cover.

The best I've found so far is from Kata: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produc..._Rucksack.html

But I'm wondering if there are any other recommendations?

PiggieMac

I currently use the Think Thank Shape Shifter...

http://www.thinktankphoto.com/produc...-backpack.aspx

It's a great bag and works very well on my back.

Hartmann

Wow, thanks for the suggestion!

How easy is it to remove and insert the camera while on the move? I prefer to keep my camera packed away when walking around and usually only take it out when I see something that I'd like to photograph.

PiggieMac

The only con for me is what you just mentioned. The body and lens needs to be separate when it's in the bag. I don't seem to mind, but constantly putting together your body/lens will result in some dust on the lens and mirrors of the body. However, I never had an issue with dust getting into my lens. You can probably get that bag for cheaper on eBay.

mapleg

I use this one.

http://products.lowepro.com/product/...ck,1922,16.htm

glennaa11

Actually it depends how big the body is. I managed to fit a D90 with superzoom (Tamron 18-270) attached into one of the pouches. I just put it in so that the back of the camera was at the bottom of the pouch with the lens sticking up. It is a tight fit doing it that way though. I used the middle pouch to do this. I really love this bag. It does come with a rain cover and some little clips to hold your tripod. It's a nice size for carrying on the plane. And it has a sternum and waist strap which I find indispensable. I have had a lot of camera backpacks over the years but this one is the best I have used.

Hartmann

The size of this one is very attractive. Does it have a rain cover or does a standard rain cover fit it?

cyclogenesis

Computrekker AW
http://products.lowepro.com/product/...AW,1924,16.htm

It is a bit big, but fits my macbook pro, an ipad, D200, 70-200, 105, 50, 12-24 flash and other asst things... But no way I can get away with this + roll aboard... need to check clothing et al when I take this beasty on a trip..

S c 0 TT y

OP - what " is your laptop?

I recently picked up the Lowpro 250, great bag. My Macbook Air + Canon 550D fits in nicely leaving tons of space for other bits (extra lens, external mic, batteries etc).

Astrophsx

This is what I am using:


http://www.booqbags.com/laptop-backp...aptop-backpack

You can find them on bags.com. Check Evreward for cashback deals. I think there are also coupon codes out there.

yvr2011

Check out Crumpler.com. They have some cool messenger type camera bags.

nelly2011

Here is what I use:
http://bbpbags.com/hamptons.html
http://bbpbags.com/camerapaddy.html

The camera paddy fits perfectly in my XL Hamptons. The bag is also great for traveling. These two items were a great purchase.

seadan

If you're interested in a messenger bag, I'm quite happy with my Tenba:

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produc...Bag_Small.html

It's been a great travel companion and has proven quite versatile as the middle section is removable and configurable. It also has easy access zippers, which are nice.

Downsides are no rain cover on this, though. But they may have other models which meet your criteria.

mayojs

I'm also using Lowepro 350

http://products.lowepro.com/product/...50,2087,14.htm

Side load for DSLR means I can drop 1 shoulder strap and release the camera.

Macbook pro slides into the back. Around equivalent of $80 US (including 20% sales tax)

Well padded and no issues yet.

Based in UK limits choice for some of the models mentioned

JM

cl0123

You may want to check out the StreetWalkerŽ HardDrive. I use the smaller StreetWalkerŽ Pro regularly as I do not usually carry a laptop. You probably should try to see it in person to figure out if it were too boxy for your needs.

Earlier this summer, I picked up the Shape ShifterŽ to go on a Panama trip. It did work as advertised with a slimmer profile, but it did get just as heavy if you were carrying "everything" on it. Personally, I do not mind laying down my backpack on the ground, but take note that without the broader and stiffer base, it usually does not stand upright like the StreetWalkerŽ series.

Another one you may want to consider is the Kata R103 as demonstrated by Dave Cross. That's my first backpack and I must say it's pretty much bomb-proof. That little belly pouch is quite useful for camera quick-retrieval as long as it isn't over-sized. I took it with me to a trip in Asia several years ago and felt very secure.

If certain situations called for a shoulder bag, I still prefer the good old Domkes that I have. They are not chiropractially-friendly, but they work good! If you had enough room in your luggage, why not slip in a small shoulder bag (like a Domke F4AF or J3) and use the backpack mainly as carry-on during flights. Have fun!

With Aloha,

Clarence