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I've just ordered a Nikon 18-200 to complement my Sigma 10-20 - the idea is to have a 2 lens kit when travelling (I'm off on a China photo tour in November). It occurred to me that I'll have my camera and 1 lens on my shoulder most of the time, leaving the other lens, digital storage device, spare battery, blower brush and a few other knicks and knacks left over in my camera bag. One of the things that I don't like about my smallish backpack-style camera bag is that there's no room to carry anything else - jacket, water bottle, a bit of shopping etc. It then occurred to me that my smaller kit would easily fit into a normal size backpack with room to spare for the other junk. More room, albeit at a cost of less protection and organisation for the photo gear.

Does anyone else use a normal backpack to cart their gear, especially when travelling? Any pros or cons, and any tips?

Frank

I used a D80, Sigma 18-200, 50mm f/1.8 and a few little extras with no camera bag for 3 months in africa and europe. I only had one breakage, that was when i was skiing and i fell on the camera and broke the platic lcd protector, $12 and i was all good again, actual damage to the camera.

I would highly recomend it, it is not as much of a target for theives as they don't suspect it the contents would be a DSLR. Just be wary when you are in dodgy areas, i found it best to put the 50mm in my pocket and carry the camera, that way it can't be taken from behind you.
Having said that, the likelihood of you not notcing a weight loss of a DSLR being stolen from your bag is very unlikley.

Have fun on the trip.

Harry

I have a small camera bag that is capable of fitting into my backpack. It can hold my DSLR and its lens plus probably another two lenses, cards and blower. I wouldn't go without it - even if just to have container to house my lenses without having them rumble all around my bag.

That said, the camera itself (plus the lens physically on it) is often either around my neck, or as the top item of the closed bag, resting on the camera bag, which often as not is carrying four lenses, plus the blower, plus spare AA Batteries....

I understand your conundrum, though!

I use a small padded bag about the size of the camera for it. That then goes into my backpack if not in use. I attach a flash to the strap of the bag. There is a pocket at the back for a battery and spare cards, and another on the top for a filter or two. A bit ungainly on the shoulder, but it works.

I am not a big fan of wide angle, so I only use my 18-200 when travelling, so no extra lenses to cart around.

BT*ist wrote:I have a small camera bag that is capable of fitting into my backpack. It can hold my DSLR and its lens plus probably another two lenses, cards and blower. I wouldn't go without it - even if just to have container to house my lenses without having them rumble all around my bag.

That said, the camera itself (plus the lens physically on it) is often either around my neck, or as the top item of the closed bag, resting on the camera bag, which often as not is carrying four lenses, plus the blower, plus spare AA Batteries....

I understand your conundrum, though!

That's pretty much my setup as well. Small camera bag that fits in my backpack. Protection when I don't need the camera, and when I need quick access, the camera is around my neck or on top of the closed camera bag inside my backpack.

The bag itself is a Lowepro EX160 (equivalent to the Nova 2 AW without the raincover). Fits D80 + 18-70, 50 1.8, 70-300, and some small accessories.

I'll probably need to rethink this strategy when my lens collection grows.

Ben

I went through Europe with my body + lens in one of those camera body only covers and nothing else. 99% of the time the camera was over my neck/shoulder. The bag was used for travel when inside the suitcase or plane. i guess that's as light as you can get with a DSLR

When I go out and around the town myself, I just carry the camera inside my bag. Fitted into a business carry bag, D70 with no lens attached and a 35 or 50mm lens next to it.

Around in a backpack, it can fit a D70 + 18-70 or the 85mm into it, and I use the foam paddings from other camera bags to build a camera compartment to the size inside my bag, it works really well. They are flexible and very well protected.

thanks for the feedback, people - some good ideas here, especially the small bag within the backpack trick.

Frank

For general use I have a Lowepro Computrekker Plus AW, it's big enough to carry a couple of bodies, a couple of decent lens, various other bits and pieces and a notebook as well.

The downside is that it is fairly large and it's obvious what's in it so you have to be careful not to just leave it laying around, but it is built tough and even fully loaded is comfortable to carry for long periods of time.

I have a Crumpler Whickey and Cox to carry my gear and heading to Vietnam in June.

I just purchased a Think Tank Digial Holster 20 for the lighter trips the city, which should suit me well. Camera only that is.

I used to have a Lowepro, good bags, but I liked the design of the Crumpler abit more

I like camera backpacks for the comfort, but they are not practical to work out of. I only use them for transporting gear from one place to another. Once I get there, I usually work out of a belt system or a photo vest. You look like a complete photography nerd, but it allows you to change lenses and flashguns without having to take a big backpack off your back.

If I am not taking much gear to begin with, I will pack a smaller shoulder bag with 1-2 lenses into a larger backpack (Just received a Think Tank Urban Disguise 30 which will be PERFECT for that).

Frankenstein wrote:Does anyone else use a normal backpack to cart their gear, especially when travelling?

I use one at times for carrying stuff on my bike, but that's with the camera and a single lens inside a small shoulder bag, inside the pack. It works, but it's not brilliant. Too much chance of dropping the camera as you rummage inside the pack (been there, done that). I would be reluctant to just drop the camera into the pack, but that's because I normally carry tools and a D lock loose inside the pack.

If I was going to go that route I'd look for a pack that has two or more openings into the main compartment, and sew partitions and reinforcing into the pack so that some or all of the top part became the camera compartment, then add normal camera bag style padded dividers etc.

I have toured using foam padding inside a pannier to convert it into a camera bag, but that was a big factor that persuaded me to go with a dedicated camera bag. It's just hard to get cameras in and out of a normally designed backpack without risking everything falling out.

I don't use a camera bag. I used to have a couple, but I've got rid of them. I carry my D2h and 300 F/2.8 slung on my shoulder, and the D2h 24-70 F/2.8 on my other shoulder. I figure you always need to have your gear very close at hand.

When travelling I use 2x pelican 1500 cases. Provides plenty of protection for all lenses and both bodies. They are also very good for traveling by air, with even luggage monkies not able to break them, or fill them with hard drugs.

To carry my 'bits and peices' I want a photog vest and am in the market for one, if anyone wants to get rid of one....

Frankenstein wrote:thanks for the feedback, people - some good ideas here, especially the small bag within the backpack trick.

Frank

I have no doubt that a Dakine pack is for you.

I use the sequence - I have had it in dangerous pre-riot situations in Nepal, all over Europe, and India... It has never missed a beat. I cannot highly recommend enough. I have even got a new backup waiting if this one ever dies.

I carry up to 14kgs (gross from airport scales) with it.

I have only once been told to take it off my back to weigh it... of course they said it was over the carry on limit! Not a problem, I just took out the sub compartment and it becomes 2 bags - 7 kg each. Even the check-in guy said it was impressive and he hadn't seen someone with one before. I had this gear in it at the time: 300 2.8 AFS, 28-70 2.8, 50 1.4, 35 2, 12-24 4, 90 2.8 Tam, SB800, Lightsphere, 8 AAs and charger, Macbook laptop, charger, D2x + 2 batteries, and a bunch of filters.

And when a backpack isn't formal enough, I just take the camera block bag out and it is simple and classy.

Whenever in dodgier places I have the re-assurance that no-one can get to the gear without cutting the entire bag off my back (you can't enter the main section from the back - you have to spin it around you or take it off). And Dakine is not known as a camera bag company so people probably think there is just a sleeping back and dirty socks in there.

Even once I left it in a hot car... not a good idea with expensive equipment... I opened it up expecting it to be all melting and bubbling, however since it is intended to be a snow photographers bag it is ridiculously well sealed (good for rain too I'd imagine), and all my gear was cool to touch.

To top it off I know the family who owns Dakine in Maui and can't see my money going to better people - not some corporation who only care about the bottom line.

check it out under packs at http://dakine.com

They now have a bigger and smaller pack - but the one I have and love is the original - sequence. I wouldn't want anything bigger unless it had wheels due to how heavy it gets.

EDIT - of course, when the camera block is out it functions as a normal non-camera pack.

EDIT 2 - one more thing, I also fit a WT-2 in there, next to the telephoto.

What a brilliant backpack Heath. Where do you get one ?

Slider wrote:What a brilliant backpack Heath. Where do you get one ?

Trust me to tell a huge story and forget vital information.

You can go through http://lakemacquariekayaks.com.au or
(02) 4973 2028

Talk to the owner Brett Wise - he is awaiting his first shipment of the bags, so probably doesn't have them on his website yet.

Heath Bennett wrote:

Slider wrote:What a brilliant backpack Heath. Where do you get one ?

Trust me to tell a huge story and forget vital information.

You can go through http://lakemacquariekayaks.com.au or
(02) 4973 2028

Talk to the owner Brett Wise - he is awaiting his first shipment of the bags, so probably doesn't have them on his website yet.

Thanks Heath

Heath Bennett wrote:They now have a bigger and smaller pack - but the one I have and love is the original - sequence. I wouldn't want anything bigger unless it had wheels due to how heavy it gets.

Shortcut for those who don't love flash:
http://dakine.com/sport-packs/photo/sequence/

I'm interested in swapping my Desley pack for one of these because it looks as though it will work a lot better as a pack. I have a friend who designs ultralight packs for a living but he refused to accept a commission for a camera pack So this looks like exactly what I want - a proper pack that carries camera gear!

Heath, any idea how much they cost? I've used the form at the kayak place to enquire too.

moz wrote:

Heath Bennett wrote:They now have a bigger and smaller pack - but the one I have and love is the original - sequence. I wouldn't want anything bigger unless it had wheels due to how heavy it gets.

Shortcut for those who don't love flash:
http://dakine.com/sport-packs/photo/sequence/

I'm interested in swapping my Desley pack for one of these because it looks as though it will work a lot better as a pack. I have a friend who designs ultralight packs for a living but he refused to accept a commission for a camera pack So this looks like exactly what I want - a proper pack that carries camera gear!

Heath, any idea how much they cost? I've used the form at the kayak place to enquire too.

I got mine out of a barter deal - gave him something and he gave me two packs in return. I would roughly estimate $180-250 per pack

Heath Bennett wrote:I would roughly estimate $180-250 per pack

That sounds pretty reasonable. Here's hoping the kayak dudes get back to me soon.

I spoke to him today. Stock is about a week out and the price is expected to be in the vicinity of $230. The other option is to get the Dakine Ridge and put the Lowepro mini-trekker inside which achieves the same objective with the extra room for laptop etc.

Better late than never!

The three last Dakine sequences available from the only Australian supplier are at Lake Macquarie Kayaks.

Brett is a friend of mine - just called to let me know they are in stock.

Contact Brett on 0437 772 939 or 4973 2028.

Frankenstein
It's not a good idea to stuff clothing and other stuff into your camera bag because you'll end up getting dust and fluff through your equipment. Seperate bags are best....even if you have to put a smaller camera bag into a packpack that holds other stuff.

Matt. K wrote:Frankenstein
It's not a good idea to stuff clothing and other stuff into your camera bag because you'll end up getting dust and fluff through your equipment. Seperate bags are best....even if you have to put a smaller camera bag into a packpack that holds other stuff.

Good point Matt.
I've bought a backpack with 2 compartments - I've put the 2nd lens and other junk in the front compartment, and plan to store and protect the camera in the main compartment - but maybe I'll get a small bag too, to store the camera, as you suggest. Still haven't finalised organising everything and testing it yet - it may or may not work, in which case I may end up with yet another spare backpack!

Frank

ok I'm now in dire need of a bag, having collected a bit of gear. the dakine sequqnce looks really nice. anyone have an update on where / when they're available?

I reckon a backpack would be good, but I'm wondering if any come in a configuration where you can access the camera without having to unzip the whole back...

chet wrote:ok I'm now in dire need of a bag, having collected a bit of gear. the dakine sequqnce looks really nice. anyone have an update on where / when they're available?

I reckon a backpack would be good, but I'm wondering if any come in a configuration where you can access the camera without having to unzip the whole back...

Check Heath’s post - two threads above your post

thanks

for some reason I thought that was posted a little while ago.

Matt. K wrote:Frankenstein
It's not a good idea to stuff clothing and other stuff into your camera bag because you'll end up getting dust and fluff through your equipment. Seperate bags are best....even if you have to put a smaller camera bag into a packpack that holds other stuff.

indeed - and this is what the sequence does...

i too have a dakine sequence. i quite like it, although i feel that i may be wanting to go to a different backpack sometime soon...

pros:
- reasonably comfortable,
- lots of extra straps (i like bits and pieces to strap tripods/lightstands onto),
- seems pretty durable,
- a little bit of extra space... but don't get any illusions, after filling up the camera block area, you'll be able to fit a magazine or book or some written instructions in the front pocket, and your lunch / wallet / mobile / keys in the top pocket. i believe there are some side pockets but i dont use these as i strap tripods on.
- CHEAP,
- loads of padding.

cons:
- quite large (physically) for how much gear it actually fits... i carry one body (could probably fit another), 1x sb600, 2x sunpak 383 (similar size to sb600), 1x sunpak 555 (can fit two), 10.5mm, 28mm, 50mm, 18-70mm, 70-300mm. one of the lenses is on camera. the 555 doesnt actually fit inside the camera block, i jam it in a spot where your probably not sposed to put anything.
- carrying on from above - the camera block is quite small and the size of the bag is deceptive... its a big bag with a small block. lots of padding though.

there are a few lowepro trekking style bags in particular that have tickled my fancy...

but i'm happy with the bag, it will do me fine for now.

i bought mine from backcountry.com - i couldnt find any avail in aus at the time. got it for 220, but i suspect it would be significantly cheaper - the dollar was at about .72 then.

thanks James

awesome mini-review. do you have a problem getting the camera out / in on the go? i.e. do you have to put the bag down to achieve this?

chet wrote:thanks James

awesome mini-review. do you have a problem getting the camera out / in on the go? i.e. do you have to put the bag down to achieve this?

no worries.

you'll need to be at least taking a shoulder strap off to get access -- it's a little hard to explain... but i'll try,

on the back of the bag, there is a big zip that goes along the perimeter of the back in a u shape. you need to unzip that in order to get access to the camera block.

personally, i wouldnt try to take a camera out without physically taking the whole backpack off, i'd be too worried about things spilling out. this doesn't affect me in the photography i do - i am often having to set up numerous flashes etc to get a good exposure, so taking my backpack off to get the camera out isnt a deal.

it may be a worry to those of you who like just ripping your camera out of your bag to take a few candid shots, or don't want to have to stop to get your camera out whilst hiking.

like i said, the bag comes highly recommended from myself. the bag has a number of great features - it's strong, durable, comfortable, has (a little) space for non camera gear, protects your gear, and it's priced fairly....

but like any other bag you'll find, it has limitations, and isn't the be all and end all. i'm sure most people probably need a few bags to suit their needs and so they can carry/protect their gear in all the situations they are going to go through...

jamesw wrote:
cons:
- quite large (physically)

If the sequence is too big or small, the latest catalogue adds two more packs to the range. One is bigger, one is smaller. Don't know of anyone who has stock yet.

From my biased opinion (I'm 6 foot 3) the sequence is the perfect size.

Heath Bennett wrote:

jamesw wrote:
cons:
- quite large (physically)

If the sequence is too big or small, the latest catalogue adds two more packs to the range. One is bigger, one is smaller. Don't know of anyone who has stock yet.

From my biased opinion (I'm 6 foot 3) the sequence is the perfect size.

heath, you've misquoted me.

i wrote:

jamesw wrote:- quite large (physically) for how much gear it actually fits... i carry one body (could probably fit another), 1x sb600, 2x sunpak 383 (similar size to sb600), 1x sunpak 555 (can fit two), 10.5mm, 28mm, 50mm, 18-70mm, 70-300mm. one of the lenses is on camera. the 555 doesnt actually fit inside the camera block, i jam it in a spot where your probably not sposed to put anything.

the size of the backpack is not so much the issue.

the difference in size between the camera block and the pack itself, is more my gripe.

the physical size of the bag gave me the illusion that it could fit a lot more than it actually can.

i dont mind the size of the bag, in respect to my height/body, at all. im a shade under 6 foot.

on a semi-related/unrelated topic, anyone got an idea on where to buy some more divider thingos for the bag?

on a semi-related/unrelated topic, anyone got an idea on where to buy some more divider thingos for the bag?

Sorry about misinterpretation James!

If I find my dividers you are welcome to have them. I have never used them.

EDIT: I put a 300 2.8 AFS down one side as the D2x has too much space at the top, meaning I dont use the spacer/divider on that side, and on the other side I space two lenses (28-70 2.8 and 12-24DX) with some thinner foam. No need for dividers - I find they use too much space.

Heath Bennett wrote:Sorry about misinterpretation James!

If I find my dividers you are welcome to have them. I have never used them.

EDIT: I put a 300 2.8 AFS down one side as the D2x has too much space at the top, meaning I dont use the spacer/divider on that side, and on the other side I space two lenses (28-70 2.8 and 12-24DX) with some thinner foam. No need for dividers - I find they use too much space.

thanks heath, let us know if you find them, i'll pay for the postage!

Sure James, no problem.

A warning however - we have finally finished unpacking from a big move, so it could be anywhere

Heath Bennett wrote:Sure James, no problem.

A warning however - we have finally finished unpacking from a big move, so it could be anywhere

Don't look for them and you will find them pretty quickly. However, by that point, after going through box after box, you will forget why you wanted to find them and you will 'store' them somewhere you will forget!

Not that that's ever happened to me

P

I know what you mean. Always putting things in "safe places" and thinking they are lost, they always turn up eventually. Frustrating but no loss really

On the topic of security for your bag, I was in Rome in 2000, walking along one evening in a fairly public area with my wife. I had a backpack on, nothing too flashy and nothing in it that we couldn't live without. It had a waist strap that I did not have attached.

I noticed we were being followed, some young lad, late teens perhaps. He was a bit away so I wasn't too concerned and we kept walking. When next I looked he was about a metre away from me, like in my personal space. So I stopped, turned to face him and stared him out. He stopped and pretended to be looking past us like he was looking for someone and after an anxious 10 or 15 seconds, he turned and walked away. Nothing said, no violence. But I am certain he was all set to trip me to the ground and steal the bag.

From then on, I used the waist strap as well...
Bear this in mind when choosing a bag.

Tasadam - good story, good thing it didn't go to violence.

I wonder how much impact the brand of bag has on theft. You would think if this kid had been doing it for a while he would be chosing the tourists with the camera brand bags.

My biggest fear is if they see me when I am getting another lens from the pack. Then they will know whats in it, realise it is hard to get to, and perhaps hold me up at knife point instead. Insurance means hand it over straight away. I just wonder if I would have the balls to slip out the memory card to save the images!

Regard Brett's stock of the Sequence - Dakine pack:


Only two left now


You can call him on 0437 772 939