Please recommend a DSLR Backpack

[Big Worm 1]

The amount of choice out there is driving me mad, and i'm having trouble deciding what to buy.

So what am i looking for? I want something that i can fit all my camera equipment in, storage at the top for other things, and something that i can take on a plane as carry on luggage, i.e. something that isn't like carrying a suitcase on my back!

The kit i have is a Canon 550D with 18-55 kit lens, Canon 55-250mm, Canon 50mm prime, Sigma 70-300mm, flash gun, Hama Traveller Mini Pro Tripod, spare batteries, memory cards, filters, lens cleaning pen.

Like i say, the amount of choice is making it difficult to decide so any recommendations gratefully received!

[GetCarter]

I've had most of them over the years... I suggest this lot: http://www.thinktankphoto.com/

[Elderly]

I also settled on Thinktank after many many brands and although
I don't have a backpack, I have one of these http://www.thinktankphoto.com/products/shoulder-ha...
to covert my shoulder bag when required.

[Crafty_]

Lowepro Flipside 300, small enough to be carry on for flying, but should take all your stuff ok.

The flipsides don't have any openings on the outside, the only way in is a zip around the back of the bag, this means when you are wearing it it can't be opened.

The downside of that is you have to put it on something if you want a good root around the bag - just grabbing stuff is no bother though.

I like the kata bags, but always found them a bit pricey.

[Big Worm 1]

Thanks for the advice. I've been looking at the Lowepro Pro Runner 300AW or the Lowepro Flipside 400AW but it's hard to gauge the sizes online.

I think i'll be best going into my local Jessops and seeing them for myself.

Thanks again!

[Craikeybaby]

I'm a big fan of the FStop Gear range, I have a couple of their bags and have taken them as hand luggage on many flights.

[TigerS6]

Big Worm 1 said:

Thanks for the advice. I've been looking at the Lowepro Pro Runner 300AW or the Lowepro Flipside 400AW but it's hard to gauge the sizes online.

I think i'll be best going into my local Jessops and seeing them for myself.

Thanks again!

I have the flipside 400, it's a great bag, and with seeing your kit, is what I would have recommended to you.

It's been on a couple of trips with me and had in it: 7D + 100-400, 450D + 18-135, 50, 2xTC, remote release/cards/rocket blower etc, and then the tripod straps to the outside with it's own strap and a 'pocket' to hold the bottom of it.
Added benefit of being AW is the 'hidden' rain cover which I've used a few times now.

I bought mine brand new for £40! from Jessops when they were on a deal, I see they're (still) selling for more than that second hand. :|

[Crafty_]

Big Worm 1 said:

Thanks for the advice. I've been looking at the Lowepro Pro Runner 300AW or the Lowepro Flipside 400AW but it's hard to gauge the sizes online.

I think i'll be best going into my local Jessops and seeing them for myself.

Thanks again!

Have you looked at www.cambags.com ? find the bags you are interested in and there will be pics of them full of gear with a list so you can guage how much space is in them.

[Big Worm 1]

Crafty_ said:

Big Worm 1 said:

Thanks for the advice. I've been looking at the Lowepro Pro Runner 300AW or the Lowepro Flipside 400AW but it's hard to gauge the sizes online.

I think i'll be best going into my local Jessops and seeing them for myself.

Thanks again!

Have you looked at www.cambags.com ? find the bags you are interested in and there will be pics of them full of gear with a list so you can guage how much space is in them.

Great, thanks! I'll have a good look through this site. May take a while though!

[paul911]

I've the Lowepro 350 fastpack that can take all the camera bits in the bottom, and buttys, coat, whatever in the top compartment. Feels great on a walk too.

[Big Worm 1]

paul911 said:

I've the Lowepro 350 fastpack that can take all the camera bits in the bottom, and buttys, coat, whatever in the top compartment. Feels great on a walk too.

Thanks. I was looking at these originally but I decided that the space for camera equipment isn't big enough for what i need, especially if i buy more lenses.

[ecsrobin]

I use the pro runner 350AW http://store.lowepro.com/backpacks/pro-runner-350-...

I soon filled it up though so ill have to go bigger but the 350 fits aircraft storage lockers perfectly.

[tenohfive]

TigerS6 said:

I have the flipside 400, it's a great bag, and with seeing your kit, is what I would have recommended to you.

It's been on a couple of trips with me and had in it: 7D + 100-400, 450D + 18-135, 50, 2xTC, remote release/cards/rocket blower etc, and then the tripod straps to the outside with it's own strap and a 'pocket' to hold the bottom of it.
Added benefit of being AW is the 'hidden' rain cover which I've used a few times now.

I bought mine brand new for £40! from Jessops when they were on a deal, I see they're (still) selling for more than that second hand. :

Another vote for the Flipside 400. I really like the back zip option - when you take the shoulder straps off and put the weight on the hip straps to spin it around it still feels rock solid, and I've no qualms about using it that way.

I managed to pick up a second hand one (not that you could tell, as with most Lowepro bags) for about £65.