photo backpack...which one? I need a bigger backpack for my camera, 3 lenses, tripod, water bottle, accessories (memory cards, lens cleaning kit, shutter release, filters, etc...). Any...

Greenguy33 Loc: Rhode Island

I need a bigger backpack for my camera, 3 lenses, tripod, water bottle, accessories (memory cards, lens cleaning kit, shutter release, filters, etc...).

Any suggestions? I have my eye on a Lowepro 500 AW (as a starting point for comparison)
http://store.lowepro.com/flipside-500-aw

tradio Loc: Oxford, Ohio

Domke 410

sarge69 Loc: Ft Myers, FL

If you type backpacks in the 'search' block above, you'll need some time to sort through them.

Sarge69

preachy Loc: Dover Plains, NY

I use the Flipside 400 (camera body; three lenses; filters, all accessories; tripod when necessary). Great pack so I assume the 500 will offer more room.

Check eBay for some very good prices if you don't mind it being shipped from overseas.

<edit>
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Lowepro-Flipside-500-AW-DSLR-Camera-Photo-Bag-Backpack-Case-All-Weather-Cover-/151400756213?pt=US_Camera_Cases_Bags&hash=item23403033f5
</edit>

I understand some people's concerns about ordering from China, but I got my 400 from this vendor and it's the real deal, not a knock-off. 1/2 the retail price noted in your link.

dsmeltz Loc: Philadelphia

I have been thinking about backpacks as well. Currently I am considering the Tamrac 5588 Expedition 8x or the smaller 5586.

Big Stopper Loc: London

Greenguy33 wrote:

I need a bigger backpack for my camera, 3 lenses, tripod, water bottle, accessories (memory cards, lens cleaning kit, shutter release, filters, etc...).

Any suggestions? I have my eye on a Lowepro 500 AW (as a starting point for comparison)
http://store.lowepro.com/flipside-500-aw

I bought this backpack (500 aw) and have no regrets. It is very large and will hold everything you mention. Like preachy I bought mine from China. It took a couple of weeks to arrive but I saved a lot - probably more than you would as I'm in the UK.

Morning Star Loc: West coast, North of the 49th N.

This may not work if you travel by plane or train, but on our last vacation by car, I took two (messenger-type) bags with me: One had camera with lens and tripod qr-plate attached, and some standard stuff like polarizing filter, lenspen, spare battery, spare memory cards, small notepad and pen. The other bag had more lenses, flashes, shutter release cable, lens adapter (4/3 to M 4/3), teleconverter, etc.
In the morning, I usually had a good idea what we were going to do that day, and it took me about 3 minutes to pack the "carry-around-bag" with what I thought I'd need for the day.
The other bag stayed in the car when we went walking around (covered by other stuff in the car).
This worked very well for me, although I'm sure not for everyone.
Oh, and to try and advertise a bit less, I sewed a small Canadian flag patch over the word LowePro...

Basil Loc: New Mexico

I have been looking at backpacks for a while to replace my Costo Targus sling bag. It's a good bag if I don't need to carry a lot, but I decided sometimes I want to have access to more gear.

After much research and reading reviews, I have decided to get the "Think Tank Street Walker Hard Drive" back pack. Look for reviews on Youtube. They sell them on Adorama (probably B&H too).

Greenguy33 Loc: Rhode Island

dsmeltz wrote:

I have been thinking about backpacks as well. Currently I am considering the Tamrac 5588 Expedition 8x or the smaller 5586.

I have looked at the Tamrac collection. The Tamrac 5588 looks nice.

Greenguy33 Loc: Rhode Island

preachy wrote:

I use the Flipside 400 (camera body; three lenses;... (show quote)

Thanks, I may try ebay.

Greenguy33 Loc: Rhode Island

Luggerbugs wrote:

I bought this backpack (500 aw) and have no regrets. It is very large and will hold everything you mention. Like preachy I bought mine from China. It took a couple of weeks to arrive but I saved a lot - probably more than you would as I'm in the UK.

Thanks, I may just do the same.

Russ1700

Be careful in your selection as there are many to choose from. One critical point to consider is the weight that you will be carrying and how the pack distributes that weight over your shoulders etc.

jjestar Loc: Savannah GA

As some people suggest going to a brick and mortar store to see how a camera feels in the hands, actually going to see how a bag looks and feels is as important, bring the gear you most likely will be carrying and see how the bag feels and fits.

londonfire Loc: NY to NC

Re: knockoffs from China. I always wonder why some worry about a product being a 'fake' when the 'genuine' article is also made in China. I've purchased many things while over there and can't find any difference in the quality. Like everything else you have to look it over before buying but my $30 North Face jacket made in China looks and feels identical to the $300 NF made in Vietnam.

Swamp Gator Loc: Coastal South Carolina

Basil wrote:

I have been looking at backpacks for a while to replace my Costo Targus sling bag. It's a good bag if I don't need to carry a lot, but I decided sometimes I want to have access to more gear.

After much research and reading reviews, I have decided to get the "Think Tank Street Walker Hard Drive" back pack. Look for reviews on Youtube. They sell them on Adorama (probably B&H too).

Yup Think Tank all the way. Street Walker is the one I have too.
Super well made and lightweight. Highly recommend this bag.