timkramer Loc: PA

I currently have a North Face Surge backpack and absolutely love it since it has a ton of storage space and is comfortable to haul around my stuff. I typically take this as my only bag while doing short weekend trips and am able to fit everything I need in the backpack. The problem I face is that I either have to haul my LowePro Sling bag with me or I have to just carry the camera with my quick strap. I recently did a Google search for "backpack inserts for photography" and of course am getting more sites that pop up, which will take tons of time to research. I figured while I am doing some independent research, I wanted to get some feedback from folks on here to see if anyone has done a DIY conversion of a regular backpack for camera gear. I'd be carrying my D700 with battery grip attached with a 24-85 lens mounted on it, plus a Nikon 50mm, plus a Nikon 70-300 lens. My LowePro sling is an older version so it's playing Tetris often times to get the right configuration for the camera + 3 lenses. My goal is to use my backpack to serve as my primary bag because I can also bring my computer with me while out and about. I would either have to reduce the amount of clothing if I still wanted the "one bag" solution or just bring a small duffel bag for clothing. It would be nice to go out for day of shooting and then connecting to the computer at a coffee shop somewhere to go through the pictures and do some light editing.

I did find this one on B&H that is on my short list at the moment:
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1014073-REG/pro_tec_i501_camera_insert_bag.html

Also this one, but it's sold out:
https://www.fjallraven.us/products/knken-photo-insert

Anyway, just looking to see if anyone has used this approach and has a product that they are super happy with and would recommend. Thanks!

jcboy3

My recommendation is to search Amazon for "camera insert" and take it from there. There are two styles, tall and narrow or wide and short. Depends on how you want to access them.

For me, I use Lowepro Omni bags as inserts in a backpack. They are regular shoulder bags, so I can take them out and carry them with a strap. I took a trip to Arizona a while back and took two; one with Olympus gear, the other with Nikon gear. Used a regular daypack to carry the camera bag, plus clothes, food, and water. Tripod went on a sling.

Unfortunately, the Omni bags were discontinued quite a while ago. I have 5 in different sizes. They were great, each size would fit inside a Pelican case for rugged transport. I also have Pelican cases for most of them. I use them for cameras/lenses and flashes/lighting. If you can find one used, I recommend them.

rjaywallace Loc: Wisconsin

Tenba is another company that makes nice inserts.

SharpShooter Loc: NorCal

Tim, I’ll tell you what I recommend, I recommend you stop wasting your time with the conversion!!! LoL
For $40 you can get a Canon delux 200EG that will probably handle all your needs. I’ve been using one professionally, for most of my needs since 08!
Your problem is NOT the dividers but the Velcro loops that you need to hook everything onto. Unless you are going to sew everything in, there is no glue strong enough to hold it in, if you can even find the loops in a sheet.
Neither spraybond 90/77 or Barge is likely to work without sewing.
I’ve made many bags with varying success.
Just my recommendation!! Good luck
SS

rgrenaderphoto Loc: Hollywood, CA

Go to https://www.tombihn.com and ask them if they will make/sell a photo insert for their Brain Bag backpack. I think Timbuktu has something similar

ralphfr Loc: Long Island, NY

Many years ago, when I worked for Canon USA, I purchased a Canon bag for my Nikon SLR and just like this backpack it was a great deal at a great price. I think I got a 50% discount so I really wasn't worried about the Canikon conflict. Not a huge bag but an excellent one. Appreciate the heads up as I was looking for a DSLR backpack. Just placed my order with B&H on your recommendation. This will do nicely! Thanks SS!

SharpShooter Loc: NorCal

Hey, that’s a nice looking Canon shoulder bag....., you’re welcome!!
SS

Leitz Loc: Solms

If I was able to fit everything I need into my backpack, like you, I wouldn't need anything else.

dcampbell52 Loc: Clearwater Fl

I got the Ruggard Backpack from Adorama when I purchased my Nikon D7100. I wasn't thrilled about it when I ordered the package but it was free, so I figured "what the heck". When it came and I started using it, I loved it. It is great because everything, camera, lenses, batteries., memory cards, pencil, and all accessories are in easy reach and separated by padded dividers. And, even though it is a backpack, I use it for everything. I've even loaded a couple of changes of clothes in it with the camera gear as a carryon for air travel. And yes, it fits under the airliner seat in front of me.

timkramer Loc: PA

So true SS....stop researching and just get out there, right? :)

Thanks for the all the recommendations out there folks. Like anything else there is a sea of possibilities. I'm not sure my "all in one" solution is out there unless I invested in a larger backpack, but then it would defeat my minimalist approach. I guess my best option is still my good ol' LowePro Sling bag, although the 250 AW is slightly larger which may give me that extra room that I need.

Thanks again everyone for your comments. I appreciate the recommendations and suggestions.

Sportshooter57 Loc: Seattle

Before you give up on your search, here's one more item to consider - the Mountainsmith Kit Cube Micro Camera Bag: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00EWNJ7EQ/ref=ox_sc_sfl_title_17?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=ADP1I4ZKQNKOW When I go snowshoeing, I like to use the Cotton Carrier harness to secure my camera on my chest for easy access. https://www.amazon.com/Cotton-Carrier-Camera-Harness-Gray/dp/B07476FDRT/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1518115256&sr=8-6&keywords=Cotton+Carrier