travel photo back or sling pac (Page 2): I agree with PaulB. I use a sling pack for quick day jaunts but I use a Lowe Pro flip side backpack for carrying FX gear. Weight distribution...

Teacher Loc: Alabama

I agree with PaulB. I use a sling pack for quick day jaunts but I use a Lowe Pro flip side backpack for carrying FX gear. Weight distribution is a major factor and you can attach a tripod much easier on a backpack that hangs vertically.

bookreader wrote:

I will be traveling for 3 weeks on a vacation and need advise on a new camera bag. I would like one that is fairly light, can hold my sony with a 24 70 lens, a telephoto lense, camera accessories, wallet and personal items, possibly a laptop, and tripod. Having one that converts to a day pack would be great. I have one that is too cumbersom. I would like it to look less like a camera bag for security. I am a woman 5 ft 6. and on the slim side. Headin for to Alaska, waterproof would help.

LFingar Loc: Claverack, NY

bookreader wrote:

I will be traveling for 3 weeks on a vacation and need advise on a new camera bag. I would like one that is fairly light, can hold my sony with a 24 70 lens, a telephoto lense, camera accessories, wallet and personal items, possibly a laptop, and tripod. Having one that converts to a day pack would be great. I have one that is too cumbersom. I would like it to look less like a camera bag for security. I am a woman 5 ft 6. and on the slim side. Headin for to Alaska, waterproof would help.

I like slingbags, such as my Lowepro 202 because you don't have to set them on the ground while getting your camera out, keeping them dryer and cleaner. (It does have a waterproof cover built in). You also don't have to worry about someone running off with it while you are concentrating on your photography, since it stays on your back. Unless you are carrying a heavy load, which you don't seem to be, comfort shouldn't be an issue. I can comfortably carry my camera with lens, plus 3 other lenses, a flash, a couple of filters, spare battery and other small items with no problem, plus there is a place to attach a medium size tripod, and I have a bad back. No laptop though.
Hope you have a great time in Alaska. A friend of mine, a pro, went to Denali last year. Took over 8,000 shots.

Old Redeye Loc: San Mateo, CA

Clip-er wrote:

I traded my backpack for a photographers vest.( see avatar) I prefer it,it's hands free. It would hold all the things you mentioned, except the tripod. I haven't found a good way to carry mine yet. Hope this helps. Thx Clipper.

Coincidentally, the lighting umbrella I got came in a carrying bag. Guess what, it works perfectly for my tripod. Put the tripod in it and sling it over my shoulder.
I have a Lowepro sling bag but use it more like a regular backpack. Typically my camera is hanging from my Black Rapid sling over my shoulder when I'm out shooting. The bag also has a place for a laptop in the back, but that's a lot of extra weight. I only put it there when I fly, so it's part of my carryon.

tita1948 Loc: North Idaho

bookreader wrote:

I will be traveling for 3 weeks on a vacation and need advise on a new camera bag. I would like one that is fairly light, can hold my sony with a 24 70 lens, a telephoto lense, camera accessories, wallet and personal items, possibly a laptop, and tripod. Having one that converts to a day pack would be great. I have one that is too cumbersom. I would like it to look less like a camera bag for security. I am a woman 5 ft 6. and on the slim side. Headin for to Alaska, waterproof would help.

Sling packs only work for men or women with diminutive attributes. Just saying.

LFingar Loc: Claverack, NY

tita1948 wrote:

Sling packs only work for men or women with diminutive attributes. Just saying.

I'm 5'11", 200lbs. A sling works fine for me for general use. My most diminutive attribute is my hairline!

deepdiverv Loc: arizona

I have been using a Lowero flipside. Access to bag is against your back when you are wearing it for security. I have the 400 but they have a little larger version the 500.

jeep_daddy Loc: Prescott AZ

bookreader wrote:

I will be traveling for 3 weeks on a vacation and need advise on a new camera bag. I would like one that is fairly light, can hold my sony with a 24 70 lens, a telephoto lense, camera accessories, wallet and personal items, possibly a laptop, and tripod. Having one that converts to a day pack would be great. I have one that is too cumbersom. I would like it to look less like a camera bag for security. I am a woman 5 ft 6. and on the slim side. Headin for to Alaska, waterproof would help.

Just google tamrac and lowepro. Their web sites are excellent and you can see exactly what you need there.

Mark7829 Loc: Calfornia

Folks, she is asking for the pack to carry a laptop. Sling packs are out of the question. She is limited to a back pack and with the laptop she is again limited and limited to big. Lowepro, Think Tank, Tamrac and there was discussion on the forums regarding another manufacturer that was better than all those I listed. I will have to search.

Found it - http://fstopgear.com/ go here for the best packs. Check out construction, big zippers, etc.!!!

Mandonan Loc: On the Road full time!

I just bought a Thinktank Turnstyle sling bag for a recent trip. It will hold the camera and three or more lenses and a flash, your wallet and an iPad. Was great for the entire trip, you just bring it forward to get out your gear. Took my camera and lenses to the camera store and tried everything they had. This fit me well and is comfortable. I am a 5'9" woman and I think you really need to try them with your gear so you can get an idea of the weight and ease of use.

uppics Loc: rockford, il, usa

bookreader wrote:

I will be traveling for 3 weeks on a vacation and need advise on a new camera bag. I would like one that is fairly light, can hold my sony with a 24 70 lens, a telephoto lense, camera accessories, wallet and personal items, possibly a laptop, and tripod. Having one that converts to a day pack would be great. I have one that is too cumbersom. I would like it to look less like a camera bag for security. I am a woman 5 ft 6. and on the slim side. Headin for to Alaska, waterproof would help.

ask two people, and you will get a dozen opinions. best to search different sites as was suggested. get a good look @ several bags and make a choice based on that. other opinions are good to consider.......but opinions are like ass...er, ah, elbows. everyone has an elbow. i even have a couple.

tita1948 Loc: North Idaho

LFingar wrote:

I'm 5'11", 200lbs. A sling works fine for me for general use. My most diminutive attribute is my hairline!

lol

Frisco Loc: San Francisco

Thanks to all! I get to research now!

GaryS1964 Loc: Northern California

Your subject mentioned, I think, backpack or sling pack. Based on my experience I would suggest a backpack. I have used a sling pack while on a multi day vacation wearing it for 8-12 hours a day. All the weight is on one shoulder which gets sore eventually.

EddieC Loc: CT

I like the vest the best. I usually only carry 2 walk around lenses with me, a 28-200G, a 28-300 or a 24-70 and a 16-35 Nikkor lens. This lessens the load unless I am shooting something specific then I'll carry some more stuff.

terrild53 Loc: Now in The Villages, FL

bookreader wrote:

I will be traveling for 3 weeks on a vacation and need advise on a new camera bag. I would like one that is fairly light, can hold my sony with a 24 70 lens, a telephoto lense, camera accessories, wallet and personal items, possibly a laptop, and tripod. Having one that converts to a day pack would be great. I have one that is too cumbersom. I would like it to look less like a camera bag for security. I am a woman 5 ft 6. and on the slim side. Headin for to Alaska, waterproof would help.

Look at the Lowepro web site. You may see what you need there. They have something for everyone!