TerryVS

Your link is for a used bag. News ones are available from B&H for $48. It gets 4.5 with 1500 reviews. However many start with "for the money". I hate reviews like that. I'm big into good gear that last not cheap so I can buy 4 bags for the price of one good one.

I don't have a dog in this hunt but despite good ratings I would have strong reservations about this bag for serious backpacking/photography use.

Terry

National Park

I'm happy with this one: https://www.amazon.com/Zecti-Waterproof-Professional-Accessories-Cover-Green/dp/B073GWBCF4

Whitbyrover Loc: Lincolnshire, UK

Hi Ron,
FWW I have a Mindshift Backlight 26L. I have had kata,lowepro, tarmac and manfrotto backpacks before and have finally found a bag that fits the bill all round. They are part of the Think Tank brand. Take a look and see what you think.
Regards
Steve

fergmark Loc: norwalk connecticut

I have been using this bag for at least fifteen years. Best zippers of any bag I have used, and I point to this, because zippers vary so much, and make many otherwise great bags, relatively useless.

Fayle Loc: Seward, Alaska and Rionegro, Colombia

I'm pretty happy with my FStop pack. My favorite feature about it is that it opens from the back.I have the Loka model.
https://fstopgear.com/products/packs/loka-ul

For general use packsacks i'm sold on Osprey.
https://www.osprey.com

mizzee Loc: Boston,Ma

You might also take a look at inserts that you can put in your Kata pack. I also have a Think Tank backpack that I like.

ron james Loc: Cardiff Wales uk

mmmm. that think tank does look good - 26L should be a good size = they do sell them in uk-@ approx £200

so within budget - has anybody here had personal experience with peak design everyday back pack ?

many thanks to all who have responded I can assure you that I am looking in depth at all suggestions - only good thing coming out of lockdown is time on ones hands to compare and make decisions on kit.

cheers to all and stay safe

5dogsken

Rush 5.11 makes some excellent packs. Tough as nails. Been using their 24 hr. pack daily for years with no problem. Fits 2 bodies w/ glass and their respective bags, plus room for extras, and very easy to strap on a tripod. Switched to their 12 hr. size a few weeks back. Little less room, less pockets, but still room for a DSLR and a mirrorless. Been using a pack for over 40 yrs. and rush 5.11 is my #1 pick.

cameraf4 Loc: Delaware

I've had good luck with my LowePro. When I want to "go lighter", I use a smaller Tamrac.

BurghByrd Loc: Pittsburgh

I've struggled with the same question (many times over) and come to the conclusion that it depends on how it's going to be used. I'm sure this is stating the obvious but for me it means two bags, one for urban walk about and the other for longer treking or travel where more qear may be necessary. For any of these quality is paramount. Some of those targeting urban use provide easy access to a camera through side or lower bag access; be aware that in these the orientation of the camera may limit the length of the attached lens which may or may not matter to you. Some options you may want to consider that I didn't notice in the prior replies to you include Thule (urban use), Vanguard, Shimoda, USA Gear and Tenba. Tenba makes a padded insert that which can be used in an existing favorite bag of your own (i.e. messenger bag). You can also get ideas or another look at a particular bag that may have gotten your attention by using youtube. Good luck sorting out all the options.

kdogg Loc: Gallipolis Ferry WV

Check out Ape Cases on Amazon. I have Several of their cases, they are well built and rugged and they are affordable.

RichardSM Loc: Back in Texas

RichardSM Loc: Back in Texas

I owned this Canon bag and it didn’t last long with in three years it was failing so I stopped using it.
Now I use LowePro 350AW Sling it’s well made, been using now for over six years great bag I recommend this one.

suntouched Loc: Sierra Vista AZ

[quote=billt1970]Think Tank Photo has a secondary brand, Mindshift. Check out the Backlight Series of backpacks:

"BACKLIGHT® SERIES
Backpacks are superior for carrying heavy gear for long distances, but access has always been a problem. Also, traditional front-loading backpacks get wet and dirty when placed on the ground.

The BackLight Series of camera backpacks, with a rear-panel compartment for photo gear, allows you to access your gear without taking off the pack. You can change lenses or just snap a quick photo by simply by spinning the bag to the front of your body while the waist belt is still secured. Rear-panel access also adds security when traveling since your camera gear is protected behind your back."

https://www.thinktankphoto.com/collections/backlight-series

I have the Backlight 26L and absolutely LOVE it. Check it out.


I have the Backlight 18L and love it. It's a bit contoured for a sleeker look, holds my Canon 90D with 100-400 mm lens attached plus other lenses and accessories. There are other pockets to store small computer, iPad or a lightweight rain jacket or whatever. Well made, well padded, has chest and waist belt, would fit under an airplane seat or up in the compartments above. And you can get to your gear while hiking. As a side note the bag comes in forest green or black and I opted for the former.

47greyfox Loc: on the edge of the Colorado front range

I have a Lowepro sling bag that’s roomy and comfortable that I mainly use for travel. I mention that because I wouldn’t recommend it for serious hiking for a number of reasons. For more serious hoofing, I use a Peak Design 20L Everyday backpack, which I find comfortable and provides easy access to equipment from the sides. PD also makes a 30L version that is preferred to the 20L mainly due to more space. For short hikes, a Manfrotto travel backpack is a good performer for me. I hope you have a good place to physically check out your candidates because almost all perform differently depending on your load.