Fargo911 said:
I have grown to find really annoying is that the zippers don't unzip all the way down, so things that are in the bottom part of the bag can be difficult to get in and out.

I think this is intentional so your brand new D800 does not fall out when the bag is is "flipped"

Heart stopper, day when my water fell out and crashed to the rocks below, I though it was my 70 -200

one thing I would like, is lock on the waist strap, similar to the spider Holster

sevencrossing said:
Just bought the Flipside 400AW
A lot of thought has gone into the design this bag

I've been using the Flipside 400AW for a while, and have generally liked it. The one major thing that I have grown to find really annoying is that the zippers don't unzip all the way down, so things that are in the bottom part of the bag can be difficult to get in and out.

For multiday backpacking and hiking/bushwhacking I've settled on two Clik Elite bags and one of their chest holders. I'm very happy with the quality of this company's equipment and think their designs are generally smart and useful. Here are a few thoughts about them:

-Obscura. This is large technical daypack with a good suspension and a number of useful features. I've been using this for day outings for almost a year. It has a padded side pouch at the bottom and a sleeve at the top designed for camera equipment. The only issue with this pack is that it is designed for consumer gear, which means I've had to modify how I use it vs. the marketing. The side pouch is too small for my D800 (and it was a tight fit with my D7000), so I use it to carry a lens (usually the largest on hand, either a 16-35 or 80-200). I can carry a couple smaller lenses in the top and a body with a medium sized lens will also fit. I've recently started carrying a camera and a lens with one of their chest carriers and I've added a lens pouch to the hipbelt. With this system I can access the camera/lens and two more lenses without removing the pack. There's plenty of room for food/extra clothes/equipment compartment. For the last couple months I've carried this on more than a dozen outings with the following gear and have been happy. Typical: D800, 3/4 lenses (usually the 16-35, 24-85, 100 macro, and 80-200), Gitzo traveler, a few filters, remote shutter release.

-Contrejour 40. This is a larger technical pack with a full rear entry compartment that will hold several pieces of equipment and has a side entry opening that is large enough for pro equipment. I have used this on weekend trips with a camera/2 or 3 lenses (drop the 80-200)/tripod and all the backpacking equipment I need for a weekend. I also used this for a weeklong hut-to-hut trip in the Maritime Alps. This pack is very sturdy and useful as a camera pack or backpacking pack. It is heavy due to the extra padding/camera related components, so I'm not using it for an upcoming 10 day Sierras trip where I will carry my camera and one lens.

Thank you for all your recommendations!

I'll take a look soon.

spraynpray said:

I really don't like backpacks so maybe the flipside is worth a look.

Do at least have a look

The big down side of back packs, is you have to take them off to get at your gear
slings partly solve this issue, but they are not as comfortable as a proper back pack
and leave you exposed to pickpockets
the Flipside has very elegantly solved this problem
I can even get at my gear with out getting off my bike

Good side bag: +1 for the Lowepro Nova AW200. If you don't need the larger capacity, the AW170 is very good too. Carry on compatible, easily carried/accessed, comfortable and has water proof cover.

I really don't like backpacks so maybe the flipside is worth a look.

I use a TENBA Shootout Rolling Backpack, Large, which will hold the 400mm f/2.8 on a large body. Even with a 1.4 extender it will fit inside. When transporting and planning on the TC-20EIII, I attach the extender to the lens, and carry the body in a separate compartment. The nice part of this bag, other than the rolling feature, good around the house, is it is an excellent backpack with multiple straps. At my age, when my venue requires carrying the bag a distance, the weight of about thirty pounds (14 Kg) goes easily on my back.

The TENBA also will hold two pro bodies with long lenses, and five or more additional lenses. Nice accessory pockets, which one can access from inside or out. And, tripod attachment system to carry a very large tripod as necessary. Of course, I use the tripod as my walking stick.

Now that all you young folks are laughing....your time will come....ha, ha, ha. I do love the Tenba as it protects and allows a nice way to get the equipment around without straining. But for the simple shoot when using a shoulder bag, that Nova 200 AW really looks nice, especially the fact it is useable with the rain cover on it.

Chrisjhood said:
The incase dslr pro pack is amazing...

I have been looking at that - really good looking pack. I like InCase's minimalist outside design.

The incase dslr pro pack is amazing, enough room to carry everything you would need on a hike in the wilderness somewhere or around town. Great functionality with lots of slots for computer, iPad, and of course all your lenses and camera with serrate access for your camera and lenses. Highly recommend it.

Just bought the Flipside 400AW
A lot of thought has gone into the design this bag

it will hold
full frame DSL ( with or with out battery pack)
70-200 f 2.8
24- 120 f4
16-35-f4
(all with lens hood in shooting mode and will allow any of the above lens to carried attached to the camera)
+sb 900
+waterproof jacket
+water bottle ( on outside)

other features

weatherproof
Has straps for a tripod
The main compartment cannot easily be opened by pickpocket
all contents can be access with out taking it off
and as with all Lowepro products very well made
Similar size and as comfortable as. a large day pack

Really depends how you want to use it. Personally I'm not a fan of most Kata bags due how they hold or the lack there of my gear. But I can almost say that about every camera bag out there. I have heard good words about the Bumblebee series. They seem well made (at the higher end) like most companies.

I struggle with bags non-stop. Never find one that covers all the uses I have or want to have.

Thinktank Urban Disguise 40:
Just got this bag and I'm really liking it. More professional looking, compact, and it holds a ton of gear - and I mean a ton. It has places where you can stash everything but it's design isn't restrictive to only particular items. If that makes since. Really well made as well. Wedding load: 70-200, 105vr, 50mm,85mm,SB900, D800, flash meter L-358, extra batteries, % accessories. And I could have added yet a second body and probably 1 more lens or flash. And it doesn't look like it is bulging. Quickly becoming my 2nd favorite bag. Don't like, too professional looking for casual & pulling gear over zippers.

Marmot Flathead waste pack w/ Padded single lens inserts (Domke/tamrac/etc):
Go to this over and over. It has a shoulder strap and you can tuck the waste belt into the side. hold 3 lenses (105 & 70-300vr largest size) and a couple of water bottles or lenses on the outside. I like it since if my shoulder gets sore, I can uese the waste belt to take the load off. My primary walk around pack for primes or with a wide angle and 70-300VR. I have loaded it with: 12-24, 28-70, 70-300, 35 1.8, 50 1.4, and small accessories (batteries/cloths) with my d300. I wouldn't suggest it, but it can be done.

InCase Sling Pack CL58032:
Good for light kit and for taking a small amount of gear to friends, or short walks (<5miles/8km). Body, 3 lenses, flash, couple of batteries. Nice looking, compact, well built, no-nonsense bag. Dividers are in set places so it really limits the bag.

Lowepro 35092 Primus AW:
Great long hiking pack or even weekend away pack. Distributes loads well. Never had the "side" open up at all. Bottom will hold 1 long lens, 2-3 small/medium lenses. Top section (what I love) can fit a ton of photo gear (loose) or a full change of clothes. There is an outside "open" pouch along the back that can hold easily, a coat, blanket, laptop (in a sleeve.) I have used this for many over-nighters and long day hikes with a ton of gear and it felt great. They are larger though and the waste belt can not be "tucked away" but holds the load as good as my large hiking only pack.

Lowepro Rover (CompuRover)/Lowepro DryZone Rover:
Have both, love both. DryZone is a waterproof bag and the compuRover has a computer slot (do not have that one just the older non-computer one). (Same for both;) Holds the most gear out of any bag I have had. Really deceiving from it's looks. I can fit 6 lenses (70-200 and under) in the bottom and anything I want in the top which fits even an Orbis ring flash (which I love to use)! They only thing is the sholder pads are not as good as the Primus, but still way beyond cheap packs. I mostly use the Rover to take a bunch of gear for extended weekends (non hiking) as I can get anything I want in the bag. I picked up a barley used dry zone version for winter so I can set & sit the bag in snow. That version also can have a water pouch as well.

Domke:
There is something about Domke bags that just work really well. Light padding but sufficient, configurable with inserts to no end, rugged and they just work. They look like they wouldn't but I like them over any shoulder bag I have ever had. Thing I like the most - can get to gear easily, not scraping over zippers. Casual looking.

F2:
Classic bag. Outside: 2 pockets that large enough to hold a folded SB900 or small body. Two pockets under main flap: pens, batteries, cloth, flash light, narrow items. Main compartment I use a quad insert in the middle with 4 lenses (50&35 stacked) and two bodies. If I'm visiting family for an extended weekend this is what I take when I need less than a back pack but more than a small bag.

F-5xc:
2nd most used bag. Slim and can hold DSLR with a prime or up to 105vr and two additional lenses. It has a unique bottom zip opening (with catches on the sides) that allow you to split the bag in half and get to the bottom. I create a sideways "T" divide with a long (full bag) on one side (fits 105/Sb900), split the bag in top/bottom with a dslr and prime on top (sideways) with two primes (35/50/851.8D) on the bottom. Holds about the same amount (lenses) as the InCase Sling Pack but much smaller.

F-5xz waxware:
Daily bag. I carry my X100 with two bottles of water, notepad, and pens most days. I have fit a D300 & Prime in it as well. Smaller than the F-xc and a bit narrower but great as a daily bag. I have carried this every day for 2-years and, I don't want to really admit it, but is a man purse for walk around/haphazard shooting.

Wow - more than I planned on writing but I guess that is how I wish others would explain their uses for bags.

Does anyone have any experience with Kata backpacks? I just found out they have a massive collection of backpacks.

I'd like to fit a D7000-sized camera (gotta think for the future you know!), a 105mm macro, 35mm 1.8 and a 18-135. Maybe some extra room for expansion? :D

Thanks.

I've looked into Lowepro bags, I'm not too much of a fan of the side loading thing- I'm paranoid that I'd forget to zip it up and have it slide out the side.

BACKPACK:
Just received my Think Tank Airport Antidote. It is perfect for my gear and, because it appears that it fits under most (perhaps all??) airline seats, helps to put my mind at ease regarding flying with my gear. Hopefully flight attendants will agree and I won't ever need to gate check this bag, but I haven't tried it out yet.

I organized my bag so that it fits: D90 with attached 35mm 1.8 ; D7000 with attached 35mm 1.8 ; 50 1.4G; Tamron 70-200 2.8; SB-800; SB-600; chargers for both cameras;large rocket blower; extra rear lens caps and 2 body caps; and there is still room left over for some more stuff.

SIDE BAG:
When I land, I have a TT Digital Holster 50, which holds 1 DSLR with the 70-200 attached and hood in shooting position, a few SD cards and a couple of cleaning supplies.

I also use a TT Sling-O-Matic 20, which holds a variety of gear, including both camera bodies, each with a lens attached and room left over for other stuff (I usually load it with the D7000 with 50 1.4G attached, D90 with 35mm 1.8 attached, an SB-800 and my other 35 1.8 unmounted...and I have room left over, even for the second flash). The cameras stay on my back and then the bag comes around for EASY AND FAST access while the bag is still on.

Sometimes when I use the Sling O Matic in a "2 DSLR setup", I have one of those DSLRs mounted with the 70-200 (hood reversed). However, a two DSLR setup where one camera is mounted with the 70-200 is a TIGHT fit and it frankly makes me uncomfortable. I've only done this in an emergency as the camera really does not fit in the bag well this way. If I want to have my 70-200 mounted and use the Sling-O-Matic, I position it differently and only carry 1 body. I have comfortably carried an unmounted 70-200 along with the other 2 bodies, however.

I also use a KATA H-14 and can highly recommend it for either of the above-mentioned bodies with lens attached (obviously NOT the 70-200 though). With the 35mm or 50mm mounted to the body, I have room underneath it for another small prime and can comfortably get an SB-800 in a side pocket and some stuff in the remaining pocket.

EDIT: I carry two cameras mounted with the 35s b/c one of those DSLRs belongs to my wife and we both love that lens :)

As already stated, the Lowepro Magnum series is great for holding a lot of gear, and they balance well when carrying them as a shoulder bag. Large, comfortable strap.

i don't find it heavy. my bag looks almost exactly the same but with nikon gear.

my heavy bag is the one with the 300 in it.

that is a lot of equipment to put in one bag, it would be heavy,

two bags/slings might be more managable.

Kata 2n1 20's or 30's

30 for you and 20 for her ?

i have one of these

http://www.flickriver.com/photos/tomqh/4714191775/

comfortable. holds a lunchbox as well as the kit. camera area is removeable. it's camo.

I have a Lowepro Fastpack 350 backpack. It fits a Nikon D7000 with 16-85 attached, Nikon 70-300 (can also be attached, same as a Nikon 80-200 2.8), Sigma 10-20, Flash SB-600, Samsung videocamera, a lot of batteries, SD cards, cables, gps, chargers, two walkie-talkie, external hard drive and laptop. 10 kgms fully loaded (22 lb).

The Fastpack if for traveling, once in location I have a Lowepro Inverse 100 which can fit the D7000 attached with 16-85 or 10-20, and 70-300. Also a water bottle, batteries, etc.

The Inverse 100 is a beltpack with a sholder strap. It has a all wheater cover.

I like the Dakine Sequence backpack. Dakine are primarily a maker of outdoor gear so their backpack is decent to carry but a zip around the whole back panel gives access to a removable padded module for your gear. Very happy with it so far.

Cheers.

I've reasenly bought myself a Think Tank Sling-o-Matic, and i love it..
It's not a real backpack, but a sling bag which you can change from left to right shoulder carrying in a jiffy, and its also usefull if you want to carry a camera with Long Lens attached...

There is a review on U tube from Frok knows Photo"..

kfdsan said:
I am looking for a large backpack style bag.

I have similar kit and use a Lowepro Pro runner 450, it's the biggest back pack style bag I could find

Backpacks are are a bit of a pain for weddings. as you have to take them off to get at your kit. I prefer a Lowepro Magnum 450AW for weddings, It's huge and will also hold the kitchen sink

Both are very well made and have a built in rain cover, for monsoon weddings

If you want to be able to change lenses quickly, the Think Tank lens changers are brilliant, you will need an "empty spare" to hold the lens you are taking off

I am looking for a large backpack style bag. I currently have a Tamrac Adventure 75, but when my wife and I shoot weddings, we would like a bag to hold most of our standard equipment. We have a Nikon D700, & D300s, both with battery packs. 2 SB-900's, 70-200mm f/2.8, 28-70mm f/2.8, 50mm f/1.4, 18-200mm. Lens shades for all lenses, extra batteries for cameras & flashes. also would like a pocket for MacBook Pro 15"
Any suggestions?

I've come across the 'Clik Elite' range of bags. Am looking at the 'Nature' model, which seems to suit my needs, but there is a very good range. It looks like a lot of thought has gone into the design.

I haven't heard anything about them on the www though.

Cheers.

jonnyapple said:
I've had a Kata DR-467 for two years now and I like that one. I think I'll get the DR-467I-BB when I replace it.

I just picked this up today (well placed an order for it), I thought about getting the 467i, but the normal one came with a free Manfrotto 790B Modo Monopod right now, and since I have been wanting one for when I shoot events for the school paper, that worked out perfectly.

One thing I love about the DR-467 is that the laptop compartment is the perfect size for a collapsed 42" round reflector. The update fixes the main complaint I have with it—it adds a tripod holder. I've traveled with it, too, and I like the insertrolley strap that lets you slip it onto an extended luggage handle (or their trolley, which I haven't tried). Oh yeah, and I really like how low-profile it is. It doesn't look like a camera bag (until you pull your camera out of it, of course).