Which Lowepro backpack for all this gear?

[BLWNHR]

I need a new backpack after mine was stolen. I have always had Lowepro bags, lens cases etc. I used to have a http://products.lowepro.com/product/CompuTrekker-AW,1924,16.htm (CompuTrekker AW), but was reaching its capacity limits.

I need to be able to carry the following:
D700 body + grip (with 70-200 f/2.8 attached, hood reversed)
16-35 f/4
24-70 f/2.8
3x SB-900's
1.4x TC
Wireless triggers.
TTL cable.

Plus the usual filters, spare batteries, blower brush, etc. I will also be adding a D300s+grip in the next few months, so that needs extra space.

My new laptop wouldn't fit in the CompuTrekker (Dell SXPS 1645 w/ 9-cell battery), so having a bag that will take this laptop is important.

What other options from Lowepro are there? It's hard to get a good idea from their web site, and living in Launceston finding stores with large amounts of stock is difficult.

Some I've found are:
http://products.lowepro.com/product/CompuTrekker-Plus-AW,1925,16.htm (CompuTrekker Plus AW)
http://products.lowepro.com/product/Pro-Runner-450-AW,2184,16.htm (Pro Runner 450 AW)
http://products.lowepro.com/product/Pro-Trekker-400-AW,2166,16.htm (Pro Trekker 400 AW)

[Lance B]

Adam,

I use the Lowepro Flipside 400 and I find it is excellent. very comfortable to wear and easy to use. I took all the equipment in the photo below for my European trip and I could walk all day with it no problem. The beauty of this back pack is that when you take it off and put it down on the ground, the side to access the camera gear is the right way up and the back of the pack get's dirty or wet rather than the side closest to your back when you are wearing it, so you don't get a dirty or wet back. When required, I also have attached a lens case for the AFS300 f4 or the AFS300 f2.8 VRII to the waist strap as well with great results for easy access from the front!

The kit:
D700
16-35 f4 VR
24-70 f2.8 attached
70-200 f2.8 VRII
1.4x TCII
2x TCIII
SB600 flash

In the back pocket I have:
77mm polariser, Cokin filter wallet with ND grads and adapter kit/holder, lens cleaning gear, spare batteries, body cap, lens end cap, pen, paper etc.

There is a tripod or monopod holder at the back as well.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DXCAMU2A2ws

http://www.pbase.com/lance_b/image/125233018/original.jpg

This is the drop down mono/tripod holder. There is a strap that is not shown here that goes in the loop just under the Lowepro logo on the bag back that holds the upper part of the mono/tripod

http://www.pbase.com/lance_b/image/125233197/original.jpg

http://www.pbase.com/lance_b/image/125233200/original.jpg

[LJG]

Yep, have the same bag as Lance and it is very comfortable! I went with it because I liked the extra security when traveling OS that it gives. If anybody presses up close behind in a crowd and opens the rear pouch they can't get to the camera or lenses, all they get is my note pad, pen and stuff all else. The camera is safely tucked away and cannot be accessed till I take the backpack off. It has quite a fair bit of room too. My only negative comment would be with the tripod holder, but when I fly I usually either leave it at home or pack it in my checked luggage for longer journeys.

[Lance B]

My only negative comment would be with the tripod holder, but when I fly I usually either leave it at home or pack it in my checked luggage for longer journeys.

Same here.

[BLWNHR]

Thanks for the input guys, but I don't think the Flipside takes a laptop. Correct me if I'm wrong.

[Bercy]

That looks great Lance - Adam, I know that there has been a fashion of taking notebooks along, ostensibly to review pictures in field. However the old clam shell notebook would appear to be a bit obsolete, or will be in about 10 minutes time. Not even talkng about i-pads, but rather the netbooks, which have a 10 hour battery life and cost not too much. Given the need to save space and weight for the primary need items, the camera, essential lenses and paraphernalia, I would wonder whether the future with make the big laptop slot redundant anyway.

Cheers

Berni

[BLWNHR]

I would wonder whether the future with make the big laptop slot redundant anyway.

Not for me mate. I'm not fussed about viewing photos in the field, and if I am I can take my laptop in it's Crumpler bag.

I do a lot of interstate travel and like to have my laptop and camera gear as hand luggage, not thrashing around with the checked baggage. I need a screen with a minimum 1920x1080 screen for my other business which necessitates a 16" laptop.

Thanks for the advice everyone. I had to decide about an hour ago, so ended up settling on a Pro Runner 450 AW (http://products.lowepro.com/product/Pro-Runner-450-AW,2184,16.htm).

[Lance B]

Not for me mate. I'm not fussed about viewing photos in the field, and if I am I can take my laptop in it's Crumpler bag.

I do a lot of interstate travel and like to have my laptop and camera gear as hand luggage, not thrashing around with the checked baggage. I need a screen with a minimum 1920x1080 screen for my other business which necessitates a 16" laptop.

Thanks for the advice everyone. I had to decide about an hour ago, so ended up settling on a Pro Runner 450 AW (http://products.lowepro.com/product/Pro-Runner-450-AW,2184,16.htm).

Looks good. :)

[Lance B]

That looks great Lance - Adam, I know that there has been a fashion of taking notebooks along, ostensibly to review pictures in field. However the old clam shell notebook would appear to be a bit obsolete, or will be in about 10 minutes time. Not even talkng about i-pads, but rather the netbooks, which have a 10 hour battery life and cost not too much. Given the need to save space and weight for the primary need items, the camera, essential lenses and paraphernalia, I would wonder whether the future with make the big laptop slot redundant anyway.

Cheers

Berni

Hi Berni,

I have a small 15" Dell laptop and it is a tad too big for the back pocket of my Flipside 400 as well. Not that I take it into the filed with me, but I may look at a netbook type small computer as well, mainly for storing my images rather than the need for reviewing, although that is handy also.

[Roosta]

I would say a green garbage bag, for all that Nikon stuff. LOL

The 400 looks the goods, also the Think Tank "Airport range" has some great bags, price on par with Lowepro. I have been looking at them recently, and Lowepro also has some great Back Pack varieties.

Good luck with your search, Do you have a store close by, where you can take your gear and try out a few. I wouldn't discount the Think Tank range though.

http://www.thinktankphoto.com/

[in2fx]

I have been eyeing up a Flipside 400 for quite a while because I love my Flipside 200 and want a bigger one of similar design. I love being able to put it on the ground to access everything and not get the harness/pack-back on the ground among other things