Help: Another Backpack Thread

[emmajane]

Hi All

I’m trying to scout out the best camera backpack to travel to Europe with. I am going for 6 weeks on an organised tour so I expect to be walking for a number of hours per day. I prefer a backpack over a sling type bag (E.g. Slingshot or Passport Sling) as I am worried my shoulder could get sore. I have tried out a friends Lowepro Fastpack 250 which I like but want to know if there is any other options as I find it’s too big and bulky for my liking.

Unfortunately, I live in a small area where the only accessible photography store is Camera House which has limited stock of bags for me to try out.

My question is, do you think I will be able to fit the following in the Fastpack 100, or do you think that I am pushing it?

• Canon 450D
• Canon 15-85mm f/3.5-5.6
• Canon 50mm f/1.8 II
• Spare Battery
• SanDisk Hard Covered Memory Card Case
• Moleskine Notebook
• 10.25 x 7.5 inch Netbook
• Lowepro Filter Pocket

(I think thats all!)

If this is not possible, do you know of any other options available? Also, being able to easily access my camera gear without taking the pack completely off is important. Im open to other brands other then Lowepro!

Thanks!

[RichardTaylor]

A day pack for your camera and a small amount of personal stuff etc, the Lowepro 100 will be fine a 200 would be better.
(I use a Lowepro 200 whilst on some vacations)

I wouldn't carry the netbook at all when I am out & about and only take the 50mm when shooting at night.
(I didn't use my 50mm F1.8 at all on our fist trip to Europe anmd I didn't miss ot on subsequent trips).

You may even find a holster or small shoulder bag more than meets your needs just for the camera when your are in a restaurant or it is raining etc. I always have my camera in my hand and ready to shoot when out & about.

The other thing to consider is that when you are flying.
That means it all, including chargers & cords & adaptors, has to go in your carry on baggage.
It means that if your checked baggage goes astray you can still take photographs and recharge batteries etc.

What I do is use the Lowepro 200 as my carry on baggage (it will take everything I need + a bit of personal stuff) and have a smaller holster bag (for camera & lens) in my checked baggage full of socks etc. In cities just having a holster/very small bag saves hassles at museums etc (No backpacks) .


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[emmajane]

Thanks for your insight again Richard! I was planning to leave the netbook in my suitcase when not on the go as I will be carrying around enough expensive gear. Or maybe taking an extra smaller bag to leave on the bus during the tour that has iPod, snacks, puzzles, netbook etc in case I haven’t had time to back up my photos the night before.

The only reason I mention carrying the netbook in the Fastpack 100 is I would like to take it it on the plane with me but I could give that to my fiancé to carry in his backpack.

Good point about carrying cords & chargers! According to the Digital Camera Warehouse website, the 200 and 250 are the same size? I just felt like when I was wearing the 250, it was bigger then i needed and if I was in a crowded area I would knock some one over, but if you didn’t have any issues with it then I might consider it again. Did you have any issues with the size, taking it as carry on baggage? Were you able to keep it under your seat?

[RichardTaylor]

The fastpack 200 is shallower by 3.6cm as it doesn't have a computer compartment.

I kept the loaded weight to 7kG and i didn't have any problems even when flying on an an Asian airline back from Paris. It always went in the overhead locker.

[emmajane]

Thanks for the info and your advice!
I think im sold on the 200!