Recommendations for a camera backpack?

[gfxartist]

I've read all the reviews on the camera backpacks that folks have listed on this site, but I'm wondering if anyone can give suggestions on a backpack for how I'm looking to utilize it. Pretty simple really, I'm going on a cruise in May and need something I can tote around with me on all the excursions, is rather easy/manageable to access equipment/lenses and is comfortable.

I like the Crumpler backpacks and have read great reviews, but I'm worried about the size of them. I'm 5'6" (female) and slender so I don't want a backpack that goes higher than my neck and lower than my rear!

Looking to carry in it:
20D w/ 17-85 lens, no extra grip
70-200L
blower of some sort
lens cleaner
couple of filters
extra memory card

Don't have much now but down the road I'll add a flash and at least another lens, funds permitting, so I'd like something with a little room to grow.

I've checked out Crumpler's The Keystone (http://www.bagselect.com/display.cfm?productid=KY%2Dxxx&finish=Brown%2DOatmeal%2DLt%20Oatmeal%2DKeystone&manufacturer=Crumpler) and it seems a good size and I like that it doesn't look like a photo backpack. Anyone had any experiences with it? What else would you recommend for this trip?

Thanks all!
Laurie

[wxwax]

That's very little gear, you shouldn't need a very large pack. Frankly, you don't even need a backpack, if you don't want one.

The Lowepro Mini Trekker (http://www.lowepro.com/Products/Backpacks/allWeather/Mini_Trekker_AW.aspx) is more than large enough for your needs, and is a pleasantly compact bag.

[DJ-S1]

I have the LowePro Mini Trekker AW, and I like it a lot. It currently holds my 20D, kit lens, Tamron 28-75 f/2.8 and 70-200 f/4L along with lots of other cleaning supplies/chargers/batteries/CF cards/cables etc - and 2 point and shoot cameras. It still has room for another lens and a flash, too. And I have my tripod mounted on the back of it.

So altogther it's pretty heavy right now, but the plus side is that I can carry all that gear pretty comfortably. It suits my needs just fine, and it could work out well for what your needs too. I happen to have mine here and I just measured it as 17" tall; that should fit on your frame I would think. :dunno

Good luck -

[DoctorIt]

I've checked out Crumpler's The Keystone (http://www.bagselect.com/display.cfm?productid=KY%2Dxxx&finish=Brown%2DOatmeal%2DLt%20Oatmeal%2DKeystone&manufacturer=Crumpler) and it seems a good size and I like that it doesn't look like a photo backpack. Anyone had any experiences with it? What else would you recommend for this trip?FYI, I think the Keystone is just what Crumpler is calling the redesigned Schrinkle. So as far as size and internal features, it'll be spot on with my review for the Schrinkle (http://dgrin.smugmug.com/gallery/1100013), which it seems you've read. Only the outside design has changed in terms of the tripod loop and outer pockets.

edit: doh, I re-navigated Crumplerbags.com (yes, you have to be brave) and the above is dead wrong. :doh

Keystone looks like Crumpler's answer to the Lowe Minitrekker mentioned in the posts above. There are now 3 sizes of rear-loading backpack (Keystone - Whicky and Cox - Karachi Outpost), where there used to be only 2 (Schrinkle - Brians Hot Tub). I'd definitely go for the Crumpler if a smaller and stylish backpack is what you're after.

And a final note, I re-read your original post and think your having a case of "I'm so small". MrsIt is only 5'2" on a good day, and in shoes, and she's worn the Schrinkle on many hikes without it being too big. That being said, your gear list would leave lots of holes in the bag. My vote for you is the Keystone. Be sure to do a review for us if you pull the trigger, since its a new smaller entry in Crumpler's lineup!

[Jeffro]

I've read all the reviews on the camera backpacks that folks have listed on this site, but I'm wondering if anyone can give suggestions on a backpack for how I'm looking to utilize it.

Here's an idea, take your gear to a local camera shop, put your gear in it, try it on.

You can get bags that allow you to expand, like my Tamrac does. Some days I attache the side bags for my Canon 70-200L 2.8 and 300L F4, and somedays I don't. It even allows me to carry my tripod, attach water bottles, card holders, so on and so on.

I also have a small bag for race day, that holds my 20D (with optional battery pack) with the 70-200 attached, along with a few exrtra CF cards and batteries.

[USAIR]

I would have a look at this bag Lowepro Trekker Micro 200 (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=199512&is=REG&addedTroughType=categoryNavigation) backpack
No it's not as cool as the Crumplers bags
As a matter a fact it will probaly make you look geekie
But it is a good bag and will hold everything you listed and its cheap too.:D

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/images/largeimages/199512.jpg

Fred

[David_S85]

I'm watching this thread closely, as I'm in the same boat needing a smallish backpack for one body, two or three lenses (one of them a 400 5.6, eleven inches long), with the ability to carry a tripod along the back or side. A sternum strap is a must.

While the larger bags are mostly the types discussed in the foums, not everybody needs the Crumpler Olympus Mons. Don't look for that bag, I just made it up.

[DJ-S1]

Ooh, 10 points for the Mars geography reference! :thumb

And an extra 3 points for the sarcasm! :nod

David, the Trekker is one you should take a look at. It's heavily padded with a sternum strap and sounds like it's about the size you need. Worth taking a peek.

[blackwaterstudio]

That's very little gear, you shouldn't need a very large pack. Frankly, you don't even need a backpack, if you don't want one.

The Lowepro Mini Trekker (http://www.lowepro.com/Products/Backpacks/allWeather/Mini_Trekker_AW.aspx) is more than large enough for your needs, and is a pleasantly compact bag.

I have this and carry my 20D, 300L, 135L w/hood, 50 1.8, cables, my flash, extra batterys for the flash, battary charger for my 20D, business cards, DVD's. Its the All Weather and is great.

[swintonphoto]

I have the Tamrac 5371 Travel Pack 71:
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=321693&is=REG&addedTroughType=categoryNavigation
It is a fabulous little bag. I carry my E-500, a telephoto lens, lightmeter, and a few other small accessories. It works very well, it is very small, is comfortable for traveling, and only costs $35!
It comes in a few color options as well.

[DoctorIt]

I'm watching this thread closely, as I'm in the same boat needing a smallish backpack for one body, two or three lenses (one of them a 400 5.6, eleven inches long), with the ability to carry a tripod along the back or side. A sternum strap is a must.
I've had a LPro mini, I don't think you'll ever get the 400/5.6 in there. Well, maybe you would, but you'd have to put it down the middle, and then put your body to one side with no lens attached. And most tripods will be longer than these mini's too.

You know, you don't have to get an Olympus Mons, you can get the mid size, and you don't have to fill it full of crap. I often take the Schrinkle with just my biggest lens mounted to the camera, one short lens, cleaning stuff, and a battery. So when I'm shooting, I don't even feel that bag on my back - alone it's pretty light, so why get a mini? I just don't get it.

Oh, and you know whats nice about not stuffing your bag with every piece of gear you own including that ancient set of close-up diopters you haven't used in over a year? I have room leftover for a snack and a waterbottle inside the bag. So I can stash everything away and do some serious bushwacking.
:nod

[gfxartist]

Thanks everyone for all of the great replies!

...I have room leftover for a snack and a waterbottle inside the bag. So I can stash everything away and do some serious bushwacking.:nod
This was also something I wanted to keep in mind. If we're out for 7-10 hours a day on an excursion I'd like to be able to pack something to keep me from passing out.

The Lowepro Mini Trekker (http://www.lowepro.com/Products/Backpacks/allWeather/Mini_Trekker_AW.aspx) is more than large enough for your needs...
Thanks to all who suggested this...I'll definitely check it out as a possibility since several of you recommend it. I'll also take a look at the Micro 200 and the Tamrac mentioned. (Lower price is always enticing:wink )

Here's an idea, take your gear to a local camera shop, put your gear in it, try it on.
I was at my local shop a couple weeks ago (and subsequently drooled over the 70-200 2.8L they had in the display case) but I didn't have my gear with me at the time. You're right...it's definitely worth going in there with all of it and checking out their bags that way. I just wish they carried Crumpler so I could check that out too before making the investment. :wxwax

My vote for you is the Keystone. Be sure to do a review for us if you pull the trigger, since its a new smaller entry in Crumpler's lineup!
Good info to know about MrsIt. And I have to say that at the moment I'm leaning towards the Keystone. Two things I like about it are the back loading and the removable lining to use as a regular backpack. I'll also be throwing in there my P&S Nikon 5400 and possibly the P-2000 if it's going to be a long day out. I love nature photography so the bag I get will need to be comfy when hiking around in the Blue Ridge Mountains and elsewhere, outside of using it for the trip.

Whatever I decide to get, I'll be sure to do a write-up. :cool Thanks again to everyone for all the great replies!