Not only am I wondering what backpacks people use, but whether or not people use them.

Between a camera and equipment, I feel a backpack is a must for me. I need a new one however, and looking for suggestions and people's experiences.

The best backpack doesn't exist! It depends on what you looking for, the budget you put on it. I was looking for a backpack which I can use for books and camera, so I can shoot before or after school. Something that didn't scream camera bag. I have used Evecase, love the design, really cheap, but it didn't fulfill what I want. I also wanted a place where I can attach a tripod and my penny board. Manfrotto, Peak Design, Wandrd, Brevite, these are what came up. But I finally buy the Thule Convert. Really expensive though. It got good quality, good design. Can easily take your camera for a fast shoot. But the bag itself it's super heavy. And pretty big for me, 5,7. I know also a lot of people use Lowepro, really great camera backpack!

I really like the camera access on the side, that's a nice bag! I like the look too. I'm looking for something halfway between camera and day/weekend trips.

I've been looking at the GR1 26L and like the way it opens and it's size, reputation, warranty. It also looks great and that's important for what could also be an EDC. I'm also looking at the Fast Pack Litespeed.

I will have to come up with a solution however for safe storage and easy access to the camera in them though unlike your Thule. Will be looking in to that.

I have the Lowepro ProTactic 350 AW.
It was the best thing I could possibly purchase and it still inst what I really want. The only way you're going to be 100% happy with your bag is if you make it yourself. lol

I have two bags that I swap between, one is a small backpack and the other is a dedicated camera bag.

I'm sorry I don't have the names of either right now, but one is just a cheap backpack from Old Navy, and the other is an over the shoulder camera bag from the 90s.

When I'm doing big photography projects I'll take the camera bag, which can fit a body, ~4 lenses, a flash, remote shutter, and small things like SD cards or batteries.

For first time explorations I'll take the backpack, which holds the classic supplies such as flashlight, first aid kit, gloves, water bottle, small tools etc... As well as a DSLR body and a lens or two.

I think most people don't use one but I do because some of the places I are long ass up hill walks. I always use one since I broke my camera visiting a ghost town in the N.C mountains. I still need to get a replacement.

Posted by bigladchad I think most people don't use one but I do because some of the places I are long ass up hill walks. I always use one since I broke my camera visiting a ghost town in the N.C mountains. I still need to get a replacement.

Oh that really sucks. What camera was it?

I had a Lowepro Flipside 200 for about 8 years and just recently bought a 300 as replacement. It can carry more than enough camera equipment, decent storage organization, small enough that I don't need to take it off very often when I explore (climbing thru holes and what not). It's heavy duty, stands up to a lot of beating, and very weather resistant. I can easily fold my harness and store it inside, plus attach rope outside of the bag.

They've made new versions of the 200 and 300 (called "AW II"), but I like the OGs better. Pic related.

Posted by Tatz I had a Lowepro Flipside 200 for about 8 years and just recently bought a 300 as replacement. It can carry more than enough camera equipment, decent storage organization, small enough that I don't need to take it off very often when I explore (climbing thru holes and what not). It's heavy duty, stands up to a lot of beating, and very weather resistant. I can easily fold my harness and store it inside, plus attach rope outside of the bag. They've made new versions of the 200 and 300 (called "AW II"), but I like the OGs better. Pic related. click to view

The 300 is really nice, I especially like the security feature it has.

If you want a camera bag with plenty of space for gear among other things, I’d recommend the Canon 200EG Backpack.

(https://www.bhphot...ckpack_200_EG.html)

Usually I’ll have something in the front covering the “Canon” insignia for areas that you don’t necessarily want to be caught carrying around a camera bag.

I have yet to find the best backpack for me. I've tried to go more slimline with fewer straps or mesh water pockets that seem to get caught on every nail I walk past.

Right now I'm using a smaller, military style backpack. It's getting near retirement after getting dragged through so many mines. A lot of squeezes are too tight to wear a backpack so we push them ahead of us or drag them behind. It can wear them out pretty quick.

I can't tell you how many times I've been on rope, squeezing through a tight opening only to get my backpack hung up on snag. Depending on the situation, it can be very difficult to raise up far enough to clear the snag. It's even worse when I'm the last one down since there is no one left to help.

Still they are a fun bit of kit to shop for, then abuse in the field.

Abby Normal

Posted by Abby Normal I have yet to find the best backpack for me. I've tried to go more slimline with fewer straps or mesh water pockets that seem to get caught on every nail I walk past.

Have you gone through many backpacks?

I’m in the process of making a camera bag out of a military backpack. The MOLLE bags are awesome, csuse theres all kinds of crazy shit you can buy for it. Like I have a pouch that’s basically another backpack pocket and I can put my film holders in there, and then sling my tripod along the side, and have the water bottle on another. Plenty of companies make stuff for them and prices arent too bad. I got mine off this site Varstuleka or something like that. Its called a smarma bag, its like their house brand.