The title says it all- I'm looking for a decent backpack as I find my current camera bag a complete pain to use- and it give me a painful shoulder after carrying it around all day!

So far, I have only really looked at a couple of LowePro ranges, namely the Slingshot AW (200 or 300) and the Fastpacks. I especially like the fact that they have a separated compartment for other items and the easy access on the go- especially the Slingshot range.

I know enough about Lowe (I have some products already) and I have read the reviews, so can anyone tempt me to look at anything else- or offer other thoughts?

It will be carried around all day on holidays and the kinds of things that I am going to want to put in, in addition to the camera, flash and telephoto lense (plus the usual odds and ends) are small binoculars, at least one drink, a lightweight waterproof and some sundry items.

Thanks for your thoughts.

camera backpacks are just like schoolbags, but 10x more expensive

I have the Slingshot AW 100 and use it occasionally for when I don't need the 100-400 lens. It's a great bag but to carry it around all day, I found it a bit sore on the shoulder. I've got the Tamrac Explorer 5 backpack and it's great but inconvenient when you want to change lenses.

Al

I have the lowepro mini trekker aw, which is great, because it has a tripod mount on the back and adjustable compartments inside - plenty of room for my gear and my lunch!

Tamrac Expedition 5
Enough said. (8+)

Mark

Some will say its form over function but I have a thing for Crumpler bags.

That Expedition 5 is far too serious for me- What do I see in there? Two camera bodies, five lenses- I only own two, atm and considering how flaky my Canon has been, I can't see me buying any more for it- maybe for my replacement Nikon when I drop this POS from the top of some high place. I would consider replacing those lenses with a couple of cans of ice-cold Coke, but then I'd be worried about condensation.

onemac, I can't find any specific model called the Explorer 5, do you mean the Expedition, or is it discontinued or something else? I appreciate your comments on the Slingshot- especially if you only have a 100AW. I am used to lugging 20lb rucksacks around the mountains, but if it's going to hurt slung over one shoulder, I'll have to give it a miss.

I know that these single strap bags have become popular, but maybe those that really like them don't carry them for long periods.

I'll have a look at the other bags mentioned. Thanks, all.

I have one of those too - they are very good, and like a proper ruck sack, if you do up the waist clips, my tonne of glass doesn’t seem as heavy on the shoulders.

Thanks for the input, guys. I settled on a Lowepro Fastpack 200.

It has all that I need/want in terms of plenty of camera storage and a separate area for all my other bits, and a nice mesh drink bottle holder on the side.

On most sites it is around £50 to £55 but I got it on offer for £35 delivered.

I can't see this place getting much custom though- Clicky

Thanks again.

Mind if I ask where from? Cos at that price, my wallet's tempted to open.

Here you go-

http://www.fotosense.co.uk/ and the product page Clicky

It's a tricky thing, I'm VERY tempted to follow in your footsteps.
With my present bag, I can get 2 bodies, 4-5 lenses, filters, bean bag, lots of film, table top tripod and a cable release. I might even squeeze in a flash.
Just a shame it's a shoulder bag rather than a back pack.

Lowepro do much bigger capacity back packs.

There is this, which appears to be a development of the one I have (mine doesn’t have the all weather cover).
http://www.warehouseexpress.com/product ... ku=1028114

I'm tempted by this one.
If they don't sell out in the next week, anyway.

There is a huge benefit from having the opening of the backpack towards your back. As well as more security, it also means that if you put the bag down on the ground to open it, the part that touches your back is far less likely to get wet/muddy/sh!tty.

My sister, who seems prone to sitting in fields all day in all weathers waiting for wildlife tells me that this is very important.